Salary of MCA Graduates: Based on Various Specializations & Job Roles [2025]
By Sriram
Updated on Sep 30, 2025 | 6 min read | 908.8K+ views
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Did You Know? Statista reports that the IT Services market in India is projected to grow by 8.83% valuing at around 44.05 billion UD dollars in 2030. |
The Master of Computer Applications (MCA) is a postgraduate degree that builds strong skills in programming, software development, and IT systems. With India’s fast move towards digitalization and new technologies, the demand for IT professionals is rising. According to Payscale, the MCA salary in India is around ₹10 LPA, with scope to grow as skills and experience increase.
In this blog, we’ll look at the average and starting salary of MCA graduates, salary variations by specialization and job roles, how experience impacts growth, the top recruiters hiring MCA professionals, and the top skills that boost your MCA salary in 2025.
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Average MCA Salary in India Based on Experience
The average MCA salary in India is ₹10 LPA (as per Payscale), but it varies depending on the industry, training, specialization, and experience of the graduate. In India, an MCA graduate's pay can range widely, and understanding these trends helps you plan your career better.
Before diving into the details, check out these popular upGrad programs that can boost your career opportunities and help you earn a higher MCA salary in India.
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In this section, we will gain insights into MCA salaries in India based on the level of experience. Below is an estimated range of the average salary of MCA graduates in India, broken down by experience.
EXPERIENCE LEVEL |
SALARY |
1 to 3 years |
2 lakhs to 9 lakhs |
4 to 9 years |
8 lakhs to 18 lakhs |
10+ years |
18 lakhs to 40 lakhs |
Source: Glassdoor
Also Read: Average Computer Science Salary in India
Salary of MCA Graduates Based on Specialization
Depending on the specialization they choose MCA graduates in India can earn a wide range of salaries. The IT sector offers many MCA job opportunities, and roles in domains like software development, cloud computing, machine learning, and data science come with different pay scales. Knowing the average salary based on specialization can help you plan your career path and explore jobs after MCA.
The table below provides an overview of MCA salary in India based on specialization:
Specialization |
Average Annual Salary (INR) |
| Data Science | 7.5 lakhs |
| Software Development | 6.4 lakhs |
| Computer Networking Systems | 10 lakhs |
| Artificial Intelligence | 3 lakhs |
| Management Information Systems (MIS) | 2.94 lakhs |
| Full Stack Development | 4.22 lakhs |
| Blockchain Development | 9.88 lakhs |
| Cloud Computing | 5 lakhs |
Source: Payscale
Take a look at: Best MCA final year project topics
MCA Salary by Job Roles
With an MCA degree, you can access well-paying jobs in a variety of technology-related fields. Senior-level experts in data science, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing can earn up to ₹20 LPA or more, making these some of the highest-paying roles for MCA graduates. However, the MCA salary can vary significantly depending on the company, location, level of experience, and skill set.
JOB ROLE |
AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY (INR) |
9.4 lakhs |
|
15 lakhs |
|
Information Technology Consultant Salary |
10.8 lakhs |
11.6 lakhs |
|
8.6 lakhs |
|
27.9 lakhs |
|
Cybersecurity Analyst Salary |
6.5 lakhs |
11 lakhs |
|
(AI) Engineer Salary |
17.9 lakhs |
7.7 lakhs |
Source: Ambition box
Also Read: Top 25+ Career Options After MCA
Top Companies Hiring MCA Graduates in 2025
Several IT and consulting companies recruit MCA graduates based on their practical work experience and skills. Hence, if you have suitable skills in the IT sector and possess the zeal to take up challenging projects as an MCA graduate, you can surely get a decent salary after MCA.
