PGDCA – Full Form, Eligibility Criteria, Entrance Examination, Admission 2024, Fee Structure, and Top Colleges

PGDCA is a two-semester-long diploma course in the field of Computer Science that can be pursued after graduation. PGDCA program includes the technical and practical knowledge of Computer Science.

PGDCA full form is a Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Application. To pursue the Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Application, one must have completed the graduation degree with relevant subjects from any recognized college.

The PGDCA program covers topics such as operating systems, database management systems, web development, software engineering, and programming languages.

A Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Application is suitable for those who want to make a career in computer and related fields. Candidates who want to seek additional knowledge of computer applications and wish to join the IT sector after refining their technical skills in Computer Science can pursue the PGDCA course.

There are various benefits that a Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Application has over the degree course, which are mentioned below: -

• The duration of PGDCA is a year, whereas any degree course requires two years to complete. Hence, the candidate can join the industry earlier.

• The curriculum of PGDCA is technical, skill-oriented, and practical based.

• The program develops the student's problem-solving, analytical, and creative skills.

• Pursuing the PGDCA program helps students gain good exposure to the IT industry.

• There are more fees for degree courses, whereas PGDCA is a more cost-effective option.

• The curriculum of the PGDCA includes a detailed study of computer software and tools. 

• There is a broad scope of career opportunities after earning a PGDCA program. An additional skill set helps grab higher salaries in the IT sector.

Nationwide, many colleges and universities offer Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Application. Some prestigious institutions offering PGDCA are The Bhopal School of Social Sciences, Apeejay College of Fine Arts, and Institute of Engineering and Technology (Dr BR Ambedkar University).

Table of Contents

PGDCA Course Highlights

Eligibility Criteria for the PGDCA Course

The admission requirements of every college differ for admission to the Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Application. Some colleges give admission based on marks obtained in graduation degree courses, while others conduct the entrance examination for admission to PGDCA. 

The general eligibility requirements for the Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Application are as follows: -

• The candidate must have passed the graduation with relevant subjects from any recognized university.

• The candidate must have scored 40% to 50% in Bachelor's degree.

• Some universities have age criteria for the PGDCA program, which usually range between 26 to 28 years.  

Entrance Examination for the PGDCA Course

Very few entrance examinations are conducted for admission to the PGDCA program. Some Universities conduct their entrance test for the PGDCA, which are mentioned below –

• ITM National Entrance and Scholarship Test

• Delhi University Entrance Test 

• Indian Statistical Institute Admission Test

• Common University Entrance Test - PG

Admission Procedure for the PGDCA Course

Registration – The candidate must register themself in the admission portal of the College/University where they want to pursue the PGDCA course. 

For this, he/she must fill out an institution application form. Complete the step by submitting the application fee. The application fee may range between INR 500 to INR 2,000. 

Entrance Examination – Some universities conduct the entrance examination for admission to the postgraduate diploma program in computer application. Candidate must appear for the entrance test.

One can also appear for the national-level entrance examination – CUET PG.

Top Colleges/ Universities offering PGDCA Course

The top Colleges offering Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Application in India are as follows –

• The Bhopal School of Social Sciences, Bhopal

• Apeejay College of Fine Arts, Jalandhar

• Institute of Engineering and Technology, Dr BR Ambedkar University, Agra

• AIMIT Mangalore

• DPG Degree College, Gurgaon

• Babu Shivnath Agrawal PG College, Mathura

• College of Applied Science, Mavelikara

• Future Vision College, Ujjain

• Government College, Solan

• Goswami Ganesh Dutt Sanatan Dharam College, Hoshiarpur

• Kanya Maha Vidyalaya, Jalandhar

• CMP Degree College Allahabad

• Lyallpur Khalsa College, Jalandhar

• GCG Ludhiana - Government College for Girls, Ludhiana

• Government College for Girls Sector- 14, Gurgaon

• Holy Cross College Trichy, Tiruchirappalli

PGDCA Course Fee Structure

The following table shows the fees for Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Application program in different Colleges/ Universities –

PGDCA Course Syllabus

The curriculum of the Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Application is divided into two semesters. There are specific subjects and topics taught in each semester. The syllabus of each semester is divided into theoretical and practical topics. 

The overall approach of the PGDCA curriculum is technical rather than theoretical. The semester-wise syllabus of PGDCA is mentioned below: - 

First Semester

Second Semester

PGDCA Course Career Prospects

After completing the Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Science, there are enormous job opportunities. The diploma program gives students good practical knowledge of computer skills like web programming, database management, web designing, etc. 

Following are some career prospects after completion of PGDCA: -

• Through lateral entry, students can join degree courses like MCA, M.Sc. (IT), and MCS.

• Java Developer

• Project Manager

• Web Designer

• Software Developer

• Database Administrator

Average Salary of PGDCA Course Graduates

The minimum salary of a PGDCA holder at entry level is INR 2.4 – 2.6 LPA. The highest salary of a PGDCA holder ranges between INR 7 and 8 LPA. The wages in the IT sector are subject to the experience and skills one holds. 

Top Recruiters of PGDCA Course Graduates

The top recruiters of PGDCA graduates are –

• Cognizant

• Infosys

• Amazon

• HCL

• Deloitte

• Wipro

• Microsoft

• TCS

• Oracle

• Facebook

• Twitter

• Sapient

• Accenture

• Bajaj Finserv

• KPMG

• Capgemini

• Tech Mahindra

• NIIT

• IBM

• Deutsche Bank

Conclusion

The Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Application is an excellent program to start a career in the IT industry. The PGDCA program is full of career opportunities and scopes in the IT sector. The program helps secure a stable career by teaching the students specific skills required in the industry. The knowledge acquired in the PGDCA program is highly compatible with the needs of the IT industry. 

FAQs about the PGDCA Course

Ques – What is the PGDCA full form?

Answer – The PGDCA full form is a Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Application.

Ques – Is a Bachelor's degree required for admission to the PGDCA program?

Answer – A bachelor's degree from a recognized institution is required for admission to the Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Application.

Ques – Can I pursue a career in the IT industry after completing the PGDCA program?

Answer – Yes, you can start a stable career in the IT industry after completion of PGDCA.

Ques – What are the merits of the PGDCA program?

Answer – The PGDCA program helps students learn the skills required to earn a handsome sum of money in the IT sector.

Ques – Is PGDCA equal to a PG degree program?

Answer – No, the Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Application does not equal the Master's degree program.

Ques – What is the time duration of the PGDCA course?

Answer – The time duration of the PGDCA course is one year, which is divided into two semesters.

Ques – Does the PGDCA course have good career prospects?

Answer – The PGDCA course has a promising career scope and opportunities.

Ques – What is PGDCA full form in the Computer Science field?

Answer – The PGDCA full form in the Computer Science field stands for the Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Application.