BCA Syllabus & Subjects 2025 is designed to equip students with in-depth knowledge of computer applications, programming languages, and IT tools. Key subjects include Programming in C/C++, Data Structures, Database Management Systems, Web Technologies, Operating Systems, and Software Engineering. The course also incorporates mathematics, computer networks, and mobile application development. Through theoretical studies and practical lab work, students build strong foundational and technical skills. The program prepares them for careers in software development, system management, and IT services. Regular assignments, projects, and internships ensure hands-on experience and industry readiness.
BCA syllabus & subjects 2025 covers a broad range of subjects such as Introduction to Operating Systems, Programming using C, Computer Graphics & Animation, Computer Networks, Programming in Java, and Database Management Systems. The Semester Wise BCA Syllabus consists of lectures, classroom learning, project work, lab sessions, interactions with industry experts, and presentations.
Candidates pursuing a BCA course will be introduced to semester-wise BCA Subjects using the programming language C, handling operating systems, various computer fundamentals, data structures, graph theory, statistics, learning management systems, HTML, object-oriented programming using C++, Java Programming, embedded systems, computer graphics, etc. Candidates get jobs in the private and public sectors after graduating from the BCA course.
BCA 1st year Subjects include C Programming Lab, Introduction to Programming Using C, Digital Computer Fundamentals, etc., while BCA 2nd year Subjects include Data Structures, Data Structures Lab, Visual Programming Lab, etc. This piece will focus on the BCA course syllabus and BCA Subjects for all candidates willing to pursue the BCA course in the future. All the candidates should check them in advance and analyse them before applying for the admission process of the BCA course.
Also Read: Top BCA colleges in India 2025
Candidates can check the BCA syllabus and subjects highlights from the table below.
Particulars | Details |
---|---|
Duration | 3 years |
Eligibility | Passed Class 12th with a minimum of 50% marks. |
Semester | 6 Semesters |
BCA Subjects | Fundamentals of Computers, C Programming, Data Structures and Algorithms, Software Engineering, Web Development, Database Management Systems, Operating Systems, Computer Networks, Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing |
BCA Course Structure | Classroom lessons, project work, seminars, lab lessons, skills enhancement classes, etc |
BCA Specializations |
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Top Colleges for BCA in India |
Since the BCA course is spread over three years, candidates can expect a range of subjects that they have to study. Some institutes offer a yearly BCA syllabus; most institutes have spread the BCA syllabus over two semesters per year. The BCA syllabus for all six semesters has been divided and explained accordingly in the subheads below.
Before planning to take up BCA as a field of study, candidates are advised to check the BCA syllabus and make their decisions accordingly.
BCA 1st Year Syllabus
The BCA 1st year subjects have been highlighted in the table below.
Semester 1 | |
---|---|
Hardware Lab (CIA ONL) | Digital Computer Fundamentals |
Creative English | Introduction to Programming using C |
Foundational Mathematics | C Programming Lab |
Statistics for BCA | PC Software Lab |
Semester 2 | |
Cast Tools Lab (CIA only) | Data Structures |
Communicative English | Data Structures Lab |
Basic Discrete Mathematics | Visual Programming Lab |
Operating Systems |
BCA 2nd Year Syllabus
The semester-wise BCA syllabus for the 2nd year has been highlighted in the table below.
Semester 3 | |
---|---|
Interpersonal Communication | Object-oriented Programming using C++ |
Introductory Algebra | C++ Lab |
Financial Accounting | Oracle Lab |
Software Engineering | Domain Lab (CIA only) |
Database Management Systems | |
Semester 4 | |
Professional English | DBMS Project |
Financial Management | Web Technology Lab |
Computer Networks | Language Lab (CIA only) |
Programming in Java |
BCA 3rd Year Syllabus
The semester-wise BCA subjects for the 3rd year have been highlighted in the table below.
Semester 5 | |
---|---|
Unix Programming | Unix Lab |
User Interface Design | Web Designing Project |
Graphics & Animation | Graphics & Animation Lab |
Python Programming | Python Programming Lab |
Business Intelligence | Business Intelligence Lab |
OOAD using UML | |
Semester 6 | |
Design & Analysis of Algorithms | Multimedia Applications |
Client-Server Computing | Introduction to Soft Computing |
Computer Architecture | Advanced Database Management System |
Cloud Computing |
Also Read: Best Career Options after BCA - Career Scope, Job Profile, Courses after BCA
The syllabus and subjects for BCA distance programs have been described according to the semesters.
BCA Distance 1st year Syllabus
Candidates can check the BCA 1st year subjects for distance programs in the table below.
