What is MCA?
MCA is a postgraduate program with a course duration of 3 years. The full form of this course is Master of Computer Application. The MCA course aims to train students in different aspects of computer programs, computer architecture, application software, operating systems, and more. Students seeking to excel in the domain of computer and information technology can take up this master of computer applications course.
MCA fees are INR 60,000–3 lakhs. MCA colleges include Christ University, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi University, Presidency College, and the University of Hyderabad, among others. There are various entrance exams for MCA such as CUET PG, IPU CET, NIMCET, TANCET, TSICET, OJEE etc.
Over the years, the IT industry has seen evident growth and evolution. Due to this, more and more people are attracted and motivated to become a part of the giant IT industry. Students with a sincere inclination towards computers and technology can take up an MCA course to enhance their career and salary prospects.
Jobs after MCA include Software Developer or Engineer, Systems Analyst, Database Administrator, Web Developer, Mobile App developer, IT Consultant, and Project Manager among others. The average salary graduates earn after the completion of the course is INR 4 – 7 LPA.
All about MCA:
What is the MCA Full Form?
MCA full form is Master of Computer Application.
More Computer Courses:
MCA Course Details
Course Name |
MCA Course |
Full Form |
Master of Computer Application |
Course Duration |
3 years |
Course Types |
Full-time/Online/Distance-mode |
Eligibility |
A minimum of 50-50% in BCA or Bachelor’s degree in related disciplines |
Entrance Exams |
CUET PG, IPU CET, NIMCET, TANCET and OJEE |
Admission Process |
Merit-based and Entrance Exam |
Scholarships |
|
Course Fees |
INR 30,000 – 2,00,000 |
Salary in India |
INR 3-8 LPA |
Job Profiles |
Software Engineers, Frontend Developers, Backend Developers, Web Designing, Networking Professionals, Project Manager (IT) |
Why Pursue Master of Computer Application?
-
Aspirants who want to excel and grow in the field of computers and IT technology can take up a master of computer application program to acquire expertise in this field.
-
With 2,05,000 new job openings per year and a consistent growth rate of 7.7 percent, the MCA job market is flourishing.
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Candidates for the MCA course have countless employment options in numerous job roles across different industries in both the private and government domains.
-
As soon as candidates complete the MCA course, they get placed with a minimum salary of INR 4 LPA.
-
Successful MCA course graduates can also expect to be hired by the best MNCs and IT firms in the world. Including Google, Microsoft, Amazon, etc., with a starting salary of 13 LPAs that will increase rapidly.
The eligibility criteria for the MCA degree course are as follows:
-
Aspirants must have graduated from a UG program in computer applications, computer science, or a closely related discipline with at least a 50% aggregate.
-
Aspirants must have mathematics as one of their subjects in Class 12 to be eligible for the Master of Computer Applications course.
MCA Entrance Exams
Apart from some colleges that accept merit scores, many reputed colleges and universities grant admissions based on the MCA entrance exam score. In this section, learn about the top entrance exams for MCA and their important dates.
MCA Entrance Exam |
Application Dates |
Exam Dates |
IPU CET 2024 |
March 2024 – 2024 |
May – June 2024 |
UPCET 2024 |
1st Week of December 2023 – 1st Week of January 2023 |
11th – 28th March 2024 |
NIMCET 2024 |
2nd Week of March – 2nd Week of April 2024 |
3rd Week of June 2024 |
TANCET 2024 |
1st Week of January – 1st Week of February 2024 |
March 2024 |
VITEEE 2024 |
4th Week of January – 2nd Week of April 2024 |
April 2024 |
MAH MCA CET 2024 |
1st Week of January – 4th Week of January 2024 |
30th March 2024 |
MCA Admission 2024
In India, entrance exams are mostly used to determine admission to MCA courses. But some institutions grant admission based on a merit list made from the grades received at graduation. The entrance exam approach is typically followed by the top MCA colleges in India.
There are two modes in which MCA course admission takes place. Typically, admission to the MCA degree program occurs through state-level entrance tests like the IPU CET, MAH CET, etc. or university-level entrance exams. However, some colleges may accept direct admissions based on merit scores.
