INTRODUCTION
The Master of Computer applications (MCA) course is a three-year post graduate course. The curriculum emphasizes on the technical and practical aspects of computer applications and programming languages. It is an interdisciplinary subject and is a combination of subjects like Computer Science, Electronics, Java Programming, Mathematics, Probability and Statistics.
A strong foundation is provided in programming languages, web designing languages, database-specific languages, software development and design, core computers and systems science and cloud technology services. Theoretical topics related to Information Technology (IT), Database Architecture, Programming and Data Structure, Operating Systems, Communication Networks, Statistical Computing, Network Programming and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are covered in the course curriculum. Practical lessons and laboratory sessions related to IT, UNIX and Windows, Optimisation Techniques and Networking are also included to provide a well-balanced curriculum. Subject electives like Numerical Computing, Software Project Management, Mobile Computing, Microprocessors, Advanced Database Management, Operational Research, Software Quality Management, Firewall and Security and Digital Signal Processing promote subject curiosity and interest.
The course has multiple specializations which can be selected during the final year of the MCA course. These include:
- Application Software
- Business Intelligence
- Cloud Technology
- Database Administration
- Data Mining
- Data Warehousing and Hardware Technology
- Internet Design and Applications
- Information Security
- Management Information Systems (MIS)
- Networking
- Software Maintenance and Testing
- Storage Technology
- Storage Area Networks
- Systems Management
- Systems Development
- Systems Engineering
- Software Development
- Troubleshooting
The MCA course curriculum is enhanced through additional experience and skill- improvement methods like guest lectures, webinars, on-site training, internships, seminars, dissertations, workshops, industrial visits and live projects.
ENTRANCE EXAMINATIONS FOR MCA
The admission for MCA course is provided in two modes:
- Merit-based Admission
- Candidates can apply to the desired colleges/Universities once the admission applications are available and open
- Qualification in national/state/institution-level examinations
- Group Discussion
- Personal Interview
- Management-based Admission – Direct admission
Qualification in national/state/institution-level examinations is a very important criterion for admission as it measures each individual candidate’s competence, overall performance, IQ, knowledge and academic strengths. Most of the top colleges and universities in India offer admission to students on the basis of a Merit List prepared according to the marks scored in competitive entrance examinations. Each qualifying entrance examination has a different and unique exam pattern and marking scheme.
Some of the popular state-level entrance examinations are:
PGCET - Post Graduate Common Entrance Test
| Conducting Body | Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) |
|---|---|
| Exam Level | State |
| Mode | Paper-based |
| Duration | 150 minutes |
| Pattern |
|
KMAT - Common Entrance Test
| Conducting Body | Karnataka Private Post Graduate CollegesAssociation (KPPGCA |
|---|---|
| Exam Level | State |
| Mode | Paper-based |
| Duration | 150 minutes |
| Pattern |
|
PREPARATION FOR ENTRANCE EXAMINATIONS
Candidates should prepare well for these entrance examinations since an excellent score increases their chance of getting admission into a reputed college. There are multiple examinations and preparation for them can become tiring and exhausting. Proper planning, management and preparation can help to ease the studying process and make the candidates prepared and better adapted to face entrance exams. It is recommended to consider and follow the guidelines below before beginning with the preparation for entrance examinations:
- Early organization, strategy, planning and preparation is essential to perform well in the entrance examinations.
- Draft a time table for constant revision.
- Check the mode, duration, syllabus, marking scheme and examination pattern of the entrance exams so that you can plan a study schedule and strategize accordingly.
- Purchase entrance examination guides, preparation material and question banks to analyse the trend of questions asked like repetition, out-of-syllabus, analytical and reasoning questions.
- Practice sample question papers, previous examination papers and mock tests to be familiar with pattern and timing.
- Stay up-to-date with the latest news and current affairs of national and international significance.
- Prepare for analytical and logical reasoning questions by continuous practice using guide books and practice test questions.
Reference Books:- A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning (Aggarwal R. S.)
- Olympiad Reasoning Workbook (Pallavi Aggarwal)
- Build vocabulary, comprehension, and grammar. Prepare for vocabulary questions by continuous practice using practice test questions
Reference Books:- Word Power Made Easy (Norman Lewis)
- English Vocabulary: Speedy Study Guides (Speedy Publishing LLC)
- Practice basic mathematics sums and problems. Memorize formulae and short-cuts for better recall ability. Prepare for quantitative questions by continuous practice using practice test questions
Reference Books:- Basics of Arithmetic & Algebra (Ravi Vare)
- Objective Approach to Mathematics (Amit M. Agarwal)
- Learn and remember the fundamentals and basic concepts of the syllabus since this is mandatory.
- Hard work and determination is a necessity during preparation.
- It is important to avoid distractions like TV, music and video games.
- If additional monitoring and assessment is required, join an education advisory centre. Galaxy Educational Services is one of Bangalore’s best academic advisory and counselling centres.
- Prepare and write down short notes and points for quick and regular reference and revision.
- Time management is essential to effectively grasp maximum syllabus in less time.
- Take frequent breaks to avoid tiredness and over-exhaustion.
- Eat healthy by maintaining a balanced diet and avoiding junk food.
- Proper sleep is important to maintain physical and mental wellbeing.
- Make time for leisurely activities like yoga, meditation, sports and walking.
- Limited use of digital devices like mobile phones, TVs, play stations, laptops and tablets will help to avoid distractions.
CONCLUSION
After successful completion of a Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) graduate degree, the ideal next step is to pursue an MCA degree. To be eligible and qualify to apply for an MCA course, it is important to attempt MCA Entrance Examinations. This is required for successful admission into top MCA colleges. Fresh MCA graduates can specialize in any subject studied in BCA. They can get additional knowledge in the latest programming languages, designs and tools to develop better, faster, and more efficient web-based applications. Candidates can become successful professionals in private and public offices, IT companies and MNCs.