What is BCA? BCA is an acronym for Bachelor in Computer Applications. It is an undergraduate degree course that can be pursued by students who have completed their 12th grade.
The most common question that leaves students scratching their heads is what course should I do after 12th grade. However, it is time to stop tarmacking if you are passionate about the I.T. (Information Technology) field. With a high command of mathematics and science, you have a wide opportunity for courses such as B.Tech, BSc I.T., and BCA, among many others.
In this article, we will cover everything about the BCA course. We will cover the pros and cons, why to pursue it, the syllabus, and the limitless job opportunities in this field.
Introduction
BCA, also known as Bachelor in Computer Applications, is a college course rapidly growing and gaining popularity among 12th-grade graduates. It is a program that covers the Information Technology field widely and offers amazing subjects.
BCA Subjects may, however, vary depending on the study plan by a specific college, but mainly all colleges that teach BCA focus on areas such as business, accounting, computer science, engineering, and more.
A misconception that has been making rounds is that this course can only be taken by people who want to work in banks or accountants at different companies. However, that’s not just it; after studying this course, a student is equipped with skills that will open doors to successful careers in many different fields.
BCA is a program that takes only three years to complete. Students who are interested in computer-related fields are most welcome to pursue this course because BCA course subjects are designed to train students to fit into the fast-evolving world of Computer Applications.
What are the benefits of a BCA degree?
Let us broadly discuss the benefits a student will get after pursuing this course. It should also be noted that this course does not only benefit the students only but also the world in terms of technology.
Below I will dig deep into the top 10 benefits of taking this course.
Multi-facet career: One of the key benefits of a BCA degree that tops the list is that it can lead to a multi-facet career. This means a student will most likely get jobs in different industries, such as software development, data analysis, network security, and web design.
Also, with the same skills and knowledge with a sprinkle of great teamwork, students who graduate with this degree have a high probability of working as managers to lead teams and projects.
Lucrative career prospects: With the rapid growth in the Information Technology sector, there is a wide demand for skilled professionals. Being a BCA degree holder, you have a high probability of getting picked as an Information Technology technician in a popular company where you will get paid abundantly.
Step by step, you will end up in the list of most paid professionals in the industry. A computer application engineer’s average annual salary package is approximately INR 5 lakhs. So get your forms and apply now.
Entrepreneurial Opportunities: As aforementioned, BCA focuses on business. With a business-equipped mind and all the necessary skills, a student can start software development or I.T. consulting firms. This has been seen in many cases by popular I.T. professionals who started their firms and became successful.
Higher Education: The BCA course is an excellent starting point for students who wish to pursue higher education in computer applications.
After graduating, you can pursue postgraduate programs such as MCA or MBA in Information Technology and get equipped with advanced skills and knowledge in computer applications. This opens a wider range of career opportunities.
Internship Opportunities: BCA students are advantageous when it comes to internships and placements. In many cases, students are often paid during their attachments.
This is a major win for the students as they get extra work experience, and it helps them build their professional networks. Apart from getting paid, finding attachments in the I.T. industry is simple and easy. This adds a major win for students pursuing this course.
Versatile Skill Set: BCA graduates develop a versatile skill set that includes programming languages, database management, software development, and more. These skills are highly valued in many industries, making BCA graduates attractive candidates for a wide range of job opportunities.
It is affordable: While other undergraduate degree courses are super expensive, BCA is a pocket-friendly option that one can pick anytime. Students passionate about becoming I.T. professionals are lucky to start with this affordable course without spending big bucks.
The average annual fee for a BCA degree is INR 45,000/-, which is quite affordable compared to other computer science and engineering degrees.
Global Career Options: Holding a BCA degree can lead to many global career opportunities. Once you have completed this program, you can also opt for a Master of Computer Application (MCA) to gain better career opportunities on a global level.
High earning potential. BCA graduates typically earn good salaries. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for computer and information systems managers was $146,360 in 2020.
