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Chetna Verma

Updated on 02nd January, 2024 , 7 min read

PGDCA: Full Form, Admission, Colleges, Syllabus, Scope, Salary 2024

Course

What is PGDCA?

The PGDCA full form is a Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Application. The PGDCA course duration is 1 year. This course focuses on providing advanced theoretical and development expertise in computer science.

Further Reading: Top Computer Courses in India 

PGDCA course fees range between INR 7,000 - 1,10,000. PGDCA syllabus begins with the fundamentals of information technology and disciplines like programming, Java, Data structures, and more. Read more: PGDCA Syllabus

PGDCA-Full-Form

As per the PGDCA eligibility criteria, students must have completed a bachelor's degree with a minimum of 40% aggregate from a recognized university. Some universities and colleges may also require students to study mathematics as a compulsory subject at graduation based on graduation level. The top PGDCA colleges in India include Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi University, Punjab Technical University, Lovely Professional University, etc. PGDCA admissions are done through both the merit and entrance exams. After completing the PGDCA course, students can pursue career options like Software Engineer, Software Developer, Quality Assurance Analyst, and more, with an expected average salary ranging between INR 2-20 LPA.

More Computer Courses: 

Diploma in Computer Engineering 

Diploma in Computer Application 

Bachelor of Computer Application

BSc Information Technology 

BTech in Computer Science

BSc Computer Science 

Master of Computer Application

MSc Computer Science 

PGDCA: Course Details 

PGDCA Full FormPost Graduate Diploma in Computer Application
Course LevelPost-Graduation
PGDCA Course Duration1 Year
PGDCA Course FeesINR 7,000 - 1,10,000
PGDCA EligibilityBachelor's Degree with a minimum of 40% aggregate
PGDCA Admission 2024Merit and Entrance Based
PGDCA Entrance ExamsJMI EE, DUET
Top PGDCA CollegesJamia Millia Islamia, Madras Christian College, Lovely Professional University
Average SalaryINR 2-20 LPA
PGDCA Job ProfilesSoftware Engineer, Software Developer, IT Support Analyst
Top PGDCA RecruitersAccenture, TCS, Infosys, Oracle, Tech Mahindra etc.

Further Reading: Diploma Courses after 10th & 12th

PGDCA: Course Syllabus

pgdca-syllabus

The PGDCA course curriculum has been created to help students understand even the most minute information about the subject. PGDCA syllabus includes subjects like programming, java, soft skills, etc. We have listed the subjects included in the PGDCA syllabus below:

PGDCA Syllabus- Semester I

PGDCA Syllabus- Semester II

Fundamentals of Information TechnologyVisual Basics
Computer ProgrammingJava
Software EngineeringDBMS
Business ProcessData Structure & Algorithms
OraclePPM & OB
Web ProgrammingProject work
Practical WorkPractical Work

Subjects & Syllabus of Computer Courses:

BSc Computer Science

Diploma in Computer Application

B. Com Computer Application

MSc Computer Science

BSc Information Technology

-

PGDCA: Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for PGDCA courses vary from one college to another, such as:

Thus, it is important to check the admission criteria of the college you are applying to for the PGDCA course.

PGDCA: Entrance Exams

Most colleges grant direct admission based on marks acquired in qualifying, and a few colleges accept PGDCA entrance exam scores for admissions. The entrance exams for the PGDCA course are as follows:

PGDCA Entrance ExamFull FormConducting Board
JMIEEJamia Millia Islamia Entrance Exam Jamia Millia Islamia University
DUETDelhi University Entrance TestNational Testing Agency (NTA)

PGDCA: Admission 2024

Admission to the PGDCA course is based on both merit and entrance exams. Admission criteria may vary from college to college. Below is detailed information on the admission process for the PGDCA course.

Entrance Exam-Based PGDCA Admission

Some colleges and universities, like Jamia Millia Islamia, and Delhi University grant PGDCA admissions based on entrance exams such as JMIEEE, DUET, etc. Students must qualify for the entrance exam with a valid score to get admission into such colleges. Among others, institutes like Sardar Patel University, Vallabh Government College, and Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata, conduct their own PGDCA entrance exams for admission into the course.

Merit-Based PGDCA Admission

Students are evaluated for merit-based PGDCA admissions based on their grades in undergraduate programs including BSc, BA, BCom, BCA, and BTech, etc. Some colleges call students for personal interview rounds after screening them for qualifying marks.

