Diploma in Computer Applications (DCA): Fees, Admission 2025, Eligibility, Syllabus, Career Options

Diploma in Computer Applications, popularly known as DCA, involves the study of computer software such as Microsoft Office, C++, Tally, HTML, CSS, and other fundamental software systems. Computer Applications Diploma has a wide career scope in a variety of fields. This DCA computer course can also be a gateway for you to become a Computer Engineer.

The DCA computer course duration is generally between six to twelve months. Several companies, both large and small, generate jobs related to computer applications. The subjects in the DCA form the basis of any database management job like accounting, product catalog management, and transaction data management. DCA jobs also include IT and Marketing jobs like web development, software development, and E-commerce management.

Hence, graduates can be employed by a huge variety of companies. Owing to the wide career scope after the Diploma in Computer Applications programme, this course is especially suitable if one is looking for early employment. The starting salary after the Diploma in Computer Applications course is also substantially good compared to other one-year courses and even longer diploma courses.

Diploma in Computer Applications Course Details

Diploma in Computer Applications Course Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for a Diploma in Computer Applications vary from college to college. Students must fulfill the required criteria to pursue the course in top colleges. Below are listed a few important eligibility criteria requirements:

• Students must have completed 10+2 from a recognised board or institution.
• They should have held 10+2 with a minimum percentage of 50 per cent marks or above.
• Computer as the main subject in the last qualifying exam would be an additional advantage.

Diploma in Computer Applications Admission Procedure

Depending on the school, students enrolling in Diploma in Computer Applications courses use different entrance techniques. Admission to many colleges is based on a first-come, first-served basis.

Some colleges accept students based on merit or a cut-off score on an entrance exam, while others do not. To pursue a Diploma in Computer Applications, candidates must meet the following requirements and go through the below-mentioned admission process:

• Aspiring students are required to have an HSC mark sheet (10+2) and your HSC school leaving certificate.
• The entrance exams are not a part of the admission process for most DCA colleges. However, there are a few colleges that do require you to take an entrance exam specific to the college.
• Admission to the DCA course is based on merit.
• If students have scored well in their HSC exams, it serves as an advantage for admission to the Diploma in Computer Applications college.
• Students can provide additional certificates of personal and academic achievements to add weight to their application.
• But, the primary admission criteria for a DCA degree is a student’s HSC score.

DCA Cutoff for Top Colleges

A cut-off score for the Diploma in Computer Applications is a set of criteria used to evaluate a student's merit or test results. The qualifying tests and the number of students who take the admission examination determine the cutoff for the Diploma in Computer Applications, which varies from one college to another.

Skills Required for Diploma in Computer Application

Students do not require any special or specific skills to be eligible for a DCA degree. There are a few skills that can be considered favourable for Diploma in Computer Applications admission. These skills would also reflect well on a student's profile or resume when they are applying for jobs after the DCA certificate course.

• MS Office
• Logical Reasoning
• Analytical Skills
• Pattern Recognition
• Good Typing Speed
• Basic Mathematics
• Knowledge of Internet Systems

Diploma in Computer Applications Syllabus and Subjects

The subjects taught in the DCA course are aimed at training students in fields of fundamental computer software as well as basic computer hardware. The diploma in computer applications syllabus includes fundamental concepts and basic application of software systems.

Students will also be taught visual communication and digital communication-related DCA subjects. Kalinga University, Raipur offers a DCA certificate course with the following subjects.

Diploma in Computer Applications Course Fees

The fee for the Diploma in Computer Applications course is quite moderate. Certain institutes conduct DCA courses for as low as Rs. 5,000. However, there would be limitations to subjects taught in their Diploma in Computer Application syllabus.

If candidates are looking to get admission to top colleges, the fees are higher. The DCA computer course fees for colleges with credibility can range between Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 50,000 approximately.

Scope of DCA Course

A rising trend that highly influences DCA degree holders is automation and machine learning. This trend has given rise to machine learning specialisations. If students learn the basics of machine learning and data automation along with DCA subjects, they will be able to get much better jobs after completing the DCA course.

Students can find a wide range of opportunities in private as well as in government sectors such as Banking, Networking, Insurance, e-commerce, and the IT Industry. Students can also study further in the same field with a BCA, B.Sc IT, M.Sc IT, or MCA to get better career perspectives.

Jobs After DCA Course

The career scope after a Diploma in Computer Applications grows wider with the rising popularity of information systems and complex database systems in various companies of different scales. The following are the most popular DCA job profiles:

Data Administrator: Data administrators are in charge of an organisation's data monitoring, maintenance, and management. They are in charge of ensuring that the data lifecycle is used and processed in a way that achieves the enterprise's goals.

Web Developer: Web developers build a website from the ground up, including the design, themes, interface, database, servers, domains, and other elements. They must design websites and web apps using programming languages such as HTML, CSS, and Javascript.

Accountant: Accountants work with the financial aspects of any organisation or company, such as calculating salaries, processing payments, and receipts, and calculating taxes. Accountants are in charge of keeping meticulous records of a company's profit and loss data.

Software Developer: Software developers' primary responsibility is to lay the groundwork for the operational systems that computer programmers use. From early planning to establishing parameters, designing, writing, coding, encrypting, and testing, they are involved in every aspect of developing and designing new systems.

Top Recruiters:

• Infosys
• Mahindra
• Cognizant
• Accenture
• IBM
• Wipro
• TCS
• HCL Technologies
• Capgemini

Benefits of Studying Diploma in Computer Applications Course

Students who desire to get technical knowledge about the subject in a short amount of time will benefit from the Diploma in Computer Applications programme. Computer technology abilities, methodologies, and other parts of the programme will be provided to them.

Students can continue their education in the same profession after completing the course. The DCA computer course certificate also provides abundant prospects for skilled professionals in a variety of government and private sector industries.

Expected Salary After DCA Diploma

Salary after a Diploma in Computer Applications depends on various factors including college, job role, company size, job field, and location. Diploma in Computer Application jobs also offer scope for a hike in salary based on experience and performance.

The scope for a higher salary after Diploma in Computer Applications is in the fields of Information Technology and Marketing. However, there is a higher scope of employment in database management and accounting.

Source: Ambition Box and Payscale

List of Top DCA Colleges in India

Many educational establishments in India provide diploma programmes in computer applications. Entrance is based on prior academic achievements and admission test scores. We have compiled a list of the best colleges and universities in India that offer a Diploma in Computer Applications:

Top Private DCA Colleges in India

A Diploma in Computer Applications is offered by several private colleges in India. A private college education is much more expensive than a public university education. The following are some of the best private universities for education:

Top Government DCA Colleges in India

Government-run colleges charge less for admission than private colleges. These colleges are well-known in India for their high educational standards. Some of the greatest government colleges that offer a Diploma in Computer Applications are listed below:

Diploma in Computer Applications syllabus imparts knowledge of fundamentals of computer systems, computer software, internet systems, website development, software development, database systems, and database management. DCA curriculum also builds a strong foundation for the pursuit of advanced knowledge, education, or a career in any of these fields.