These are just a few benefits you will gain after pursuing a BCA course. Another question that many people ask them themselves is if a BCA degree is right. So with further ado, I will explain to you why this degree is best for you and what its eligibility is.
Is a BCA degree right for you?
This degree is right for everyone who is interested and passionate about it. But before picking the course, you have to keep in mind a few things before coming to a final decision that you will pursue it.
First, you need to understand your strengths and weaknesses in mathematics and science. Also, you need to assess your skills and interests. Understand that this course entails working with computers. Are you interested in playing around with computers? If yes, then it is right for you.
Second, you need to consider your career goals. Understand the kind of job you want to do in the future. If you feel like you are more into food and catering, then there is no need to pursue a BCA degree. But a BCA degree is a good choice if you want to become a software developer or web developer.
Last, it would be best if you considered the costs. As much as you want to pursue the degree, check whether you can afford the college fees. BCA degrees are typically more affordable than BScCS degrees, but they can still be a significant investment. So keep that in mind before coming to a conclusion.
So after keenly going through the above factors and finding out that you are fit, I highly encourage you to go for the degree. After deciding to pursue a BCA degree, you also want to confirm whether you are eligible.
BCA Course Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for a BCA degree course vary from college to college. But with that said, it does not necessarily mean that the process is complex.
It is easy because you are not required to have straight A’s in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. You should also note that some colleges offer this course to students who never did Matheny or English in 12th grade.
Students who picked subjects such as arts or commerce are also welcome to pursue this course. You are also required to be 21 years old to win yourself a space at the colleges offering this course.
BCA Course: Basic Eligibility Requirements
The basic eligibility requirements for a BCA Course are as follows;
- A student must have passed Class 12th in any stream from a recognized university with a minimum aggregate percentage between 45 to 55 and also with English as a subject (pass percentage may vary in different colleges).
- Candidates can get admission on a merit basis, a written exam, or on the basis of a personal interview. This also varies from college to college.
- Apart from merit-based admission, colleges conduct entrance exams, such as CUET, SET, IPU CET, etc., for BCA in India.
The admission process for BCA generally starts around March-April.
Top 10 BCA Colleges in India 2023
Below is a comprehensive list of India’s top 10 best colleges that offer Bachelor in Computer Applications degrees. We have also included each institution’s fee structure and rank today.
| Name of University | Fee Structure | Rank |
| Amity University, Kolkata | INR 2 Lakhs | 1 |
| Jagannath International
Management School, Delhi |
INR 2,5 Lakhs | 2 |
| DAV College, Chandigarh | INR 2,5 Lakhs | 3 |
| Institute of Management Studies, Noida | INR 1,50 Lakhs | 4 |
| Christ University, Bangalore | INR 1.20 Lakhs | 5 |
| SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai | INR 90,000 | 6 |
| Loyola College, Chennai | INR 50,000 | 7 |
| VIT University, Vellore | INR 60,000 | 8 |
| Presidency College,
Bangalore |
INR 1.30 Lakhs | 9 |
| MRIIRS University, Haryana | INR 1.40 Lakhs | 10 |
Top colleges offering BCA abroad
BCA, as aforementioned, is a popular course that is studied worldwide. There are many top institutions that offer Bachelor’s in Computer Applications abroad, but some of the most popular include;
In the USA
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Stanford University
- University of Cambridge
- Harvard University
- Cornell University
- University of Michigan
- University of California – Berkeley
- Carnegie Mellon University
- The University of Texas – Austin
In Canada
- University of Toronto
In the U.K.
- University of Warwick
- University College London
- University of Birmingham
The BCA Admission Process
The admission process for BCA mainly depends on a candidate’s performance in the 12th class examination and entrance exam scores. They are also allowed to apply for state-level and national-level entrance exams, depending on their preferred location for admission.