Semester 1 | |
---|---|
Business Communication | Computer Fundamental and Office Automation |
Programming Principles and Algorithms | Business Accounting |
Principles of Management | Computer Laboratory and Practical Work |
Semester 2 | |
Organisational Behavior | Cost Accounting |
Elements of Statistics | Computer Lab and Practical Work |
File Structure and Database Concepts | C Programming |
BCA Distance 2nd year Syllabus
Candidates can check the BCA semester-wise syllabus for semester 3 and semester 4 in the table below.
Semester 3 | |
---|---|
C Programming | RDBMS |
Software Engineering | Computer Lab and Practical Work |
Data Structure Using C | Numerical Methods |
Semester 4 | |
Networking | Human Resource Management |
Visual Basics | Object-Oriented Programming Using C++ |
Inventory Management | Computer Lab and Practical Work |
BCA Distance 3rd year Syllabus
Candidates can check the BCA semester-wise subjects for semester 5 and semester 6 in the table below.
Semester 5 | |
---|---|
NET-Frameworks | Project Work |
Internet Programming and Cyber Law | Elective |
Core Java | Microprocessor Architecture and Programming |
Semester 6 | |
E-Commerce | Project Work |
Multimedia Systems | Elective |
Advance Java | Data Communications and Computer Networks |
Also Read: BCA Bangalore - Admission 2025, Fees, Courses, Placement, Ranking
The BCA 1st year subjects, along with the other semesters, have been listed in the table below.
Subjects | Topics Covered |
---|---|
Introduction to Programming Using C |
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Operating Systems |
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Computer Graphics and Animation |
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Programming in Java |
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Computer Networks |
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Database Management Systems |
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Candidates pursuing BCA courses are all intended to study some common BCA subjects. These BCA subjects will be taught in most of the specialisations. To provide students with a more rounded education, the BCA syllabus includes some of the common subjects like Basic Mathematics, English Communication, IT Fundamentals, etc.
These common BCA subject lists have been highlighted in the pointers below.
The core subjects in BCA represent the compulsory ones, and candidates have no privilege to choose any of them. The table below highlights the BCA core subjects for all semesters.
Subjects | Description |
---|---|
Fundamentals of IT & Computers | Basics of computer systems, hardware, and software. |
Basic Mathematics | Foundational math concepts used in computer applications. |
Digital Electronics | Study of digital circuits, logic gates, and systems. |
C Language Lab | Practical programming using the C language. |
English Communication | Developing verbal and written communication skills. |
Operating Systems and Fundamentals | Basics of OS design, functions, and management. |
Advanced C Programming Lab | In-depth coding practice in advanced C concepts. |
C Language Advanced Concepts | Complex data types, pointers, and file handling in C. |
Organisational Behaviour | Understanding workplace psychology and human behavior. |
Advanced Mathematics | Applied math for computing, including algebra and calculus. |
Database Management Systems | Designing and managing structured data and databases. |
DBMS and Web Technology Lab | Practicals on database queries and basic web tech. |
Software Engineering | Software development processes, models, and tools. |
Open Source Technology | Overview of free software tools and platforms. |
Web-Based Applications | Building and managing internet-based software applications. |
Web Designing | Designing user-friendly and responsive web interfaces. |
Object-Oriented Programming | Programming using classes, objects, and encapsulation. |
Introduction to Linux | Basics of Linux OS, commands, and file systems. |
Data Structures | Organising and managing data efficiently in programs. |
Elective | Student-selected subject for broader specialisation. |
Software Engineering – II | Advanced software design, testing, and maintenance. |
Advanced Java and Python Lab | Hands-on practice in Java and Python programming. |
Python Language | Programming fundamentals using Python syntax and logic. |
Java Programming | Developing applications using Java language features. |
eCommerce and Marketing | Understanding digital business, strategy, and promotion. |
Elective | Student-selected subject for broader specialisation. |
Artificial Intelligence | Basics of AI algorithms and intelligent systems. |
Application Development | Building and deploying real-world software applications. |
Information Security | Protecting data, networks, and systems from threats. |
Elective | Student-selected subject for broader specialisation. |
Project/Dissertation | Final-year research or application development project. |
Also Read: Top BCA Colleges in Patna 2025
The optional electives of the BCA subjects have been explained based on the years as electives 1, 2, and 3. Here is the list of BCA Elective Subjects:
The specialisations include Personal Information Management, Database Management, Music & Video Processing, etc. The BCA Syllabus and Subject specialisations have been highlighted in the table below.
