BCA Course: Full Form, Fees, Duration, Eligibility, Admission, Subjects
BCA or Bachelor of Computer Application is a three-year undergraduate degree program that provides students with a solid background in computer science, programming languages, software development, and other related fields. The core BCA subjects include mathematics for computing, computer organization, and architecture, data structures, web technologies, etc.
BCA admission requires students to have a 50% aggregate in Higher Secondary (10+2) with mathematics as a mandatory subject and qualifying entrance exams such as IPU CET, SET, SUAT, CUET-UG, etc., depending on the college requirement.
The BCA course fees are in the range of INR 5,000 - 2,00,000 per year the fees vary depending on the government and private entity, the BCA fees in a private college is between INR 25,000-2,00,000 per year whereas, for government colleges, the fees is between INR 5,000-70,000 per year.
Table of Contents
- What is BCA Course All About?
- BCA Eligibility Criteria
- Why Choose BCA Course?
- BCA Admission Process
- BCA Entrance Exams
- BCA Specialization
- BCA Lateral Entry
- Top BCA Colleges in India with Fee Details
- Types of BCA Courses
- BCA Syllabus and Subjects
- BSc CS vs BCA
- BCA Salary In India
- Courses After BCA
- Career Options After BCA Graduation
- BCA Scholarship
- Skills To Excel as a BCA Graduate
BCA Course Details
| Degree | Bachelors |
| Full Form | Bachelor of Computer Application |
| Duration | 3 Years |
| Age | The minimum age limit to enroll in the course is 17 years. |
| Entrance Exam | IPU CET, SET, SUAT, CUET-UG, etc. |
| Minimum Percentage | Minimum of 50% marks in 10+2 examinations |
| Average Fees | INR 5,000 - 2,00,000 per year |
| Average Salary | INR 2 - 8 LPA (Source: Glassdoor) |
| Employment Roles | Software Developer, Technical Analyst, Technical Support, Networking Trainee, Server Administrator etc. |
What is BCA Course All About?
The BCA full form is Bachelor of Computer Application, the course seeks to develop students' technical expertise and knowledge in computer science and information technology. The course emphasizes computer networks, business mathematics, and database management systems, enabling students to pursue roles in both public and private sectors, including web development, IT administration, and stack analysis
The BCA job scope for graduates is vast as they can opt for jobs like technical associate, blockchain developer, data manager, etc in both private and public companies like Infosys, Wipro, National Informatics Center, SAIL, etc. The BCA graduate earns around INR 2 - 8 LPA.
Also Read: Complete List of Courses After 12th
BCA Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility for BCA may include different components like minimum percentage, entrance exam score, reservation quota, etc. Below listed is the BCA eligibility criteria:
- Candidates should have passed their 10+2 exams in any stream with mathematics as a mandatory subject with a minimum of 50% marks for the general category and 45% marks for reserved category students. The candidate is also required to clear cutoffs for entrance exams such as IPU CET, SET, SUAT, etc as per the college requirement.
- BCA age limit: There is no upper age limit to enroll in the course.
Why Choose BCA Course?
When students decide to pursue a BCA course they should research about course details to ensure that they are aware of the course they are enrolled in. To get the answers to why one should choose BCA, we have broken them down into the following :
- India Today's recent reports indicate that by 2023, Indian IT service companies will have added over 5,000,000. This is probably going to get better as more sectors use digital technology, leading to the growth of enrollment in the BCA course.
- The graduate can also make the transition into various domains such as data science, business administration, blockchain, and cyber security.
- To provide students with training in computer applications and IT-related courses, the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) has created a number of skill development programs.
- To advance technical education and research in computer applications, the government has also established the NITs and the IIITs.
BCA Admission Process
Admission to BCA course is done on a merit basis in colleges like Graphic Era University and colleges like GLA University, Sharda University, etc., and accept the university entrance exam score for admission. Below is the BCA admission process:
- Step 1: The student needs to clear the entrance exam cut-off as per the university requirement.
- Step 2: The candidate needs to fill out the college application form available online or through offline mode.
- Step 3: As per the college requirement the student may also be required to clear GD or PI rounds.
- Step 4: Once the final merit list is published, the student needs to pay the admission fees and complete the document verification process.