The popular BCA entrance exams include IPU CET, AIMA UGAT, BUMAT, SET, GSAT, SUAT, and CUET. A candidate can sit for these exams in various cities in India.
It is also best to note that students are selected if they scored 50% or above in class 12th from a recognized institute or equivalent.
BCA Subjects: Notable BCA Course Subjects
Suppose you have already applied for a BCA course or thinking about it. In that case, you need to see the wide range of topics, such as programming languages, database management systems,
operating systems, web technologies, and software engineering, that are covered throughout the learning semester.
It is important to understand the course details of each of the BCA subjects so that you can prepare in advance. Below is a comprehensive list of the core subjects in BCA.
- Fundamentals of Computers
- Operating Systems
- C Programming
- Multimedia Systems
- Data and Database Management Systems
- Web-Based Application Development
- Understanding Organisational Behaviour
- Computer Lab and Practical Work
- Computer networks
- Artificial intelligence
- Cloud computing
- Data Structures
We will look at each of these subjects in detail below so that students can understand what they entail and what they will require.
Fundamentals of Computers: This is a major BCA subject that deals with basic concepts and principles that underlie the operation of computers. These fundamentals include topics such as Hardware, Software, Data, People, data structures, algorithms, and networking.
These are just some of the fundamentals of computers. A deeper understanding of these fundamentals can help you to use computers more effectively and to solve problems more creatively.
Operating Systems: Operating Systems (O.S.) is an interesting subject that teaches students how various operating Systems work, how to manage them and control computer resources. Operating Systems is software that manages computer hardware and software resources and provides common services for computer programs.
Its main functions include Task management, resource management, file management, user interface, and Device management, among many others.
C Programming: C programming is a popular programming language. Students will learn more about this structured language and how to program various softwares using it.
Multimedia Systems: This is another popular subject covering multimedia technology fundamentals. It covers topics like multimedia concepts, multimedia hardware, multimedia software, multimedia data structures, multimedia programming, etc.
Data and Database Management Systems: This subject teaches how to design, create, and manage databases.
Web-Based Application Development: In this subject, students will learn about the fundamentals of developing web app applications. They will cover topics such as Web development concepts, Web development technologies, Web development framework, Web development methodologies, and Web development testing, among others.
Understanding Organisational Behaviour: Understanding Organizational Behavior (O.B.) is an important part of a BCA degree. O.B. is the study of human behavior in organizations, and it can help you to understand how people interact with each other and with the organization itself. This understanding can be valuable in a variety of roles.
Computer Lab and Practical Work: After all the theories, you can apply the knowledge to real-world problems. With this, you gain the skills and become confident about your mastery of computers.
Computer networks: This subject teaches how computer networks work and how to design and implement networks.
Artificial Intelligence: This BCA subject teaches students how to develop AI-powered applications, among other artificial intelligence principles.
Cloud Computing: With this subject, students will learn the concepts of cloud computing, like Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure, and how to use them.
Data Structures and Algorithms: This subject teaches how to store and organize data efficiently and how to design algorithms to solve problems.
BCA electives and how they contribute to specialized skill development
BCA also has other elective subjects. These subjects can be picked during different semesters. Some of the popular electives are:
- Computer Graphics
- Cloud Computing
- Digital Marketing
- MMATLA
- Gaming and Animation
- Data Mining
- Agile Frameworks
These elective BCA subjects are vital to students as it helps them develop specialized skills and knowledge in their chosen field of specialization.
A student gets the chance to focus on specific areas of computer science that they are interested in and that they believe will be valuable in their future careers.
This is great for the students, especially in today’s competitive market, which favors those who have expounded their knowledge and skills. With elective subjects, a student is more likely to get employed as compared to the one who only focuses on computer applications because the employer knows the other one has specialized skills that can help them solve real-world problems.
1. Comparison of BCA with other computer science-related programs
In this section, we will compare Bachelor’s in Computer Applications and another computer related program. We will see the similarities and differences between these programs. 1. BCA vs. Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (B.Sc. CS):
Similarities:
- The key similarity between these two programs is that they both provide a foundation in computer science principles.
