PGDCA course full-form is Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Applications. It is an ideal choice for individuals who are passionate about the IT field and aspire to excel in various roles within the industry. To pursue this course, the candidate must be a graduate or have done an equivalent course from a recognized university. PGDCA admission is done on a merit basis where some institutions such as JMI Delhi and DU conduct entrance exams for the selection of candidates. These entrance exams include JMI EEE, GITAM GAT, IISER, NEST, and DUET. To secure admission to the PGDCA course, candidates have to secure a minimum of 50% marks or an equivalent CGPA from a recognized institute. The PGDCA syllabus covers essential topics such as software development, database management, security, and data science and analytics.
Many institutions offer both full-time and part-time options, allowing you to pursue your studies while accommodating your personal and professional commitments. The top PGDCA colleges in India are Jamia Millia Islamia, Lovely Professional University, University of Delhi, IGNOU, etc. On average, PGDCA course fees in India range from INR 7,000 to 1,10,000. The PGDCA course fees may reach higher up to INR 120000 in private universities. The online PGDCA course fees in India can range between INR 1,000 to INR 5,000. Upon successful completion of the PGDCA course, you can explore a multitude of career opportunities in the IT sector software developer, database administrator, web developer, and network administrator, which are just a few examples of the diverse career paths available to PGDCA graduates.
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Candidates who are aiming to pursue a PGDCA course should check the highlights given in the table below.
Particular | Detail |
---|---|
Name | PGDCA Course |
Full form | Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Application |
Related Full Forms | Diploma in Computer Application, Master Content Management, Master of Computer Management |
Course Level | Post-graduation |
Duration | One year |
Course fees | INR 7,000 - 1,10,000 |
Eligibility criteria |
|
Field | IT or computer applications |
Top colleges | Jamia Millia Islamia, Lovely Professional University, Madras Christian College |
Average PGDCA Salary | INR 2,00,000 to INR 20,00,000 Per Annum |
Top job profiles | UX Designer, Web Developer, Ethical Hacker, Software Developer |
Top recruiters | Tech Mahindra, Accenture, Infosys, TCS, Oracle, etc. |
After the conclusion of the PGDCA course, candidates are open to job opportunities such as Computer Analyst, Systems Analyst, IT Consultant, Web Designer, IT Support Analyst, Quality Assurance Analyst, etc. after completing PGDCA. IT Services, App Development, Consumer Support, Quality Assurance, and other sectors typically hire these professionals. Students who have completed the PGDCA course can further pursue higher education options like MCA, MSc IT, MSc CS, and more. After finishing the PGDCA course, especially from reputed institutes like ISI Kolkata, students can expect to receive attractive job offers such as Web Developer, Java Developer, IT Professional, and other similar roles. If you are planning to pursue a PGDCA course and wondering how it will help your career, then go through the following infographic and pointers given after it.
Less Time-Consuming Course: PGDCA is a one-year postgraduate programme, which makes it a viable career option as compared to other similar courses like MTech or MCA whose duration is two years.
Reasonably Satisfactory Salary Packages: After completing the PGDCA course, candidates are offered attractive salary packages. The average PGDCA salary in India is INR 7 LPA.
Extensive Developments in Computer Skills: Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Applications, PGDCA is conditioned for graduate candidates who are inquisitive about computer applications. This helps candidates to have professional knowledge of computer applications.
Industry-Relevant Curriculum: The curriculum of the PGDCA course is carefully crafted to align with the latest industry trends and demands. It incorporates emerging technologies and tools used in the IT sector, ensuring that students stay ahead of the curve.
Hands-On Experience: To complement theoretical knowledge, the PGDCA course emphasizes practical learning and hands-on experience. Students engage in real-world projects, case studies, and industry internships to apply their skills in practical scenarios.
