MCA Syllabus

With the advent and infusion of new-age technologies like 3D modelling, virtual and augmented reality in devices, the demand for qualified professionals in the field of computer applications has increased. The Bachelor in Computer Application (BCA) followed by a Master in Computer Application (MCA) is a viable option to garner deep-embedded expertise in this field. An MCA is a 3-year, specialized degree program that imparts knowledge in the advanced level of computer applications. From System Architecture to Artificial Intelligence, the syllabus of a master’s degree program in Computer Application comprises of all the key elements encompassing computer systems and varied software and hardware applications. This blog aims to familiarize you with the components of the MCA syllabus and what this postgraduate program entails. 

Overview

The MCA syllabus is divided into six semesters which span 3 years. It not only incorporates the fundamentals of a computer system but also includes topics like Computer Languages, Application Development, Advanced Mathematics, Operating Systems, Computer Architecture, Software, etc. While the first and second semesters focus on building a strong foundation in the basics of computer applications, the syllabus of other semesters is designed to impart knowledge in advanced areas. Practice sessions, industrial training programs, and an array of electives further aim to strengthen a student’s basic foundation in this field. Given below is the semester-wise breakdown of the MCA Syllabus.

MCA Subjects

MCA Subjects will vary for different universities but some commonly taught subjects in MCA are:

• Computer Programming with C
• Discrete Mathematical Structure
• Database Management System
• Unix and Shell Programming
• Software Engineering & TQM
• Operation Research & Optimization Techniques
• Advanced Database Management Systems
• Operational Research
• Numerical and Scientific Computing
• Distributed Systems
• Software Project Management
• Organizational Behavior
• Multimedia Technologies
• Advanced Computer Architecture

MCA Syllabus – Semester I

• C Programming: Variables & constants, data types, operators, branching, looping, user-defined functions, dynamic memory, command-line arguments, file management, etc.

• Computer Organisation & Architecture: Data representation, BCD-ASCII conversion, digital machine structure, truth tables, logic gates, digital components, internal components(RAM, ROM, etc), CPU architecture, etc. 

• Advanced Mathematics: Sets, mapping, logic, and relation, permutation & combinations, functions, graph theory, algorithms, finite automata, and fuzzy sets. 

• Business, Accounting, and Communication Basics: Bookkeeping, debit & credit, revenue, income, principles of management, accounting policies, taxing, report writing, technical writing, business communication, and project documentation.

MCA Syllabus – Semester II

• Data Structures in C Programming: Time-space trade-off, array-row/column, stack, queue, tree, threaded tree, binary search tree, sorting, recursion technique, hashing, and pattern matching algorithms. 

• Data Communication & Computer Networks: Topology, baseband & broadband, guided & unguided media, data and signal bits, multiplexing, digital to analogue, transmission methods, error detection methods, data security etc.

• Database Management Systems I: DBMS introduction, data dictionary, three-level architecture, network model, relational model, database design, storage structure, etc.

• Information Systems Analysis: Design-logical & physical, program design, risk, and feasibility analysis, information requirement analysis, data modelling, input/output control, and project management. 

MCA Syllabus – Semester III

• Operating Systems: OS introduction, types of OS, scheduling algorithms, resource manager, performance evaluation, security, protection, etc.

• Intelligent Systems: AI intro, heuristic search techniques, knowledge representation, weak and strong slots, natural language processing, etc.

• Statistical Analysis: central tendency measure, dispersion, probability, interpolation, integration, systems of linear equations, inverse interpolation, etc.

• Unix and Shell Programming: UNIX OS overview, shell commands and programming, file system and handling ordinary files, I-Node, TCP/IP network, etc.

MCA Syllabus – Semester IV

• Database Management Systems II: Normalization theory, database design, multivalued dependencies, constraints and assertions, database security, transaction planning, recovery management, and lock base protocols. 

• Introduction to Software Engineering: Software lifecycles, models, structured system design, cost estimation, data-oriented analysis, software testing, etc.

• Operational Research Techniques: Linear programming, network optimization models, dynamic programming, game theory, queuing theory, inventory control, etc.

• Multimedia and Graphics: Graphic devices, graphic operations, clipping, Roberts algorithm, Warnock algorithm, rendering, shadowing, and multimedia design. 

Semester V & VI

While the MCA Syllabus of semester V mandates studying an elective subject, the sixth semester involves completing an Industrial Project on a topic of the student’s choice. Some of the major electives offered in this semester are System Administration and Linux, Windows Programming, e-commerce, object-oriented programming with Java, Compiler Design, Advanced Unix Programming, Image Processing, Parallel Programming, and E-Commerce.

Note: The above-mentioned subjects of the MCA syllabus are only for indicative purposes and actual course offerings may vary from one university to another. 

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