Students with a technical background many times get confused regarding Bachelor in Computer Applications (BCA) and Bachelor in Technology, CSE (B.Tech). Though both of them are different, as one is an engineering course while another is a degree course. With the growing number of BCA and the increase in private engineering institutes on another side, students get confused regarding which career option they should choose.

If you are a student who has cleared 10+2 and has a passion for computers, then you can choose either BCA or B.Tech. Both these UG courses grant specialization in IT, but still, they differ in course duration, eligibility, curriculum, and fee. This article will help a lot in clearing your doubts and inquiries regarding the same.

B.Tech (IT/CSE)

  1. Tech in Computer Science Engineering is aimed at providing detailed information regarding programming, developing new technologies and concepts, and mathematical skills. B. Tech course is a 4-year UG course which is quite popular among the students; the course focuses on offering detailed knowledge of sectors such as Electrical, Mechanical, Computer Science and Information Technology.

During the initial first years, the students understand every subject, though, after that they can select their specializations. The course offers theory-based and practical knowledge as well. Regarding the course content, B.Tech syllabus also includes some of the topics that are taught in BCA as well, like database management.

Scope and Job Prospects

Taking admission in the top-notch engineering institute is a tough nut to crack. Students have to take exams like JEE Main, BITSAT and MHT CET etc. which are highly tough but fruitful.

Undoubtedly quality engineers are in high demand throughout the year and every sector like banking, manufacturing or aviation, etc. need IT professionals. India is considered a popular and important outsourcing hub for the clients from the UK or the US, which in turn increases the number of job opportunities for IT professionals as well.

The students post completing the course can work as Graduate Engineer Trainee, Junior Software Engineers/Programmers, Software Trainee Engineers, Research Analysts at the national and international IT companies.

If you are interested in pursuing higher studies post completing B.Tech. You can do M.Tech, for getting admission in the course, the students need to clear GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering).

Job Prospects for BTech (CSE) Graduates

  • Software industries welcome engineers as they have much work related to coding (C/C++, Java,.net, etc.), database, testing, etc.
  • Now even PSUs such as ONGC, BHEL, SAIL, IOCL, etc. appoint engineers based on their GATE score. There are more than 18 government sector companies that hire young and professional B.Tech (CSE) engineers.
  • The engineers can also give competitor exams for Bank officers, SSC exams, Indian Army through University Entrance Scheme(UES), and Air Force via Air Force Common admission test (Afcat)

What is BCA?

Bachelor in Computer Applications is a 3-year program that includes subjects like computer languages, database management, operations systems, logical analysis, software design, and client-server technology. This is a 3-years UG course being offered by various institutes and colleges across the country.

Scope

Most of the students pursue an MCA post completing their BCA degree; alternatively, they can also look into jobs in the growing IT sector or other related fields. Some of the attractive career prospects which BCA graduates can explore include:

  • Programmer- A programmer is a software engineer who is professional in creating computer software.
  • Database Administrator – The job role of Database Administrator includes capacity planning, installation, configuration, database design, security, troubleshooting, backup and data recovery, etc.
  • Application Developer – One can become an application developer as well as post doing BCA, and his/her job is to create, test and programme or applications software for computers.
  • Systems Analyst – System Analyst job involves applying analysis and designing techniques to solve business problems using information technology. They also act as change agents for organizational improvement.

Besides the roles mentioned above, one can also work as a Graphic Designer, Content Manager, Network Administrator, DTP (Desktop Publishers), Entrepreneur apart from choosing many roles as well.

Job Prospects

Students post completing the course can begin their career as a Junior Programmer or a Software Tester and then can start working as a Senior Programmer post, gaining some expertise in it. Many IT companies look for the professionals within the organization, even as a fresher one can start working at a leading IT company and MNCs as well. Though a BCA gets sound technical knowledge, still it is advised to complete an MCA degree as well to kick start your career more satisfyingly. Many IT companies keep on posting many junior programming positions to be filled by BCA graduates.

Difference between BCA vs B.Tech

  • BCA or Bachelor of Computer Application offers knowledge about computer applications while B.Tech CSE educates students regarding computer engineering.
  • A BCA graduate is a software programmer professional who gets knowledge of scripting and programming languages like C, C++, Java, etc. While the candidates who completed B.Tech course get a detailed knowledge of both hardware and software.
  • Tech (CSE) is a four-year UG program while BCA is a three-year undergraduate program.
  • BCA allows you to learn the application level of computers while B.Tech will make you an expert at the technical level (Software, Hardware, applications, etc.)
  • For getting admission to an engineering college offering B.Tech (CSE), the students need to appear for the national level Joint Entrance Exam, which is known as JEE. However, colleges may or may not conduct entrance exams for giving admission to the BCA course.
  • Post securing high in the entrance for BTech, the students can take any branch of engineering as per their interest which includes CSE, Mechanical, Electronics, Civil, Aerospace, Biotechnology, Food Technology, Biomedical Engineering, Information Technology, Chemical Engineering, Automobile Engineering, Electronics and Computer Engineering or any other.
  • In addition to the high JEE rank, the candidates need to secure good grades in Intermediate or 10+2 with PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics); while students with Science or Commerce stream as well can do BCA.

Explore Limitless Opportunities by Pursuing either BCA Or B.Tech

For all those aspiring IT professionals, it is the perfect time to begin their career by doing BCA or B.Tech CSE. According to a recent report published by NASSCOM and McKinsey, the Indian IT sector is expected to grow from USD 132 billion in 2014-15 to USD 225 billion by the end of 2020, and even it might reach to USD 350 billion by 2025. Moreover, more than two million jobs are expected to be offered to eligible professionals in the industry.

The graduates of both programs get a professional degree, and they are ready to take up a challenging role in the growing IT sector. Though both the streams are different, still both are equally good and offer ample job opportunities post completing the course. If you have completed 10+2 with PCM and you think that you can do well in engineering entrance exams, then you can move ahead with your plan to do B. Tech, but in case you have cleared your 10+2 in Commerce, Art or Medical stream and want to shift your focus to IT, then you have only one option which is BCA.

On top of all the factors, it is your hard work, talent, skill, knowledge, and dedication that will help you in having a flourishing career ahead. No matter whichever degree you choose, complete the course with utmost dedication and hard work.