BCA: Course, Colleges, Admission, Eligibility, Fees, Career, Salary

The BCA program—short for Bachelor of Computer Application—is a staircase leading you to the doors of an IT company, more specifically, a software company. Over four years, this degree intends to impart practical knowledge and skills in computing and software development that help to solve real-world IT problems and turn your ideas into software solutions.

Why BCA?

As the name suggests, Computer Application is all about applied computing. Unlike purely theoretical programs, the BCA program is more application-oriented in nature and aligned with industry needs, which is why BCA has been one of the most demanding degrees worldwide, including Nepal.

• Master software development: Learn techniques and tools for developing software applications.
• Solve real-world Problem in IT: Use IT knowledge to solve real-world problems across industries.
• Build a strong foundation in core computing: Become an expert in programming, databases, networking, and IT security.
• Grow Professionally: Nurture teamwork, communication, and project management skills through internships and real-time projects.

Going through this article will give you a complete picture of BCA program in Nepal, helping you make a wise decision on your future in IT and software development.

For many +2 graduates, a few important questions often come to mind:

• Is BCA focused on theory or practical skills?
• Which programming languages and software development courses are taught in BCA?
• Will I learn emerging technologies like AI, cloud computing, or mobile app development?
• Are internships and real projects included in the course?

Software Development Courses

The BCA curriculum is designed to provide a strong foundation and skills to develop software and application that run on web, desktop, and mobile platforms. Thereore, BCA curriculum includes:

• Programming languages courses like Python, Java, and .NET that are essential for developing API's and backend technologies.
• Scripting Language courses such as PHP and JavaScript to create dynamic and interactive websites.
• Mobile Application Development course to create Android or iOS apps. 
• Database Management Systems course that provides knowledge on data handling and storage concepts.

Every semester, as a part of project work, BCA students are required to create real-world software projects for desktop, mobile, and web platforms in association with a software company.

Beyond Programming Courses

BCA program is not only centered around programming or coding. It integrates subjects that cover a broader area of IT disciplines, such as:

• Software Engineering
• System Analysis and Design
• Business Communication

These subjects provides knowledge and solid understanding on key aspects of software development process. Moreover, carrying out projects works on every semester, students gain experience in the complete software development lifecycle—starting with requirement analysis, followed by system design and development leading to implementation.

Emerging Technologies in BCA

The BCA program includes subjects focussing on emerging technologies such as AI, ML, and Cyber Security. To develop strong skills and understanding in these emerging technologies, one needs a strong foundation in mathematical, programming, and data structure and algorithm. Therefore, BCA program includes courses covering these areas.

• Artificial Intelligence
• Machine Learning
• Internet of Things
• Distributed Systems
• Cloud Computing

IT and Cybersecurity Courses

The BCA program integrates courses such as:

• Information Security
• Cyber law and professional ethics

These courses help students perform technology assessments, identify vulnerabilities, and troubleshoot security issues to secure systems from hackers. They also cover cryptography, data protection, network security principles, and digital ethics.

Networking Courses

BCA program offers core networking courses such as:

• Computer Networking
• Networking Programming
• Network Administration

These courses provide skills in network infrastructure management, design principles, security fundamentals, configuration and communication protocols, troubleshooting, and server management.

Core Computer Science Courses

While BCA is application-oriented, it also integrates computing science courses to build strong theoretical foundations required for research, problem-solving, and computational thinking. These include:

• Data Structures and Algorithms
• Operating Systems
• Distributed Systems
• Computer Architecture

Please click here to check the comparison of BCA Syllabus of different universities of Nepal.

BCA is offered by several academic institutions affiliated under TU, RJU, Purbanchal University, FWU, and Pokhara University. The first question that comes to one's mind is 

• Which university is the best for BCA in Nepal?
• What university has the best course curriculum?

In software development jobs, skills matter more than university name. If you and your friend go to different universities and have different programming and IT skills, the one with better skills will get more preference regardless of which university either of you went to.

Employers usually prefer:

• Candidates with strong logical and problem-solving ability.
• Candidates who have good experience developing software applications.
• Candidates who can write clean code and implement higher design patterns.
• Graduates who have practical experience with good internship exposure.

Many students in Nepal often put Tribhuvan University (TU) as their first choice just because it is the oldest university in Nepal. However, selecting a university based on its establishment date is not a practical approach. 

Best University for BCA based on several factors

There are several factors one should look upon in a university before selecting BCA degree; they are:

Here are key points and facts about BCA program offered by various universities in Nepal.

Students enrolled in the BCA course may also qualify for scholarships, which are awarded based on merit.

The minimum requirements to be fulfilled by the students in order to pursue the BCA course may differ based on different universities. The eligibility criteria for the course under different universities are outlined in the table below:

The admission process varies slightly depending upon the university; however, the general steps for all universities are mentioned below.

Below is the table outlining the fee structure for BCA offered by different academic institutions.

The fee structure of BCA at private colleges ranges from NPR 300,000 to 1,200,000 with an average cost of around NPR 500,000. The fee structure for BCA programs at different academic institutions depends on the quality of education and facilities they provide. Many institutions offer short-term IT training, workshops, and seminars throughout different semesters to enhance students' practical knowledge and skill sets. Institutions with higher BCA fees may provide better facilities, while those charging moderate fees may provide more limited benefits to students.

Academic institutions affiliated with TU must provide scholarships according to the university's policy. Some institutions also award scholarships and discounts to newly admitted students based on merit and financial needs, while others provide scholarships to semester toppers.

Additional charges for BCA

Apart from tuition fees, there are certain charges, such as university service charges and exam fees that students need to pay to their respective universities.

The choice of degree often depends upon the type of career or job they wish to pursue, and the potential earning that career can offer. Thus, in this regard, student willing to join BCA often have these question in mind. 

• What are the career opportunities after completing BCA?
• Can I become a software developer or work abroad with a BCA degree?
• What is the average salary after a BCA in Nepal and abroad?
• Is BCA enough for a career in IT, or should I pursue MCA/MSc/other certifications afterward?
• What industries can I work in besides IT companies?

The BCA curriculum's broad set of courses equips graduates with a wide range of skill sets for diverse IT job roles worldwide.

Programming Careers After BCA

Over the 4-year BCA journey, graduates do acquire programming skills in different technologies through courses such as scripting languages, Python, JavaScript, OOP in Java, .NET technology, web technology, and database management systems (DBMS), which enable them to work as programmers and software developers.

BCA graduates learn mathematical subjects that build a strong foundation in AI. They also get a solid understanding of the core concepts and specialized skills in emerging technologies through specific courses on AI and ML. Thus, BCA graduates are well-prepared to work in specific AI fields as AI experts, data scientists, ML specialists, and robotics engineers.

What does a good BCA College needs to have?

In order to provide quality and market-driven education and skill development to students in the BCA program, the essentials are:

• Qualified and experienced faculty from academic and industry backgrounds
• Project-based learning
• Skill development focus in computing and IT areas
• Internships and tie-ups with industries
• Career support with placement option
• Training in programming languages, latest platforms, and all IT areas
• Rich student life with one-on-one guidance and
• Scholarships for financial aid options.

In Nepal there are some outstanding academic institutions offering the TU BCA program for students, whose names along with their key features are listed below.