Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Applications (PGDCA) - Course, Eligibility, Syllabus & Scope 2023

Updated on Mar 14, 2023 11:47 IST
Radhika Sharma

Radhika SharmaAssociate Senior Executive

Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Applications (PGDCA) is designed for graduate students who are interested in developing computer applications in different fields like banking, insurance, and accounting. PGDCA is a holistic course related to the recent developments in computer software. Professionals completing this course are trained in solving computing, networking, mathematical, hardware and software-related problems. 

The diploma programme enables a candidate enough to sustain themselves in the professional world and grab a well-paying job. Another major advantage of this course is the lower saturation level as compared to other professional degree courses like MTech/MCA/MBA or any other programme.  So, PGDCA is indeed a smarter choice for an undergraduate candidate. Candidates completing this course can pursue a career in IT, Entertainment or Hospitality services. 

Also Read: Popular Colleges for IT and Software

PGDCA Course Highlights

Check key points related to PGDCA in the table below:

Particulars

Details

Course level

Post Graduate Diploma

Duration

1 year (2 semesters)

Course Fee

Up to INR 2.5 lakh

Entrance Exam

OJEE, KMAT, CUET, KARNATAKA PGCET

Average salary

INR 3 to 6 lakh

Top Recruiting Companies

Accenture, Cisco Systems, Alcatel, BSNL, Amazon

Job Positions

Software Developer, Systems Analyst, IT Consultant, Network Engineer

Latest Updates

All About PGDCA

PGDCA which is the abbreviation of Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Application is a popular course amongst graduates who wish to learn about the nuances of computer hardware and software. This diploma course is pursued as an add-on course by professionals as it offers good-paying job profiles. 

Why PGDCA?

PGDCA is a sought-after course amongst graduates owing to its shorter period of duration as well as better career opportunities. Computer Applications is the backbone of the IT sector and with an impetus to the Digital India Campaign, many professionals trained in Computer Application are hired across various private and government organisations. 

Who can Pursue PGDCA?

PGDCA can be pursued by candidates who have completed Graduation in any field. They must have studied Mathematics atleast in Class 12th. Those who wish to establish a career in the field of hardware and sfotware management or add skills to their merit can pursue this course. This course is very popular amongst graduates planning to switch to IT Sector or Customer Service sector. 

Scope after PGDCA

After pursuing PGDCA one can work as a Computer Analyst, Systems Analyst, IT Consultant, Web Designer, IT Support Analyst, Quality Assurance Analyst etc. The professionals are hired by various sectors such as IT Services, App Development, Consumer Support, Quality Assurance etc. 

Also Read: IT and Software Courses

Eligibility Criteria for PGDCA

  • Candidates wishing to apply for the course need to have completed graduation/ post-graduation with a minimum of 10+2+4 years of formal education with Mathematics as one of the main subjects and from a recognized university/institute.
  • Candidates in the final year of graduation/ post-graduation are also eligible to apply.
  • Please note that the eligibility criteria to pursue PGDCA may vary from institute to institute.

Admission Process for PGDCA

Candidates who wish to pursu PGDCA must possess valid graduation degree from recognised university. They must have scored passing marks and can pursue graduation in any discipline. Many colleges offer direct admissions based on merit whereas few colleges admit students on the basis of the scores of entrance exams. Therefore, candidates must appear various entrance exams such as OJEE, KMAT, CUET, KARNATAKA PGCET, to secure admission in PGDCA.

Top Entrance Exams for PGDCA 

Usually, admission to the PGDCA course in India is done based on the merit of the candidates in the qualifying exam. However, some institutes out there conduct the written test to grant admission to candidates. Based on marks in the written test, candidates are called for an interview/GD round for the final seat allotment. The popular entrance exams include the following:

Name of Exam Registration Details Exam Details

MAH MCA CET

Feb- March 2023 

25th-26th March 2023

NIMCET

April 2023

June 2023

COMEDK UGET 2023

15th Feb-24th April 2023 28th May 2023
CUET 10th- 12th March 2023 1st- 7th June 2023

OJEE

10th Feb-20th March 2023 8th May- 12th May 2023

Also Read: Top IT and Software Entrance Exams

Required Skillset for PGDCA

Candidates must inculcate the following skills among themselves to become a suitable candidate as per industry requirements after pursuing PGDCA:

Skillset for PGDCA

Communication skills - Verbal and Written

Familiarity with Industry Standards

Knowledge of the core subject

Teamwork

Creativity

Multi-disciplinary exposure

Leadership Skills

Analytical & Creative thinking

Acquaintance with Computers & IT

Research Skills

Syllabus for PGDCA 

PGDCA is a 1-year Post-Graduate Diploma course that is designed to prepare students for performing singular and multiple computer-related specific tasks. The programme focus on theoretical and application-based computer application. Students learn subjects like C, C++, Oracle, and Java during the course. Below is the course curriculum of the PGDCA:

Semester-1

Semester-2

Foundations of Computer Programming

Object-Oriented Programming

Advanced Communication Skills

Software Engineering

Basic Financial Management

Computer Networks

Database Management Systems

Data Structure

Operating System

Web Programming

Top Colleges for Distance PGDCA Course

In today’s world, the computer has become an integral part as it helps perform several works in different fields. Hence, many students wish to study computer-related courses like PGDCA but unfortunately, not all candidates can pursue such courses in regular mode. Candidates who are unable to attain class physically due to financial or time problems can pursue the PGDCA course in distance mode. Eligibility criteria for a distance PGDCA course are as similar as eligibility for a regular PGDCA course. Many institutes offer PGDCA courses in distance mode. Some of the top distance PGDCA colleges in India are:

Also Read: Syllabus for PGDCA

Top Job Profiles for PGDCA 

PGDCA is a course with a multitude of uses because it offers plenty of scope with fabulous jobs within and outside the country. Such knowledge will help candidates to find employment in the following sectors:

PGDCA Career Prospects

IT Services

Office Automation

Telecommunication

Computing

 

Banking & Finance

Executing financial operations using updated software and accounting packages

Maintaining, expanding, and updating databases of financial transactions

Health Services

Development and conduction of Diagnostic/ Medical tests

Maintaining medical case studies and health records of the patients

Video-Conferencing

 

Hospitality Services

Managing/Running restaurants and hotels

Event management

Managing/Running cruise services

Managing/running airlines agencies

Managing/Running travel agencies

 

Retail & Manufacturing

Automobile Industries

Power plants

Textiles Industry

Cement and other related industries

Entertainment & Media

Making animation films

Graphic designing

Multimedia development

Technical aspects of filmmaking

Salary for PGDCA 

In the table below, we have furnished the top job profiles offered to candidates holding PGDCA along with job description and average annual salary:

Job Position

Job Description

Average Annual Pay in INR

IT Support Analyst

IT Support Analysts are responsible for providing technical set-up, advice, and support to IT users via email, phone, social media, and in person.

3.0 Lakh

Network Engineer

Network Engineers are responsible for devising security, data storage, and disaster recovery strategies.

6.5 Lakh

IT Consultant

IT Consultants are responsible for providing technical assistance in developing and implementing IT systems.

11.5 Lakh

Web Designer

Web Designers create the design and layout of a website or web pages as per the client's requirements.

2.5 Lakh

Software Developer

Software Developers implement software solutions by building programmes, applications, and websites.

4.0 Lakh

Quality Assurance Analysts

Quality Assurance Analysts are responsible for testing programmes, and software to ensure their reliability, functionality, and user-friendliness before release.

3.5 Lakh

Application Analyst

Application Analysts are responsible for overseeing practices and processes to ensure the integrity, safety, and availability of all data and applications as part of the organization’s information system.

4.2 Lakh

Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts examine existing IT systems and write the requirement for new ones.

6.0 Lakh

Top Recruiters for PGDCA 

Accenture

Analog Services

Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL)

Unisys

Tata ELXSI

Bharti Airtel

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL)

ASUS

Cisco Systems

Boeing BEL

Robert Bosch

Alcatel

Siemens

Unisys

Qualcomm

Sasken Communications

Top Institutes for PGDCA Course

PGDCA is offered by many popular government and private colleges across metro cities. Government colleges charge lesser than private colleges but the syllabus structure is almost the same across all colleges. 

Top Government Colleges for PGDCA

Some of the popular government colleges for PGDCA are as follows:

Institute Total Course Fee
Madras Christian College INR 50,000
University of Delhi INR 40,000
Kanya Maha Vidyalaya INR 30,000
Lal Bahadur Shastri PG College INR 20,000
Jamia Millia Islamia INR 25,000
Annamalai University INR 10,000
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj University INR 20,000

Top Private Colleges for PGDCA

Some of the popular private colleges for pursuing PGDCA are as follows:

Institute Total Course Fee
Christ University INR 2 lakh
Chandigarh University INR 3 lakh
Amity University INR 2 lakh
Galgotias University INR 2 lakh
Presidency College INR 2 lakh
Kristu Jayanti College INR 1 lakh
St.Xavier's College, Ahmedabad INR 1 lakh
St. Joseph's College, Bangalore INR 2 lakh
Loyola College INR 2 lakh
Banasthili Vidyapith INR 1 lakh
Read More:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Applications (PGDCA)

Q. What is PGDCA?

A. PGDCA stands for Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Applications (PGDCA). This is a one-year-long PG diploma course in computer application. Through this course, candidates are given knowledge of how computer science can be applied in the field of insurance, banking and accounting. 