Entrance Exams Based MCA Admission
Here is a step-by-step process to get admission through entrance exams into the Master of Computer Application course:
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The applicants must register themselves on the college or institution’s website.
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The candidates must next enter their application information and upload the various documents.
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Candidates must pay the application fees and print out their receipts.
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The candidates must then print their admit cards and appear for the entrance exam.
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Qualified candidates are contacted for a counselling session after passing the entrance exam.
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Counseling is done to allocate seats at the various colleges and universities. In the counselling procedure, seats are allocated, and students are granted admissions.
Direct MCA Admission
Here is a step-by-step to be followed to get direct admission into Master of Computer Applications course:
- Students are directly admitted to MCA course based on performance of prerequisite exams. Another method of direct admission offered by some institutions is management quota admission.
- There are designated seats for management in every college. However, these management quota seats cost more than regular seats.
- Private colleges like Amity University, LPU, Chandigarh University, and others provide direct MCA admissions. On the day of the interview, students must take a knowledge-based test.
Types of MCA Courses Available in India
The MCA course is available in three modes at several colleges and universities across India. These include MCA in regular mode, MCA in online mode, and MCA distance education.
Below, we have included the relevant information about all types of MCA courses in India.
Features |
MCA Course Regular |
MCA Course Online |
MCA Course Distance Education |
Duration |
3 years |
6 months-4 years |
2-5 years |
Fees |
INR 30,000-2,00,000 |
INR 30,000- 1,50,000 |
INR 40,000-1,50,000 |
Mode |
Full-time |
Online |
Distance Education |
Eligibility |
Bachelor’s degree |
Bachelor’s degree |
Bachelor’s degree |
Admission |
Entrance Exam |
Merit based |
Entrance exam/merit based |
Top Colleges |
IIT Roorkee, VIT University, NIT Trichy, Loyola College |
University of Mysore, Amity University,Tamil Nadu Open University |
IGNOU, Annamalai University, University of Mumbai |
MCA Syllabus
The 3-year MCA course is divided into six semesters. MCA Syllabus includes everything from lectures to practicals to project work. Among all the things, Master of Computer Applications (MCA) project work is the most crucial element. The last semester of the MCA curriculum is entirely devoted to project work. Moreover, students choose their specialization in this year only.
While the MCA syllabus may vary from college to college, the common syllabus of MCA is given below:
MCA Syllabus: 1st Year |
|
Semester – 1 |
Semester – 2 |
Computer Organization and Architecture |
Data Communication and Computer Networks |
Business Systems and Applications |
Object-Oriented Programming in C++ |
Computer Programming with C |
Information Systems Analysis and Design |
Discrete Mathematical Structure |
Data Structures with C |
Business English and Communication |
Object-Oriented Programming Lab (C++) |
Programming in C |
Database Management System I |
Microprogramming and Architecture Lab |
Data Structure Lab |
Business Presentation and Language Lab |
Database Lab |
MCA Syllabus: 2nd Year |
|
Semester – 3 |
Semester – 4 |
Unix and Shell Programming |
Software Engineering and TQM |
Business Management |
Database Management System II |
Operating Systems and Systems Software |
Environment and Ecology |
Intelligent Systems |
Graphics and Multimedia |
Management Accounting |
Operation Research and Optimization Techniques |
Statistics and Numerical Techniques |
Advanced Database Lab |
Unix Lab |
Software Project Management Lab |
Statistics and Numerical Analysis Lab |
Graphics and Multimedia Lab |
MCA Syllabus: 3rd Year |
|
Semester – 5 |
Semester – 6 |
Values and Ethics of Profession |
Major Project and Seminar |
Elective 1 (System Administration and Linux or Windows Programming With VB) |
– |
Elective 2 (Advanced Unix programming or Object-Oriented Programming with Java) |
– |
Elective 3 (Distributed database management or Parallel Programming) |
– |
Elective 4 (Compiler Design or E-Commerce) |
– |
Minor project and Seminar |
– |
Elective Lab |
– |
MCA Course Specializations
As students enter the third or final year of the MCA course program, they have the option to choose a particular specialization as per their preference and area of interest.