Also Check - MCA Admissions 2024
The main purpose of the online PGDCA course is to give candidates a combination of skilled expertise in computer science. The duration of these courses is approximately six months to one year (maximum). The average PGDCA course fee for distant programs ranges between INR 7,000 and INR 30, 000. Some of the available PGDCA online courses have been listed in the table below.
Course Name | Eligibility Criteria | Fees (in INR) |
---|---|---|
Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Applications (PGDCA) | Candidates have to complete their graduation/ post-graduation with a minimum of 10+2+4 years of formal education with Mathematics as the main subject | Not Available |
Post Graduate Diploma In Computer Applications (PGDCA) Course | Candidates have to be a graduate in any field | 6,000 |
Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Application (PGDCA) | Candidates have to be a graduate in any field | 3,299 |
Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Applications (PGDCA) | Candidates have to be a graduate in any field | 4,000 |
MS ExcelThe PGDCA and Diploma in Computer Applications (DCA) are both diploma-level courses in the field of computer applications. Candidates might be often confused between the PGDCA and DCA courses since they both almost have similar servings. The major difference lies in the degree of both courses. The following is a discussion about the PGDCA course and DCA based on subjects, course fees, duration, colleges, and salaries.
Parameters | DCA | PGDCA |
---|---|---|
Full Form | Diploma in Computer Application | Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Application |
Duration | 6 months - 1 year | 1 year |
Fees | INR 5,000 to INR 30,000 | INR 7000 to INR 1,10,000 |
Top Colleges |
|
|
Subjects Taught | Introduction to Computer and Internet, Computer Organisations and Operating Systems, MS Word, MS-Excel | PPM AND OB, Web Programming, Soft Skills, Java |
Average Annual Salary | INR 3,00,000 to INR 7,00,000 Per Annum | INR 2,00,000 to INR 20,00,000 Per Annum |
PGDCA courses can be pursued offline/regularly and in distant/ online mode. Candidates can choose either of them as per their preference. Several pros and cons are experienced by the candidates for both online and offline courses. The PGDCA course types have been explained below.
Full-Time PGDCA Course: The PGDCA offline or regular courses are the most popular courses among both. Regular classes are more beneficial since the candidates can clarify their doubts to the mentors. The duration of the regular PGDCA courses duration one year, and the fee ranges from INR 7,000 to 1,10,000.
Part-Time PGDCA Course: The part-time courses are opted for by students who are working full-time in their professions. Institutes such as IGNOU, the University of Delhi, Lovely Professional University, etc. offer this type of course. Unlike full-time courses that take 12 weeks to complete, part-time PGDCA programmes can be completed in nearly eight weeks.
PGDCA Distant/ Online Course: The PGDCA distance or online courses mostly opt for candidates who are mostly working professionals or are not able to visit the campus physically. Aspirants who encounter the course as challenging to learn in a normal course owing to economic and time constraints can opt for distance education.
The PGDCA course eligibility criteria highly depend on the type of institute you are applying for admission to. Therefore, a student must check the eligibility criteria before applying for the PGDCA course. However, the basic eligibility can be understood by the candidates from the following points-
Qualifying exam: The candidate applying for PGDCA must be a graduate in any discipline such as BA, BCom, BSc, BBA, BCA, BTech, etc.
Minimum marks: Some colleges or universities require candidates to have a minimum of 40-50% aggregate marks or equivalent in graduation courses from a recognized university.
Age limit: In some instances, PGDCA courses have an age requirement for admission. Vallabh Government College requires applicants to be no older than 26 years of age (28 for females) to be considered eligible for admission into the PGDCA courses.
To stand out from other students, and understand the lessons taught in the PGDCA course students must have certain interpersonal skills. These skills have to be mastered properly as candidates must be very efficient in communicating with the whole organization in their professional careers. Following are some of the interpersonal skills required for the PGDCA course.
Admission to PGDCA course is generally done through merit only. However, some PGDCA colleges in India offer entry through entrance exams. Students who are taking admission via the entrance exam must study the PGDCA course syllabus and subjects thoroughly to qualify for the exam and secure a seat. Check some of the popular PGDCA entrance exams and their details given below.