Specialisations Area | Subject Topics |
---|---|
Internet Technologies | Web Development, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, Internet Protocols |
Database Management | SQL, Oracle, DBMS Concepts, Data Modeling, MySQL |
Programming Languages | C, C++, Java, Python, C#, Object-Oriented Programming |
Personal Information Management | Digital Calendars, Task Management Tools, PIM Software |
Word Processing | MS Word, Google Docs, Text Formatting, Document Editing |
Computer Graphics | 2D/3D Graphics, OpenGL, Image Processing, Rendering |
Animation | 2D Animation, 3D Modeling, Adobe Flash, Blender |
Accounting Applications | Tally, QuickBooks, Accounting Principles, Financial Software |
System Analysis | System Development Life Cycle (SDLC), Requirements Analysis, Use Case Design |
Music & Video Processing | Audio/Video Editing, Adobe Premiere, Audacity, Media Conversion |
Also Read: BCA College - Admission 2025, Fees, Courses, Placement, Ranking
Some of the popular specialisations under BCA courses are data science and data analytics. For an easier understanding, we have mentioned the year-wise BCA Data Science Syllabus and BCA Data Analytics Syllabus.
BCA Syllabus for Data Science
The Subjects concerning the BCA Data Science syllabus have been listed in the table below.
First Year BCA Data Science Syllabus
You can check the BCA Data Science course syllabus in semesters 1 and 2 in the table mentioned below:
Semester 1 | |
---|---|
Language 1 | Discrete Mathematics |
Environmental Science and Sustainability | Computational Thinking and Programming in C Lab |
Communicative English | Computer Essentials for Data Science |
Cultural Education 1 | Computational Thinking and Programming in C |
Semester 2 | |
Professional Communication | Database Management System Lab |
Database Management System | Data Structure and Algorithm |
Language Paper 2 | Operating System |
Cultural Education 2 | Data Structures Lab |
Statistics and Probability |
Second Year BCA Data Science Syllabus
You can check the BCA Data Science course syllabus in semesters 3 and 4 in the table mentioned below:
Semester 3 | |
---|---|
Computer Networks | Essential of Data Collection Ethics |
Life Skills 1 | Object Oriented Programming using C++ |
Software Engineering | Practical Exposure to Data Collection Lab |
Descriptive Statistics | Scripting Technologies Lab |
Semester 4 | |
Open Elective A* | Introduction to Data Mining |
Life Skills 2 | Introduction to Java and Web Programming |
Python Programming Lab | Java Programming Lab |
Python Programming | Elective A |
Third Year BCA Data Science Syllabus
You can check the BCA Data Science course syllabus in semesters 5 and 6 in the table mentioned below:
Semester 5 | |
---|---|
Machine Learning | Introduction to Parallel Programming Lab |
Data Modelling and Visualisation | Open Elective B* |
R Programming for Data Science | Fundamentals of Machine Learning Lab |
Introduction to Parallel Programming and Data Optimisation | Minor Project |
Elective B | |
Semester 6 | |
Natural Language Processing | Big Data Analytics Lab |
Big Data Analytics | Elective C |
Information and Data Security | Project |
BCA Syllabus for Data Analytics
The Subjects concerning the BCA Data Analytics syllabus have been listed in the table below.
First Year BCA Data Analytics Syllabus
You can check the BCA Data Analytics course syllabus in semesters 1 and 2 in the table mentioned below:
Semester 1 | |
---|---|
Mathematics for Data Scientists - I | Programming in C Lab |
English for Professionals | Operating System Lab |
Computer Architecture & Organisation | Operating System |
Communication skills | Programming in C |
Semester 2 | |
Object Oriented Programming using Java | Object Oriented Programming using Java Lab |
Mathematics for Data Scientists -- II | Data Structures and Algorithms Lab |
Probability & Statistics - I | Introduction to Data Science |
Data Structures and Algorithms | Excel for Data Scientists (Tool-Based) |
Second Year BCA Data Analytics Syllabus
You can check the BCA Data Analytics course syllabus in semesters 3 and 4 in the table mentioned below:
Semester 3 | |
---|---|
Software Engineering | Scientific Programming Using R (Tool-Based) |
Reasoning and Thinking | Computer Networks |
Probability & Statistics - II | Software Engineering Lab |
Database Management Systems | Database Management Systems Lab |
Semester 4 | |
Data Manipulation Using PL / SQL Programming | Business Communication and Presentation Skills / Professional Ethics |
Inferential Statistics | Exploratory Data Analysis (Tool-Based) |
Machine Learning Algorithms - I (Tool-Based) | Data Manipulation Using PL / SQL Programming Lab |
Big Data Analytics (Tool-Based) | Inferential Statistics Lab |
Third Year BCA Data Analytics Syllabus
You can check the BCA Data Analytics course syllabus in semesters 5 and 6 in the table mentioned below:
Semester 5 | |
---|---|
Cloud Computing | Cloud Computing Lab |
Time Series Analysis | Machine Learning Algorithms - II (Tool-Based) |
Data Visualisation (Tool-Based) | Elective – III (Any One) |
Elective – I | Data Science Project Management |
Elective – II | Data Science Industry Use Cases |
Time Series Analysis Lab | Advances in Data Science |
Semester 6 | |
Project and Viva-Voce | Neural Networks |
Elective - III | Elective – II (Any One) |
Elective – I (Any One) | Natural Language Processing |
Internet of Things | Reinforcement Learning |
Artificial Intelligence | Real-Time Data |
Also Read: Government Jobs after BCA
Selection for the BCA course can be both merit-based and entrance-based. Few universities require students to take entrance exams like the CUET UG, AIMA UGAT, IPU CET, SET, NIMCET, BUMAT, and Christ University Entrance Test. The syllabus of the entrance exams in BCA includes:
CUET UG: CUET UG entrance exam syllabus for BCA includes Class 12-level subjects such as General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, Computer Fundamentals, and English language. It assesses candidates on problem-solving skills, analytical ability, and basic computer knowledge.
