MCA -Through distance education mode

Master of Computer Application (MCA) is a three-year programme that consists of six semesters. The course is intended to train graduates with mathematics or statistics as one of the subjects in development and use of software for different applications. The thrust is on imparting students with a good background in computing, business functions, and mathematics relevant to information technology.

The minimum qualification prescribed for admission to MCA programme by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), a statutory regulatory body, is a pass in any recognised bachelor's degree of three-year duration in any discipline with mathematics as one of the subjects either at the degree level or in the Plus Two level.These norms should be complied with by universities while admitting students for the MCA course.

Some of the universities also take into consideration the marks scored in the qualifying examination.

The MCA course is available in the regular stream and in the distance education mode. Studying the regular full-time course conducted by the engineering colleges or reputed institutes / universities may be preferable in terms of getting more practical exposure and placement assistance.

The selection to MCA courses in the regular and distance education mode is based on entrance tests and interviews. Students must ensure the approval of the Joint Committee of UGC-AICTE and Distance Education Council while choosing a distance learning course.

Several universities offer MCA course in the distance education mode. Some of them are as follows:

The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) offers MCA degree course. In Kerala, it has regional centres at Sreekariyam, Thiruvananthapuram (phone: 0471–2590300); Kaloor Kochi (0484-2340203, 2348189); Nut street Vatakara (9446303111).

The Centre for Distance Education, Anna University, Chennai, offers MCA degree course that emphasises call centre management, e-learning, healthcare, trading, equity management, and bank technology. The entry qualification is a pass in any Bachelor's degree. The applicant should have studied mathematics either at the Plus Two level or mathematics/ statistics/ computer science as one of the subjects at the degree level. The selection is based on a Distance Education Entrance Test (DEET) conducted by the university. Web site: www.annauniv.edu/cde.

The Institute of Distance Education under the University of Madras offers MCA course which is also recognised by the Distance Education Council, New Delhi. The entry qualification is any degree with mathematics at the Plus Two level. Web site: www.ideunom.ac.in; www.unom.ac.in.

Centre for Distance Education under Bharathidasan University, Palkalaiperur, Thiruchi, offers MCA degree course. The selection is based on an entrance test and marks obtained in the qualifying examination. Web site: www.bdu.ac.in.

School of Distance Education under Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, conducts MCA programme. This course is approved by the Distance Education Council (DEC). Web site: www.b-u.ac.in.

Tamil Nadu Open University, Anna Salai, Saidapet, Chennai, offers MCA programme. Web site: www.tnou.ac.in.

The Directorate of Distance Education under Alagappa University, Karaikudi, offers MCA degree course. Web site: www.alagappauniversity.ac.in.

The Directorate of Distance Education under Guru Jambhashwar University of Science and Technology, Hisar, Haryana, offers MCA degree course.

It also conducts a five-year integrated MCA course for Plus Two students. Web site: www.gjust.ac.in.

The School of Distance Education, MG University, Priyadharshini Hills. P.O, Kottayam, offers MCA course. Web site: www.sdemgu.org.

School of Distance Education, Mother Teresa Women's University, Kodaikanal, offers MCA degree course. The entry qualification is a degree with mathematics at the Plus Two level.

Directorate of Distance Education, Sri Venketeswara University, Tirupati, offers MCA course. Web site: www.svudde.org.

Job opportunities

MCA degree holders who have qualified with high marks from a recognised university are eligible to become programmers, system analysts, software engineers, electronics data processing (EDP) managers, database administration specialists, training faculty members, project managers, technical consultants and so on.

In the private sector, selection or recruitment mainly depends on one's professional skills, rather than qualifying degree.

Source:THE HINDU