JMIEEE: JMI Engineering Entrance Exam or JMIEEE is an entrance exam conducted by Jamia Milia Islamia for candidates who are interested in admission to PGDCA programmes.
DUET: Delhi University Entrance Test or DUET is an exam conducted by Delhi University for candidates who are interested in admission into PG and PhD programmes.
NEST: The NEST entrance test is held for admission to the Post Graduate Diploma Course in Computer Application. The exam is given entirely online.
GITAM GAT: GITAM University holds a GAT entrance test for all prospective PGDCA students. It provides admission to numerous institutions affiliated with GITAM University.
IISER: The Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISER) hold admission exams for candidates interested in pursuing the PGDCA programme. IISER results are accepted by IITs for PGDCA entrance.
The PGDCA programme provides various specialisations that allow students to focus and enhance their expertise in specific domains. Let us delve into some popular PGDCA specialisations and their significance in today's IT landscape.
Specialisation Name | Description |
---|---|
Software Development | It covers programming languages, software engineering principles, application development frameworks, and project management techniques. Graduates can pursue careers as software developers, application architects, or project managers. |
Database Management | It delves into database design, administration, data modelling, data warehousing, and data analytics. Graduates can pursue careers as database administrators, data analysts, or data architects. |
Network and Security | It covers statistical analysis, data mining, machine learning, big data processing, and predictive modelling. Graduates can pursue careers as data scientists, data analysts, or business intelligence specialists. |
Web Technologies | It equips students with the skills required to develop and manage web-based applications, websites, and e-commerce platforms. It covers web programming languages, web development frameworks, user experience (UX) design, and web security. Graduates can pursue careers as web developers, UX designers, or web administrators. |
Also Read: Top Programming Languages Colleges in India
Admission to the PGDCA course is done based on entrance exams as well as the merit of the candidate. Moreover, the PGDCA course admission process varies from institution to institution. Some PGDCA colleges offer admission to candidates based on merit while some conduct their entrance examinations. Therefore for a better understanding, candidates can take a look at the table stated below for a better understanding of the PGDCA admissions based on the institutions.
College Name | Admission Criteria |
---|---|
Institute of Distance Education, Maharishi Markandeshwar University, Mullana | Based on the merit of the qualifying exam |
Punjab Technical University, Jalandhar | Based on the merit of the qualifying exam |
Dibrugarh University, Assam | Based on the merit of the qualifying exam |
Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata |
|
Lovely Professional University (LPU) | Based on the merit of the qualifying exam |
Directorate of Distance Education, Annamalai University, Tamil Nadu | Based on the merit of the qualifying exam |
Patna Women’s College, Patna | Based on the merit of the qualifying exam |
Sardar Patel University |
|
IGNOU | Based on the merit of the qualifying exam |
University of Delhi | Based on the merit of the qualifying exam |
Career Point University, Kota | Based on the merit of the qualifying exam |
Vallabh Government College, Mandi |
|
Students who face difficulties in pursuing the regular PGDCA course due to financial or time constraints can opt for the PGDCA distance education courses. This course allows students to learn from a distance, making it a convenient option for those who cannot attend regular classes.
To be eligible for PGDCA Distance Education, students must have completed their undergraduate degree from a recognized university with a minimum of 40% marks or equivalent CGPA. This course helps students gain knowledge in computer science without having to attend regular classes.
Some of the top colleges that offer PGDCA courses through distant mode have been listed below.
Name of the Colleges | Average Fees |
---|---|
Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai | INR 10,000 |
IGNOU, New Delhi | INR 21,600 |
University of Delhi | INR 7,000 |
Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology, Hisar | INR 6,000 |
Sambalpur University, Odisha | INR 12,000 |
IGNOU is a popular choice for students who want to study through distance education. One of the most popular courses offered by IGNOU is PGDCA. To be eligible for this course, students need to have completed their graduation from a recognized university and must have studied Mathematics in their class 12th board examination. If a student did not study Mathematics in their class 12th board examination, they can still pursue PGDCA. The fee for the PGDCA course at IGNOU is INR 21,600.