Read More: BCA Admission Details
BCA Entrance Exams
BCA entrance exams are conducted at the national, state, and institute levels. The cut-off for the exam may vary depending on the difficulty level of the exam and the number of seats available. Some popular entrance exams conducted for BCA admission are:
| BCA Entrance Exams | Registration Dates | Accepting Colleges |
| CUET-UG | February 2024-April 2024 ( Tentative) | Shobhit University, Guru Nanak College, Assam Kaziranga University, etc. |
| IPU CET | April 2024-May 2024 (Tentative) | Indraprastha University |
| SET | May 2024 (Tentative) | Symbiosis University |
| SUAT | January 2024- April 2024 ( Tentative) | Sharda University |
| AIMA UGAT | January 2024- April 2024 ( Tentative) | NIIS Bhubnaeshar, UPES |
| MHT CET | April 16- May 2, 2024 | MIT-WPU, MGM University, etc. |
| GLAET | January 2024- May 2024 ( Tentative) | GLA University |
| LPU NEST | January 2024 (Tentative) | Lovely Professional University |
Read More: BCA Entrance Exam Details
BCA Specialization
BCA course offers various specializations for candidates in different fields of computer applications. A student can pursue a BCA degree in various areas according to their experience, interest, and future scope.
Here is a list of some of the BCA Specializations:
- BCA Computer Science
- BCA Data Science
- BCA IT Technologies
- BCA Internet Technologies
- BCA Network Systems
- BCA Music and Video Processing
- BCA MIS
- BCA DBMS
- BCA Programming Languages
- BCA System Analysis
- BCA Computer Graphics
Read More: BCA Specializations List
BCA Lateral Entry
BCA Lateral Entry is for students who have already completed their Diploma in Computer Science or Application. Therefore, candidates will get direct admission to the BCA course. BCA Lateral Entry admission is an entrance-based/merit-based admission process. These entrance tests are IPU CET, CUCET, SET, etc, and are conducted by National, State-level, or university education authorities every year.
BCA Lateral Entry Eligibility Criteria
BCA Lateral Entry eligibility criteria include aspirants must complete their Diploma degree in computer science or application with a minimum of 55% aggregate. The candidates who fall into the reserved category will receive a 5% exemption.
BCA Lateral Entry Entrance Examinations
When applying for lateral entry, specific entrance exams are conducted that the students must ensure that they apply for. These entrance exams are essential in the final merit list and selection process. Listed below are the popular entrance exams that are accepted for BCA:
- IPU-CET
- SET
- CUCET
Read More: BCA Lateral Entry
Top BCA Colleges in India with Fee Details
The top private BCA colleges in India include Sharda Univeristy, UPES, and Symbiosis Institute of Computer Studies and Research. The best government colleges offering BCA course includes Dharmshala govt. College, Kannur University, Government Science College, Durg, Lucknow University, etc.
The BCA fee is in the range of INR 5,000-2,00,000 per year. Below listed are the top colleges in India offering BCA course along with the fee bifurcation:
| Name of the College | Tuition Fees Per Year | Admission Fees | Miscellaneous Fees Per Year |
| Symbiosis Institute of Computer Studies and Research | INR 1,93,000 | INR 20,000 | INR 1,01,100 |
| GLA University | INR 1,00,000 | - | INR 55,000 |
| Sharda University | INR 1,50,000 | INR 10,000 | - |
| LPU | INR 64,000 | INR 10,000 | INR 4,000 |
| Chandigarh University | INR 18,125 | INR 1000 | INR 75,000 |
| UPES | INR 2,00,000 | INR 26,000 | INR 1,19,000 |
| Sister Nivedita University | INR 52,333 | INR 30,000 | - |
| JC Bose University of Science and Technology | INR 52,500 | - | INR 12,000 |
| St. Joseph’s College | INR 31,000 | INR 5,000 | - |
| St. Bedes College | INR 22,000 | INR 100 | INR 16,750 |
| Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra | INR 53,000 | INR 32,500 | - |
| VIT Vellore | INR 55,000 | INR 2,000 | INR 57,000 |
| Institute of Business Studies and Research | INR 1,30,000 | - | INR 1,20,000 |
| RIMT | INR 95,000 | INR 15,000 | - |
| Lucknow University | INR 70,160 | INR 36,000 | - |
| University of Mysore | INR 15,900 | INR 2,750 | INR 4,125 |
Also, Check: BCA Course Fees in India
Best BCA Colleges in India City Wise
Below listed are location-wise BCA colleges in India with the average annual fees:
| Location | Fees Per Year |
| BCA College in Delhi | INR 14,000 - 1,50,000 |
| BCA College in Mumbai | INR 9,000-1,75,000 |
| BCA College in Pune | INR 15,000-1,00,000 |
| BCA Colleges in Surat | INR 30,000-80,000 |
| BCA Colleges in Lucknow | INR 60,000-1,50,000 |
| BCA College in Patna | INR 20,000-60,000 |
| BCA in Bangalore | INR 25,000-1,25,000 |
| BCA College in Kolkata | INR 20,000-2,00,000 |
| BCA Colleges in Hyderabad | INR 15,000-1,70,000 |
Types of BCA Courses
BCA course can be pursued full-time, distance, and through integrated education mode. Below listed is BCA course details:
| Type | Basic Eligibility | BCA Duration |
| Full-Time BCA | 10+2 with a minimum of 50% marks for the general category and 45% marks for the reserved category+ Entrance Exam Score + GD/PI performance | 3 Years |
| BCA Distance Education | 10+2 with a minimum of 50% marks for the general category and 45% marks for the reserved category | 3-5 Years |
| Integrated BCA | 10+2 with a minimum of 50-55% marks for the general category and 45% marks for the reserved category+ Entrance Exam Score | 5 Years |
Distance BCA Course
BCA distance education is recognized by UGC-DEB in India and is considered a valuable degree. Below listed are distance BCA course details:
- The distance BCA course can be pursued from colleges like Jain University, IGNOU, Mumbai University, etc.
