Embarking on a journey of a lifetime and don’t know which path to tread on – all of us face this situation when we step out from the gates of school to face the big bad world of college and higher studies at some point or the other. There are inhibitions, scepticisms, and doubts about the choice we make as a student.

The doubts can be about which college or subjects we want to pursue our studies in, state or country we want to go for studies in or courses we want to pursue. Many of us don’t have proper information on BCA and B.Tech and are confused about whether to pursue M.Tech or MCA for further studies.

Here, Dr Ruchika Malhotra, Assistant Professor, Department of Software Engineering, Delhi Technological University (Formerly known as Delhi College of Engineering), tells us the difference between BCA and B.Tech and which course is best M.Tech or MCA!

The difference between BCA and B.Tech:

What does the study of BCA entail?

Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) is a three-year degree programme. The course curriculum of BCA focuses on database management systems, operating systems, software engineering, computer architecture, web technology and languages such as C, C++, HTML, etc.

What does the study of B. Tech entail?

Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) is a four-year degree programme that aims to form the basic theoretical concepts as well as practical concepts of the students in various areas such as Computer Engineering, Electronics and Communication Engineering, Software Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and much more. The course curriculum includes digital and analogue electronics, programming, computer networks, database management systems, computer systems organisation.

Who should take up BCA & who should take up B. Tech?

A student of any stream provided he/she has Mathematics and English can take up BCA. However, students of science stream (who have taken Science in 10+2) are eligible to appear in common/separate entrance examinations of various institutes such as:

• IIT
• DTU
• NSIT
• IIIT

There seems to be a lot of confusion amongst students on whether they should pursue BCA followed by MCA or B. Tech followed by M. Tech. What would be the guiding factors, according to you, that the students should consider before making a decision?

The choice of BCA and MCA or B.Tech, first of all, depends on the background (commerce, arts or science) and satisfaction of eligibility conditions by a student. Secondly, the choice depends on the institute where the student wishes to pursue the degree. In B.Tech (CSE/IT/SE) programme both the theoretical and practical concepts of a student are made strong which enhances the in-depth knowledge of the student. At the same time, MCA is a specialised and professional degree course and gives more practical experience to the student. In addition, if the student wants to pursue a PhD programme then MCA is a better option than B.Tech. Finally, the selection of pursuing MCA or M.Tech for higher education totally depends on the interest of a person.

What is your opinion on the influx towards MBA after BCA or B.Tech? Do you think the value of these courses and their possible future is getting compromised due to the shift in management?

MBA is a management course that enhances managerial, communication and presentation skills of a person. MBA is more suitable for service and customer oriented industry. If someone wants to study the management prospects then MBA is a good option.

By studying BCA followed by MCA, what job opportunities can a student explore? (In India and abroad)

A candidate having MCA degree has great job opportunities in the software industry. A candidate can get a job in various areas like software design and development, networking, hardware, research and development, IT consultant, Web Designer, Database analyst and database administrators and services. As far as software engineering is concerned, a candidate may work as a software analyst, software engineer, software tester, Maintenance professionals and software developer/programmer. Some of the top Software Companies include EPIC, Microsoft, Adobe, Yahoo, Samsung, TCS, IBM, Wipro Infotech, Infosys, HCL Technologies.

What and how should one choose between M.Tech and MBA for further study? What are the industries or job roles where an M.Tech or MBA would be more useful?

The choice between M.Tech and MBA for further study totally depends on individual preference and strength of the person. If the student is of science background and wants to continue his/her career in technical, teaching or research, then M.Tech is the right choice for him/ her.
However, if somebody wants to study the management aspects, then MBA is the right choice. M.Tech is suitable for a product based industry where technical skills are required. It is also suitable for teaching and research profession.

What difference does a B.Tech + MBA or M.Tech make to the salary offered to both a fresh engineering graduate and an experienced engineer?

If a student completes his/her M.Tech from an institute of international repute like IITs, DTU, NSIT, NITs, Jamia Milia Islamia, Jamia Hamdard, BITS etc then he/ she is likely to get a higher salary and position as compared to a fresher who has completed B.Tech. Similarly, candidates can expect an increased salary if they complete their MBA from institutions like:

• IIMs
• FMS
• IIT
• XLRI
• DSM (DTU)

Is there any diploma course available in this field? If yes, please name a few and suggest career possibilities after that.

Other computer science courses offered by universities include B.Sc (Computer Science), and Diploma in Computer Engineering/Computer Science/Computer Applications.

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