MCA through Distance Learning: Life is a race and everyone aims to win it. Whether it is about broadening your education as you earn degrees or gaining professional experience, everyone wants it all. Therefore, more and more people are opting for distance learning. Distance education allows one to learn without being physically present in the classroom. By opting for a contemporary course like Master in Computer Application (MCA) through distance learning, candidates can enhance their Information Technology (IT)-related skills by upgrading their education and land at better jobs and companies. MCA through distance learning is the perfect pick for those who do not wish to leave their current jobs and wants to get advanced training for better career options.
However, distance learning has only recently ventured into imparting education related to professional courses. So aspirants are often confused about which institute would provide them with the best distance education via post and online classes. This article will answer all of the queries regarding the same.
In today’s competitive scenario, everyone is aiming to learn as they earn so check the Master in Computer Application (MCA) universities below which provide the facility of distance learning:
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU): Established in 1985 with the aim of imparting education to various segments of the society, presently, IGNOU has 21 schools, 67 regional centres, 2667 study centres and 29 overseas centres. Candidates can apply for MCA admission in IGNOU via online mode. The MCA eligibility criteria for IGNOU requires the candidates to be Bachelor degree holders with mathematics as one of the subjects in 10+2 or graduation. IGNOU has fixed no age bar which proves that ‘Age is just a number’ after all.
Closing date of IGNOU MCA application form: December 31, 2018
Registration fee | Rs. 100 |
Course fee | Rs. 54000 (Rs. 9000 per semester) |
BCS-012 course (for non-math students) | Rs. 1200 |
Amity School of Distance Learning Education: A renowned chain of private universities, Amity’s branch in Bareilly offers MCA through distance learning. Graduates of any course (preference given to BCA degree holders) with mathematics as one of the subjects in class XII are eligible for MCA through distance education in Amity. For foreign students, documents like their secondary school certificate, senior secondary school certificate with mathematics, graduation degree, certificate of equivalence from the association of Indian Universities, and candidates whose first language is not English must have done at least more than three years of academic qualification under any English medium institution. The registration fee of MCA through distance is Rs. 1100 and the full course fees is Rs. 122900.
Closing date of Amity School of Distance Learning Education application form: Open now
Bangalore University: The Directorate of Correspondence Courses & Distance Education of Bangalore University was established in 1976. The MCA eligibility requirements for Bangalore University states that the candidate must have scored at least 50% in Bachelor’s and should have studied maths in class XII or at graduation level. Applications for all the courses offered under distance education will open by the third week of January tentatively. According to the QS World University Rankings, Bangalore University ranked 245 in Asia in 2018.
Closing date of Bangalore University application form: First week of August 2019
MCA through Distance Learning Fee Structure of Bangalore University
YEAR | 1 | 2 | 3 |
Tuition fees | ₹20000 | ₹8000 | ₹8000 |
Other fees | ₹5170 | ₹3150 | ₹3150 |
Total- year wise | ₹25,170 | ₹11,150 | ₹11,150 |
GRAND TOTAL | ₹47,470 |
University of Mumbai: The Institute of Distance and Open Learning (IDOL), University of Mumbai accepts submission of the online MCA application form in the first three weeks of July tentatively. The minimum required percentage in the qualifying exam is 45%. The application fee of MCA in IDOL is Rs. 500 which can be paid via challan of Bank of Maharashtra or Credit card/ Debit card. The University of Mumbai was ranked 801-1000 in the world, 181 in Asia and 82 among BRICS nations by the ‘QS World University Rankings’ of 2018.
