MBA vs MCA: What is Better after BCA?

Abhinav Chamoli

Updated On: October 17, 2023 12:03 pm IST

Students are often confused about whether to go for an MBA or MCA after completing a BCA course. Here's a comparison of MBA vs MCA to help you understand both courses and take the right pick!

MBA vs MCA

MBA vs MCA: The thought of pursuing a master’s degree after graduation can be quite overwhelming for many students. The future of their career depends mostly on what they choose to specialize in. Many BCA graduates often feel confused between MCA and MBA. Both Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Computer Application (MCA) are professional-degree programs that offer extensive areas of specialization. MCA and MBA graduates can find good job opportunities with great benefits in a wide range of public and private sectors. They both are great choices for postgraduation and in this case, the question that arises is whether is it equally beneficial to take up MBA or MCA after BCA.

Well, MBA is a better course for a candidate who is more inclined to take up leadership and managerial roles while MCA is more suited for a student who wishes to hone their technical skills. In this article, we have provided a comparison between the MBA and MCA to help you make the right choice. When choosing between the two courses, it is important that you first identify your interests and define your career goals. This will help you choose the right course between MBA and MCA after a Bachelor of Computer Application (BCA) or any other graduate course.

Also Read: MBA vs MCom

MBA vs MCA: Reasons to Pursue the Courses

The reasons to pursue either an MBA or an MCA after BCA have been provided below.

Reasons to Pursue MBA After BCA

  • Getting an MBA after finishing a BCA is one of the key benefits since you will be exposed to some of the top business concepts, both in terms of managing and developing them.
  • Your ability to function in managerial roles in the business sector will improve with the aid of an MBA in Management.
  • You gain subject-matter knowledge as well as analytical thinking, problem solving, leadership, interpersonal, and other crucial skills that prepare you for the workplace.
  • An MBA makes a vast range of employment opportunities available. You can select from a number of specializations, such as Finance, Information Systems, HRM, Marketing, etc., depending on your area of interest. And pursue a career in it.
  • You may advance to some of the best administrative jobs in the corporate sector with an MBA. Being one of the most sought-after postgraduate programmes, you may anticipate high salary packages as well.
  • Obtaining an MBA from a reputable university aids in job advancement. An MBA will serve you well whether your goal is to advance in a particular industry or launch your own business.

Reasons to Pursue MCA After BCA

  • This is the degree you should choose if you enjoy using technology and the sector highly interests you. An MCA is the best option if you believe that a career in computers and technology is what you want to pursue because it opens up a lot of options in that sector.
  • An MCA programme obtained at a reputable industry will increase your pay scale.
  • The IT sector has never experienced a downturn. Your chance to work in this fantastic sector may be through a career in computer applications. If you are willing to put in a lot of effort, you should be successful in your career.
  • The need for IT specialists, who are provided with high-level positions and excellent wage packages, is increased by the rapidly spreading digitalization and the ever-evolving technology.

MBA vs MCA: Overview

Choosing the right course is as simple as aligning it with your career goals. Let's take a look at the comparison of various factors of the MBA vs MCA.

Features

MBA

MCA

Stream

Management

Computer Application

Types of Courses

  • Full-time
  • Part-time
  • Online
  • Distance Learning

Duration

1-2 years

2-3 years

Top Specializations

Sales, Marketing, Finance, Human Resources, IT, Operations, Digital Marketing, Business Analytics

Application Software, Software Development, Troubleshooting, Hardware Technology, Systems Management

Eligibility

  • Bachelor’s degree in any stream from a recognized university with 50% marks (45% for reserved categories)
  • 50-60% marks in Class 12th
  • A valid score in one of the MBA entrance exams accepted by the college
  • Final-year UG students can also apply but the admission is subject to the final results.
  • Non-Resident Indians and International students must have valid GMAT scores.
  • Graduation in BCA, BSc, BCom, or BA from a recognized university with 50-60% marks (5% relaxation for SC/ST categories)
  • Candidates having Maths as one of the subjects in Class 12th with 55% marks can apply.
  • Final-year UG students can also apply but the admission is subject to the final results.

Admission Process

Entrance exam + GD/PI/WAT + merit-based

Entrance exam + merit-based

Top Entrance Exams

CAT, XAT, CMAT, ATMA, MAT, NMAT by GMAC, SNAP, IIFT, MAH MBA CET

NIMCET, MAH MCA CET, BHU PET MCA, TANCET, WB JECA, JNU MCA, PAMCAT

Popular Colleges

Course Fees

INR 20,000 to INR 40 lakh

INR 15,000 to INR 35 lakh

Top Job Opportunities

Marketing Manager, Project Manager, Product Manager, Business Development Executive/Manager, System Manager, Sales Manager, Financial Analyst, Business Analyst

Software Developer, Hardware Engineer, Database Engineer, Data Scientist, Web Designer and Developer, Cloud Architect, Technical Writer, IT Architect

Top Recruiters

Tata Consultancy Services, Reliance, Cognizant, Wipro, ICICI Bank, Amazon, Apple, BCG, Deloitte, JP Morgan, Microsoft, Morgan Stanley, 

Google, TCS, Capgemini, Hewlett Packard, Huawei, Cognizant, Samsung, Sony, Accenture, Deloitte, Toshiba

Average Salary

Rs. 8.05 LPA

Rs. 8.01 LPA

MBA vs MCA: About the Courses

Graduates looking to boost their careers and find better job opportunities should know about MBA and MCA in detail before stepping into any of these courses.