The fee for a PGDCA course in India depends on the college/university a student is attending. For this, they must first shortlist a few universities and visit their official website to check the fee structure as per their requirements and affordability before enrolling in the programme. Generally, the total average course fee for PGDCA in India ranges between INR 7,000 and 1,10,000.
Candidates can check the PGDCA colleges from the top cities in India here in the following table.
Some of the PGDCA colleges from Delhi have been listed below.
Name of the Colleges | Average Fees |
---|---|
Delhi University | INR 7,000 |
Jamia Millia Islamia | INR 7,800 |
International Institute of Management, Media & IT | INR 75,000 |
The table below highlights the top PGDCA colleges in Bangalore.
Name of the Colleges | Average Fees |
---|---|
St. Joseph’s College | INR 50,000 |
ACTS College | - |
Sri Jayachamarajendra Government Polytechnic | - |
Candidates can find the list of top PGDCA colleges in Pune in the following table.
Name of the Colleges | Average Fees |
---|---|
Savitribai Phule Pune University | INR 1,700 |
Bharati Vidyapeeth | - |
Indian Statistical Institute | - |
The table below highlights the top PGDCA Colleges in Mumbai.
Name of the Colleges | Average Fees |
---|---|
SNDT Women’s University | INR 30,017 |
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj University | INR 75,000 |
Indian Statistical Institute | - |
As discussed, PGDCA is a one-year computer application course that includes two semesters only. Candidates can check the semester-wise PGDCA course syllabus given below.
There are a large number of PGDCA colleges in India that provide quality education at affordable fees. Some of the top private colleges offering PGDCA courses in India have been listed in the table below along with their respective fee.
Note: The fee PGDCA course fee mentioned above is subject to change at the authority’s discretion.
Some of the top government colleges offering PGDCA courses in India have been listed below.
College Name | Average Fee (in INR) |
---|---|
Baring Union Christian College, Batala | 34,600 |
Chaudhary Mahadeo Prasad Degree College, Allahabad | 1,320 |
College of Applied Science (IHRD), Mavelikara | 18,600 |
Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Government Arts and Commerce College, Indore | 11,600 |
Government College, Solan | 26,050 |
Institute of Engineering and Technology, Dr BR Ambedkar University, Agra | 15,630 |
The PGDCA college comparisons between Madras Christian College and DAV College, Punjab have been listed below.
Parameters | Madras Christian College | DAV College, Punjab |
---|---|---|
Admission Process | Merit Based | Merit Based |
Eligibility | Undergraduate Degree | 10+2+3 |
PGDCA Course Fees | INR 15,000 | INR 24,5000 |
Top Recruiters | Capgemini, TCS, Wipro | Oracle, TCS, Infosys |
Placement Package | INR 2,34,000 Per Annum | INR 2,85,000 Per Annum |
After completing the PGDCA course, candidates can be hired into private as well as government sectors, particularly if the degree is obtained from a prestigious institution. PGDCA job profiles include Business Development Manager, Senior Analyst, Information Technology Manager, etc.
The PGDCA government jobs are varied given the various number of esteemed organizations that provide designations to the graduates of this course. The following is a discussion of the career options after completing the PGDCA program in terms of salary, top recruiters, job profiles, etc.