These specializations give candidates the chance to develop a deeper level of expertise and skill set in a specific MCA degree to acquire better career prospects. Some of the specializations in master of computer applications offered by most colleges and universities are:
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Systems Management
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Management Information Systems (MIS)
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Systems Development
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Systems Engineering
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Networking
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Internet
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Application Software
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Software Development
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Troubleshooting
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Hardware Technology
Master of Computer Application: Course Comparison
The MCA Course is certainly an excellent option in the field of computers and information technology (IT). However, there are other popular courses as well that provide similar outcomes as those offered by the Master of Computer Applications.
These include an MTech in Computer Science and an MSc in Computer Science. To give you a fair idea, we have compared the Master of Computer Applications program with other similar programs.
MCA vs MTech in Computer Science: Difference
The table below mentions the difference between MCA Course and MTech in Computer Science in terms of course duration, eligibility, concepts, fees, and salary prospects.
Course Name |
MCA (Master of Computer Applications) |
MTech (Master of Technology) |
Duration |
3 years |
2 years |
Eligibility |
A minimum of 50% in BCA or a related field. |
A minimum of 50-60% in BTech/BE course. |
Focus on |
Computer Languages, Programming, and Networking. |
Advanced Engineering and Technological Expertise in Computer Software. |
Concepts Covered |
Fundamentals of Computer Organization, Operating Systems, Database Management Systems, Network Programming, A.I and Applications, etc. |
Operating Systems and System Programming, Advanced Software Engineering, Cryptography and Network Security. |
Average Course Fees |
INR 30,000 – 2,00,000 |
INR 50,000 – 2,00,000 |
Average Salary |
INR 3 – 8 LPA |
INR 6 – 7 LPA |
Must Read: Top MTech Colleges in India
MCA vs MSc in Computer Science: Difference
The table below mentions the difference between the MCA Course and the MSc in Computer Science in terms of course duration, eligibility, concepts, fees, and salary prospects.
Course Name |
MCA (Master of Computer Applications) |
MSc (Master of Science) in Computer Science |
Duration |
3 years |
2 years |
Eligibility |
A minimum of 50% in BCA or related field. |
A minimum of 60% in BSc Computer Science. |
Focus on |
Computer Languages, Programming, and Networking |
Developing Software and Networking-based Skills. |
Concepts Covered |
Fundamentals of Computer Organization, Operating Systems, Database Management Systems, Network Programming, A.I and Applications, etc |
Programming Languages, Theory of Computation, Design and Analysis of Algorithms, Computer Systems Verification, etc |
Average Course Fees |
INR 30,000 – 2,00,000 |
INR 50,000 – 2,00,000 |
Average Salary |
INR 3 – 8 LPA |
INR 7 LPA |
Must Read: Top MSc Colleges in India
Top MCA Colleges in India
MCA degree course is provided by several colleges throughout India. This section lists the top master of computer application colleges in India along with course fee, placements, and ratings based on student reviews.
