MCA vs PGDCA: Complete Details, Exams, Top Colleges

Masters in Computer Application (MCA) and Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Applications (PGDCA) are two of the most in demand courses of Computer Applications for candidates who have completed the Bachelor of Computer Application course. Graduates in Computer Application seek admission in either of the two programmes. However, a question which often intrigues aspirants is - which course is better, MCA or PGDCA? This article lays down the comparative analysis of both the courses to help students figure out the prospects of studying MCA and PGDCA in India. 

Students can choose their desired course after going through details of both the courses mentioned in the article.

MCA Vs PGDCA : Overview

Masters of Computer Application or MCA encompasses the various aspects of computer programming, operating systems, application software etc. The course duration of MCA is 2 years for BCA graduates whereas it is 3 years for graduates from other streams. Students taking up the MCA course can venture into a variety of roles in their professional field such as System Engineers, System Analysts, Software Programmers etc.

Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Applications or PGDCA is a one year course in Computer Applications which deals with the theoretical and practical facets of computer software, its application and development. Students who have completed their graduation in the courses such as B.Com, BBA, BSc., BCA etc. can take up this course. After completing the PGDCA course, students can secure employment in different roles such as Web Programmers, Database Managers, Software Engineers etc.  
Also read: Is It Important To Do MCA After BCA?

MCA Vs PGDCA: Key Differences

MCA and PGDCA are two programmes in Computer Applications which aspiring candidates can pursue after completing their Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Applications. Both the courses differ in certain aspects. The major differences between MCA and PGDCA have been highlighted in the table below.

Let us understand some major differences in details to have better insights.

MCA Vs PGDCA : Eligibility Criteria

Before making the final decision regarding the choice of subjects, students must be aware of the basic requirements of each course. The detailed eligibility criteria of MCA and PGDCA have been enumerated below.

MCA Eligibility Criteria

Students who wish to pursue a course in MCA must have a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Computer Applications with minimum 50% aggregate marks. Students are also required to have Mathematics as one of the compulsory subjects in class 12.

PGDCA Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria of PGDCA varies depending upon the type of institute that one applies for. However, aspiring students must have completed their graduation in any of the streams of B.A., B.Com, B.Sc, BBA, BCA etc. Certain institutes require students to have minimum 40-50% marks at the graduation level.

MCA Vs PGDCA: Course Types

The MCA course is available in India in three forms - online mode, offline mode and distance mode. 

MCA Online Course: For admission into MCA online course, it is mandatory for candidates to have a graduate degree in BCA. Admission to MCA is done on the basis of merit. Some of the universities offering online MCA courses are Tamil Nadu Open University, University of Mysore, Amity University etc.

MCA Offline Course: The majority of the MCA institutes in India offer the course in offline mode and it is most preferred by the students. Some of the top institutes offering MCA in offline mode are Calcutta University Kolkata, NIT Trichy, Tiruchirapalli, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune etc. 

MCA Distance Course: Candidates can secure admission into MCA distance courses on the basis of merit and entrance exams. Some of the top colleges in India offering MCA courses in distance mode are University of Mumbai, Indira Gandhi National Open University, Annamalai University etc. 

PGDCA courses are available in India in both offline and distance mode. Both the modes have their advantages and disadvantages. The duration of PGDCA in distance mode is approximately 6 months whereas the regular PGDCA course is of 1 year. 

Entrance Exams for MCA

There are a number of entrance exams which help students in securing admission into MCA courses offered across the institutes of the country. Students can check the list of entrance exams for MCA from the table below.

Also read:MCA Admissions 2022 - Dates, Entrance Exams, Application Form, Direct Admission, Eligibility

Entrance Exams for PGDCA

The entrance examinations which offer admission to students in PGDCA courses have been listed below.

Top MCA Colleges in India

There are a number of premier institutes in India offering courses in MCA. Candidates can check the list of top MCA colleges along with their average fee structure from the table below.

Also read:MBA vs MCA: What is Better after BCA

Top PGDCA Colleges in India

There are a large number of colleges in India offering post graduate diploma in computer applications. Candidates can check the list of top PGDCA colleges along with their average fee structure from the table below.

The IT industry in India is an ever booming sector with a constant demand for skilled professionals. Both MCA and PGDCA courses give a promising great future in the IT industry. Computer Applications aspirants can weigh in the different facets of both the courses and decide for themselves which programme they would like to take up.

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