After completing their BA, some students interested in the computer or IT industry may wonder about taking the MCA course. However, some questions might arise, including “Can a BA graduate opt for MCA?” or “Is MCA a good course for someone from a BA background?” or “Is after BA MCA a difficult choice? Find the answer to these questions in this article as we have gathered all the information one might require to opt for an MCA after BA.
What is MCA?
Master of Computer Applications or MCA is a post-graduate program that lasts 2 or 3 years. The MCA course has recently gained significant popularity with the advent of technology and digital transformation. Students who want to work as software developers or get into the IT sector without undertaking a traditional software or computer engineering program usually opt for an MCA degree.
The MCA degree program provides the firm background that students need to enter the IT sector and even work with some of the top IT firms. It helps students to carve their paths in the software and computer-related domains at the industry level.
Moreover, newer positions and career opportunities in this field are coming up with each passing day. Today, almost all industries require technology specialists, so the scope of MCA continues to evolve. Besides, the average salary of MCA graduates in India is in the range of INR 6-8 lakhs per annum (LPA). However, freshers can receive a starting pay package that is lower, at around INR 4 LPA, while high-performing candidates or applicants with previous work experience may receive a pay package of up to approximately INR 20 LPA.
What is BA?
Bachelor of Arts or BA is an undergraduate program that has a duration of 3 years. This course can be attended in either a full-time or part-time manner. The BA degree program has a plethora of subdivisions with several expressive disciplines such as English, Politics, History, Economics, et al.
To take admission into BA courses, the candidate must have qualified for their higher secondary 10+2 level from any recognised board of education while the procedure for selection varies according to the institutional requirements. In this regard, some colleges have merit-based admission while others have entrance exam-based selection. Moreover, companies such as Accenture, Genpact, UnitedHealth Group, InterGlobe Technologies, Times of India Group, HDFC Bank, HSBC, TCS, Infosys, and KPMG, among others, are some of the top recruiters of BA graduates in India. The average package for BA graduates was recorded to vary from INR 3,00,000 to 6,00,000 per annum.
Can BA students do MCA? Can I do MCA after my BA?
If you’re a BA graduate or currently pursuing a BA and wondering if you can enrol in an MCA course then the answer is Yes. The eligibility criteria according to AICTE require the candidate to have BCA, BSc, BCom, or BA degrees with mathematics in their 10+2 level. The candidate should also secure a minimum of 55% aggregate in their graduation. Albeit, some colleges allow students who have scored 50% in their graduation for MCA as well.
But what about students who are from backgrounds such as English? Can a student get admitted into MCA after BA in English? As mentioned above, students from any discipline, may it be Arts, Commerce, or Science, who had mathematics in their 10+2 level are eligible to take up the MCA course.
To Conclude
If one is from a BCA, BSc in IT, or computer science background, then MCA is best suited for them. For someone who wants to take an MCA course directly after BA, it will be relatively difficult. This is due to the highly technical nature of the course, with a curriculum revolving around programming in different languages, computer architectures, data analysis, software development and newer technologies. It is both theoretical as well as practical.
Still, if the candidate is interested in the computer and software-related domains after the successful completion of a BA program, then taking up an MCA course can be a viable option. It is also recommended that the candidate take a few certifications or online courses in programming languages before joining an MCA program, as this helps create a firm foundation at the very onset. To know more about how one can leverage the scope of an MCA degree after pursuing a BA degree program, connect with an expert mentor at the Sunstone website today!
About Sunstone
Sunstone is a leading higher education services provider that works with academic institutions to upskill students for employability. Sunstone offers career-oriented training interventions for undergraduate and postgraduate students at 50+ institutions across 35+ cities.
Sunstone’s training programs are industry endorsed to enhance employability. These programs are designed for hybrid delivery with an unparalleled focus on soft skills and personality development. Sunstone’s focus is to provide students with a holistic educational experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I do an MCA after a BA in Economics?
Yes, one can definitely opt for an MCA degree after completion of their BA in Economics. Though, the student must have a minimum aggregate of 55% and mathematics in their 10+2 level. Applicants may also have to appear in one of the following entrance exams:
- NIMCET
- RMCAAT
- LUCSAT
- AIMCET
- Is MCA a 2 years course or 3 years?
MCA course duration after BA can either be two years or three years, depending on the institution offering the program. However, there isn’t much difference between the two MCA courses. The curriculum, training, examination, and exposure are all similar. Even the packages offered during recruitment are identical for a student with a two-year MCA course and someone with a three-year MCA course. Albeit, the salary is competitive and depends on the experience, domain knowledge, job profile and skill set of the candidate. The only highlighting difference is the duration between these two PG degree programs.
- Which field is best after BA?
There are countless fields one can explore after successfully finishing a BA degree. These include Law, an MA degree in a specialised aspect of the BA honours program, opting for competitive government exams such as UPSC, SSC, or banking exams, MCA, and an MBA degree to excel in managerial and leadership skills, among others. No one field is the best, and it entirely depends on the candidate’s passion and abilities.
