DCA (Diploma in Computer Applications): Course Details, Admission, Fees, Eligibility

Sakshi Chaudhary

DCA is a one-year diploma course that focuses on the study of computer applications and technology by understanding database management, web development, and programming languages. After completion of the course, graduates can work as Technical Writer, Web Developer, System Administrator, etc.

What is DCA Course?

DCA full form is Diploma in Computer Application, which is a diploma course that focuses on providing students a comprehensive understanding of computer systems along with their application in different fields. The DCA course duration is one year. 

DCA Admission 2024 requires students to have a minimum of 50% in their high school degree (10+2) from a recognized board. The admission is done on a merit basis. The DCA course includes the study of visuals, programming languages, database management, SQL, operating systems, data structure, algorithms, etc. DCA average fees in India varies from INR 10,000-50,000.

Graduates after completing the DCA course get the opportunity to work in different areas like the IT industry, Education, E-Commerce, Web Development agencies, Telecommunication, etc. The average salary of a DCA graduate is INR 3.90 LPA. (Source: Ambition Box)

Also Read: List of Diploma Courses after 12th

Why Choose DCA Course?

DCA course is one of the highly pursued courses for students seeking knowledge in the field of information technology and computer applications. Below mentioned is a detailed analysis of why one should choose a DCA course:

• As per the reports by the Bureau of Labour Statistics, the employment of software developers is projected to increase at a 25% growth rate between the years 2021-2031.
• There is a recent boom in demand for technical writers in the market and the employment rate is expected to rise by 6% between the year 2021- 2031. (BLS Report)
• The course offers students advanced knowledge in various aspects of computer applications such as  C++, principles of programming, programming languages, project management, office automation, and network fundamentals.
• The course offers students to work in roles like Web Developer, Technical Writer, Applications Support Specialist, Applications Support Executive, and Systems Officer.
• As the IT industry in India flourishes, the growth rate of industry is projected at 10% by the year 2025, leading to more employment in the sector.
• As the course focuses on understanding facets of computer application and gives the opportunity to work in a diverse range of related roles, employment is projected to grow at a rate of 15% (2021-31) in the computer science industry. ( BLS Report)

Who Should Pursue a Diploma in Computer Application Course?

A diploma in computer application course is ideal for students who are looking to work in the IT Industry in a diverse range of roles. Below mentioned are points regarding who should pursue a DCA course:

• Individuals interested in gaining knowledge regarding computer programming, software development, and computer applications can pursue this course.
• Individuals who have an edge in their mathematical and logical thinking skills can enroll in the DCA course.
• For students who want to build their career in web designing or mobile app development, DCA course is a good start for gaining knowledge.

Read More: DCA Jobs and Salary

DCA Eligibility Criteria

For the DCA admission process, students must ensure they meet the basic eligibility criteria. The standard DCA eligibility criteria is given below:

• The candidate should have completed 10+2 (high school degree) with a minimum of 50% marks from a recognized board.
• The SC/ST/OBC candidates should have at least 45% marks in their high school degree.
• Few colleges also accept candidates who have completed the 10th class with a minimum of 50% marks.
• The minimum age to apply for the course is 17-18 years.

DCA Admission 2024

Students seeking admission to DCA courses can apply directly on the basis of their merit scores. Below mentioned is the process given for admission to the course:

• Step 1:  The candidate must meet basic DCA eligibility criteria for the respective college a candidate is applying for.
• Step 2: Further, the candidate needs to fill out the application form for the college available both online and offline.
• Step 3: As admission to the course is done on a merit basis, few colleges may call students for a counseling session as a procedure.
• Step 4: After the college has released the merit list candidate needs to pay the fees and complete the document verification process.

DCA Fees Structure

The average DCA course fees is in the range of INR 10,000-50,000 which varies according to the location, infrastructure, and facilities provided by the colleges. Below is the breakdown of fees for respective colleges:

Types of DCA Courses

Students can pursue DCA courses in various learning modes such as full-time, part-time, or through distance education. Below are the DCA course details consisting of eligibility and course duration:

DCA Distance Education Course

Below mentioned points highlight the standard distance DCA course details:

• Distance DCA course can be pursued at colleges like Kalinga University, Makhanlal Chaturvedi University, LPU, etc.
• The course can be maximum extended to two years, as per the rules set by universities like LPU.
• The average distance DCA course fees is in the range of INR 10,000-30,000.
• There is no upper age limit bar to enroll in the DCA computer science course.
• Students aspiring to pursue higher education in the domain can pursue PGDCA from IGNOU and other distance education colleges.

Top DCA Colleges in India

A diploma in Computer Application is offered by various government and private institutes based on the merit or entrance exam score secured by the student. Below is a list of top colleges offering a DCA diploma course:

Top DCA Colleges by City

Top DCA Colleges by State

DCA Syllabus and Subjects

DCA course syllabus and subjects focus on understanding concepts of web development and designing, C++, software development, visual basics, page designing, and network fundamentals. Listed below are some of the general DCA subjects:

• Introduction to Windows
• Web Page Designing
• Principles of Programming
• Multimedia and Graphic Designing
• Operating System and Application Program
• Computer Communication and Internet
• Basics of Data Entry and Office Automation
• Database Management System

Read More: DCA course Syllabus

DCA Course Comparison

DCA course helps students to excel in networking and computer application fields and its application in various industries. There are various other courses that offer similar or advanced knowledge in the domain. Below is a comparison of DCA with other courses.

DCA vs PGDCA

The table below showcases the differences between DCA and PGDCA:

Read More: PGDCA

Courses After Diploma in Computer Application

The higher education after the DCA course duration increases the student’s credibility in the field of computer programming and applications. Listed below are some of the higher education options after the DCA diploma course:

• BCA
• B.Sc IT
• MCA
• Certification Course in Mobile App Development
• Certification Course in Networking and Cyber Security
• AWS Cloud Computing Course

Career Options After Diploma in Computer Application Course

DCA computer science/ application graduates have vast career options in both private and public sectors in the IT industry, E-Commerce, Banking and Financial Services, etc. Listed below are a few designations that a  graduate can join upon the completion of the course:

• Web Designer
• Computer Operator
• Data Entry Operator
• Computer Technician
• Applicant Support Executive
• Clerk
• C++ developer
• Back Office Executive
• Systems Officer
• Technical Writer

DCA Salary in India

The average salary offered to a DCA graduate in India is INR 3.90 LPA (Source: Ambition Box).  The scope of a Diploma in Computer Application is lucrative because of the abundance of opportunities available in the IT sector. The candidate can increase their salary by enrolling in higher studies or professional certification courses.

Read More: DCA Salary

Skills to Excel as a Diploma in Computer Application Graduate

Students pursuing DCA courses should have a certain set of individual skills outside of the academic realm to develop both their aptitude and pragmatic abilities to remain competitive in the market. Listed below are some of the skills that make one a suitable DCA computer science/application graduate:

• Communication skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Analytical skills
• Coding skills
• Computer Proficiency
• Customer Service Skills
• Organization and Time Management Skills
• Programming skills
• Attention to detail