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

DCA is a one-year diploma course that deals with the field of computer applications. DCA full form stands for Diploma in Computer Application. Diploma in Computer Application course details includes providing students with the foundational subjects and concepts in computer science. DCA course job opportunities are available in various areas of recruitment such as air force, software development, electricity departments, telephone industries, data entry, BPOs, KPO etc.

DCA Course Details

Degree	Diploma
Full Form	Diploma in Computer Applications
Duration	1 Year
Age	18 to 22 years of age
Subjects Required	Subjects in any stream with communication language English
Minimum Percentage	50 % in 10th from a recognized board of Education
Average Fees	INR 10,000 - 25,000 PA
Similar Options of Study	B.Sc Computer Science, B.Tech Computer Engineering
Average Salary	INR 2 LPA
Employment Roles	Computer Operator, Web Designer, Accountant, Software Developer, C++ Developer, etc.
Opportunities	Sardius, Techno System Pvt Ltd, Benefactor HR Solutions Pvt Ltd, AARDEE Solutions, Zenith IT Solutions Pvt Ltd, Fortune hub, Blossoms Infotech, Shining Star, Merit Power Consultants.

About DCA Course

DCA full form is Diploma in Computer Application course. The course is designed in a manner so that the students gather a full-fledged knowledge of computer systems along with their application in different fields. DCA syllabus includes the study of visuals, database management, SQL, operating system, etc. DCA job scope is extensive ranging from a web designer and data analyst to a quality assurance engineer in both public and private sectors. 

Table of Contents

• DCA Eligibility Criteria
• DCA Admission Process
• Popular DCA Entrance Exams
• Top DCA Colleges
• Fees Structure for DCA
• Syllabus and Subjects for DCA
• Why Choose DCA?
• Preparation Tips for DCA
• Scope of Higher Education after DCA
• DCA Salary
• Career Options After DCA
• Skills to Excel

Also Read: List of Diploma Courses after 12th

Eligibility Criteria For DCA

For admissions into DCA, students must ensure they satisfy the basic eligibility criteria. The basic eligibility criteria for Diploma in Computer Application course is passing the 10+2 examinations with English as the medium of language.

Students having computer science as a subject in 10+2 would be an added advantage going into the DCA course. The age limit for DCA eligibility is 18-22 years. Some colleges also conduct an entrance exam as a part of the eligibility criteria.

How To Get Admission to DCA?

For the DCA admission process, students must ensure they satisfy the basic eligibility criteria. The basic eligibility for the DCA computer course is passing the 10+2 qualification from any recognised board or institution. The medium of language for admission into the Diploma in Computer Application course is English.

Students having computer science as one of the main subjects in 10+2 have an added advantage in understanding the Diploma in Computer Application course details and syllabus portions. Few colleges also conduct an entrance exam for the DCA eligibility criteria. Applications for DCA admission are available to students through both online and offline modes.

Students can get the DCA details including DCA course duration and fees by visiting the respective college portal. Listed below are some of the admission process details of DCA in general:

How to Apply

DCA computer course details are available on the college websites through which the students can begin their application process. Applications for the DCA course can be availed through both the online and offline modes.

Students need to fill out their personal details for the DCA admission process through either mode and provide the required documents according to the guidelines of the university. Students should look closely at the DCA course details and DCA qualifications to ensure they have the basic eligibility criteria.

After the submission of the application, students will receive further correspondence from the college concerning the admission process.

Selection Process

The selection process for the DCA duration is based on the candidate’s performance in the 10+2 exams. Students must ensure they pass the 10+2 examination for admission into the Diploma in Computer Application course. Certain colleges conduct an entrance exam to select the best suitable candidate. The age limit of the candidate for DCA course admission is 18 - 22 years.

Popular Entrance Exams for DCA

For admissions into the DCA course, the basic criteria are generally passing the 10+2 examinations. However, some colleges conduct an entrance exam-based selection process to ensure they select the best candidates with adequate skills.

Aspirants of DCA must prepare for the entrance exams along all the lines of requirements. Listed below are the entrance exams conducted for the DCA course duration admission process in general:

• JEXPO
• NTTF

A Quick Glance at the DCA Entrance Exams

Students who aspire to graduate from the DCA course should tediously prepare for the entrance exams. Timely preparation, mock practices, regular practice and understanding of application concepts are necessary to ensure one gets through the entrance exam process.

