DCA Computer Course Overview
DCA full form is known as Diploma in Computer Application. A diploma in computer applications (DCA) program lasts six months, but depending on the school and course curriculum, it may last up to a year. It is intended for candidates who wish to increase their proficiency with computer applications.
As per eligibility criteria for the DCA course, candidates must have completed high school from a recognized board with at least 40% marks. The DCA computer course covers subjects like basic Computer Skills, MS Office Applications, Internet Basics, E-Business, PC Assembly, and Troubleshooting, etc.
Students can also choose from a variety of computer application programs offered in India, such as the BCA program, which provides even higher professional prospects. BBA Computer Applications, BSc Computer Applications, and BA Computer Applications are other categories of computer application courses offered in India.
DCA course fees can be anywhere between INR 5,000 and INR 30,000. One can pursue further education in a similar sector or find DCA course job opportunities in a field like accounting, database handling, fundamental computer applications, software development, computer operator, etc. The average salary after the DCA computer course range between INR 2 to 5 lakhs.
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DCA Course Highlights
The following are a few of the course's main highlights:
| Particulars | Details |
| Course Level | Graduate |
| Duration | 6-12 months |
| Examination | Yearly |
| Eligibility | 10+2 from a recognized board |
| Admission Process | Direct admission to colleges |
| Course Fee | INR 5,000 - 30,000 |
| Average Starting Salary | INR 2-5 lakh |
| Top Recruiting Organizations | Sardius, AARDEE Solutions, Zenith IT Solutions Pvt Ltd, Fortune hub, Blossoms Infotech |
| Top Recruiting Areas | Accounting, Database Handling, Basic Computer Applications, and others |
| Top Job Profiles | Computer Operator, Web Designer, Accountant, Software Developer, C++ Developer, etc. |
| Related Courses | |
| BSc Computer Science | BSc IT |
What is DCA?
The DCA computer course is a one-year diploma program that introduces students to the fundamental ideas of computer science. For those wondering what is the full form of DCA, it is an acronym for Diploma in Computer Application course.
The DCA computer course covers a variety of topics, such as Java development, network basics, office automation, computer basics, app development, Windows operating system, etc. The specifics of the DCA course include these ideas in order to give the students both the subject-matter knowledge and job-related skills they need. DCA certificate qualifies students as diploma holders for computer application programs.
Also Read: Diploma in Computer Engineering
DCA Course Fees and Duration
The duration of DCA course is six to twelve months. The course fees for Diploma in Computer Application can be anywhere between INR 5,000 to 30,000. Students must refer to the college website to get the exact DCA course fees for that particular institute.
DCA Eligibility
Students must fulfill the basic eligibility requirements to enroll in the Diploma in Computer Application course. The institute that offers the DCA computer course has a certain selection process that must be followed in order for them to be admitted to the course. In India, most of colleges and universities follow the following admission procedure:
- Candidates must have successfully finished and passed their high school 10 + 2 from a recognized board to enroll in the Diploma in Computer Application (DCA) course.
- Having studied computers as a core or elective subject after 10th class will be an added advantage.
- There are no further requirements for admission for candidates. However, high-achieving individuals would be preferred.
Must Read: Software Engineering Courses after 12th
DCA Admission Process
For DCA Admissions, students should visit the college or university website for admission information. The application form and the admission process usually take place between April and June. At some universities, the DCA can also be completed by university post-graduates. In that case, a PG degree will be considered for final admission. No further entrance tests are required for admission to this course program.
Steps to Apply:
- Students must visit the college or university website for information on the admissions process, application fees, tuition fee structure, syllabus, and so on.
- Admission starts in April and extends to June.
- Candidates will be shortlisted for the DCA course based on the grades of candidates in grade 10+12 or bachelor and PG certificates.
Also read - Diploma Courses After 12th: Eligibility, Duration, Top Colleges, Salary
How to Apply for DCA Course?
- DCA computer course details are available on the college websites through which the students can begin their application process. Applications for the DCA course can be availed through both the online and offline modes.
- The candidate's performance in the 10+2 examinations will determine their selection process. Some colleges hold entrance exams to choose the most qualified applicants.
- Candidates for DCA course admission must be between the ages of 18 and 22.
- Students must visit the college or university website for information on the admissions process, application fees, tuition fee structure, syllabus, and so on.
- Admission starts in April and extends to June.
- Candidates will be shortlisted for the DCA course based on the grades of candidates in grade 10+12 or bachelor and PG certificates.
Further Reading: Software Engineer Salary in India
DCA Certificate Courses
Students who complete the DCA course will receive a certificate detailing their proficiency in computer applications and academic performance, which will help them land their ideal career. After high school and graduation, students can enrol in DCA courses.
