Bachelor of Computer Applications or BCA is one of the most popular degrees among students interested in entering the technology field. The vast scope of jobs in the Information Technology (IT) and IT-enabled Services (IT-eS) sectors also contributes to the pull factor. The BCA syllabus prepares graduates for a wide range of career paths, from joining startups and multinational companies to taking the entrepreneurship route. 

Owing to the attractiveness of this program, we will look at some of the standard BCA subjects and help you learn more about their applications and relevance in today’s world. Keep reading to know what a BCA degree must offer regarding knowledge, resources, and skillsets! 

BCA Syllabus in India

Typically, the curriculum covers the following subjects to give students a sound foundational base for career paths in Software Engineering, Web Development, and Data Science.  We have compiled the list of topics below to offer you an idea of what to expect.  

1. Discrete Mathematics

It is one of the preparatory courses offered in the early semesters of the BCA programme. You get to learn about binary operations, boolean algebra, and basic counting principles, along with rudimentary concepts like:

• Relations and their properties;
• Advanced counting techniques;
• Divide & Conquer algorithms;
• Generating functions;
• Graph theory.

2. Data Structures and Algorithms

This subject focuses on the fundamental concepts of data structures (stacks, queues, lists, linked lists, trees, graphs, etc.) It also intends to offer an overview of different algorithms and their implementation through lab exercises, usually based on C or Java. A course on Data Structures and Algorithms may also include an introduction to searching and sorting techniques, such as linear search, binary search, hashing, insertion, selection, merge, and heap sorts. 

3. Database Management Systems

A database management system is an organised collection of data digitally stored on computers for use by one or more users. This module of the BCA syllabus introduces students to the significance of database system applications and takes them through the architecture, models and implementation, file organisation, among other things. Additionally, you may observe the following contents:

• Anomalies in databases & normalisation;
• Query processing & optimisation algorithms;
• Distributed & object-oriented DBMS;
• Object relational mapping.

4. Object-Oriented Programming with Java

This part of the curriculum emphasises a better understanding of preliminary concepts of object-oriented programming and documentation styles. The aim is to make students well-versed with Java environments and their applications. Here are some of the sub-components:

• Introduction to Java; 
• Data types, control structures, classes, and methods;
• Basics of a graphic user interface;
• Handling errors and exceptions;
• Java applications and applets.

5. Computational Thinking & Problem Solving

This course is divided into several units with the objective of fostering innovative problem-solving skills among students. These are:

• Information, data, and number systems;
• Problem definition and solution process;
• Algorithmic thinking;
• Data organisation;
• Text processing and pattern matching.

6. Web Application Development

A typical web design course is meant to provide you with the know-how of the world wide web and internet services. The learning modules cover tools like HTML, CSS, PHP, JavaScript, MySQL, WordPress, Bootstrap, and others. 

Along with the conceptual knowledge of web application development, you would also need practical exposure to build professional websites. So, opt for a study programme that provides avenues for honing your coding skills. 

7. Distributed Systems

This is one of the advanced BCA subjects that gives you a well-rounded view of how modern distributed systems operate. The spotlight is on the building blocks of end-to-end system design. Some key topics include:

• Causality and logical clocks;
• Synchronisation and coordination algorithms;
• Transactions and replication;
• Latest trends in implementation of distributed systems.

The reliable operation of distributed systems is integral to the functioning of coherent computer networks that ultimately provide a seamless user experience. With that perspective, this course should enable computer science students to explore examples like multiplayer online games and peer-to-peer applications. It is best to choose a BCA degree that allows you to take up relevant project work related to the subject matter. 

8. Software Engineering

The Software Engineering course touches the broad spectrum of software systems engineering processes, such as:

• Elicitation of initial requirements;
• Software design and development;
• System evolution.

After an introductory unit on the characteristics of software process and product, the course typically delves into different approaches (waterfall, prototyping, spiral, RAD, incremental, agile, etc.) Finally, the students get a peek into analysis modelling, software testing, and maintenance (reverse engineering and re-engineering).

9. C# and .NET Frameworks

As a part of the fifth semester of a regular BCA syllabus, this course comprises content related to the architecture and component stack of a .NET framework, which is a virtual machine developed by Microsoft. C# is a language that is used for compiling and executing programmes in this framework. 

The quintessential curriculum begins with an overview of the architecture, class libraries, objects, methods, and collections. After that, it details string classes, object-oriented programming conceptions, and exception handling. The module ends with an introduction to Windows programming, ADO.NET, and System.IO. 

10. Computer Networks

This is another fifth-semester subject. It presents an in-depth discussion on the following topics:

• Networking protocols (TCP/IP suite);
• Datalink and layer design issues;
• Network layer basics;
• Network applications (Web and HTTP).

These ingredients make for an excellent knowledge base for dealing with transmission media and devices in the 21st century. If you want to apply your skills to support interoperability between different software products, you must brush up on your understanding of Computer Networks. 

11. Communicative English

Soft skills are as crucial in building a career as technical skills. And this compulsory language course attempts to enhance students’ reading, writing, and speaking abilities in English. These competencies not only help you learn better in the classroom but also open up various professional avenues. Unless you can listen and understand the context of a lesson, or clearly communicate an issue or idea to a client, any training in Computer Science would fall short. English education can also help hone your aesthetic sense and creativity.

12. Industry Project

The final semester of BCA is dedicated to project work where students can apply the skills they have acquired throughout the years. It demonstrates your unique take on a specific problem to the faculty, sometimes even opening doors for industry hiring. A well-ideated and properly executed project is a testament to your critical thinking and communication skills, which are essential for survival in modern-day workplaces. 

Therefore, while selecting a study programme, you should ensure that the above-mentioned BCA subjects feature in the syllabus. That said, the structure and flow of the curriculum are also vital. Instead of getting overwhelmed with overly technical topics, you need to have a learning experience that promises a measured pace. The pedagogy should ideally move from simple to complex and facilitate learners to go from analysis to synthesis. 

Why Choose Online BCA?

Online programmes can provide several avenues for this by delivering content through videos, case studies, and recorded lectures. To be eligible, you would need at least 55% in your class 12th examination or high school diploma. You can also enrol if you are an early-stage working professional, as most of the interactive sessions are held after working hours or over weekends. 

Check out upGrad’s degree courses offered by top universities. Outcome Oriented Curriculum. 300+ Hiring Partners & No Cost EMI.  

With this, we have covered the standard subjects that a BCA syllabus should feature to prepare you for the 21st-century job market. A detailed breakdown of subjects per semester and an overview of different learning tracks can help you match your needs with the programme offerings. We hope you use this information to make an informed choice!