Job Profiles | Job Description | Average Salary |
---|---|---|
Software Developer | Professionals in software development create applications, programs, and websites that we use on our computers and other electronic devices. They use their skills to design and build these tools to make them easy to use and help us complete tasks efficiently. | INR 3,90,000 Per Annum |
IT Support Analyst | They are responsible for delivering advice, technical set-up, and aid to users via phone, email, social media, and in person. | INR 3,00,000 Per Annum |
Systems Analyst | Systems Analysts are professionals who help organizations figure out what technology they need to achieve their goals. They examine the hardware, software, and other technical systems used by the organization, and then make recommendations for new systems that will work better. They are responsible for ensuring that the technology used by an organization is up-to-date and functioning effectively. | INR 6,00,000 Per Annum |
IT Consultant | IT Consultants help provide technical support in buildings and implement IT systems for internal as well as external clients. | INR 11,00,000 Per Annum |
Web Designer | Web Designers generate the design and layout of a website or web pages, working with colleagues or clients to reach their goals and requirements. | INR 2,30,000 Per Annum |
Software Engineer | They write and test codes. Software engineers are also responsible for refining the existing codes and creating technical specializations. | INR 5,00,000 Per Annum |
Quality Assurance Analyst | Before new games and software are released to the public, they are thoroughly tested by quality assurance analysts. These analysts make sure that the games and software work properly, are reliable, and are easy for people to use. | INR 4,00,000 Per Annum |
The average starting PGDCA salary ranges between INR 2,00,000 to INR 4,00,000 Per Annum. After completing the course, the salary will depend on the job profile as well as experience. Generally, the salary increases with an increase in experience, skills, and expertise. The average PGDCA salary for some top job profiles is listed in the table below.
Job Profile | Average Salary |
---|---|
IT Support Analyst | INR 3,00,000 Per Annum |
Software Engineer | INR 5,00,000 Per Annum |
IT Consultant | INR 11,00,000 Per Annum |
Web Designer | INR 2,30,000 Per Annum |
Software Developer | INR 4,00,000 Per Annum |
Quality Assurance Analyst | INR 4,00,000 Per Annum |
Systems Analyst | INR 6,00,000 Per Annum |
Also Read: Career in Information Technology (IT)
The scope of PGDCA is not only forbidden to IT firms and private industries as the widespread impulse articulates but also to various state-level and central-level government institutes that deliver an honourable designation with generous job protection. After completing the course, students get various career options to choose from. Candidates can check some top PGDCA career options and their job descriptions given below.
The PGDCA job recruitment in the public sector is typically done based on an entrance exam and personal interview conducted by various boards. Students can find jobs in both government and private sectors after completing the PGDCA course. Some top PGDCA recruiters have been listed below.
Also Read: Free Online IT Courses After 12th
The Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Applications (PGDCA) equips a candidate with the necessary skills to support oneself in the working world and land a lucrative position. PGDCA is a programme with many applications since it gives a lot of scope and fantastic employment opportunities both inside and outside the nation. If you are planning to pursue the PGDCA course then go for it as there are considerable career opportunities for those who complete it.
PGDCA is a one-year (with two semesters) postgraduate course offered by many Universities in India recognized by UGC.
Indian Statistical Institute (Kolkata), University of Delhi, Patna Women's College, Punjab Technical University (Jalandhar), IGNOU (Delhi), College of Applied Science (IHRD), etc. are some of the best PGDCA institutes for PGDCA courses in India.
PGDCA courses can be pursued online as well as offline courses. It depends on the candidate which mode they choose to opt for. Unlike full-time courses that take 12 weeks to complete, part-time PGDCA programmes can be completed in nearly eight weeks.
No, you cannot pursue a PGDCA course without a degree. As per the PGDCA eligibility criteria, candidates must have completed a bachelor's degree with a minimum of 40% aggregate from a recognised university.
PGDCA vs MCA comparison shows that the PGDCA program is one year and offers candidates a basic in-depth knowledge of numerous computer programs, while the MCA degree is a three-year post-graduate degree that gives candidates a thorough knowledge of computer applications.
The average salary of a PGDCA course graduate is INR 2-6.5 LPA. After completing the course, the salary will depend on the job profile as well as experience. Generally, the salary increases with an increase in experience, skills, and expertise.