- Another similarity is that in both programs, students get to learn
- Programming languages, data structures, and algorithms.
- Core subjects like computer organization, operating systems, and database management are common to both.
Differences
- Unlike B.Sc. C.S. mainly focuses on theoretical concepts and mathematical foundations, BCA mainly focuses on practical application and hands-on programming skills, • BCA normally includes elective courses, whereas B.Sc. C.S. might offer more theoretical and research-oriented electives.
- BCA also covers business-oriented subjects like management and communication, whereas B.Sc. C.S. might not offer.
2. BCA vs. Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Science (B.E. C.S.) or Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science (B.Tech CS)
Similarities
- Both BCA and B.E./B. Tech C.S. programs focus on programming, data structures, and computer networks.
- Students in both programs will be equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge of computer hardware and software systems. • Both degrees prepare students for careers in the I.T. industry.
Differences
- A major difference seen in these two programs is that BCA’s main focus is on the I.T. field while B.E./B. Tech C.S. focuses on engineering principles and may include additional electronics and electrical engineering courses.
- BCA focuses on software development projects, while B.E./B. Tech C.S. programs often involve engineering project work
3. BCA vs. Bachelor of Information Technology (B.IT)
Similarities
- BCA vs. Bachelor of Information Technology (B.IT) focuses on information technology and its applications.
- Students learn programming in both programs. • Students in both programs are fit for I.T. industry roles.
Differences
- BCA graduates might have a wider range of career options, while B. I.T. graduates might be more specialized in I.T. project management and I.T. consulting roles.
4. BCA vs. Bachelor of Computer Engineering (B.Comp Eng)
Similarities
- In both programs, students are taught programming and software development. • Both degrees offer knowledge of computer hardware and software systems.
Differences
- While BCA focuses on programming and software applications development, B.Comp Eng mainly emphasizes hardware and embedded systems.
- BCA covers a broader range of I.T. electives, whereas B.Comp Eng may include electrical engineering and digital systems courses.
5. BCA vs. Bachelor of Software Engineering (BSE) Similarities
- Both BCA and BSE programs cover programming, software development methodologies, and software testing.
- Graduates from both degrees can pursue careers in software development. Differences
- While BCA mainly focuses on I.T., BSE is more specialized in software engineering practices, emphasizing project management, quality assurance, and software design principles.
Suppose you want to thoroughly research the similarities and differences between BCA and other programs. In that case, you need to consider the curriculum, core subjects, elective options, and the career paths each program opens up for graduates. You also need to understand that each of these programs has its strengths and weaknesses.
What jobs can you do with a BCA degree: Career opportunities
Let us explore the kind of jobs you can do after pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in computer applications. To be honest, the job opportunities that are available in the I.T. industry are ample in number, so you don’t have to worry about tarmacking after completion of the course.
You are only required to have the necessary skill set and deep knowledge of one’s domain. Of which you will already have immediately after finishing the whole course.
Many high-paying and in-demand jobs exist in the tech industry, not just in software development. If you have the skills and experience, you could find a great job in hardware, database management, or another related field.
Here are some of the top posts that you could choose from:
Web developer: A web developer, a programmer who develops World Wide Web applications using a client-server model. They might opt to become front-end or back-end developers.
This job can be a great career choice for a BCA graduate. The main task for the programmer primarily involves the creation and maintenance of websites. Therefore, you may need additional skills or certifications, such as JavaScript and HTML. PHP and CSS. The average basic salary of a web developer starts at 3 LPA.
Data Scientist: A data scientist is a professional who collects, analyzes, and interprets data to help drive decision-making in an organization. The main skill that data scientists use is programming alongside statistics and machine learning to extract data.
This is a suitable job for a BCA graduate as they are equipped with these skills while at the college. It is a job that you would not want to miss, especially now as the industry is growing rapidly.
