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MCA Syllabus Breakdown by Semester and Year

Course

Adya Trivedi

Updated on 18th November, 2024 , 6 min read

 

About MCA Course

The Master of Computer Applications (MCA), is a 2-year postgraduate program. Students can enrol in this following their graduation from an associated field, such as a Bachelor of Computer Applications. MCA Syllabus covers subjects like Data mining, programming languages, mathematics, application development, and other IT-related topics. Students enrolled in the MCA course will receive hands-on training to enable them to create programs that have practical applications. Students can choose to enroll in an MCA program if they want to work in IT without studying engineering. This course is divided into six semesters to make the program more flexible.

What is the syllabus for MCA in 2024?

The MCA syllabus and subjects cover both academic and practical methods. The comprehensive syllabus of MCA consists of subjects and topics like:

  • Computer organization and architecture
  • Computer programming with C
  • Discrete mathematical structure
  • Data structures with c
  • Business management
  • Operation research optimization

The MCA program also offers specializations such as system management, management information systems (MIS), system engineering, networking, internet, application software, hardware technology, etc. 

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Read - MCA Admission 2024

MCA Syllabus: Semester Wise

The semester-wise MCA syllabus focuses on learning computer programming, software development, database management, C++, etc.  Students are introduced to the theoretical concepts of computer science during the six semesters of the MCA course syllabus. Besides, the course also integrates practical pedagogy, addressing the many applications of the subject matter.

The general syllabus of MCA is classified semester by semester in the below table:

MCA Syllabus 1st Year

The MCA course subjects as included in the first-year syllabus of the MCA course are as follows:

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MCA Subjects: 1st Year

MCA Subjects: Semester – 1

MCA Subjects: Semester – 2

Computer Organization & Architecture

Data Communication & Computer Networks

Business Systems and Applications

Information Systems Analysis & Design

Computer Programming with C

Data Structures with C

Discrete Mathematical Structure

Database Management System I

Business English and Communication

Object-Oriented Programming with C++

Business Presentation and Language Lab

Data Structure Lab

Micro Programming & Architecture Lab

Programming Lab

Database lab

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Object-Oriented Programming lab (C++)

Read - MCA Entrance Exams

MCA Syllabus 2nd Year

The MCA course subjects as included in the second-year syllabus of the MCA course are as follows:

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MCA Subjects: 2nd Year

MCA Subjects: Semester – 3

MCA Subjects: Semester – 4

Operating Systems and Systems Software

Software Engineering & TQM

Unix and Shell Programming

Advanced Database Lab

Intelligent Systems

Graphics & Multimedia

Statistics and Numerical Techniques

Database Management System II

Business Management

Operation Research & Optimisation Techniques

Management Accounting

Environment and Ecology

Accounting Systems Lab

Software Project Management Lab

Statistics and Numerical Analysis Lab

Graphics & Multimedia Lab

Unix Lab

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MCA Syllabus 3rd Year

The MCA course subjects as included in the third and final year syllabus of the MCA course are as follows:

MCA Subjects: 3rd Year

MCA Subjects: Semester – 5

MCA Subjects: Semester – 6

Elective 1: Distributed database management, Image Processing, Parallel Programming

Project Work

 

Elective 2: System Administration and Linux, Windows Programming With VB

Seminar

Elective 3: Advanced Unix programming, Object Oriented Programming with Java

-

Elective 4: Compiler Design, E-Commerce

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MCA Subjects

During the MCA course, students can gain a thorough understanding of computer science basics and their applications. The MCA course curriculum includes projects, applications, lab work, and classroom lectures for the holistic development of the students.

The subjects in MCA not only give students an industry-focused understanding of the application ideas but also make them ready for the needs of the workforce.

There are two types of MCA course subjects included in the MCA degree program, which are discussed below:

MCA Elective Subjects

Given below is a list of core subjects in MCA:

  • Microprocessors
  • Advanced Data Structure and Algorithms
  • Advanced Computer Architecture
  • Web Based Programming
  • Cloud Computing and IoT
  • Compiler Design
  • Wireless Networks
  • Parallel and Distributed Systems

MCA Core Subjects

Given below is the list of elective subjects in MCA:

  • Mathematical Foundations of Computer Science
  • Database Management System
  • Object Oriented Programming
  • Operating Systems
  • Software Engineering
  • Java Programming
  • Data Structures and Algorithms
  • Web Technologies
  • Data Analytics
  • Machine Learning
  • Computer Networks

MCA Specializations

A specialization can be chosen by students in addition to their normal MCA program. Studying a specialization aids in giving students in-depth understanding of a particular field of interest. Students have the option to select a specific specialization as they begin their third or final year of the MCA study program as per their preferences and areas of interest. The following are a few of the specializations available in MCA:

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Specialization

Specialization Subjects

Data Mining

Data Processing

Mining Frequent Patterns And Advanced Pattern Mining

Classification Techniques

Clustering Techniques

Outlier Detection and Application

Internet of Things

IoT Introduction

IoT Programming

IoT Applications

Network of Wireless Sensor Nodes

MAC, Routing, and Transport Control in WSN

Artificial Intelligence

Introduction to Artificial Intelligence

Local Search Algorithms

Knowledge Representation

Game Playing

Natural Language Processing

Wireless And Mobile Networks

Wireless Telecommunications Systems and Networks

Common Cellular System Components

Wireless Network Architecture and Operation

GSM and TDMA Technology

CDMA Technology, CDPD and Edge Data Networks

Wireless LAN/ PAN

Data Science

Data, Relations and preprocessing

Correlation and Regression

Association Rule Mining and Classification

Clustering and Time Series Analysis

Visualization and Applications

Digital Marketing

Going Digital - The Evolution Of Marketing

The Search For Success

Search Engine Optimization

Email Marketing And Social Media Marketing

Web Analytics

MCA Course Structure

The three-year MCA course content is designed to help candidates gain technical and soft skills that will help them contribute to the industry in the future. In addition to the lectures and labs, the MCA course also includes seminars and industry projects.

Students' exposure to a workshop or seminar experience puts them closer to the realities of the computer application industry. The whole final semester of the MCA course syllabus is devoted to developing the candidate's practical understanding through projects and seminars.

The MCA course subjects structure is provided below:

  • Core subjects
  • Elective subjects
  • Practical work/ Lab training
  • Individual Project
  • Group Project
  • Seminars Skills
  • Workshops

MCA Syllabus: IGNOU

This section displays the semester-wise MCA syllabus as offered by IGNOU:

MCA Subjects Semester 1

MCA Subjects Semester 2

Design and Analysis of Algorithms

Discrete Mathematics

Software Engineering

Professional Skills and Ethics

Security and Cyber Laws

DAA and Web Design Lab

Software engineering Lab

Data Communication and Computer Networks

Object-oriented Analysis and Design

Web Technologies

Data Warehousing and Data Mining

OOAD and Web Technologies Lab

Computer Network and Data Mining Lab

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MCA Subjects Semester 3

MCA Subjects Semester 4

AI and Machine Learning

Accountancy and Financial Management

Data Science and Big Data

Cloud Computing and IoT

AI and Machine Learning Lab

Cloud and Data Science Lab

Digital Image Processing and Computer Vision

Mobile Computing

Project

MCA Syllabus: IPU

Listed below is the semester-wise syllabus of the MCA course at IPU University:

First Year MCA Syllabus IPU

Semester 1

Semester 2

Introduction to Information Technology

Digital Electronics

Problem-Solving Using C

Discrete Mathematics

Financial Accounting

Practicals

Data Structures

Theory of Computation

Computer System Architecture

Computer Graphics

Object Oriented Programming

Practicals

Second Year MCA Syllabus IPU

Semester 3

Semester 4

Operating Systems

Database Management System

Front End Design Tools

Microprocessor

Design and Analysis of Algorithms

Practicals

Software Engineering

Java Programming

Computer Networks

Organizational Behaviour

Elective 1: Computer Networks

Elective 2: Internet Technologies

Practicals

MCA Syllabus: DU

Listed below is the semester-wise syllabus of the MCA course at Delhi University

First Year MCA Syllabus DU

Semester 1

Semester 2

Object Oriented Programming

Systems Programming

Statistical Techniques

Computer Systems Architecture and Lab

Elective

Technical Communication

Data Structures and File Processing

Discrete Mathematics

Computer Graphics

Data Communication 

Computer Networks

Elective

Second Year MCA Syllabus DU

Semester 3

Semester 4

Design and Analysis of Algorithms

Software Engineering

Database Systems

Automata Theory

Operating Systems

Compiler Design

Information Security

Network Programming

Elective

Elective

MCA Syllabus: Pondicherry University

Listed below is the semester-wise syllabus of the MCA course at Pondicherry University

First Year MCA Syllabus Pondicherry University 

Semester 1

Semester 2

Data Structures and Algorithms

Object Oriented Programming

Database Management Systems

Supportive Core #1

Data Structures and Algorithms Lab

Object-Oriented Programming Lab

Database Management Systems Lab

Computer Networks

Operating Systems

Domain-Specific Elective

Domain Specific Elective

Open Elective

Communication Skills

Computer Networks Lab

Operating Systems Lab

Second Year MCA Syllabus Pondicherry University 

Semester 3

Semester 4

Software Engineering

CSCA 512 Internet and Web Technologies 

Supportive Core 

Domain-Specific Elective

Skill Enhancement Program

Skill Enhancement Program

Academic Out-Reach Program 

Mini Project

Internet and Web Technologies Lab 

Project Work 

Project Seminar

Project Report and Viva-voce 

 