Some of the jobs available after PGDCA courses are Software Developer, Programmer, PHP Developer, Technical Consultant, Oracle PL/SQL Developer, Quality Analyst, IT Specialists, Technology Engineer, Graphic Designer, etc.
No, you cannot pursue a PGDCA course after 12th grade since it is a postgraduate program. To get admission to this programme, students must have completed their studies in any subject with at least 50% marks (45% for SC/ST candidates).
Candidates applying for PGDCA must be graduates of BA, BCom, BSc, BBA, BCA, BTech, etc. and score 50% aggregate marks in aggregate from a recognised institute. Also, they must clear any entrance exam required by their desired college for admission.
Candidates who desire to apply for the course must have obtained their degree or post-graduation from an accredited university or institution, with a minimum of 10+2+4 years of formal study.
PGDCA course provides in-depth knowledge of various topics such as database management systems, web applications, operating systems, and programming.
Yes PGDCA is an ideal course to study if you are inquisitive in acquiring expertise in the field of computer application.
No, you cannot pursue PGDCA after the completion of class 12th.
A PGDCA course provides in-depth knowledge and opens up placement opportunities in sectors such as banking, accounting, and insurance.
Apeejay College of Fine Arts, Jalandhar, St Aloysius Institute of Management and Information Technology, Mangalore, Babu Shivnath Agrawal PG College, Mathura, and The Bhopal School of Social Sciences, Bhopal are some of the top private PGDCA colleges in India.
To get into Vallabh Government College, you have to take a written entrance test. It's a test that asks you 100 multiple-choice questions, each worth 1 mark. The test lasts for 1 Hour and 30 Minutes, and it will cover four different subjects. Most of the questions will be about General Aptitude, Basic Maths, General Awareness, and English. These questions will be asked in different proportions, with a majority of them focused on General Awareness and English.
College of Applied Science (IHRD), Mavelikara, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Government Arts and Commerce College, Indore, Government College, Solan, Institute of Engineering and Technology, Dr BR Ambedkar University, Agra are some of the government PGDCA colleges in India.
The full form of PGDCA is the Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Applications. For those who have a strong interest in IT and want to succeed in a variety of professional roles, this programme is a great option. Applicants must have completed an equivalent course from an accredited university or be a graduate to enrol in this course.
Yes, the PGDCA course is good for the job as it gives you specialisation in computer applications which is needed by many recruiters in current times, especially in the banking sector, health sector, insurance sector, accountancy, etc.
Admission to the PGDCA course is majorly done on a merit basis. However, some colleges like Jamia Milia Islamia, Delhi, GITAM University, Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata, etc. conduct entrance exams for admission.
Following are some of the top job roles that are available for candidates willing to work after the conclusion of the PGDCA course IT Support Analyst, Software Engineer, IT Consultant, Web Designer, Software Developer, and Quality Assurance Analyst. Other demanding job roles have been discussed in the following pointers.
The following are required skill sets to be successful in the PGDCA course Communication skills - verbal and written, Familiarity with Industry Standards, Knowledge of the core subject, Teamwork, Creativity, Multi-disciplinary exposure, Leadership Skills, Analytical & Creative thinking, Acquaintance with Computers & IT, etc.
DCA is the study of basic computer knowledge and PGDCA is a more technical and deep study of computer applications. The subjects taught in DCA courses are Introduction to Computer and Internet, Computer Organisations and Operating Systems, MS Word, and MS Excel whereas on the other hand, the subjects taught in the PGDCA course are PPM AND OB, Web Programming, Soft Skills, and Java.
Some of the subjects that are taught in the PGDCA first year are Fundamentals of Information Technology, Programming, Soft Skills, Software Engineering, Business Process, Oracle, Web Programming, and Practical Work.
Some of the top PGDCA courses in India include Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi, Punjab Technical University, Jalandhar, Dibrugarh University, Assam, and Lovely Professional University. Other institutes include-