Bachelor of Computer Applications
What is BCA?
The full form of BCA is Bachelors in Computer Application. BCA is a 3- year undergraduate degree programme that focusses on knowledge on the basics of computer application and software development. The minimum eligibility for BCA is 35% marks in 10+2 or equivalent examination. There are no subject level restrictions for pursuing BCA as students with any subjects in 10+2 can apply for BCA unlike B.Tech. The typical syllabus of BCA includes database management systems, operating systems, software engineering, web technology and languages such as C, C++, HTML, Java etc. The fees for BCA generally ranges from Rs. 78,000/- approximately
Recruiting companies include both big established companies like HP, Accenture, Capgemini, Cognizant and new-age technology startups like Flipkart. The average salary package post BCA varies between 4LPA to 10 LPA depending on company and the specific role/designation. Software Engineer, Web Designer and System Analyst are some of the roles which are offered to students post completion of their BCA
A BCA degree is considered to be at par with a BTech/BE degree in Computer Science or Information Technology. The degree helps interested students in setting up a sound academic base for an advanced career in Computer Applications.
Table of Contents
- Eligibility for BCA Course
- BCA: Course Highlights
- BCA Syllabus
- BCA Top Companies & Jobs
- BCA (Bachelor of Computer Applications) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Eligibility for BCA Course
To pursue a BCA programme, one need not have Physics, Chemistry and Maths as subjects in Class 12th. In fact, candidates who have pursued Arts or Commerce in class XII can also join the course.
Basic eligibility requirements for a BCA course:
- Aspirants must have passed 10+2 from any stream with English as a subject with a minimum of 35% marks in aggregate (admission is based on merit of college to college)
BCA: Course Highlights
The tabulated data below represents some major highlights of the course.
| Course Level | Undergraduate |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Examination Type | Semester System |
| Eligibility | 10+2 from a recognized university |
| Admission Process | Either by Merit based or Exam based |
| BCA recruiting organizations | HCL, HP, Infosys, TCS, Capgemini, Cognizant, Flipkart, Amazon and others |
| BCA Jobs | Software Developer, Technical Analyst, System Administrators, Programmer, Tech support and others |
| Average Course Fee | Rs 70,000 – 2 Lakh |
| Average Starting Salary | Rs 2 Lakh – 8 Lakh |
| BCA Subjects | Data Structures, Hardware Lab, Operating Systems, Database Management, User Interface Design, UNIX Programming, Financial Management etc. |
Required Skillset for BCA
| Strong programming knowledge | Sound knowledge of Computers and IT |
| Ability to develop applications for practical aspects | Analytical Thinking |
| Strong communication skills | Creativity |
| Team work | Strong database concepts |
BCA Top Companies & Jobs
In the ever-growing IT industry, the demand for BCA graduates is increasing rapidly. With a BCA degree, candidates can find lucrative job opportunities in private as well public sector.
Some of the leading IT companies recruiting BCA graduates include Oracle, IBM, Infosys and Wipro. Government organizations like the Indian Air Force (IAF), Indian Army, and India Navy hire a large number of computer professionals for their IT department.
Some of the job profiles that one can bag after completing a BCA programme is that of a:
- System Engineer
- Software Tester
- Junior Programmer
- Web Developer
- System Administrator
- Software Developer
As far as the salary is concerned, a fresher working for a leading MNC might get a salary ranging from Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 40,000 per month. However, it was reported that IT giants like Facebook, Microsoft etc. pay a six-figure salary to fresh graduates they hire.
What after BCA?
This is one of the most common questions asked by candidates. You could give an instant thrust to your career by pursuing MCA (Masters of Computer Applications) after BCA.
However, there are other options too that you could consider doing after completing your BCA degree:
- Prepare for CAT and go for an MBA in IT Management
- Complete your Master’s degree by studying MSC (IT)
- Go for a networking diploma and prepare for CCNP or CCNA certification
- Prepare for Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) Certification or Redhat certifications and work as a System Administrator or Desktop Technician or Help desk Assistant.
- You could also improve your teaching skills and work as a computer teacher/instructor in school, universities and colleges
- If you are good in web programming then improve your coding skills and make your career in Web Development. You can also work as an independent web designer.
- A lot of BCA graduates also go for government jobs. You could consider one too.
BCA (Bachelor of Computer Applications) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is BCA course?
A. BCA or Bachelor of Computer Applications is an undergraduate course that will build the knowledge of the students regarding computer language. By completing this three-year course, the students will be able to build their career in Information Technology and Computer Applications field.
Q. I have finished my 10+2 with Arts stream. Am I eligible for BCA?
A. Yes. Candidates of any stream from a recognized institute will be eligible for BCA admissions. English is a compulsory subject that will be required for admissions by many institutes.
Q. What is the scope of BCA?
A. Due to the ever-growing requirement of technology, the demand for BCA graduates is increasing rapidly. After graduation, BCA students can opt to work for leading IT companies or Government organizations.
Q. What is BCA salary?
A. BCA graduates will earn according to the company that they are recruited to and as per their experience. Freshers in Multi-national companies may earn up to Rs. 40,000 per month and those recruited to top companies will even earn a higher salary.
Q. Can I apply for BCA without Maths?
A. Yes. Students without Maths will be eligible for BCA admissions.
Q. Is BCA and BTech equal?
A. While BCA is the study of computer applications, BTech in Computer Science Engineering focuses on training the students about computer engineering and hardware. Both courses are good programmes to choose from and depend on the interest of the students and their career goals.
Q. Is BCA a good course after the 12th?
A. Students can opt for BCA after 12th if they have an interest in Computer Applications. Since the demand for BCA graduates is on the rise, the students can opt for the course.
Q. Can I get a job in Google after BCA?
A. After graduating with BCA, the students can apply and are recruited into top companies such as Google, Infosys and more.
Q. What options are there after BCA?
A. After graduation, BCA students can either opt to start their career in the IT industry or pursue higher education by opting for MCA, MBA, MSc and more.
Q. Can I apply for CA with BCA?
A. Yes. BCA graduates are eligible to apply for the Common Proficiency Test (CPT), which is the entrance test for CA.
Q. Is BCA easy?
A. Students who have ample interest in this subject may find the programme to be easy, however, the concepts about computer applications require a lot of studying and dedication.