Also read - MCA Salary

MCA Syllabus: Recommended Books & Authors

The tabulated form below mentions the important books that can be used while preparing for the syllabus for MCA:

Subject

Book Title

Authors

Computational Mathematics

Discrete Mathematics with Applications

Fundamental Approach to Discrete Mathematics

Thomas Koshy

D.P. Acharjya, Sreekumar

Database Management System

Database System Concepts

Database Management System

Abraham Silberschatz, Henry Korth, S. Sudarshan

Raghu Ramakrishnan, Johannes Gehrke

Object Oriented Programming

The Complete Reference C++

Object Oriented Programming in C++

Herbert Schildt

Robert Lafore

Operating Systems

Operating Systems Concepts

An Introduction to Operating Systems

A Silberschartz, Peter B. Galvin and Greg Gagne

H. M. Deitel

Software Engineering

Software Engineering

Software Engineering Concepts

Software Project Management in Practice

Ian Sommerville

Richard Fairley

Pankaj Jalote

Java Programming

Java The Complete Reference

Core Java: Volume I - Fundamentals

Herbert Schildt

Cay S. Horstmann

Data Structures and Algorithms

Data Structures – A Pseudocode Approach with C

Design and Analysis of Algorithms

Richard F. Gilberg and Behrouz A. Forouzan

S. Sridhar

Web Technologies

Fundamentals of Web Development

PHP and MySQL Web Development

Randy Connolly, Ricardo Hoar

Luke Welling, Laura Thomson

Data Analytics

Making Sense of Data I: A Practical Guide to Exploratory Data Analysis and Data Mining

Data Mining for Business Intelligence

Glenn J. Myatt, Wayne P. Johnson

Galit Shmueli, Nitin R. Patel, and Peter C. Bruce

Machine Learning

Introduction to Machine Learning

Machine Learning: A Probabilistic Perspective

Pattern Recognition and Machine Learning

Ethem Alpaydin

Kevin P. Murphy

Christopher M. Bishop

Computer Networks

TCP/IP Protocol Suite

Computer Networks

Behrouz A. Forouzan

Tannenbaum, A.S.

Internet of Things

Internet of Things – A hands-on approach

Architecting the Internet of Things

Arshdeep Bahga, Vijay Madisetti

Dieter Uckelmann, Mark Harrison, Michahelles, Florian

MCA Entrance Exams

NIMCET is the entrance exam used for MCA program admissions at prestigious colleges, including the NITs. Other colleges administer MCA entrance exams, such as VIT MEE, UPSEE, and TANCET. The majority of regular colleges admit students based on their grades from the tenth and twelfth grades, then on their graduation results.

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MCA Syllabus for Distance Program

Distance MCA is usually a three-year course that students can finish in six years, whereas regular MCA is normally a two-year program. The regular MCA syllabus and the distance learning syllabus are identical. In order to study their desired subjects or to enhance their employment prospects, students can choose to specialize in distance learning MCA. The online MCA program provides flexibility with regards to online exams, course materials, and class schedule. Compared to a traditional course, the qualifying requirements for admission to distance learning MCA programs are more flexible.

Top Colleges for MCA

According to recent surveys, government rankings, and placements, the following is a list of the best MCA colleges:

 

Also read - MCA Colleges

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the subjects in MCA?

MCA Subjects includes Computer Programming with C, Discrete Mathematical Structure, Database Management System, & Unix and Shell Programming.

Is MCA hard to study?

Many institutes and colleges offer MCA these days, and it has become easier to get into the courses. However, the rigorous coursework often challenges the grit of the pursuing candidates..

Is MCA a 3 year course?

MCA i.e. Master of Computer Applications is a 2-years PG professional degree course that deals with the in depth study of various concepts of Computer Science such as computer programs, computer architecture, application software, operating systems, and more.

Does MCA require maths?

MCA does not essentially require maths, although a basic understanding of maths and computer science concepts is helpful, it is not essential for admission into most MCA programs.

What is the MCA salary?

MCA Salary is one of the benefits of getting an MCA degree. The annual salary for an MCA graduate in India is an average INR 10 lakhs.

Is MCA better or MBA?

MBA is a better option for candidates who are more likely to hold leadership and management positions, whereas, an MCA is more suitable for students who wish to focus on their technical talents.

Is MCA in demand?

MCA graduates are in high demand across various industries. Specializing in a particular domain not only enhances your skills but also opens doors to lucrative job opportunities.

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