MCA is a more complex and specialized course compared to PGDCA. This article provides a comparative review of PGDCA vs MCA to assist students in determining each course curriculum, top colleges, career scope, and more in detail.
While comparing PGDCA vs MCA, PGDCA is a diploma program that gives a fundamental grasp of computer applications, whereas MCA is a degree course that focuses on practical skills and academic knowledge. After completing a bachelor's in computer application, students may compare MCA vs PGDCA and choose as per their interests and career goals.
PGDCA vs MCA Comparison
While considering MCA vs PGDCA, Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Applications(PGDCA) is a basic diploma that gives an overview of computer applications, whereas the Master of Computer Application(MCA) is a complete degree that teaches computer science topics. The table below shows PGDCA vs MCA comparison on various factors.
|
Factors |
PGDCA |
MCA |
| Full Form | Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Applications |
Master of Computer Application
|
| Degree Type | PG Diploma | Masters |
| Duration | 1 year | 3 years |
| Course Focus | Introductory computer applications & programming concepts. |
In-depth advanced computer and programming concepts.
|
| Curriculum | It has a rigid curriculum focusing on practical applications. |
MCA covers a wider range of topics.
|
| Average Fee | INR 2 lakhs | INR 35K to 2 lakhs |
| Job Options | Entry-level positions | IT industry jobs |
| Average Salary | INR 7 lakhs | INR 3 to 10 lakhs |
PGDCA vs MCA: Overview
PGDCA vs MCA comparison shows that the PGDCA program lasts one year and offers students a basic in-depth knowledge of numerous computer programs, while the MCA degree is a three-year post-graduate degree that gives students a thorough understanding of computer applications.
PGDCA
- PGDCA is a year-long postgraduate diploma in computer science or applications.
- PGDCA aims to familiarise students with the theory and practice of computer software and programming.
- The PGDCA curriculum covers operating systems, database management systems, web programming, and more.
- Technical Architect, Software Developer, UX Developer, Programmer, System Analyst, Database Administrator, Independent Consultant, etc., are all possible jobs for graduates.
Read More: PGDCA
MCA
- An MCA program is a rigorous three-year professional computer science degree.
- The MCA curriculum is intended to provide students with in-depth, cutting-edge learning to succeed in the IT industry.
- The MCA course also includes modern computer technologies, software & app development, UX design, and programming languages.
- MCA graduates may work as system administrators, computer scientists, software developers, chief information officers, and more.
Read More: MCA
PGDCA vs MCA: Eligibility
When comparing MCA vs PGDCA, students may find that eligibility significantly differs. To enroll in PGDCA, one must have a bachelor's degree in any subject, whereas MCA requires a degree in computer science or a related field. Below are the minimum eligibility requirements to enroll in a PGDCA or MCA program.
PGDCA Eligibility
To enroll in PGDCA diploma courses, students must meet the following eligibility criteria.
- PGDCA eligibility requires a 10+2+4 or Bachelor's degree from a recognized institution.
- Aspirants must score at least 50% on merit to be eligible.
- To get into their PGDCA courses, several institutions demand applicants to qualify for entrance tests like NEST, GSET, LPUNEST, etc.
- No minimum age is required as part of the PGDCA selection process.
MCA Eligibility
Master of Computer Application requires students to fulfill the below eligibility before applying.
- MCA candidates must have a bachelor's degree in computer applications or a related discipline with at least 50%.
- Math must be a fundamental subject in 10+2 and Bachelor Courses.
- Some institutions require MCA applicants to take an entrance test.
- The minimum age for an MCA is not specified.
PGDCA vs MCA: Admissions
By understanding the PGDCA vs MCA comparison, students will better know the relative difference between their admission procedures. The admission process for both PGDCA and MCA is given below.
PGDCA Admission Guidelines
PGDCA is a postgraduate diploma course and follows a very simple admission process for selection. The standard PGDCA admission guidelines are.
- Students can fill out and complete their PGDCA registration on the official website or at the campus.
- Students are required to submit all legal documents and academic certifications for the same.
- Students must score at least 50% marks to satisfy the PGDCA eligibility criteria. Few institutes also require a qualified entrance score.
- After the merit list is out for PGDCA, students may complete the counseling and pay the fees to secure their seats.
MCA Admission Guidelines
After completing the bachelor's degrees, students may follow the below instructions for admission to the MCA course.
- MCA registration may be done on the college website or the admissions office.
- Admissions require a bachelor's degree with a minimum of 50%, with few institutions conducting entrance exams, including TANCET, OJEE, and others.
- Institutions will announce their cut-offs after the entrance exam and results presentation.
- After the merit list is released, candidates must participate in GD and interviews.
- After being selected, students must submit all required documents and pay any pertaining fees.
PGDCA vs MCA: Entrance Exams
MCA provides deeper learning of computer science concepts, while PGDCA focuses on a basic level of computer applications. Given the differences, the entrance exams for PGDCA vs MCA are also contrasted. Below are some of the most competitive entrance exams required for PGDCA and MCA admissions.
| PGDCA Entrance Exams | MCA Entrance Exams |
| NEST | ATMA |
| LPUNEST | PUCET |
| GSET | BIT MCA |
| JMI | VITMEE |
| - | NIMCET |
| - | KIITEE |
Read More: MCA Entrance Exams
PGDCA vs MCA: Syllabus
PGDCA vs MCA curriculum is again a major comparison factor. The curriculum of the PGDCA is constrained and prioritizes practical applications of computer technology, while the MCA curriculum includes a broader variety of subjects, including software development and networking.