Top MCA Colleges in India |
Course Fees |
Placements |
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Roorkee |
INR 1,39,650 |
INR 15 LPA |
College of Engineering (Anna University) – Guindy (CEG), Chennai |
INR 21, 480 |
INR 5 – 6 LPA |
Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore |
INR 63,00,000 |
INR 7 – 8 LPA |
National Institute of Technology (NIT), Trichy |
INR 3,50,850 |
INR 6 LPA |
Loyola College, Chennai |
INR 58,515 |
INR 3 LPA |
Harcourt Butler Technological University (HBTU), Kanpur |
INR 2,09,760 |
INR 6 LPA |
Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology (MANIT), Bhopal |
INR 2,60,262 |
INR 3 LPA |
National institute of Technology (NIT), Warangal |
INR 2,35,800 |
INR 3 LPA |
MCA Course Fees: Bangalore
Here is a list of the top colleges along with their course fee and placements that offer the MCA course in Bangalore:
MCA Course Fees: Chennai
Here is a list of the top colleges along with their course fee and placements that offer the MCA course in Chennai:
MCA Course Fees: Delhi NCR
Here is a list of the top colleges along with their course fee and placements that offer the MCA course in Delhi NCR:
MCA Course Fees: Hyderabad
Here is a list of the top colleges along with their course fee and placements that offer the MCA course in Hyderabad:
MCA Colleges in Hyderabad |
Course Fees |
Placements |
Nizam College |
INR 1.9 LPA |
INR 4 LPA |
University of Hyderabad |
INR 79,000 |
INR 6.75 LPA |
Osmania University |
INR 54,000 |
INR 6 LPA |
Anurag University |
INR 2 LPA |
INR 4 LPA |
Osmania University College for Women |
INR 54,000 |
INR 6 LPA |
Vasavi College of Engineering |
INR 2.28 LPA |
INR 4 LPA |
Maulana Azad National Urdu University |
INR 14,000 |
INR 3.71 LPA |
Chaitanya Bharathi Institute of Technology |
INR 1.9 LPA |
INR 4 LPA |
MCA Course Fees: Pune
Here is a list of the top colleges along with their course fee and placements that offer the MCA course in Pune:
MCA Distance Education
Many aspirants cannot attend regular colleges due to health, work, or some other personal reasons. In such cases, MCA distance education becomes a good option to upgrade skills and knowledge in a particular domain.
Many colleges and universities provide online and distance education programs for MCA degrees, such as:
IGNOU
The criteria to get admission into MCA course at IGNOU is as follows:
Eligibility Criteria |
BCA/BSc degree with minimum 50% marks. Studied maths at intermediate or graduation level. |
Admission 2024 |
Admission into MCA course at IGNOU is based on merit. |
Mahabeer Institute Of Professional Studies, Amaravati
The criteria to get admission into MCA course at Mahabeer Institute Of Professional Studies is as follows:
Eligibility Criteria |
Passed graduation in computer-related discipline with at least 50% aggregate. |
Admission 2024 |
Admission into the MCA course at the Mahabeer Institute of Professional Studies is based on both merit and entrance exams. Entrance exam accepted: MAH MCA CET |
IASE Deemed University, Rajasthan
The criteria to get admission into MCA degree program at IASE Deemed University is as follows:
Eligibility Criteria |
Graduation in BCA or computer-related field from a recognized university. |
Admission 2024 |
Admission into the MCA course is based on the merit scored in the qualifying exam. |
Madhav University, Rajasthan
The criteria for admission into the MCA degree program at Madhav University are as follows:
Eligibility Criteria |
Minimum 45% aggregate in bachelor’s degree (any stream) with math’s as a subject from a recognized university. |
Admission 2024 |
Admission into MCA course is based on merit. |
Institute of Higher Studies & Management, Jharkhand
The criteria to get admission into MCA degree program at Institute of Higher Studies & Management is as follows:
Eligibility Criteria |
Graduate degree in computer-related discipline. |
Admission 2024 |
Admission into the MCA course is based on merit. |
Amity University, Haryana
The criteria to get admission into MCA degree program at Amity University is as follows:
Eligibility Criteria |
BCA graduates with math as a subject at graduation or intermediate from a recognized university. |
Admission 2024 |
Admission into the MCA course at Amity University is based on merit and interview. |
Universal College of Computer Applications, Bangalore
The criteria to get admission into the MCA course at Universal College of Computer Applications, Bangalore are as follows:
Eligibility Criteria |
Bachelor’s degree in computer. |
Admission 2024 |
Admission into MCA course is based on direct admission. |
ICFAI
The criteria to get admission into MCA course at ICFAI is as follows:
Eligibility Criteria |
Passed a BCA/BSc degree in computer science or an equivalent degree. BSc, BCom, or BA with math at graduation or 10+2 level. Minimum of 45% marks in the qualifying exam. |
Admission 2024 |
Admission into the MCA course at ICFAI is based on scores in the qualifying exam. |
Jaipur National University, Rajasthan
The criteria to get admission into the MCA degree program at Jaipur National University are as follows:
Eligibility Criteria |
Passed BCA/BSc degree in computer science or equivalent degree. BSc/BCom/BA/other UGC-approved degrees with math at graduation or 10+2 level. |
Admission 2024 |
Admission into the MCA course is based on a merit score. |
Sikkim Manipal University
The criteria to get admission into the MCA degree program at Sikkim Manipal University are as follows:
Eligibility Criteria |
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline from a recognized university. Studies math and statistics at 10+2 or graduation level. |
Admission 2024 |
A valid score in the SMIT entrance exam. Admission into the MCA course is based on merit and entrance exam scores. |
MCA Course: Study Abroad
Many aspirants choose to study MCA abroad because of the superior infrastructure, placement programmes, and research facilities. In comparison to MCA degree courses, there are several alternative international courses that grant comparable degrees.