AIMA UGAT: AIMA UGAT entrance exam syllabus for BCA comprises English Language, Numerical and Data Analysis, Reasoning and General Intelligence, and General Knowledge. The computer-based section includes basic computer awareness and IT terminology.
IPU CET: IPU CET entrance exam syllabus for BCA includes English Language & Comprehension, Mathematics, Computer Awareness, and General Knowledge. Questions are based on Class 12 topics with a focus on logical and analytical reasoning as well.
SET (Symbiosis Entrance Test): SET entrance exam syllabus for BCA covers English, Quantitative Aptitude, General Awareness, and Analytical & Logical Reasoning. The questions test overall aptitude and problem-solving ability relevant to computer application studies.
NIMCET: NIMCET entrance exam syllabus includes Mathematics, Analytical Ability & Logical Reasoning, Computer Awareness, and General English. It helps students with a strong foundation in computer-related topics to seek advanced programs later.
Christ University Entrance Test: Christ University entrance exam syllabus includes English Language, General Knowledge, Fundamental Mathematics, Reasoning, and Computer Basics. It assesses readiness for undergraduate computer application education through a balanced approach.
The important books required for the BCA course have been highlighted in the table below. Candidates are advised to check them and prepare according to them.
BCA Books and Author Name
Name of BCA Syllabus Books | Name of The Author |
---|---|
The C Programming Language | Brian W Kernighan |
Operating System Concepts | Avi Silberschatz and Peter Galvin |
Software Engineering | Ian Sommerville |
Fundamentals of Numerical Compultion | G Alefeld and R Grigorieff |
A Textbook on C: Fundamentals, Data Structures and Problem Solving | Karthikeyan |
Data Structure Using C | A K Sharma |
Design of The Unix Operating Systems | Maurice Bach |
Algebraic Methodology and Software Technology | Grigore Rosu and Jose Meseguer |
Object-Oriented Analysis and Design with Applications | Booch |
Also Read: BCA + MCA
Here are some skill sets that are essential for a successful career in computer applications that are taught throughout the BCA program.
The BCA Course is organized into two semesters each year (January to June and July to December). As a result, there are two tests held each year: one in June for the January to June semester course and another in December for the July to December semester. Students can appear for any of the University's examination schedules throughout the year, provided they complete the minimum duration and attendance requirements.
Computer Network Security, Introduction to e-governance, Data Mining and Warehousing, IT Acts and Cyber Laws, and Operation Research are some of the BCA elective subjects.
Fundamentals of IT & Computers, Digital Electronics, Basic Mathematics, English Communication, and C Language Lab are the common BCA subjects.
Based on the Semester Wise BCA Subjects, there are 6 subjects that the candidates will have to learn in in BCA 1st year Syllabus.
Some of the BCA 1st year Subjects include C Programming Lab, Introduction To Programming Using C, Digital Computer Fundamentals, etc.
No, there are no changes in the BCA 1st year Subjects for the year 2023.
Fundamentals of IT & Computers, Digital Electronics, Basic Mathematics, English Communication, and C Language Lab are some of the compulsory subjects in BCA.
Yes, mathematics is compulsory in BCA course.
There are a total of six subjects each semester with 2 lab subjects.
No, a Bachelor of Computer Applications or BCA is not a hard subject.
The 6 subjects for BCA first semester are Hardware Lab (CIA ONL), Creative English, Foundational Mathematics, Statistics for BCA, Digital Computer Fundamentals, and Introduction to Programming using C.
BCA course duration is 3 years.
BCA 3rd year syllabus consists of Python Language, E-commerce and Marketing, Artificial Intelligence, Application Development, Project, Software Engineering etc. Students are also taught advanced topics like cyber security and mobile software.
The syllabus of BCA course includes 6 subjects per semester which count to 36 subjects in all three years. Along with course subjects candidates will also have to study lab subjects every semester.
There are a total of 12 subjects taught in the BCA first year along with lab subjects. Some of the BCA first year subjects are Hardware Lab (CIA ONL), Foundational Mathematics, Introduction to Programming using C, Basic Discrete Mathematics, Cast Tools Lab (CIA only), etc.