Are you someone who is interested in Computer software and application development? It is not possible for everyone to enroll in an engineering or other higher course due to many reasons. For all those students, DCA is an amazing course. DCA stands for Diploma in Computer Applications. This is a basic level course for those who wish to make a good career in Computer Application development. There is a lot of demand for computer professionals, and the demand will go further high. So, it is a very good career that you can choose if you wish to keep learning and earning, both at the same time. There is also an advanced diploma course available after you complete the DCA course.

There are several courses available in India from many different universities and colleges, but if you are looking for a short-term course, then this is a good option. The fee structure is also not too high. But when you look at the job opportunities, you will be able to find a lot of options for you. Also, you can even choose to continue your studies further after you complete the DCA course. So, if you are planning on taking up this course, there continue reading this article for further details like eligibility, admission process, fee, career options, and further scope. When you go through all the details, you will be able to decide better whether this course is right for you or not.

What is the DCA Course?

There is a lot of demand for computer professionals who have a good understanding and knowledge of the basics of computer applications. If you are someone who wants to concentrate first on the basics of computer applications like internet applications, MS-Office, Database Management System (DBMS), Operating Systems, and HTML kind of topics, the DCA is the best course for you. You will be able to gather complete basic knowledge that is important for you to have before you get started with any software programming languages.

With Diploma in Computer Applications, you will be able to learn other computer courses easily. Usually, this is a six months course, but some colleges have it as a one-year course. It all depends on the curriculum they have for the course. You will have to make sure that you are applying for a college or university that covers a diverse subject on the basics of computer application.

There will be a standard admission process that you will have to follow when you are seeking admission to any college or university, so if you are looking for some useful information about Diploma in Computer Applications course. You will gain deeper theoretical and practical knowledge on the basics.

Eligibility Criteria:

When you look at the eligibility criteria for pursuing a Diploma in Computer Applications course, then you will find it quite simple. You should have completed your high school education to be eligible for this course. There is no specific percentage of marks that you will have to score if you want to get enrolled, and that is one of the best things about this course. So, as soon as you complete your high school, if you wish to enroll in any technical education course, then this is the perfect choice for you, with no high conditions to meet. You will be able to get the good basic knowledge about computers.

Admission Process:

Just like the eligibility criteria, the admission process is also quite simple for getting admission in Diploma in Computer Applications. So, here is how you can get admission into this course:

• The first thing that you should know and remember when you want to get admission in Diploma in Computer Applications course is there is no entrance test conducted for this.
• You will have to check out all the universities and colleges that offer you DCA courses in your place or other states if you wish to move.
• Once you find the right set of colleges and universities, you will have to start your application process.
• You will have to fill in all the details that are asked on the official website of the colleges and universities. You should also pay any fee that is required for applying to any college.
• The admission process usually starts between April and June. So, make sure you apply during this period.
• You will have to upload your 10th, and 12th standards mark sheets at the time of application submission. Even if you have just given your final exams of 12th standard, you can still apply for it.
• The colleges and universities filter the candidates based on the marks you secured in the 10th and 12th standards.
• You will receive a call letter, or the final list will be uploaded on the official website of the colleges and universities.

Fee Structure:

The fee structure of the DCA course is important information that you need to know about any course. As this is six months to one-year course, the fee is not going to be too high. But it is going to depend on the college that you pick. The fee structure will vary from a private college to a government college. Overall, the fee is going to be somewhere between Rs 3000/- to Rs 25,000/- only. For some private colleges, that course fee can extent up to Rs 45,000/-. You just need to check the curriculum of the course to make sure that they are covering enough subjects for the fee that you are paying. As some colleges concentrate on special subjects and such colleges, charge you high.

Syllabus or Curriculum: 

When you are choosing any college or university, the Syllabus that will be covered as part of the course is very important to consider. This is a course of six months or one year. It is divided into two semesters. Almost all the subjects in the Diploma in Computer Applications course is basics of computers that includes both software and hardware as well, right from the basic terminology that is involved in knowing about the computer.

Semester 1

• Computer Fundamentals and Windows
• Formatting the Text
• Handling Multiple documents
• Introduction to Windows
• Mail Merge
• Opening documents and closing documents
• Principles of Programming
• Representation of data/Information concepts of data processing
• Special Features
• System Analysis and Design
• Window/Accessories
• Windows Setting

Semester 2

• C++
• Basic of Electronic mail
• Computer Communication and Internet
• Document Handling
• Filters- AutoFilter, Advanced filters
• Manipulation of cells
• Manipulation of sheets
• Project Management
• Powerpoint – Making small presentations
• Providing Formulas and Functions
• Spread Sheet
• Unix Operating System
• WWW and Web Browsers

These are some of the common subjects that are covered in this DCA course. But apart from this, there are other subjects as well that are covered in the course. That will depend on the college or university that you are choosing for getting admission into DCA.

