Full Form of BCA :
Bachelor of Computer Application
BCA Full Form refers to Bachelor of Computer Application. It is a 3-year undergraduate degree in computer languages and applications. Any candidate who has cleared 12th grade (10+2)/HSC (Higher Secondary Certificate) or Diploma is qualified to join BCA course.
However, some colleges conduct entrance examination and have restrictions on the minimum score requirements. This degree enables a student to immediately join a software company on graduation. At times, there are campus interviews through which good companies absorb students. BCA graduates can work as Network Administrator, Web Designer, Database Administrator, Software Programmer, Multimedia Programmer etc.
Having completed BCA, a student may also opt for higher studies including MCA (Master of Computer Application) or MBA (Master of Business Administration). The main objective of the course is to acquire good knowledge in the core areas of industrial computing. The course includes both software and hardware essentials. It also equips the student with required skills to carry out appropriate synthesis and analysis of information systems and computer systems.
BCA Full Form – Important Information
In today’s world, man has become more dependent on machines and more so if that machine helps to do most of the work that needs to be done manually. Hence, if somebody asks “what would you consider as an integral part of your existence?” the reply will be “Computers, of course,” since they help in relieving many manual tasks.
Definition of Computer Applications
Computer Applications refers to the various fields of information technology like programming, networking, applications development, etc. Computer knowledge is a vast field and there is so much to learn in order to master the machine. There are many sub-topics in computer applications that need thorough understanding to be able to solve any technical problems that may arise while operating the machine. The computer helps in solving many of our daily issues in a simpler way. However, it is essential to train the computer through programming so that the task is accomplished effortlessly.
So in computer applications, one gets to learn various programming languages, software development, and testing, etc. It is not mandatory that every computer has a similar operating system. There are varieties of Linux, UNIX, Windows, and Mac OS (for Apple products) and thus, it is essential that a person dealing with computers has a thorough knowledge about the differences in these systems.
A computer is a machine where we feed data to be processed. Being a machine, it needs proper guidance through analysis of data, a grouping of data, etc and then it can give us the desired output. As a systems analyst, a person needs to understand the professional link to the information system and only on the basis of that can a company run their business smoothly.
BCA – Bachelor of Computer Application
With the current boom in information technology, more youngsters are drawn to this field of computer management. The course in Bachelor of Computer Applications is offered by many universities in India. At the same time, there is a provision for completing this course by external studies (distance learning) too. Some Open Universities offering this course are Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), Lovely Professional University of Distance Education, Sikkim Manipal University and Symbiosis Center for Distance Learning, etc.
The essentials for joining this course are that the student must have passed 10+2 with a minimum aggregate of 45%. Of course, the admission criteria vary from institute to institute. Nonetheless, these are the basic requirements. Bachelor of Computer Applications is a 3 years degree course and is spread over 6 semesters. Each semester is graded on credits basis and there are pre-destined credits to be covered during these 3 years.
The undergraduate course is designed to familiarize the students with industrial computing and important areas of computer science. It trains the person to efficiently handle the computer programming and software development with gaining expertise in designing and implementation of the program. Besides this, the student also gets to learn to tackle computer system as well as applications related issues. In short, one can say that this bachelor’s degree course is aimed at preparing the student with the basic knowledge to enter the field of information technology (IT).
Details about BCA Syllabus
First Semester:
To begin with, in the first semester, the student is taught advanced mathematics and communication skills in English. There is an introduction to internet and multimedia and general information about computer applications. There is an introduction to C programming.
Second Semester:
The second semester has studies related to data management, basic computer organization, understanding file and data structure and some advanced C++ programming. Under computer organization, one gets to learn the hardware as well as software part. This includes various memory systems – RAM, ROM, Flash Memory, DROM, etc. It also deals with virtual and cache memory. There is a study of input and output devices such as modems, keyboard, mouse, monitors, scanners, printers, etc. This enables the student to understand the sequence and functioning of the computer and also helps to understand the various terms used in IT.
Third Semester:
The third semester enlightens about Linux operating system, Visual Basic, Oracle and managing the database, fundamental accounting and finance management, etc.
Fourth Semester:
In the fourth semester topics like Java programming, how to design and manage a website, VC++, understanding of management and organizational processes and finally, Software development and quality check etc are covered.
Fifth Semester:
The fifth semester enters into details about PC parts and their preventive care, a study of different operating systems, installation and configuration of Windows 2000, networking and server management, etc.
Sixth Semester:
In the sixth semester, there is an insight in various networking concepts with details about the graphical user interface, security, and management like logon security, firewall, registry management, etc. There is a study of data mining and data warehousing and lots more. After these studies, there is a project to work on to get hands-on experience in various technicalities learned.
Career Scope for BCA Aspirants
As mentioned earlier, information technology is here to stay for a long time in the future, thus giving ample scope to the students of computer engineering and computer applications. There are jobs available according to your area of expertise and concentration.
One can start as a junior programmer and get promoted to senior level. Big IT companies like Microsoft, Oracle, Wipro, Infosys, IBM etc are hiring software designers and developers. As a systems analyst, there are openings in multinational giants like P& G, Citibank, etc. There are positions for trainers and developers in training institutes like NIIT or CISCO.
Information Technology has got many avenues in which a person can seek a job. The course develops the person’s soft skills and encourages effective communication, trains to be analytical and confident about problem-solving, brushes the mathematical skills and computation abilities and ensures that the student is fully capable of handling any computer related issue with verve and confidence.
Advantages of BCA Course
The course envisages promising future in any of the specialization or concentration like programming, software development, systems analysis, etc. Computerization is common in many big establishments as well as small businesses. Thus, there is a constant need of experts and knowledgeable persons to handle the daily activities and maintenance. Without a skilled person who is adept at handling the machine, a layman cannot do much in a sense of programming, data management, etc. Hence, it is an open field of opportunity for the right candidate with knowledge of Computer Applications.