Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Applications (PGDCA) is generally offered as a 1-2 year programme in India as well as in different course variants abroad. But before opting for a course, it is essential to go through its structure, syllabus and subjects. This blog brings you a detailed guide on the PGDCA syllabus and its subjects in detail.

Must Read: 2 years PG Diploma Courses in Canada

PGDCA: Course Highlights

Before understanding the PGDCA syllabus comprehensively, let’s first take a look at the key highlights of the course: 

Course Level	Postgraduate
Total duration	1-2 year (differs as per the university)
Examination Type	Semester-based
Basic Eligibility	A minimum qualification of 10+2+3 (mathematics is compulsory) from a recognized board and institutions
Career Prospects	IT Specialists, Software Developer, PHP Developer, Graphic Designer, Technology Engineer, etc.
Course Variants Abroad	PG Diploma in IT, PG Diploma in Web Design  & Development, PG Diploma in Software Development, PG Diploma in Computer & Information Sciences, etc.

PGDCA Syllabus

PGDCA is mainly offered as a 2-year programme divided into 4 semesters. The following sections elucidate the semester-wise breakdown of PGDCA syllabus-

Semester 1

• Fundamentals of Information Technology
• Software Engineering
• Computer Fundamentals
• Application Software Packages
• Programming
• Oracle
• Web Programming
• Programming in ‘C’
• System Analysis and Design
• Computer Organisation and Architecture

Semester 2

• Visual Basic
• Programming in C++ Lab
• Introduction to Linux
• Object-Oriented Programming
• Data Structure and Algorithms
• Concept of DBMS through FoxPro
• Programming + DBMS + Internet
• Introduction to Internet Technologies
• Java
• Web Technologies
• Data Communication and Networks

Semester 3

• Software Engineering & Business Process
• Web Programming
• Oracle
• Practical Work

Semester 4

• Data Structure
• PPM & OB
• Practical Work
• Algorithms

Note: The aforementioned syllabus is only for indicative purposes and actual PGDCA course offerings might differ from one university to another.

PGDCA Syllabus PDF

To help you understand better the insights of the course, here is a PDF for you-

PGDCA Syllabus IGNOU

Semester 1

• Programming in C and Python 
•  Computer Organization
• Operating Systems 
• Windows and Linux Lab 
• C and Python Lab 

Semester 2

• Object Oriented Programming using Java 
• Database Management Systems
• Data Structures and Algorithms 
• Data Structures and Algorithms Lab
• Java and DBMS Lab

PGDCA Syllabus HPU (Himachal Pradesh University)

Semester 1

• Fundamentals of Programming Using C
• PC Software
• Operating System 
• Computer Organization and Architecture
• Practical-I ( C Language)
• Practical-I I (PC Software)

Semester 2

• Data and File Structure
• System Analysis and Design 
• Object-Oriented Programming & C ++ 
• Database Management System
• Practical-III (DFS Using C ++ )
• Practical-IV (Database Management system) 
• Project Work

PGDCA Syllabus GNDU (Guru Nanak Dev University)

Semester 1

• Computing-I 
• Computing-II 
• Fundamentals of Computer & Operating Systems 
• Database Management System through Oracle-10g & System Analysis & Design

Semester 2

• Network Concepts and Management (Hardware, Software, setting in LINUX/UNIX/NT environment
• Programming in C 
• Introduction to Scripting Languages, Web Designing & Uses of Internet
• Optional

PGDCA Syllabus Vikram University

Semester 1

• Fundamentals of Computer
• C Language PC 
• PC Packages
• System Analysis and Design 
• C Language and Software Package
• Major Project Phase 1

Semester 2

• Web Designing (HTML, DHTML, XML)
• Web Basics
• RDBMS Using Oracle
• Computer Networking 
• Internet and E-Commerce
• Major Project Phase 2

PGDCA Syllabus Punjab University

Semester 1

• Fundamentals of Information Technology 
• Operating Systems
• Programming Fundamentals through “C” Language
• Computer Organization and Architecture
• Software Lab – I Office Automation and Productivity Tools
• Software Lab – II Programming Fundamentals through “C” Language

Semester 2

• Data Structures
• Object-Oriented Programming with C++
• Database Management System with MS ACCESS
• Fundamentals of Computer Networks, Internet and Scripting Languages
• Software Lab – III 
• Data Structures and Programming with C++
• Software Lab – IV MS ACCESS and Scripting Languages

PGDCA Syllabus Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journlism and Communication

Semester 1

• Fundamentals of Computer and Information & Technology 
• PC Packages (ord, Excel and Powerpoint)
• Elective 1
• Elective 2

Semester 2

• IT Trends and Technologies 
• Internet and Web Designing
• Elective 1
• Elective 2 

Syllabus of PGDCA for NIELIT (National Institue of Electronics and Information Technology)