Diploma in Computer Application Syllabus
The table below mentions the DCA syllabus as followed by most colleges and universities:
DCA Syllabus: Semester 1 | DCA Syllabus: Semester 2 |
| Computer Fundamentals and Windows | Spreadsheets |
| Representation of data/Information concepts of data processing | Manipulation of cells |
| Introduction to Windows | Manipulation of sheets |
| Windows Setting | Providing Formulas and functions |
| Window/Accessories | Filters- Auto Filter, Advanced filters |
| Opening documents and closing documents | PowerPoint presentations |
| Formatting the texts | Communication and Internet |
| Handling Multiple documents | WWW and Web browser |
| Special features | Electronic mail |
| Mail merge | Document handling |
Diploma in Computer Application Subjects
The table below mentions the DCA subjects as followed by most colleges and universities:
DCA Subjects: Semester 1 | DCA Subjects: Semester 2 |
| Fundamentals of Computer | Database Management System |
| Operating System and Application Program | Visual Basics (VB) |
| Programming Language | Internet and Web Page Designing |
| Practical in C Programming and Application Program | Project work |
| Practical on Application Program | - |
DCA Colleges in India
The University of Calcutta, JMI, LPU, and other prestigious universities offer a Diploma in Computer Applications, with average tuition costs ranging from INR 10,000 to INR 1,00,000. The table below provides further information:
| Name of The University or College | Fees |
| University of Calcutta | INR 7,810 |
| Jamia Millia Islamia | INR 5,610 |
| Lovely Professional University | INR 99,000 |
| Savitribai Phule Pune University | INR 5,850 |
| Aligarh Muslim University | INR 1,900 |
| Punjab University | INR 20,800 |
| University of Madras | INR 4,950 |
DCA Computer Course: College Comparison
Here is a detailed college comparison of two popular universities that offers a Diploma in Computer Applications course:
Parameters | University of Calcutta | Aligarh Muslim University |
| Overview | Established by law of the Legislative Council of British India in 1857, University of Calcutta is one of the best universities in the country with over160+colleges affiliated to the university. | Founded by Sir Syed Ahmed Khan in 1920, Aligarh Muslim University was placed 238th in the QS ranking. |
| Location | Kolkata | Aligarh |
| NIRF Rankings | 5 | 11 |
| Annual Course Fees | INR 2000 | INR 8000 |
| Annual Salary | INR 3.4 to INR 5 LPA | INR 2 to 4 LPA |
| Top Recruiters | Thought Works Technologies, Wipro, HCL Technology, TCS, NIIT, etc. | Aditya Birla Group, Tata Motors, UCO Bank, ITC, CESC limited, etc. |
Also read - Diploma Courses After 10th: List, Eligibility, Fee & Scope
DCA Top Universities and Colleges Abroad
Given below is the list of the top universities and colleges that provide DCA course for students who wish to study abroad:
Course Name | College or University Name |
| Diploma of Computing | Australian National university |
| Diploma in Information Technology | University of technology |
| Diploma in Information Technology | Monash university |
| Diploma in Computer Systems Technician | Centennial college |
| Diploma in Computer Programmer | Humber college |
| Diploma in blockchain | European Business University |
| Diploma in Network Defence and Forensic Countermeasure | PSB Academy |
| Diploma in Database Design and Development | The TAFE NSW |
DCA Distance Education
Top universities like MP Bhoj (MPBOU), OPJS University, and Annamalai University offer DCA distance education for an average cost of INR 10,000–25,000. Let's get into the details -
| Colleges/Institute | Duration | Fees |
| National Institute Of Management | 3 years | INR 52,500 |
| Pioneer Institute Of Professional Studies | 1-3 years | INR 31,500 |
| MP Bhoj (MPBOU) | 1-3 years | INR 8,280 |
| OPJS University | 6 - 12 months | INR 17,500 |
| Annamalai University | 1 year | INR 3,500 |
Courses After DCA
| Course | Duration | Average Fees |
| Master of Computer Applications (MCA) | 3 years | INR 30,000 - INR 2,00,000 |
| ADCA | 1 year | INR 15,000 - 30,000 |
| MSc Computer Applications | 2 years | INR 30,000 - 2,00,000 |
| MCom Computer Applications | 2 years | INR 10,000 - 60,000 |
| PhD Computer Applications | 2-5 years | - |
Further Reading -
- Diploma in Computer Engineering: Fees, Subjects, Syllabus, Jobs, Salary
- List of Best Computer Diploma Courses: After 10th, 12th and Graduation, Eligibility, Fees
DCA Skills
The following are the abilities that students gain from taking the DCA Course:
| DCA Skills | |
| Fundamental Computer Skills | Communication skills |
| MS Office apps | Interpersonal skills |
| Basics of ERP | Analytical skills |
| E-Business | Coding skills |
| Internet fundamentals | Programming skills |
| IT security & Software hacking | Attention to detail |
Diploma in Computer Application Jobs
Jobs like computer operator, web designer, software developer, etc. are included in the DCA Jobs category. The job position and average salary are shown in the table below:
| Job Position | Salary |
| Computer Operator | INR 2 to 3 lakh |
| Accountant | INR 1 to 2 lakh |
| Web Designer | INR 4 to 5 lakh |
| Software Developer | INR 3 to 5 lakh |
| C++ Developer | INR 4 to 6 lakh |
Diploma in Computer Application Salary
| Jobs | Salary (average) per year |
| Profile managers | INR 2.53 lakh |
| Language developer | INR 3.5-4.5 lakh |
| Web developer | INR 3-5 lakh |
| Graphic design and animation | INR 5-6 lakh |
| Technical Developer | INR 2-3 lakh |
| Administrative management | INR 3 lakh |
| Software Developer | INR 3-5 lakh |
| Accountant | INR 1-2 lakh |
| Computer operator | INR 2-3 lakh |
Diploma in Computer Application Top Recruiters
| Top Recruiters | |
| Cognizant | CESC |
| TCS | Tata Motors |
| Syntel | UCO Bank Limited |
| HCL | ITC |
| NIIT | Aditya Birla Group |
| Dell | |
| Wipro | Amazon |
| Tech Mahindra | Capgemini |
Diploma in Computer Application Scope
The field of DCA has a wide range of possibilities. After completing this DCA course, one may move on to pursue higher education or consider employment opportunities. For people who don't wish to work a job, there is also the alternative of self-employment. You can work as a freelancer to create your own program. There are numerous software MNCs that hire DCA graduates. Those with the required job experience and skills may find good profiles in MNCs.
Students who want to advance their careers can enroll in advanced programs like MCA or Ph.D. Some of the top specializations in MCA are System management, system development, management information systems, etc.
Also read - Diploma in Computer Engineering/Computer Applications