Further Reading: Software Engineering Courses after 12th 

Top PGDCA Colleges in India

Here is a list of the top colleges that offer PGDCA courses in India.

pgdca-colleges-in-india

PGDCA College

PGDA College Location

PGDCA Course Fees

Jamia Millia Islamia

Delhi NCR

INR 7,800

Delhi University (DU)

Delhi NCR

INR10,000

Punjab Technical University, Jalandhar

Punjab

INR 7,400

Dibrugarh University, Assam

Assam

INR 23,380

Lovely Professional University

Punjab

INR 1,09,000

Annamalai University

Tamil Nadu

INR 6,900

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj University

Maharashtra

INR 75,000

Madras Christian College, Chennai

Tamil Nadu

INR 15,300

Savitribai Phule Pune University

Maharashtra

INR 11,700

SNDT Women's University

Maharashtra

INR 30,017

St. Joseph's College

Karnataka

50,000

International Institute of Management, Media & IT

Delhi NCR

75,000

PGDCA: Distance Education

Apart from regular colleges, students have the option of doing PGDCA distance education. Students who find it challenging to study in a normal course owing to financial and time constraints can explore distance education. The main goal of PGDCA Distance Education is to give students a variety of professional expertise in computer science.

Students must complete their undergraduate coursework from an accredited university with a minimum of 50 percent of the total possible points, or an equivalent CGPA, to be eligible to enroll in a PGDCA distance education program.

Here is a list of some of the colleges that offer PGDCA distance education:

pgdca-distance-education

Name of the CollegePGDCA Course Fees
IGNOU, New DelhiINR 21,600
University of DelhiINR 7,000
Amity School of Distance Learning, Noida-
Madurai Kamaraj University, MaduraiINR 10,000
Sambalpur University, OdishaINR 12,000
Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology, HisarINR 6,000

PGDCA: IGNOU

One of the most popular options for those who want to pursue distance education is IGNOU. PGDCA IGNOU courses are the most popular among the students. 

As per the eligibility criteria, students must complete their undergraduate degree from an accredited university with mathematics as their major in the class 12 board exams.

Students who do not have mathematics as their major subject in the 12th board exams can enroll in BCS courses and PGDCA courses.

The PGDCA course fee at IGNOU is INR 21,600.

PGDCA vs DCA: Course Comparison 

For your information, a brief comparison of the PGDCA and DCA (Diploma in Computer Applications) programs is provided below:

Features

PGDCA

DCA

Full FormPost Graduate Diploma in Computer ApplicationsDiploma in Computer Applications
SubjectsPPM & OB, Web Programming, Soft Skills, JavaIntroduction to Computer and Internet, Computer Organizations and Operating Systems, MS Word, MS Excel
PGDCA Course FeesINR 7,000 - 1,10,000INR 5,000 - 30,000
PGDCA Course Duration1 year6 months - 1 year
Top CollegesJamia Millia Islamia, Madras Christian College, Indian Statistical InstituteCalcutta University, Lovely Professional University, Aligarh Muslim University
Average SalaryINR 2 - 20 LPAINR 3 - 7 LPA

PGDCA: College Comparison

It is important to pick the right college to enroll in a particular course. In this section, we have given a detailed comparison of two of the best universities that offer PGDCA courses in India. The comparison is based on several considerable factors, such as eligibility criteria, course fees, admission, placements, etc.

Features

DAV College

Madras Christian College

Eligibility Criteria10+2+3Undergraduate Degree
Admission ProcessMerit-BasedMerit-Based
PGDCA Course FeesINR 24,5000INR 15,000
Placement Offered2.85 LPA2.34 LPA
Top RecruitersTCS, Oracle, InfosysTCS, Capgemini, Wipro

PGDCA: Reference Books

Students get access to PGDCA books in both online and offline formats on every given topic. Students can also obtain the PGDCA book in PDF format from the internet to save money. The PGDCA syllabus is dynamic, with each subject specialization having a unique PGDCA book. Thus, students should download the PGDCA subject's PDF before making a purchase whenever possible. Some of the well-liked PGDCA reference books are listed below:

  • Database Management Systems by Bipin Desai
  • Computer Database Organization by James Martin
  • C Programming by Balaguruswamy
  • Object-oriented programming in C++ by Nabajyoti Barkakati
  • Born to code in C by H. Schildt
  • IT tools and applications by A Mansoor

PGDCA: Scope

PGDCA is a relatively new degree. Students who have completed a PGDCA course may choose to continue their education beyond that level or begin a professional job. The two options that can be pursued after completing PGDCA courses are shown below.

