Completing a bachelor’s degree, many graduates feel the need to acquire a specialisation in their field of interest to broaden their career prospects. For those who can’t pursue a full-time master’s degree, short-term postgraduate diploma courses give them a chance to explore different fields as well as expand their horizons. One such course is Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Applications (PGDCA) which 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 PGDCA syllabus and its subjects in detail.
Must Read: 2 years PG Diploma Courses in Canada
This Blog Includes:
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 I | 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 II | 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 andNetworks |
| Semester III | Software Engineering & Business Process; Web Programming; Oracle; Practical Work |
| Semester IV | 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.
Key Subjects Covered in PGDCA Syllabus
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 octalsystems | 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 |
| ApplicationSoftware | 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 Offering PGDCA Courses 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!
