The Master of Computer Applications (MCA) is a postgraduate degree in computer application streams awarded in India since 1982. Full time MCA programmes normally take three academic years. The primary emphasis in MCA curriculum is on the development of diverse types of application software rather than designing computer hardware and systems software, which is generally within the domain of engineering majors. More than one thousand institutions provide MCA courses in India with an annual intake of more than 55000 students.
Entrance into an MCA programme requires a bachelors degree from any field of computer science such as a BCA (Bachelor in Computer Application). The course of study covers a variety of topics in the computer programming and designing fields, and can prepare people for a wide variety of computer science related professions
Structure of the Curriculum
There are two streams in computer education. One of them is the Engineering stream leading to the B.E./B.Tech degree and the other an application stream leading to the MCA degree.
In the B.E./ B.Tech course the primary emphasis is on designing computer hardware and systems software. Designing embedded systems, designing peripherals and interfacing them to a computer and use of computers in signal processing would be some of the other areas of interest to B.E. students.
The primary emphasis in MCA on the other hand, is on designing information systems for various organizations such as banks, insurance companies, hotels, hospitals etc. Development of application software in diverse areas where computers are used will be the main function of MCA graduates. Thus in the MCA curriculum hardware, system software and embedded system design are not emphasised. The major thrust is on giving the students a sound background in computing, business functioning and mathematics relevant to information technology. Thus the curriculum has these three streams of courses each semester running concurrently. In computing, students learn best by doing. A strong laboratory component is a part of the curriculum. The laboratories, besides supplementing the theory course should also expose the student to the use of the latest software tools.
Every MCA student is required to spend one semester in an industry developing a software system.It is suggested that the student periodically report back to the college and present a seminar on the work being done by him.
MCA Course Pre-requisites and Period
MCA is a three year (6 semester) course. The students entering MCA must have a B.C.A./B.Sc./ B.Com/B.A. degree with Mathematics as one of the subjects at 10+2 level or at graduation. Of the 6 semesters one semester is to be spent in an industry developing a software system.
The MCA programme is planned to have 5 theory subject plus two laboratories each semester. The curriculum has a strong core covering information technology, business management and mathematics.