To comprehend well MCA vs PGDCA syllabus comparison is mentioned below.
PGDCA Syllabus
Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Applications covers the following subjects:
|
1st Semester |
2nd Semester |
| Foundations of Computer Programming |
Object-oriented programming
|
| Advanced Communication Skills | Software Engineering |
| Basic Financial Management | Computer Networks |
| Database Management Systems | Data Structure |
| Operating System | Web Programming |
Read More: PGDCA Syllabus
MCA Syllabus
MCA curriculum is much broader, including 4 semesters covering the topics mentioned below.
|
Semester 1 |
Semester 2 |
| Introduction in IT |
Info Systems Analysis Design & Implementations
|
| Computer Organisation & Architecture | Operating Systems |
| Programming & Data Structure |
Oral and Wireless Communications
|
| Introduction to Management Functions |
Accounting and Management Control
|
| Mathematical foundations |
Probability & Combinatorics
|
| IT Lab |
Business Programme Lab
|
| Programming Lab | Unix & Windows Lab |
|
Semester 3 |
Semester 4 |
| Data Base Management Systems |
Network Programming
|
| Computer Communication Networks | Software Engg. I |
| Object Oriented Analysis and Design | Elective I |
| Management Support System |
Organizational Behaviour
|
| Statistical Computing | Elective 2 |
| DBMS Lab | Network Lab |
| Statistical Computing Lab | CASE Tools Lab |
| A.I and Applications | Project |
| Software Engineering II | Seminar |
| AI & Application lab |
Optimization Techniques
|
Read More: MCA Syllabus
PGDCA vs MCA: Top Colleges
Students often find various comparison factors for PGDCA vs MCA; however, both are popular computer application courses for students after their bachelor's degrees. The top colleges offering PGDCA and MCA courses are given below.
Top PGDCA Colleges in India
The top 10 colleges for pursuing PGDCA courses in India are mentioned below, with the average fees of each.
|
PGDCA Colleges |
Average Fees |
|
INR 7500 |
|
|
INR 25K |
|
|
INR 40K |
|
|
INR 27K |
|
|
INR 15K |
|
|
INR 25K |
|
|
INR 10K |
|
|
INR 25K |
|
|
INR 12K |
|
|
INR 24K |
Top MCA Colleges in India
Students may consider the list of top 10 MCA colleges with the average fees mentioned below.
|
MCA Colleges |
Average Fees |
|
INR 20K |
|
|
INR 1.5 lakhs |
|
|
INR 17K |
|
|
INR 26K |
|
|
INR 20K |
|
|
INR 80K |
|
|
INR 40K |
|
|
INR 65K |
|
|
INR 1.2 lakhs |
|
|
INR 15K |
Read More: Top MCA Colleges in India
PGDCA vs MCA: Career Scope
Both courses offer various employment options, but PGDCA vs MCA comparison shows that students interested in IT or further education careers might choose MCA, while those seeking a quick grounding in computing consider a PGDCA. The most preferred job options for MCA vs PGDCA, with the average salaries of each, are provided below.
PGDCA Career Scope and Salary
PGDCA graduates may work in various sectors, and the popular job roles are listed below.
|
Job Role |
Average Salary |
|
Project Manager |
INR 10 lakhs |
|
Operations Manager |
INR 7 lakhs |
|
PHP Developer |
INR 3 lakhs |
|
IT Manager |
INR 8.2 lakhs |
|
Android Software Developer |
INR 3.5 lakhs |
|
Senior Data Analyst |
INR 4.5 lakhs |
Read More: PGDCA Career Scope and Salary
MCA Career Scope and Salary
After completing the MCA course, students may work as:
|
Job Role |
Average Salary |
|
Senior Technical Consultant |
INR 9 lakhs |
|
Full-Stack Developer |
INR 7.2 lakhs |
|
Java Developer |
INR 4.8 lakhs |
|
Senior Test Engineer |
INR 8 lakhs |
|
Software Consultant |
INR 9 lakhs |
Read More: MCA Career Scope and Salary
PGDCA vs MCA - Which is Better?
The decision between choosing and comparing MCA vs PGDCA has to be based on the individual's professional and personal aspirations. PGDCA and MCA are different on various parameters as PGDCA is a one-year diploma program that covers computer applications such as programming languages, database administration, and software development. Conversely, MCA is a three-year postgraduate program that teaches computer programs and their practical uses.
The PGDCA vs MCA comparison is also seen in graduates' salaries. MCA graduates have a better chance of finding employment and earning higher salaries than PGDCA graduates. MCA graduates can manage complicated programming jobs and have a wider knowledge base, making them more attractive to companies.
In simple terms, PGDCA may be an excellent choice for students seeking basic computing skills in a shorter program. However, an MCA may be preferable if one intends to work in software development or computer science research.