Students should research the course and ask questions like ‘What is DCA?’ to get a clearer understanding of the demands of the entrance exams. Listed below is the exam pattern for the entrance exam:

• The duration of the exam is 120 mins
• The maximum mark to be obtained is 100
• The total number of questions is 100
• Questions are asked in an MCQ pattern
• 1 mark is awarded for every correct answer
• A negative marking for each question carries 0.25 marks

Top DCA Colleges in India

DCA is taught in almost every top college in the country. Studying in a reputed institution ensures a high-profile career for Diploma in Computer Application aspirants. Candidates are selected for the 1-year DCA time duration based on their 10+2 examination results. Some of the top DCA course colleges in India are listed below:

Top DCA Colleges in India

Sl no.	Name of the Institute
1.	University of Mumbai, Mumbai
2.	Alagappa University, Karaikudi
3.	LPU, Jalandhar
4.	MCC, Chennai
5.	National Institute of Management, Mumbai
6.	Gujarat University, Ahmedabad
7.	University of Madras, Chennai
8.	Annamalai University, Chidambaram
9.	Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh
10.	Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak

DCA in Uttar Pradesh

Sl no.	Name of the Institute
1.	Annie Besant College
2.	Angle Institute of Technology and Management
3.	Dhanvantari Institute of Professional Education - DIPE

DCA in Andhra Pradesh

Sl no.	Name of the Institute
1.	GITAM Centre for Distance Learning
2.	IIM Visakhapatnam

DCA in Arunachal Pradesh

Sl no.	Name of the Institute
1.	Arunodaya University
2.	Himalayan University
4.	North East Frontier Technical University - NEFTU

Fee Structure for DCA

The Diploma in Computer Application course fee in Indian colleges varies from INR 10,000 to 25,000 PA. The DCA fees of an institute depend upon the infrastructure, academic facilities, faculty, institutional facilities, lab facilities etc.

Benefits of the DCA course include a comparatively lower annual fee for the 1-year duration. Compared to other courses in the country, DCA computer course fees are fairly reasonable. Listed below is the fee structure of various top institutes in the country offering DCA:

Fee Structure for DCA

Sl. No.	Name of the Institute	Total Fee Structure
1.	Madras Christian College, Chennai	INR 13,000 PA
2.	HMV College, Jalandhar	INR 23.000 PA
3.	Madhav University, Sirohi	INR 40,000 PA
4.	Alphonsa College, Kottayam	INR 15,000 PA
5.	Annamalai University, Chidambaram	INR 34,000 PA
6.	Khalsa College, Amritsar	INR 26,000 PA

Syllabus and Subjects for DCA

The DCA course duration in India is 1 year. Diploma in Computer Application course details is taught over a two-semester duration. The two semesters during the DCA course include all the core subjects introducing the student to the computer programming fundamentals in detail.

Students should download the course syllabus beforehand to know about DCA course tenets in a detailed manner. The DCA course details are also available in the portals of the respective colleges. DCA full form stands for Diploma in Computer Application. Therefore, students having prior computer application knowledge as a part of the 10+2 curriculum is an added advantage.

Some of the key areas of study in the DCA duration include project management, web development and designing, C++, software development, visual basics, page designing, office automation and network fundamentals. Listed below are some of the subjects taught in the DCA course:

• Formatting the Text
• Introduction to Windows
• Manipulation of Sheets
• Document Handling
• Advanced Filters
• Computer Communication and Internet
• Spreadsheet
• Auto Filters

Read More: DCA Subjects and Syllabus

Diploma in Computer Application Certificate

The DCA course gives students a certificate containing their computer application qualifications and grades, which will assist them in obtaining suitable employment. After high school graduation, as well as after graduation, DCA courses are available. It will ensure that a person's life is stable.

DCA College Comparison

College comparison for DCA is done below in the tabular format:

College Comparison for DCA

Factors	Aligarh Muslim University	Lovely Professional University	University of Calcutta
Overview	This university was founded in 1920 by Sir Syed Ahmed Khan and is ranked 238th in the QS rankings.	The LPU has about 30,000 students and over 4000 teachers, and it provides over 200 undergraduate and graduate courses.	The University of Calcutta was founded in 1857 by a law passed by the Legislative Council of British India, and it is now one of the greatest universities in the country, with over 160 colleges connected with it.
Annual salary (average)	INR 2 to 4 LPA	INR 5 to 40 LPA	INR 3.4 to 5 lakh LPA
Location	Aligarh	Jalandhar	Kolkata
Top recruiters	CESC, Tata Motors, UCO Bank, limited,ITC, Aditya Birla Group,  and many more	Google,Amazon,Capgemini,  CTS, HP Global, Microsoft, Flipkart, etc.	NIIT, Wipro, TCS, HCL Technology, Thought Works Technologies,  etc.
Rankings NIRF 2019	11	52	5
Annual Fees (average)	INR 8000 PA	INR 1 LPA	INR 2000 PA

Why Choose DCA?

DCA provides students with various specialisations in the field of computer science and applications. The IT sector is one of the most sought-after career avenues for many aspirants. Benefits of the DCA course include becoming equipped with computer applications in terms of skill set and industrial demand.

Both theoretical and practical pedagogy are introduced in the DCA course to enhance the student’s abilities to meet industrial demands. Some areas of study in the Master of Computer Application include C++, principles of programming, programming languages, project management, office automation and network fundamentals.

The 1 year DCA duration inculcates a certain set of soft and interpersonal skills in the graduates to meet the demand of the recruiters. DCA courses also ensure a career with high growth scope and development following the students’ abilities. To understand ‘Why choose DCA?’, let us make it simpler by breaking it down into the next three questions:

What is DCA All About?