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

MBA is a management course that imparts and nurtures managerial and administrative skills in a candidate. The course provides in-depth knowledge to a student about how by using various logical and analytical methods, they can help a business manage its various resources such as Finance or HR.

Master of Computer Applications (MCA)

MCA is a core technical course. It provides advanced knowledge in the core technical aspects related to computer applications. An MCA course involves the study of subjects including software development, database management, networking, various programming languages, etc.

A large fraction of the students considering the choice between MBA and MCA are those with some level of work experience. It is common knowledge that having work experience is recommended for an MBA degree (it is even mandatory for some colleges or courses). There is no such conception about MCA, even though work experience before MCA is desirable for better results.

Also ReadMBA Fees in India: Check Fees of Top MBA Colleges in India

MBA vs MCA Specializations

Here are some of the top specializations for MBA and MCA in India.

MBA Specializations

MCA Specializations

  • Systems Development
  • Software Development
  • Management Information Systems
  • Networking
  • Hardware Technology


Also ReadBest MBA Specializations in India

MBA vs MCA: Course Curriculum

The exact course curriculum of the MBA and MCA depends upon the specialization. Here is a comparison of some of the subjects included in MBA (IT) and MCA courses.

MBA Curriculum

MCA Curriculum

  • Software Project Management
  • Information Systems Management
  • Database Management
  • Business and Legal Environment
  • Financial Management
  • Business System Design
  • Information Systems Design
  • Database Management Systems
  • Management Support Systems
  • Software Engineering
  • Programming and Data Structure
  • Accounting and Management Control

MBA vs MCA: Career Scope

An MBA makes you eligible for some of the top-level administrative positions in the business. MBA is one of the most in-demand courses today and MBA graduates earn some of the best salary packages in any industry. Plus, since subjects such as Finance, Accounting, Marketing, etc. are common across industries, MBA is a very versatile degree and can open up career prospects in a wide range of sectors.

Top MBA Job Profiles with Average Annual Salary 

MBA Job Profile

MBA Average Annual Salary

Marketing Manager

Rs. 6.95 lakhs

Finance Manager

Rs. 9.94 lakhs

Business Development Manager

Rs. 5.99 lakhs

Customer Relationship Manager

Rs. 3.56 lakhs


The case with MCA is quite different since it is a highly specialized course that targets technical aspects of the software development and IT industry. MCA graduates are hired for roles that include writing software, providing custom software solutions for a client's needs, taking care of the networking requirements of a client, managing the IT department of a business, etc. MCA graduates are generally hired in tech-based or software development companies.

Top MCA Job Profiles with Average Annual Salary

MCA Job Profile

MCA Average Annual Salary

Software Developer

Rs. 4.94 lakhs

Web Designer

Rs. 2.82 lakhs

Software Engineer

Rs. 5.29 lakhs

Database Manager

Rs. 14.15 lakhs

Network Engineer

Rs. 3.24 lakhs


Also Read: MCA vs MSc IT: Which Is Better?

MBA vs MCA: Salary

The salary prospects for MBA and MCA courses are compared in the table below.

Course

Entry-Level

Mid-Level

Top-Level

MBA

Rs. 5 - 6 LPA

Rs. 10 - 13 LPA

Rs. 13-40 LPA

MCA

Rs. 4 - 5 LPA

Rs. 9 - 12 LPA

Rs. 12-35 LPA

Quick Facts About MCA vs MBA

  • The MCA employment market is expanding, with over 2,05,000 new job vacancies each year and an annual growth rate of 7.7%.
  • Applicants who complete the MCA can expect a quick job placement with a starting salary of INR 4 lakh per annum.
  • Promising MCA candidates may also expect to get hired by the world's greatest corporations and IT organizations, such as Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and others, where their INR 13lpa minimum pay will grow tremendously over time.
  • According to the current situation, many students go for an MBA program to obtain the skills needed to establish a business/start-up/become an entrepreneur.
  • The MBA provides a solid foundation for a career and contributes to a wide range of professional development and abilities.
  • Experienced professionals enroll in an MBA program and change careers.
  • MBA programs enhance innovative thinking.
  • MBA graduates get access to network with the finest in the business.
  • An MBA degree provides you with a certain brand value.
Also ReadDirect MBA Admission Without Entrance Exam

MBA vs MCA: Which Is Better?

Now that we have seen how the basic aspects of each course compare, let's analyze which course is better suited for which type of candidate.