Career Opportunities and Job Profiles:

Once you complete the Diploma in Computer Applications course, you will receive a lot of job opportunities from different fields. Almost every business needs a computer expert, and hence there will be several job opportunities. You get offers from the government and private sectors. There are thousands of options.

Here are some of the job options and career opportunities that you will receive from different companies:

• Accountant
• C++ developer
• Computer Operator
• Database Development and Administration field
• Graphic design and animation
• Networking and Internetworking field
• Programming – Development tools, languages
• Software design & engineering
• Software Developer
• Technical writing
• Web Designer
• Web or e-commerce development

If you get a job offer as a computer operator, then the starting salary is going to be three lakhs per annum. Accountant job is another good job offer that you will receive, and it comes with a four lakhs package per annum. Web Designers, Software Developers, and C++ developers are some of the most common job opportunities that you will receive after completing this Diploma in Computer Applications course. The salary for these job profiles will be somewhere around five lakhs and six lakhs, and higher sometimes depending on the job that you are choosing.

Why Opt for DCA Course?

If you want to master your computer skills from basics, then you should get started with the Diploma in Computer Applications course. When you are good at your basics, then you will be able to become a master in computer applications. If you are still not sure why you should pursue Diploma in Computer Applications course, then here are some of the main reasons you should consider:

• One of the main reasons why you should pursue a Diploma in Computer Applications course is you don’t have to meet any specific requirements. You don’t need any degree or other qualifications. If you just complete your 12th standard, then you are eligible for admission into this course.
• You will be able to get one professional certificate in just a span of one year. It will save you a lot of time and still make you a professional in the basics of computers. A student with 12th standard will now be a professional.
• Another reason why you should consider this DCA course is the fee structure. If you compare it with other degree and diploma courses available in India, this course is going to cost you less.
• If you want to continue your studies further, you can go for a bachelor’s degree after you complete your diploma in computer applications course. After a bachelor’s degree, you can also consider a master’s degree. You can also go for a postgraduate diploma or advance diploma in computer applications course.
• You will be able to find employment from different sectors like insurance, banking, e-commerce, accounting, and other sectors as well. You can at least get basic jobs in many other institutions. That will help you in working and also pursue your further education.
• When the basics are clear and strong, it gets easy for you to learn further courses and languages for software development. Right from using the internet to content searching, the basics of computer knowledge play an important role.

Some best Colleges offering DCA Course:

No matter how good is the course and how many job offers are waiting for you, if you are not choosing the right university or college, then it is of no use for you. You should always check all the best colleges available in India, and that helps in making the right choice. So, if you are not sure which colleges in India offer a Diploma in Computer Applications, then here is the list for you:

• Alagappa University, Karaikudi
• Aligarh Muslim University
• Amity University
• Annamalai University, Chidambaram
• Banaras Hindu University, Banaras
• Gujarat Technological University, Gujarat
• Jadavpur University
• Jamia Millia Islamia
• Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology
• Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar
• Madhav University, Sirohi
• Madras Christian College, Chennai
• Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak
• Mumbai University, Mumbai
• National Institute of Management, Mumbai
• Punjab University, Punjab
• Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune
• University of Allahabad, Allahabad
• University of Calcutta, Kolkata
• University of Madras, Chennai
• University of Rajasthan, Rajasthan

Like we discussed above, you will receive several job opportunities like C++ developers, Computer Operators, and Software developers. This is just a simple course of one-year or six months. You can either go for the job or continue with further studies. After you complete DCA, you can continue with ADCA. ADCA is an advanced diploma in computer applications. With an advanced diploma, you will be able to pursue more knowledge about the subject. You will be able to get deeper knowledge in the subjects that you have covered in the DCA course. This is also going to be a one-year course only. The average salary that you are going to receive after completion of this course is three lakhs to five lakhs.

Just go through all the above details and check whether this is the course that you are looking for. We hope this information was useful for you in deciding the right path for you after you complete the 12th standard.

Santosh

Santosh Kumar is an editor at unfoldstuffs.com and a professional content writer. With years of experience he is passionate for creating engaging, informative and impactful topics.