- The distance BCA course fees is in the range of INR 9,000-35,000 per year.
- The maximum distance BCA course duration can be extended to 5 years.
Integrated BCA Course
Students can pursue BCA+MCA as an integrated course course after completion of 12th grade. Below listed are a few details about the BCA integrated course:
- The course can be pursued from colleges like RIMT, Indus University, SRM University, Delhi, etc.
- The course fee is between INR 40,000-2,00,000 per year.
- Students study topics like Fundamentals of Computer & C Programming, Communication Skill, Basic Electronics, Digital Logic, Graph Theory, etc., in the integrated BCA course.
Also, Check: Benefits of BCA
BCA Syllabus and Subjects
The BCA syllabus is divided into 6 semesters. The first year focuses on the basics of computers and IT, programming, system software, etc. The second year subjects cover topics like software testing, operating systems, web designing, data structures, etc. The third year syllabus focuses on advanced and specialized topics like information security, PHP, cloud computing, etc.
Below listed is the semester wise BCA syllabus:
| Semester I | Semester II |
| Basics of Digital Electronics | Advanced Concept in C Programming |
| Business Systems and Application | Computer Architecture and Systems Software |
| Introduction to Programming | System Analysis & Design |
| Mathematics in Computer Applications | Mathematics in Computer Applications |
| Fundamentals of IT | Graph Theory |
| Environmental Studies | English II |
| English I | - |
| Semester III | Semester IV |
| Operating Systems | Web Designing |
| Data Structures | Database Management System |
| Fundamentals of Web Programming | Object-Oriented Programming with C++ |
| Mathematics for Computer Application | Software Engineering |
| Semester V | Semester VI |
| Data Communication & Computer Networks | Introduction to PHP |
| Information Security | Client Server Computing / Intelligent Systems / Image Processing / Introduction to Distributed System |
| Unix & Shell Programming | Data Encoding and Compression / Python Programming / Advanced Database Management / Introduction to Cloud Computing |
| Windows Programming / Human Computer Interaction / Multimedia & E-Commerce / ERP | Major Project |
| Minor Project | Seminar |
| Industrial Training | Viva-Voce |
Read More: BCA Subjects and Syllabus
BSc CS vs BCA
BCA is a more application-focused program that blends computer science with business management, and BSc CS is a more academic and technical program. The table below shows the differences between BCA and B.Sc Computer Science:
| Course | BCA | BSc CS |
| Full Form | Bachelor of Computer Application | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science |
| Course Duration | 3 years | 3 years |
| Course Overview | The course curriculum covers topics like programming languages, database management, web development, software testing, project management, etc. | The course curriculum covers topics like algorithms, data structures, computer architecture, software engineering, etc. |
| Eligibility | 50% in 10+2, with Computer Applications/ Science as a compulsory subject | 50% in 10+2, with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as compulsory subjects |
| Course Fees Per Year | INR 5,000 to 2,00,000 | INR 10,000 - 1,00,000 |
| Entrance Exam | IPU CET, SET, JNUEE | CUCET,IISER Entrance Exam |
| Top Colleges | Symbiosis Pune, Christ University Bangalore, Loyola College Chennai | St. Stephen’s College Delhi, Presidency College Kolkata, St. Xavier’s College Mumbai |
| Average Salary | INR 2-8 LPA [Source: Payscale] | INR 4 LPA [Source: Ambition Box] |
| Job Roles | Software Developer, Web Developer, Database Administrator, Network Administrator, etc. | Algorithm Developer, Systems Analyst, Research Assistant, etc. |
Read More: B.Sc Computer Science
| BCA vs B.Com | BCA vs BTech |
| BCA vs BBA | BSc IT vs BCA |
BCA Salary In India
The BCA salary in India on average is INR 3.7 LPA [Source: Payscale]. Graduates after having three-plus years of experience can earn more than INR 8 LPA. Below listed are job roles for BCA graduates along with their average entry-level salaries:
|
BCA Jobs |
Entry Level Average Salary |
Salary After 3 Years of Experience |
| Database Administrator | INR 4 LPA | INR 6.20 LPA |
| System Analyst | INR 3.90 LPA | INR 6.70-8.60 LPA |
| Software Developer | INR 3.10 LPA | INR 7 LPA |
| IT Consultant | INR 2.40-4.50 LPA | INR 6-8 LPA |
Read More: BCA Salary in India
Courses After BCA