IT sector has undoubtedly become one of the most sought-after career choices Some of the leading IT companies that are constantly on the hunt for talented MCA graduates and offer them admirable salary after MCA are:
COMPANY |
TOP ROLES OFFERED |
Infosys |
Software Developer, Data Scientist |
Wipro |
Software Engineer, Data Scientist, Cloud Engineer |
HCL |
Data Scientist, Software Engineer, Network Engineer |
Tata Consultancy Services |
Software Engineer, Data Scientist, Cloud Engineer |
Accenture |
Software Engineer, Cloud Solutions Architect, Data Scientist |
Cognizant |
Data Scientist, Machine Learning Engineer, Software Developer |
Capgemini |
Software Engineer, Data Analyst, Cloud Developer |
Infotech |
Software Developer, Business Analyst, QA Tester |
IBM |
Data Scientist, Cloud Engineer, Business Analyst |
Tech Mahindra |
Data Scientist, Software Developer, Network Engineer |
Skills That Boost MCA Salaries
Your MCA salary can increase significantly if you have the right combination of technical and soft skills. Employers value candidates who can solve problems, communicate well, and work with advanced technologies. Here’s a simple breakdown:
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Technical Skills That Increase MCA Salary
- Java & Python - Most software development and full-stack roles require these languages.
- SQL & Databases - Crucial for data handling and analytics roles.
- Cloud Computing (AWS, Azure, GCP) - Opens doors to high-paying cloud engineer roles.
- AI & Machine Learning - Key for roles in data science and intelligent systems.
- Cybersecurity - High demand for securing applications and networks.
Soft Skills That Help Boost MCA Salary
- Problem-Solving - Employers pay more for professionals who can find efficient solutions.
- Communication Skills - Essential for working in teams and client-facing roles.
- Leadership & Team Management skill - Higher roles with leadership responsibilities come with better pay.
How to Increase Your MCA Salary in 2025?
As newer technologies and innovations emerge, IT professionals must keep abreast of the latest developments and master new skills. Continuous learning and upskilling is the key to staying ahead in this competitive market.
Here at upGrad, we have a range of programs and courses for you to choose from. Our software engineering courses are exclusively meant for aspiring computer professionals to take advantage of our mentorship feature, student support services as well as career assistance.
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Conclusion
Choosing the right career path can feel overwhelming, but it’s important to align your goals with your interests. Are you aiming for a rewarding role or a career that challenges you with problem-solving? Answering such questions can make your decision easier.
Knowing the MCA salary in India and understanding the MCA starting salary per month can help you plan your career realistically. Exploring additional certifications through our upGrad free courses can also boost your skills and improve your MCA graduate salary.
For personalized guidance, you can book a free counseling session with our experts to get advice as per your career goals and maximize your salary after MCA.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the average MCA salary in India in 2025?
The average MCA salary in India in 2025 is ₹10 LPA(as per Payscale data). Top IT companies often pay higher packages to candidates with strong technical expertise and certifications.
2. How much does an MCA fresher earn per month in India?
An MCA fresher's salary in India per month, as per Glassdoor data, is ₹25,000. This may go higher in metro cities or with in-demand roles like data science and full-stack development.
3. Why should you consider a career in MCA?
Before making a career decision to study MCA, it is important to be entirely sure if you ever wish to pursue it. MCA is a post-graduate program curated for individuals who want to dive deep into the world of technology. After completing a Master of Computer Application, students will have lucrative job opportunities in the private and public sectors. Landing a job as an MCA candidate will open the door to plenty of opportunities and job roles.
4. Which specialization in MCA offers the highest salary?
Among different specializations, Data Science, Cloud Computing, and Artificial Intelligence bring some of the best MCA salaries in India. These areas offer strong growth and high demand in 2025.
5. Are there government job opportunities for MCA graduates?
Yes, MCA graduates are certainly eligible to apply for government jobs in various sectors, including banking, defense, railways, and public sector undertakings (PSUs). Roles like System Analyst, Programmer, and IT Officer are available in government departments.
6. Do MCA graduates earn more in Data Science than in Software Development?
Yes, MCA graduates in Data Science usually earn more than those in Software Development. Data Science roles often pay above ₹7.5 LPA, while Software Development averages around ₹6.4 LPA.
7. How does MCA salary in India compare with abroad?
MCA salary in India is lower compared to abroad. For example, in the US or UK, MCA graduates can earn 3-5 times more than average salaries in India.
8. Which job roles offer the best MCA salaries in 2025?
High-paying jobs after MCA include Cloud Architect, Data Scientist, AI Engineer, and Blockchain Developer. These MCA job opportunities can offer salaries from ₹12-30 LPA.
9. Can MCA graduates earn more than MBA graduates?
Yes, in tech-heavy roles, MCA graduates can earn more than MBA graduates. Roles like AI, Cloud, and Data Science often pay higher than traditional MBA job profiles.