Closing date of University of Mumbai application form: Third-fourth week of July 2019
Name of MCA college | Fees (in Rs.) |
Institute of Management and Computer Studies, Thane | 3.10 Lakhs |
IBSAR Trust's IBSAR Institute of Management Studies, Karjat | 1.66 Lakhs |
Thakur Institute of Management Studies, Career Development and Research, Mumbai | 3.82 Lakhs |
Late Bhausaheb Hiray Smarnika Samiti Trust's Institute of Computer Application, Mumbai | 2.73 Lakhs |
Yadavrao Tasgaonkar Institute of Engineering and Technology, Raigad | 2.42 Lakhs |
Vivekanand Education Society's Institute of Technology, Chembur | 2.44 Lakhs |
Veermata Jijabai Technological Institute, Mumbai | 2.34 Lakhs |
Sardar Patel Institute of Technology, Mumbai | 2.70 Lakhs |
KJ Somaiya Institute of Management Studies and Research, Mumbai | 3.12 Lakhs |
SIES College of Management Studies, Navi Mumbai | 2.98 Lakhs |
Sterling Institute of Management Studies, Navi Mumbai | 1.80 Lakhs |
AC Patil College of Engineering, Navi Mumbai | 2.21 Lakhs |
VIVA School of MCA, Virar | 1.92 Lakhs |
MET Institute of Computer Science, Mumbai | 3.42 Lakhs |
Navinchandra Mehta Institute of Technology and Development, Mumbai | 3.09 Lakhs |
Vivekanand Education Society's Institute of Technology, Chembur | 2.44 Lakhs |
Jawahar Education Society's AC Patil College of Engineering, Navi Mumbai | 2.16 Lakhs |
Finolex Academy of Management and Technology, Ratnagiri | 1.78 Lakhs |
Navinchandra Mehta Institute of Technology and Development, Mumbai | 1.99 Lakhs |
Anna University: Established in 1978, Anna University is a popular choice, for Chennai residents. This public/ government university offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses including MCA. Only Distance Education Entrance Test (DEET) qualifiers can apply according to the MCA eligibility criteria.
Closing date of Anna University application form: Third week of February 2019
First Semester | |
Admission fee | Rs.850 |
Cost of Regulation & Syllabus Book | Rs.300 |
Refundable Caution Deposit | Rs. 5000 |
Tuition Fee | Rs. 3000 |
Course Development Fees | Rs. 4000 |
Learning Aids | Rs. 3000 |
Learning Material Development | Rs. 1000 |
Facilitation fee | Rs. 1500 |
Total | Rs. 18,650/- |
Fees to be paid every semester | |
Tuition Fee | Rs. 3000 |
Course Development Fees | Rs. 4000 |
Learning Aids | Rs. 3000 |
Learning Material Development | Rs. 1000 |
Facilitation fee | Rs. 1500 |
Total | 12,500/- |
Advantages of MCA through Distance Learning | Disadvantages of MCA through Distance Learning |
No pressure and rush that comes with regular colleges. You can take your time and study at your own pace. | Lack of competition may cause carelessness and lead to no improvement. |
Convenience of place- No matter where you live, you can earn a degree. | There is a reason why distance education is not considered ‘regular’ education. Due to this disparity between the two, the quality of faculty is often compromised with. |
One can pursue any course via distance education while being employed. Moreover, the fee is far more affordable than a regular course. So not only will you learn while you earn but also save money. | Hidden costs involved- Even though, a course pursued through distance education is comparatively cheaper, the initial costs of getting a computer, internet connection, webcam, printer, etc. can burn a hole in one’s pocket. |
Most MCA (or any other course) aspirants have their doubts about the scope of distance learning in general. There is a reason it is considered as an alternative and not a priority; the truth is that distance learning is more beneficial for those who are already employed. For students who can visit a regular institute, it is always better to go for it as the overall environment of the campus and face-to-face interaction with the teachers will not only develop them academically but also hone their interpersonal relationships.
However, as most companies require candidates with the required education as well as some experience, an MCA degree through distance learning will help one grab a better deal- a better company, position and salary. Moreover, the institute is just a plus to one’s qualification. In the end, it is one’s own level of skill and knowledge that will help him/ her land on his/ her dream job!
Some of the MCA career options are listed below:
Software Developer/ Programmer/ Engineer
Web Designer and Developer
Starting a new Venture
Software Application Architect
Technical Writer
Systems Developer/ Engineer
Software Consultant
Hardware Engineer
Troubleshooter
System Analyst