Semester 1

• PGDCA- 11: Computer fundamentals and Windows, Office Automation (Ms Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Internet and Email, Algorithm Design
• PGDCA- 12: Financial Accounting using Tally
• PGDCA- 13: C /C++, Data Communication
• Practical
• Internal Assessment

Semester 2

• PGDCA- 21: Web Designing using HTML, DHTML , Java Script, Flash, Photoshop
• PGDCA- 22: System Analysis & Design;  VB.Net with Sql Server
• PGDCA- 23: Linux, PHP and MySql
• Practical 
• Internal Assessment

Key Subjects

Though the course offerings might vary as per the university and course, here are some of the major subjects included in the PGDCA syllabus:

Block Structure of a Computer	Characteristics of Computers	Generations of Computers
Classification of Computers on the Basis of Capacity, Purpose, and Generation	Number system in computer language binary, decimal, hexadecimal, and octal systems	Binary Arithmetic: Addition, subtraction and multiplication.
Output Units: Keyboard, Mouse, Monitor (CRT and LCD)	MICR Memory Types: Magnetic core, RAM, ROM, Secondary, Cache, Bubble Memory, Floppy disk, hard disk, compact disk, tapes	Memory Input and Printers
Machine Language	Assembly Language	Computer Organization and Architecture
4GL	Introduction to Compiler	System Software
Application Software	Operating system	Network operating system
Online and real-time operating system	Distributed operating system	Personal Productivity Software
Word processing, Spreadsheet, Presenting Slideshows	Editing features	Animation
Presentation Graphics Software	Network types	Network Topologies
Computer Network and Communication	Physical Communication Media	Database Management System [DBMS]
Network Communication Devices- World Wide Web	Web Programming	Internet and its Applications
Software Engineering and Business Process	Intranet	Extranet
Gopher, Mosaic & WAIS	PC tools	Virus detection
Security management tools	Prevention and cure utilities	Firewalls & Proxy servers.
Programming in C and C++	Data Structure and Algorithms	Fundamentals of Information Technology
Introduction to Internet Technologies	System Analysis and Design	Principles and Practices of Management and Organizational Behaviour

Top Colleges in India & Abroad

Now that you know about the PGDCA syllabus & subjects, take a look at the top colleges and universities offering Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Applications in India & Abroad:

PGDCA Colleges & Universities in India	Universities & Colleges Offering PGDCA & its Variants Abroad
IGNOU, New Delhi Jaipur National University DAV College, Chandigarh Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi Madras Christian College, Chennai Prestige Institute of Management and Research, Indore Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar	Nelson Malborough Institute of Technology The University of Canterbury The University of Waikato Auckland University of Technology University of Auckland University of New England The University of Queensland

Career Prospects 

Completing PGDCA, students can explore a wide range of career opportunities in the booming IT industry. As every business is adapting the emerging smart technologies to its advantage, you can choose from a varied range of career options and some of these are given below:

• Computer Programmer
• Software Engineer
• Computer Operator
• Application Specialist
• Mobile Application Developer
• Application Packaging Administrator
• Computer Systems Analyst
• Senior Application Analyst
• Application Support Lead
• Computer Systems Software Engineer
• Database Administrator
• Computer Applications Software Engineer

Check Out: Master of Computer Applications (MCA)

FAQs

How many subjects are there in PGDCA?
There is no set number of subjects in PGDCA as per the university one applies to. The curriculum varies from institute to institute. It majorly includes various computer and programming languages. 

What is the benefit of PGDCA course?
PGDCA is a professional course for learning Computer Applications especially curated fro graduate students. In the advanced world of technology, there is an alarming need to learn computer and its application in order to make a successful career. PGDCA syllabus enables candidates to excel in Banking, Accounting and Insurance areas. 

What should I do after PGDCA?
After completing PGDCA you can easily get a job in Accounting, Insurance or Banking sector. Apart from that, you can also explore opportunities in programming and technical jobs. Higher Education is yet another option that you have. You can either pursue a Mtech or MCA or MBA from leading universities in order to scale your career!

Which is better DCA or PGDCA?
DCA or Diploma in Computer Applications is for 10+2 students who want to gain basic computer knowledge. Whereas PGDCA is a professional Diploma program of Computer Applications, pursued only by graduates. 

What qualification needed for PGDCA?
If you want to pursue PGDCA make sure that you are a graduate. PGDCA syllabus equips candidates with proficiency in programming languages like C, JAVA, C++, Python. Along with this the course also helps students get a better understanding of various computing concepts and tools.

Hence, we hope that this blog has provided you with the key details of PGDCA syllabus as well as other essential features of this popular programme. Planning to pursue a PG Diploma abroad? Let Leverage Edu experts guide you in selecting the right specialisation and university that aligns with your preferences, interests and aspirations! Sign up for an e-meeting today!