10. What is the MCA graduate salary after 5 years of experience?
After 5 years, the average MCA graduate salary can grow to ₹10-15 LPA. With specialized skills and domain knowledge, it can go much higher in top IT firms.
11. Which IT companies pay MCA graduates the highest packages?
Global IT firms like Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and Accenture are known to offer high MCA salaries in India. Some packages can even reach ₹20-30 LPA for senior roles.
12. How much can MCA graduates earn in metro cities vs small towns?
In metro cities, MCA salary in India per month is often 25-40% higher than in small towns. This is due to better job opportunities, demand, and cost of living.
13. What is the eligibility criteria for pursuing MCA?
MCA requires candidates to fulfill certain eligibility criteria. Students pursuing You must have completed your undergraduate in computer application or any computer-related field with an aggregate of 50%-60% to be eligible for an MCA degree. In any case, having a minimum of 60% is mandatory. Plus, students must have chosen mathematics as one of their subjects in Class 12 to be eligible for MCA. Depending on the college you apply to, the eligibility criteria might differ.
14. Is MCA still a good career choice in terms of salary in 2025?
Yes, MCA remains a good career choice in 2025. The IT sector is expanding fast, and MCA job opportunities in AI, ML, and cloud offer strong salary growth.
15. Why should you consider a career in MCA?
Before making a career decision to study MCA, it is important to be entirely sure if you ever wish to pursue it. MCA is a post-graduate program curated for individuals who want to dive deep into the world of technology. After completing a Master of Computer Application, students will have lucrative job opportunities in the private and public sectors. Landing a job as an MCA candidate will open the door to plenty of opportunities and job roles.
16. Which is better: MCA or MTech?
Both MCA and MTech offer career opportunities in the IT field. MCA focuses more on software development and applications, while MTech is more research-oriented and technical. MTech may be preferable for those interested in academic or R&D career.
17. What are the factors that affect MCA salary in India?
The main factors affecting MCA salary in India include experience level, specialization (e.g., Data Science, AI, Cloud Computing), company size (top-tier firms offer higher salaries), location (metros offer better pay), and technical skills (expertise in programming and emerging technologies).
18. What is the difference between an MBA and MCA?
MBA focuses on management and business strategy, while MCA specializes in computer applications and software development. MCA graduates usually work in technical roles like software engineers, while MBA graduates often pursue managerial positions in various sectors
19. Which international companies hire MCA graduates from India?
International firms like IBM, Google, Oracle, and Amazon regularly hire MCA graduates from India. These companies offer competitive salaries and global exposure.
20. Can MCA graduates work as freelancers?
Yes, MCA graduates can work as freelancers in areas like web development, mobile app development, software development, or data science. Freelancers can find projects on various platforms like Freelancer, and Fiverr.
References:
https://www.statista.com/outlook/tmo/it-services/india
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/mca-salary-SRCH_KO0,3.htm
https://www.payscale.com/research/IN/Degree=Master_of_Computer_Applications_(MCA)%2C_Business_Data_Analysis/Salary
https://www.payscale.com/research/IN/Degree=Master_of_Computer_Applications_(MCA)%2C_Computer_Networking_Systems/Salary
https://www.payscale.com/research/IN/Degree=Master_of_Computer_Applications_(MCA)%2C_Artificial_Intelligence/Salary
https://www.payscale.com/research/IN/Degree=Master_of_Computer_Applications_(MCA)%2C_Management_Information_Systems_(MIS)/Salary
https://www.payscale.com/research/IN/Degree=Master_of_Computer_Applications_(MCA)%2C_Web_Development/Salary
https://www.payscale.com/research/IN/Skill=Blockchain_Technology/Salary
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/cloud-computing-salary-SRCH_KO0,15.htm
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/full-stack-developer-salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/data-scientist-salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/it-consultant-salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/machine-learning-engineer-salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/devops-engineer-salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/cloud-architect-salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/cyber-security-analyst-salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/blockchain-developer-salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/ai-engineer-salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/ui-or-ux-designer-salary
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Sriram K is a Senior SEO Executive with a B.Tech in Information Technology from Dr. M.G.R. Educational and Research Institute, Chennai. With over a decade of experience in digital marketing, he specia...
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