However, before applying for this job, you need to have additional certifications like data visualization, big data, and predictive analysis alongside your BCA certificate. When you
become a data scientist, you are most likely to earn up to ₹11.0 lakhs at the start, which could be increased as time goes on.
Technical Analyst: A technical analyst uses their knowledge of computer science and information technology to analyze and solve technical problems. They work with a variety of technologies, including software, hardware, and networks. They have several responsibilities, such as;
- Analyzing technical problems
- Solving technical problems
- Providing technical support
- Communicating technical information
- Executing I.T. procedures and systems to enhance efficiency.
- Suggesting economical and cost-effective technological applications.
- Predicting the fluctuations in the stock market from a keen technical point of view.
Banking sector: BCA graduates can land lucrative job opportunities at various banks. With the digitization of banking sectors, more and more job opportunities have been created in both private and public banks.
If you would like to apply for a job at one of your favorite banks, then you need to be thoroughly versed in finance, logical reasoning, and qualitative aptitude to ace the interviews for the job offers.
Normally, if you are applying to private banks, you will only go for an interview. Still, in cases where you are applying to a private bank such as SBI, Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank, Allahabad Bank, etc., you need to give an entrance examination followed by the interview.
Trainer/Teacher: After your graduation as a BCA student, you can opt not to take a career in programming but decide to become a teacher and share the knowledge with other IT-passionate individuals.
Getting a job as a teacher in this field is super easy, as many institutions and online organizations hire BCA graduates as part-time or full-time teachers. The pay varies from different institutions depending on your agreements and also the company’s financial strengths.
E-commerce Executive: New avenues have been opened up for BCA graduates with the increasing popularity of e-commerce. The e-commerce executive is responsible for maintaining the company’s digital and retail presence. According to AmbitionBox, the average basic annual salary of an e-commerce executive is ₹2.4 lakhs.
Cyber Security Expert: This is one of the most sought-out jobs by BCA students. It is a job that delves into networking, application, and maintaining data security using sophisticated software and tools.
Digital marketer: Digital marketing is a broad and fast-growing field that offers a plethora of career opportunities for BCA graduates. Roles and responsibilities usually include optimizing web content, marketing analytics, SEO optimization, content marketing, and the use of online tools such as WordPress, MailChimp, and more.
Apart from the BCA degree, hands-on practice and knowledge of online tools are highly desirable.
A Glimpse into the Future of BCA
The future of BCA is bright, especially in today’s world, as technology continues to expand rapidly. The program is even getting so much attention recently, and that shows that it is continuing to evolve and adapt to new technologies, providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the rapidly changing technology industry. What are the emerging trends in the BCA field?
Some of the trends that are likely to shape the future of the BCA program include:
- Increased focus on data science and analytics • Growing demand for cloud computing skills • Increased emphasis on cybersecurity.
- Rise of artificial intelligence and machine learning.
- Continued growth of the mobile app market.
There are several ways institutions and students can stay up-to-date with these emerging trends in BCA.
- Attend seminars and workshops
- Participate in research and projects related to emerging technologies.
- Network with professionals in the technology industry.
- Stay up-to-date on the latest trends by reading industry publications, following thought leaders on social media, and attending conferences.
Conclusion
A bachelor’s in Computer Applications is a valuable and versatile degree that equips students with the necessary skills in the technology industry. As technology continues to evolve, the demand for skilled computer professionals will increase.
The course covers various topics, including programming languages, data structures, algorithms, operating systems, computer networks, web development, and database management. So this is a perfect chance to start the course.
The BCA subjects are easy to learn and understand, making it easy for all students to graduate. So if you love computers and are passionate about studying, BCA should be your pick.
If you love this article, make sure to leave your lovely comment. Let us know your thoughts about BCA and whether you will pursue it. If you are already pursuing it, let us know how it’s taking you.
