Why I chose BCA over BTech: Sheenam Vinayak

To be honest, I opted for a non-medical stream in Class 11^th because my mother shared good reviews about the field. I had no idea about it. After Class 12^th, I had to choose my course. I did not have any interest in Physics and Chemistry but somehow I started to love programming on the computer.  So I decided to take admission in BCA for which the college was to be decided by my parents.

I was provided with around 3 to 4 choices and out of the all the choices, I finally decided to take admission in Bikram College of Commerce, Patiala. The first semester’s results proved my decision right as I was the 2^nd highest scorer in that semester.  I also am the 2^nd highest scorer from my batch and this motivates me to do better.

After graduation, I wanted to pursue MCA from one of the best universities in order to secure my future. Therefore, I started preparing for the same in Chandigarh. I was selected in Punjab University, Chandigarh’s Main campus and Thapar Institute of Information and Technology. After having a discussion with my mother, I decided to go for Thapar. It proved to be a good decision as Thapar gave me many opportunities to explore myself.

Exams Tips:

As already mentioned above, I opted for a non-medical stream in Class 11^th. Thus, I also prepared for JEE exams at Lakshaya Institute, Patiala. However, because of lack of interest, I could not secure a good rank. According to my experience, I would suggest students to not to prepare for an exam which they are not interested in. Talk to your parents about your interest and do not spoil your valuable time as I did in my past. But luckily I didn’t go for BTech and opted for BCA. Even though, I wasted my two years by choosing a non-medical field, I do not want others to repeat the same mistake.

After completing BCA, I wanted to get admission in one of the best institutes for I wanted to work for one of my dream companies. Thus, I joined an institute named Info Math in Chandigarh which prepared students to secure admission to MCA programmes. There was a total of 4 topics which you had to prepare - Mathematics, English, Computer Science, Reasoning.

With so many topics to prepare, focus on the ones in which you have an interest. Like I loved to do reasoning and maths, so I ensured I practiced maximum questions from reasoning and maths on a daily basis. I knew that in the exam I would be able to attempt 10-11 questions of English and Computer Science. This was my way of preparing for MCA and that’s how I got selected in Punjab University with 16th rank. Thapar is the best choice I made at that time. Don’t do quantity or quality study, rather I would say go for smart study.

My Learning And Insights:

I think I learned a lot during my college life. College life is the time where you explore yourself and do whatever makes you happy. Instead of only studying, make use of the big opportunities coming your way. I not only studied but I enjoyed my college life to the fullest. If I have to choose one of the proud moments from my college life, it would be my picture in the principal’s room. In addition, my principal used to come herself and ask me to attend every event.

You will be able to enjoy your college life if you take the right decision regarding what to opt for after Class 12th. If you don’t have any interest in Physics or Chemistry or in Maths, don’t go for non-medical or medical. If you are already doing medical/non-medical, now is the time to confess to your parents that you do not want to do BTech. BTech is not the only option for you for there are plenty of options available for you after Class 12th. You will be have to decide carefully because after college life, when you look back, it is not only the marks but the memories too that matter.

Going for MCA proved a right decision for me as it gave me no stress while studying. Moreover, I have scored 9.9 CGPA till now in MCA in Thapar. Now I am in the 5th semester, which is a very crucial time for me as from September, the placement drive will commence. I want to put my 100% in it because this will be my last opportunity to do my best. Currently, I am working on languages like C, C++, Java to crack placement. It is very important for Computer Science students to know about different languages as these are in high demand by companies.

If you want to do MCA, you have to learn coding languages and aptitude is a must as every company’s first selection round is based on aptitude. There will be 4 rounds and the first one will be the aptitude round. After clearing that, you have the coding round based on one of your best OOP languages like Java or C++. After this, some companies hold group discussion round too. Towards the end is the personal interview round in which they get to know you personally. So you must make the right decision in order to not regret later. Your future is in your hands. Always be active in the college as campus placement is important and off-campus placement is very difficult to crack.

About the Author:

I am Sheenam Vinayak from Patiala and I have studied from Modern Senior Secondary School, Patiala. I completed my graduation in BCA from Bikram College, Patiala and I am currently pursuing my MCA from Thapar University. My CGPA in MCA till now is 9.9. I am fond of coding and love to watch and play cricket.