Before applying for MCA at abroad colleges, aspirants must be aware of the eligibility requirements. The eligibility requirements for enrolment in MCA colleges abroad are listed below:
- Candidates must have graduated from an accredited university or institution.
- Candidates must successfully complete English language tests like the IELTS or TOEFL.
- Students can explore scholarship options since MCA courses can be expensive overseas.
- In countries like Canada, the USA, the UK, and Australia, the Master of Computer Applications programme is well-liked.
- The MCA course duration is typically between one and two years. In Australia, it occasionally lasts for 1.5 years.
- Candidates must have completed their undergraduate studies in computer science or a related field.
- Various colleges have different cutoffs that they request. These universities have minimum cutoff grades between 83 and 89%, or a 3.0 GPA.
- Candidates must submit their GRE or GMAT exam results.
- IELTS requires a total score of 7, or the TOEFL requires a score of 80% to be admitted.
- The average MCA course fee is between 25 and 50 lakhs in the USA, 10 to 23 lakhs in the UK, 20 to 35 lakhs in Australia, and 15 to 25 lakhs in Canada.
- The top MCA colleges worldwide are included in the table below, along with their average MCA course fees.
USA
Here is a list of the top colleges offering Master of Computer Applications courses in the USA:
Name of the College |
Course Fees |
Stanford University |
INR 45.5 Lakhs |
New York University |
INR 38.5 Lakhs |
University of Texas at Dallas |
INR 38.2 Lakhs |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
INR 55.2 Lakhs |
California State University Los Angeles Campus |
INR 16.3 Lakhs |
UK
Here is a list of the top colleges offering Master of Computer Applications courses in the UK:
Name of the College |
Course Fees |
University of Sunderland |
INR 19.3 Lakhs |
University of Greenwich |
INR 21.3 Lakhs |
University of East London |
INR 22.2 Lakhs |
University of Oxford |
INR 37.3 Lakhs |
Teesside University |
INR 10.9 Lakhs |
Canada
Here is a list of the top colleges offering Master of Computer Applications courses in the Canada:
Name of the College |
Course Fees |
University of Toronto |
INR 23.5 Lakhs |
University of Alberta |
INR 15.7 Lakhs |
University of Waterloo |
INR 28.2 Lakhs |
University of British Columbia |
INR 16.6 Lakhs |
McGill University |
INR 17.4 Lakhs |
Australia
Here is a list of the top colleges offering Master of Computer Applications courses in the Australia:
Name of the College |
Course Fees |
RMIT University |
INR 21.8 Lakhs |
University of Queensland |
INR 25.5 Lakhs |
University of Melbourne |
INR 38 Lakhs |
University of Adelaide |
INR 34.5 Lakhs |
University of Sydney |
INR 49 Lakhs |
MCA Skills Required
Here is a list of the skills required for a successful career after a Master of Computer Application, or MCA, course:
- Good communication skills.
- Positive outlook.
- Behavioural skills.
- Sound knowledge of programming languages like C++, Java, and JavaScript.
- Good understanding of data structures and databases.
- Technical skills.
- Know about the latest trends in technology.
- Excellent programming skills.
Apart from the general skills, there are some specific skills required for MCA course as per your chosen field of work:
- Programmers: They must have a good command over programming languages like C, C++, Java, .NET, etc.