DCA full-form Diploma in Computer Application introduces students to the foundational topics and concepts in computer science and applications. Aspirants of the course always ask ‘What is DCA?’ or what is entails in this particular course? Areas of study such as network programming, java development, C++, automation and principles of programming seek to enhance the student’s ability in computer programming and applications.

The 1-year duration of the DCA course is divided into 2 semesters to make the course more flexible for its students. Higher educational options after DCA include PGDCA for a more in-depth learning experience of computer application concepts.

Some of the job opportunities in DCA include Accountant, Technical Writer, Web Designer, Software Developer, Java Developer, Computer Operator, BPO Executive, Application Support Engineer and Systems Officer.

What Does a DCA Graduate Do?

One of the common queries that aspirants of the course ponder upon is ‘What is a DCA course?’ and ‘What does a DCA graduate do?’ DCA job opportunities are available in various sectors due to the wider reach of the IT industry. Diploma in Computer Application graduates finds employment in almost every sector due to the requirement of a technical hand in almost every department.

Some of the DCA computer course designations include Web Developer, Technical Writer, Applications Support Specialist, Applications Support Executive, Project Manager and Systems Officer.

Web Designer: The job profile of a web designer is to build or design websites. The tremendous rise of digital marketing in recent years has enabled web designing to become a popular career option.

They look at the target audience and design the website and its layout following that. For example, a website for children includes a variety of colours in the layout to make it more engaging for them.

Reasons Why DCA Can Fetch You A Rewarding Career?

The unprecedented growth of the information technology industry has led to various career prospects such as DCA witnessing a rapid rise in demand. One of the benefits of the DCA course includes the factor of career growth where individuals with desired skills for an industry can climb the ladder of success throughout their experience.

The pay scale becomes higher as the candidate gains more experience over time. If the graduates are not interested in the jobs industry immediately, they can also opt for higher studies in the form of BCA, MCA, B.Sc IT and M.Sc IT.

Areas of recruitment for DCA computer course jobs include aeronautics, electrical industries, telephone industries, consultation, software development and project management.

Diversity: The DCA course jobs are available in a diversity of areas and organisations. Various companies are looking to hire computer degree graduates that will fit into their hierarchy.

This includes a variety of positions following the company’s requirements. From technical writing to the system administrator to work in public organisations, the scope of diversity in DCA is very high.

Read More: DCA Jobs and Salary

Preparation Tips for DCA

Students having computer science as one of the major subjects in 10+2 have an added advantage going into the DCA course. DCA requires a certain understanding of the computer application theories and applications used for students to excel in this course. In addition to application skills, students must possess certain interpersonal and soft skills to ensure they provide the best suitable results for any problem-related situation.

Know the fundamentals: Before joining the course, one should know the basic computer fundamentals to understand the in-depth concepts of the course better.

Develop key skills: Students should develop certain key skills in programming, C++, and web designing to produce an excellent repertoire upon graduation.

Expert in at least one domain: Tedious practice and analysis of the subject along with developing key skills ensures students gain their expertise in a few areas. One needs to find their niche and become an expert in at least one domain such as web developing, software development or technical writing.

Scope For Higher Education

Higher education after the DCA course duration increases the student’s credibility in the field of computer programming and applications. A higher educational experience also ensures a higher salary pay upon joining the job industry. If one does not immediately want to join the working sector after graduation, one can opt for higher education. Listed below are some of the higher education options after the Diploma in Computer Application course:

• BCA
• B.Sc IT
• MCA

Salary of a DCA Graduate

The average salary offered to a DCA graduate in India is INR 2 LPA (Source: Payscale). With higher experience over time, the salary also increases. The scope of a Diploma in Computer Application is lucrative because of the abundance of opportunities available in the IT sector. Some of the key skills that enable a DCA course student to stand out from the rest include having a set of interpersonal skills, being an expert in one domain and communication skills.

Read More: DCA Salary

Career Options After DCA

While conducting research into the DCA course, aspirants should look into the various career options it offers. Some of the highest-paying jobs in the corporate industry begin with designations launched by DCA careers showcasing the scope of career growth in this avenue.

If one does not wish to enter the industry immediately after graduation, they can opt for higher studies in the form of BCA, MCA, B.Sc IT or M.Sc IT. Aspirants of the teaching profession can opt for central exams such as NET.

DCA computer application course graduates interested in government jobs or civil positions can opt for state level civil exams or UPSC. Listed below are a few designations that a DCA computer course 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

Skills That Make You The Best DCA Graduate

The 1 year DCA duration introduces students to the various fundamentals of computer programming and application methods. Aspirants need to study tediously to get a strong grip on the concepts and their approach.

Students should also possess a certain set of individual skills outside of the academic realm to develop both their aptitude and pragmatic abilities. This ensures lucrative career growth upon joining the industry.

Listed below are some of the skills that make one a suitable DCA graduate:

• Communication skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Analytical skills
• Coding skills
• Programming skills
• Attention to detail

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