Feature

MBA

MCA

Type of Job

MBA jobs are more outgoing in nature and can range from a variety of tasks including

  • planning campaigns
  • ensuring proper execution of plans
  • working across departments for the implementation of business strategies
  • getting clients on board etc.

MCA jobs can be considered to have more of a desk job feel as compared to the MBA.

It is a good course for a technically-sound candidate and includes the following tasks:

  • maintaining a database or network systems
  • writing code for software and websites
  • ensuring proper code deployment
  • software testing etc.

Ideal Skill Set

  • Good Management and Analytical Skills
  • Good Communication and Interpersonal Skills
  • Ability to coordinate and manage across various departments.
  • Ability to think out of the box and provide creative solutions as well as motivate a team into action.
  • Strong technical background is required.
  • Interest in new technologies and advancements in the software industry.
  • Knowledge of programming languages.
  • Ability to communicate ideas and plans effectively with team members.

Hiring Sectors

  • BFSI Firms
  • Consultancies
  • Manufacturing Companies
  • Retail Industry etc.
  • Software Development Firms
  • IT Consultancies
  • Networking Solution Providers
  • Telecom Companies etc.

Returns

MBA is generally an expensive course but offers good returns straight from the start.

The starting salary for MBA graduates can be pretty decent if you do it from a good college.

MCA is a generally inexpensive course with almost equal salary prospects as MBA.

While the starting salaries can be a bit low but it does increase quite a bit with experience.

It is very important to consider each and every aspect of a course before making a final choice. Carefully analyze your interests, and skills and think of where you see yourself working down the line. Here are some other articles to help you choose the right postgraduate course.

If you have doubts, ask our experts on the CollegeDekho QnA Zone. For help with admissions, fill out our Common Application Form (CAF) or call our toll-free student helpline number 1800-572-9877.

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FAQs

What is the difference between MBA and MCA?

MBA and MCA are two very different courses in all aspects though both of them are professional degree programmes. MBA is a course that delves into business management and administrative skills but the MCA course is more focused on imparting technical skills to a candidate.

Is MBA a better course or MCA?

The choice between an MBA and MCA course will depend on the career goals and preference of a candidate and no one course can be said to be the better between the two. MBA is a better course for candidates who wish to take up leadership roles while MCA is more suitable for candidates who prefer technical roles.

Is MBA a more difficult course or MCA?

Both MBA and MCA are challenging courses with a stringent curriculum. For candidates who have studied BCA, MCA will seem to be an easier course because of similar curriculum. Similarly, MBA will sem to be an easier course after BBA. MBA on the other hand will add newer dimensions to their learning and prepare them for business administration roles. 

 

Does MBA pay better or MCA?

The average salaries after MBA and MCA are very similar. However, generally speaking, MBA is higher-paying course as compared to MCA. Therefore students interested in business roles can opt for MBA after BCA if they want to get paid well. 

 

Which types of jobs are available after MBA vs MCA?

After completing an MBA degree, the available job profiles are more towards working in administrative roles, solving business and administrative problems and more outgoing roles. Job opportunities are MCA, on the other hand, have more desk-time attached to them.Some of the popular roles are data analyst, system analyst, software developer, web designer and full stack developer. 

 

Who are the top recruiters for MBA vs MCA?

With both MBA and MCA degrees, you can get jobs at reputed national and multinational firms in and outside India. The top recruiters for MBA are Reliance, Cognizant, Wipro, ICICI bank, Deloitte, JP Morgan and Morgan Stanley. The MCA graduates are recruited by Google, Capgemini, Infosys, Infotech, IBM, HCL and Toshiba. 

Which course gives better returns MBA or MCA?

Both MBA and MCA qualifications are important in today’s corporate world driven by technology. The job prospects and returns for the streams are equally good. Though MBA is an expensive course that requires an investment of a huge amount of money in form of tuition fees, the starting salary is high which assures good returns. MCA, on the contrary, is not as costly as MBA but the salary scale is lower than MBA. However, in both fields salary starts increasing with experience. 

What are the top specialisations of MBA vs MCA?

Both MBA and MCA courses have several specialisations which students can master. The top specialisations of MBA are marketing, finance, human resource, information technology, supply chain management, entrepreneurship and international business. The popular MCA specialisations are system management, system development, cloud computing, hardware technology, networking, troubleshooting and internet working. 

What are the skills required for MBA vs MCA?

The skills required for MBA and MCA are quite different from each other. Technical skills and knowledge of programming languages are required in MCA whereas leadership skills, management skills, problem-solving skills, analysing power and good communication skills are the forte of MBA aspirants. 

What are the eligibility criteria for MBA vs MCA?

The eligibility criteria for MBA is a bachelor's degree in any specialisation with at least 50% marks. Students also have appeared for an MBA entrance test. On the other hand, MCA can be pursued by students who hold a BSc or BCA from a recognised university.  They must have Maths as a subject in their higher secondary. 

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