Students can pursue BCA as a prospective career option. Many colleges worldwide provide students with the opportunity to study this course. Additionally, if students are interested, they can decide to pursue a Master's in Computer application. Some of the master's courses students can pursue include:
Read More: Courses after BCA
Career Options After BCA Graduation
Job opportunities are available in plenty for BCA graduates in both the public and private sectors. Their knowledge and research-based experience qualify them to handle job roles of higher magnitude and multiple domains. Below listed are a few top job roles offered to BCA graduates along with hiring companies:
|
Job Designations |
Hiring Companies |
Average Salary |
| System Analyst | UST, TCS, Amdocs, etc. | INR 4-5 LPA |
| Quality Assurance Analyst | Amazon, Infosys, Accenture, etc. | INR 4.70 LPA |
| Web Developer | Cognizant, Infosys, Indegen, etc. | INR 4.70-5.50 LPA |
| UI/UX Designer | Tech Mahindra, Reliance Jio, ABC Ltd, etc. | INR 4-6.50 LPA |
Top Recruiters for BCA
The BCA scope is vast as graduates are hired by various private and government organizations such as the IT Industry, Retail companies, the Healthcare Industry, the Telecommunication Industry, etc. Below listed are a few top recruiters for graduates:
|
Top Recruiter |
Average Entry-Level Salary |
| Microsoft | INR 4-7 LPA |
| Amazon | INR 4.50-6 LPA |
| Flipkart | INR 4-5 LPA |
| Accenture | INR 4-6 LPA |
| Infosys | INR 4.70-6.50 LPA |
[Sources: Payscale & Ambition Box]
Read More: Career Options after BCA
BCA Scholarship
The students who want to study BCA can get scholarships from private and government colleges or schemes based on merit scores, annual income, and other related factors. Below listed are a few scholarships for BCA courses:
|
Scholarship |
Eligibility Criteria |
Amount |
| UPES Academic Scholarship | Have passed 10+2 examinations with a minimum of 60% marks | Upto 15% of the Tuition Fees |
| AICTE Pragati Scholarship for Girls | Girls pursuing a technical degree or diploma | Up to INR 50,000 Per Year |
|
KC Mahindra Scholarship |
Students belonging to economically weaker sections and want to pursue BCA or any other technical degree | INR 50,000 |
Skills To Excel as a BCA Graduate
BCA graduates need to have soft and hard skills that will help them succeed in their professional lives. Some of these skills include:
- Programming Language Knowledge: The graduates should have a good understanding of programming languages like C, C++, Java, Python, etc.
- Database Management Skills: The graduate should be able to practically understand database concepts and have proficiency in using database management systems like MySQL, Oracle, or SQLite.
- Networking Skills: In order to successfully create and manage secure, effective connections to databases networking skills are required.
- Software Testing Skills: To ensure the timely release of flawless software programs to increase user satisfaction, proficiency in networking skills is required.
Top BCA [Bachelor of Computer Application] Colleges
Top Computer Entrance Exams
BCA Fee Structure
FAQs on BCA
Q: Can BCA graduates apply for the GATE exam?
A: To apply for GATE, Candidate must have a 4-year degree. As BCA a three years degree, students pursuing BCA are not eligible for GATE exam
Q: Is BCA a good course?
A: Yes. BCA is tailor-made for students who wish to pursue a career in informatics or in Information technology and hardcore programming.
Q: What can I study after BCA?
A: After BCA, one can choose to pursue higher studies in MCA, MIM, MCM, PGPCS, ISM, MBA.
Q: Can BCA be done after the 12th?
A: Yes. Students who have completed their 10+2 from a recognized board are eligible to apply for a BCA course.
Q: What is BCA Full Form?
A: The full form of BCA is Bachelor of Computer Application.
Q: What is BCA eligibility?
A: The basic eligibility includes that students must pass their 10+2 from a recognized board with an aggregate of 50% minimum marks. The minimum age to apply for the course is 17 years old.
Q: What is the BCA course duration?
A: The BCA course duration is three years.
Q: Is Maths compulsory for BCA?
A: Yes, Maths is compulsory for BCA though some private colleges or universities offer BCA without Maths.
Q: What jobs can graduates get after BCA?
A: BCA graduates have job opportunities in various fields such as Web Designing, Banking, Computer Programming, Network Engineering, System Administrator, Software etc.
Q: What is the minimum percentage required for BCA?
A: The eligibility criteria of the BCA programme is “Pass in 12th Class of 10+2 of CBSE or equivalent with a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate with a pass in English (core or elective or functional).