Higher StudiesWork
Post PGDCA course, students can pursue higher education such as MCA, MSc IT, MSc CS, etc.Post PGDCA course, students can receive attractive job offers for positions such as web developer, java developer, IT professional, etc.

PGDCA: Jobs and Salary

pgdca-jobs-and-salary

Students who complete the PGDCA course are given job opportunities with titles like Information Technology Manager, Business Development Manager, Senior Analyst, and others. They can work in different sectors like IT, banking, finance, health, hospitality, etc. After completing PGDCA courses, the initial salary packet ranges between INR 2 to 4 LPA on average.

Job ProfileJob DescriptionAverage Salary

Software Engineer

 

Software engineers create and test programs. Additionally, they are in charge of generating technical specializations and improving the current codes.INR 5 LPA
Software DeveloperSoftware developers create software solutions by creating websites, apps, and programs.INR 3.9 LPA
IT Support AnalystIT support analysts are in charge of providing technical setup, guidance, and assistance to users through phone, social media, and in-person.INR 3 LPA
Quality Assurance AnalystQuality assurance analysts test and examine games, programs, and software to ensure their reliability, functionality, and user-friendliness before they are released in the market.INR 4 LPA
Systems AnalystIT systems are examined by systems analysts, who also write requirements for new ones. They examine the hardware, software, and larger IT systems for clients and companies to determine the new requirements.INR 6 LPA

IT Consultant

 

IT consultants offer both internal and external clients technical assistance when developing and implementing IT systems.INR 11 LPA
Web DesignerWeb designers create the look and layout of a website or web page while collaborating with clients or other designers to satisfy their needs.INR 2.3 LPA

Among others, students can also take up job roles like programmer, Network Administrator, Computer Animation Expert, Database Administrator, Corporate Customer Services, Graduate Software Developer, Applications Developer, Graphic Designer, and Techno Marketing, etc. in various sectors.

PGDCA: Top Recruiters

Mentioned below is a list of the top recruiters who hire PGDCA candidates:

  • TCS
  • Tech Mahindra
  • Accenture
  • Infosys
  • Deloitte
  • Cognizant Technology Services
  • Oracle
  • Wipro
  • Amazon

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Frequently Asked Questions

PGDCA full form is Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Applications.

PGDCA course provides detailed knowledge of the domain and offers job opportunities like web developer, web designer, computer language programmer, computer programmer, software developer, ethical hacker and more.

The PGDCA eligibility criteria requires students to complete bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.

PGDCA course duration is one-year divided into two semesters.

PGDCA syllabus includes topics like Fundamentals of Information Technology, Computer Programming software engineering, Oracle, Java, web programming, etc.

PGDCA course fees ranges anywhere between INR 7,000 - 1, 10,000.

PGDCA admissions are based on both merit as well as entrance exams. The admission process may vary from one college to another. Some colleges/universities like Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi University offer admissions based on entrance exams like JMIEEE, DUET, etc.

No, PGDCA is a postgraduate program. Students must have completed the graduation from a recognized university to be eligible for PGDCA course.

DCA is an undergraduate degree which provides the fundamental knowledge about computers, and PGDCA is a technical degree that offers in-depth knowledge about computer applications. PGDCA course offers professional expertise and better job prospects as compared to DCA.

No, it is not a master’s degree. PGDCA is a diploma course.

Yes. Many top companies like Google, Amazon, TCS, Infosys, etc hire PGDCA professionals with salary ranging between INR 2 – 10 LPA.

Top PGDCA colleges include: Jamia Millia Islamia Delhi University Punjab Technical University Lovely Professional University Amity University

MCA is considered one of the best courses for students having interests in computer applications and software. Whereas PGDCA or Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Application deals with the basics of operating software, computers, internet, programming, etc.

Yes. PGDCA distance education is available for students cannot opt for full-time PGDCA course. Some of the top distance PGDCA colleges are IGNOU, Amity School of Distance Learning, Sambalpur University, Madurai Kamaraj University, etc.

After completing PGDCA course, students can pursue career options such as Software Engineer, Software Developer, IT Support Analyst, Quality Assurance Analyst, Systems Analyst, IT Consultant, and more.

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