Confused what to choose between MCA or MTech? Get detailed information about the course prospects, scope, salary, job opportunities and comparative study of MCA vs MTech.
Students are always perplexed about which path they can choose after BTech, i.e., MTech or MCA. Many students are interested in studying MCA after completing their bachelor's degree. Some students, however, choose MCA over MTech after B.Tech.
MCA is postgraduate degree that focuses on the most up-to-date programming languages and tools for creating better and quicker programs. MTech is a professional postgraduate engineering master's degree program offered to students after completing two years of engineering education.
In this article, we will analyze MTech vs MCA so that students could determine the best choice for advancing their careers.
MCA vs MTech - Highlights
The key highlights of the dilemma, 'MCA vs MTech' are mentioned in the table below:
| Criteria | MTech | MCA |
| Full form | Masters of Technology | Masters in Computer Application |
| Duration | 2 years | 3 years |
| Eligibility | BE/BTech degree | Any Bachelor’s degree (BA/BSc/BCA/BCom) |
| Mandatory Subjects | Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics | Mathematics |
| Entrance Exam | GATE, BITSAT, PGEE, PGET | NIMCET, BIT MCA |
| Average Salary | INR 3-7 LPA | INR 3-5 LPA |
| Top Recruiters | Google, Microsoft, Apple, Infosys | WIPRO, D.E Shaw, HCL Technologies, Microsoft |
| Popular Cities for Jobs | Pune, Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad | Pune, Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad |
MCA vs MTech - Overview
The Master in Computer Application (MCA) is a three-year postgraduate course that focuses on various facets of computer applications. It offers an in-depth understanding of programming systems as well as conceptual system awareness. Admission is issued based on the results of entrance exams or the last qualifying exam.
Read more on MCA
On the other hand, MTech, or Master of Technology, are mostly concerned with the practical aspects of computer systems. Enrolled students focus on basic engineering issues and use new engineering methods to solve them. Admission to reputed engineering colleges is based on the GATE, a standard entrance test.
Read more on M.Tech
MCA vs MTech - Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility criteria are something one should know to pursue a course. However, both the courses sound similar but have differences in the eligibility criteria for both courses.
Eligibility criteria for MCA are as follow:
- MCA eligibility requires a bachelor's degree in either field. The qualifications for qualified marks in graduation vary by the institute. For entry, most institutes expect a 45 to 50 percent aggregate in the qualifying test. When determining eligibility for the MCA course, reserved divisions are given some leeway regarding aggregate percentage.
- Aside from that, there is another requirement for admission to the MCA course; one must have studied Mathematics as a compulsory subject in 10+2.
Eligibility criteria for MTech are as follow:
- Aspirants must have completed all BTech/BE qualifying tests to be qualified for entry to MTech.
- The student must take a relevant entrance examination, such as the State PGCET, GATE-specific university entrance tests, and so on, to be ranked and selected for the relevant streams.
- Students with higher scores are granted priority for further subject choices and admission to prestigious universities.
- MCA applicants are also qualified to qualify for computer science engineering specializations.
- Students with diplomas and the requisite years of work experience can also apply for the course.
MCA vs MTech - Subjects
Though both the courses are technical and have similar subjects, there is a difference between a few available subjects and are not available in another course.
The MCA subjects are mentioned below:
- Computer Architecture
- Computer Networks
- Data Structures and files using C
- Java Programming
- Project Visual C++
- Software Project Management
Read more on MCA Syllabus and Subjects
The MTech subjects are mentioned below:
- Applied Operations Research
- Astronautics
- Bioinstrumentation/ diagnostics
- Biomedical Materials and Mechanics
- Complex System Development
- Data Mining and Analytical Marketing
Read more on M.Tech Syllabus and Subjects
MCA vs MTech - Benefits of Pursuing
One thing to consider before taking a master's course is the advantages. As a result, before deciding to pursue an MCA or MTech and embarking on the rigorous and costly process of gaining admission, one should weigh the advantages.
The benefits of pursuing MCA is as follows:
- In-depth subject knowledge
- Vast career opportunities
- High networks
- Increased salary
The benefits of pursuing MTech is as follows:
- Specialized knowledge
- Further studies
- Increased Career Options
- Practical experience
MCA vs MTech - Job Opportunities
MCA and MTech graduates have many career openings in professional sectors. For example, almost all businesses need technical personnel, where MCA or MTech graduates come in.
Job Opportunities for MCA are:
- Web Designer
- Web Developer
- Technical Writer
- Software Consultant
- Trouble-shooter
Read more on MCA Jobs
Job Opportunities for MTech are:
- Civil Engineer
- Production Engineer
- Assistant Engineer
- Software Engineer
- Chief Engineer
- Researcher
Read more on M.Tech Jobs
MCA vs MTech - Average Salary
After completing both courses, the graduates would have many prospects as the potential is high in terms of expanding IT businesses, looking for someone with a strong theoretical understanding and realistic implementation of it. The average wage is determined by job organization, job sector, job designation and educational skill. Listed below are some of the popular job designation for MCA graduates along with their average pay:
| Designation | Average Salary (INR) |
| Software Developer | INR 3.06 LPA |
| Software Test Lead | INR 8.34 LPA |
| Senior Technical Consultant | INR 8 LPA |
| Sr. Software Developer | INR 6.67 LPA |
Read more on MCA Salary
Listed below are some of the popular job roles and their average pay for M.Tech graduates:
| Designation | Average Salary (INR) |
| Software Engineer | INR 6.94 LPA |
| Design Engineer | INR 5.03 LPA |
| Data Scientist | INR 9.95 LPA |
| Sr. Software Engineer | INR 9.07 LPA |
Read more on MCA Salary
MCA vs MTech - Top Colleges of India
The top colleges in India should be the candidates' targets. To begin the course, one should be aware of the best colleges. Targeting the best colleges for a particular course helps students to achieve much more they can get from other colleges.
Top Colleges for MCA in India are:
Top Colleges for MTech in India are:
MCA or MTech - Which One to Choose?
MCA and M. Tech programs are gaining popularity these days. MCA is a versatile course that encourages individuals from various professional backgrounds to pursue it and further their careers.
Everlasting Demand: Due to the current pandemic, the job market has shrunk, and top companies have started to prefer only experts and highly qualified professionals. The situation has created a large demand for MCA and M.Tech graduates across several sectors.
Multiple Career Options: MCA options available after MCA are limited, whereas students after MTech have diverse options. Also, MTech graduates can pursue options available after MCA.
Aspirants should opt for the most suitable option based on their area of interest and dreams. Both the courses have their pros and cons.