Q. What is the advantage of pursuing a PGDCA course?

A. PGDCA course prepares students in subjects like C, C++, Oracle, Java etc and prepares them for jobs in sectors like accounting, insurance, IT banking and many more. PGDCA is a 1-year Post-Graduate Diploma course that is designed to prepare students for performing singular and multiple computer-related specific tasks. The programme focus on theoretical and application-based computer application.

Q. Can I pursue PGDCA in distance mode?

A. Yes, several institutes offer PGDCA courses in distance mode for those candidates who do not want to attain physical classes. Some of the popular institutes that offer distance PGDCA course includes:
  • IGNOU, New Delhi
  • Amity School of Distance Learning, Noida
  • University of Delhi
  • Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology, Hisar

Q. Who is eligible for PGDCA admission?

A. Students who are interested to apply for admission to the PGDCA course must have completed graduation/ post-graduation from a recognized university/institute. They must have taken Mathematics as one of the main subjects. Those candidates who are in the final year of graduation/ post-graduation are also eligible to apply. Various institutes have different eligibility criteria for admission. 

Q. What are the job profiles available for candidates holding PGDCA?

A. PGDCA course opens up a gateway to a wide range of job opportunities and provides students with the chance to earn handsome salary packages. Upon completion of the PGDCA course, one can apply for any of the job profiles including:
  • IT Support Analyst
  • Network Engineer
  • IT Consultant
  • Web Designer
  • Quality Assurance Analysts
  • Software Developer
  • Application Analyst

Q. What is the average starting salary offered to PGDCA candidates?

A. The average salary offered to a fresher PGDCA candidate is between INR 4 LPA and INR 6 LPA. However, when you spend one or more years in the field, your skill will grow and shine which will result in an increment in your salary as well.

Q. What are the various subjects taught in PGDCA?

A. The various subjects taught in the PGDCA course are:
  • Foundations of Computer Programming
  • Object-Oriented Programming
  • Data Structure
  • Basic Financial Management
  • Software Engineering

Q. What are the skills one must possess to pursue PGDCA?

A. For pursuing PGDCA one must possess the following skills:
  • Communication skills - Verbal and Written
  • Leadership Skills
  • Acquaintance with Computers & IT
  • Knowledge of the core subject
  • Multi-disciplinary exposure
  • Analytical & Creative thinking

Q. What are the top institutes for pursuing full-time PGDCA course?

A. Some of the top institutes for pursuing PGDCA in full-time mode are:
  • DAV College, Chandigarh
  • Kanya Maha Vidyalaya, Jalandhar
  • Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi
  • Jaipur National University, Jaipur

Q. How is PGDCA helpful in the hospitality sector?

A. A candidate who has completed PGDCA can find himself working for the hospitality sector and the course is useful for implementing the following procedures:
  • Managing/Running restaurants and hotels
  • Managing/Running travel agencies
  • Managing/Running cruise services
  • Event management
  • Managing/running airlines agencies

Q. What are some of the top recruiters for PGDCA?

A. Some of the top recruiters after pursuing PGDCA include:
  • Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited
  • ASUS
  • Cisco Systems
  • Siemens
  • Qualcomm
  • Unisys
  • Bharti Airtel
  • Analog Services

Popular Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Applications (PGDCA) Colleges in India

Following are the most popular Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Applications (PGDCA) Colleges in India. Learn more about these Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Applications (PGDCA) colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
2.14 L - 16.52 L
3.6
0 - 8.11 K
35 K - 6.16 L
2.4 - 3.65 LPA
1.3 L - 17 L
4.35 - 6 LPA

IT & Software Applications open. Apply Now

1 Course
4.55 L
4.2 LPA
4.38 L - 11.9 L
5.16 - 6.14 LPA

Popular Private Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Applications (PGDCA) Colleges in India

75.7 K - 1.43 L
Min. 1 Year of Work Experience Required to Apply | Distance & Online Engineering Programs
3.3 L
3.2 LPA
1.3 L - 2.84 L
1.17 L - 3.86 L
4.2
75.7 K - 1.43 L
3 Courses
10 L - 24 L
7.24 - 9.2 LPA

Most Popular Courses

Following are the most popular Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Applications (PGDCA) courses, based on alumni reviews. Explore these reviews to choose the best course in Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Applications (PGDCA).

Popular Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Applications (PGDCA) PG Courses

Following are the most popular Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Applications (PGDCA) PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

PG Courses

Popular Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Applications (PGDCA) Specializations

Following are the most popular Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Applications (PGDCA) Specializations . You can explore the top Colleges offering these Specializations by clicking the links below.

Popular Specializations

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