- Web Designers: They must have sound knowledge of languages like PHP, CSS, JavaScript, HTML, etc.
- Networking: They must be skilled in SQL, LINUX. Also, they should obtain certification in CCNA, CCNP, CCIE.
What After MCA?
After completing the MCA course, one can look for jobs in various industries, both private and government. Due to the fast growth of the IT and software industries, the employment prospects for MCA course graduates have improved over the years. The demand for MCA graduates is expected to further grow in the coming years.
MCA graduates may be able to obtain employment with start-ups. Since start-up culture has become popular in India, it is highly beneficial for MCA freshmen in the industry. Not only do IT companies, but also start-up firms, pay substantial compensation to MCA course graduates.
On average, MCA starting salaries range from 2.5 to 3.6 LPA, which is expected to increase as per expertise level and skills. It may be noted that while the IT sector is currently experiencing growth, there are several career options open to those who complete an MCA course.
MCA Salary in India
Find out the experience-wise breakdown of MCA salaries in India:
Experience (in years) |
MCA Salary per month |
Fresher |
INR 18,000 – INR 30,000 |
1 – 3 Years |
INR 25,000 – INR 50,000 |
5 Years and above |
INR 50,000 – INR 2,00,000 |
MCA Salary Company Wise
Given below is a list of the top companies and the MCA salary packages that they offer:
Top MCA Recruiters |
Average Salary |
HCL |
INR 3 LPA |
Accenture |
INR 3.8 LPA |
IBM |
INR 4.50 LPA |
Infosys |
INR 3.60 LPA |
Cognizant |
INR 6.70 LPA |
Tech Mahindra |
INR 3.90 LPA |
Wipro |
INR 6 LPA |
Hi-Tech Solutions |
INR 5 LPA |
TCS |
INR 5.40 LPA |
MCA Jobs
Here are the top job profiles for MCA course graduates along with their job descriptions and average salary. Based on these things, you can mark your future scope after doing MCA course:
Job Profile |
Job Description |
Salary |
Software Developer |
The key responsibility of software developers is to design, install, test, maintain, and update software in a company. |
INR 4,85,000 LPA |
Web Developer |
The role of web developers is to design and structure the look, layout, and other features of a website. These professionals must possess expertise in computer programming and graphic design. |
INR 2,81,000 LPA |
Mobile App Developer |
Mobile developers are responsible for designing mobile apps as per the user’s needs and requirements. |
INR 3,76,000 LPA |
Systems Analyst |
The job of a system analyst is to determine what hardware or software the company needs. They are entitled to the whole IT system instead of only software or hardware systems. |
INR 6,54,000 LPA |
Network Administrator |
The work of network administrators is to take full charge of supporting, setting up, and managing internal servers. |
INR 3,67,000 LPA |
System Administrator |
The roles of system administrators include installing, supporting, and maintaining servers and computer systems. Other responsibilities may include scripting, programming, project management, and more. |
INR 3,04,000 LPA |
Hardware Engineer |
They look after the hardware configurations of a computer system. |
INR 3,78,000 LPA |
Technical Writer |
They write fundamental technical content in easy-to-read text. These experts are highly sought after to write about technical topics for product descriptions and blogs. |
INR 4,93,000 LPA |
MCA Government Jobs
While there are lot of career options in private domain, there are a few choices for government jobs for MCA course graduates. Students who have interests to work in government organizations after doing master of computer applications course can check out the organizations, jobs roles, and average salary available below:
Name of the Organization |
Job Role |
Average Salary |
NIC Government of India |
Programmer |
INR 4 LPA |
Public Sector Banks |
IT Officer |
INR 4 LPA |
Broadcast Engineering Consultants India Limited |
Consultant |
INR 4-5 LPA |
Government of Haryana |
Senior System Analyst |
INR 4 LPA |
MCA Top Recruiters
Here is a list of the top recruiters that hire MCA course graduates:
- TCS
- Wipro
- Infosys
- Cognizant
- IBM
- Accenture
- HCL
- Tech Mahindra
- Hi-tech Solutions