MCA Program and Lateral Entry Opportunities in India: A Study of Private Universities

Computer Application is one of the emerging domains in the field of computing and information technology. It is a domain of professional practice in India and mainly applicable in the working areas of software development and management. In Computer Application field the most significant job areas are software design and development, software engineering and management etc. Computer Application is available with two nomenclature and degrees viz. MCA and BCA. After completion of Computer Application degree, one can further progress and reach up to Doctoral Degree leading to Ph.D. In Computer Application, the flagship program is Masters one called Masters of Computer Application (MCA). A large number of universities and engineering colleges in India offers MCA program. It is normally available with 3 years duration. Unlike other computing and information technology degrees, it has opened a new vista for other background students to enter into the field of computing and IT profession. Computer Applications degree holders are widely working in Indian IT industry and doing well. Initially when the program was started in the nineteen-eighties rest part of the world were moved towards a new domain and fields called 'Information Technology' with much broader aim and agenda. Gradually MCA programs became popular and several institutions have been started the program with the widely running 3 years degree. Though in recent past many other universities mainly private universities have opened up a new world of MCA program with different duration based on entry level qualifications. In this paper, we have discussed and analyzed the unique features of MCA program offered by Indian Private Universities with special emphasis on Lateral entry to second and third years.