MCA VS MCA Online: What’s the Difference
Online MCA (Master of Computer Application) is a 2-year master’s degree program for a career in a technical field. This program includes coding and programming languages learning, Database management, and other related subjects.
MCA earlier offered in two modes of education, regular and distance MCA education, but now one more option that students and especially working professionals have is online MCA, which is a more flexible, convenient, and affordable approach to pursuing higher education.
MCA online and MCA regular programs are UGC-approved and equally valid. However, in today’s modern world, online programs are in most demand because you get added advantages in the program which make achieving the master’s degree more flexible and allow working professionals to earn it without quitting their jobs.
In this blog, we’ll compare online MCA and MCA, and also take a glimpse into distance MCA education. This detailed MCA vs MCA online blog would help to understand the difference in both program and help you make viable choice to pursue which program.
Is Online MCA Equal to Regular MCA?
Yes, in terms of validity and acceptance, MCA Online would be equal to regular MCA. UGC(University Grants Commission) stated that all modes of education regular, online, and distance are equivalent. However, it is mandatory to achieve a degree from a recognized university.
When we look at the advantages and benefits of the program, MCA Online would have an edge over MCA regular.
Do Companies Accept Online MCA?
After the pandemic, the awareness of online education has spread all across the world, and people have understood that online education is a more convenient way to educate yourself and earn a relevant degree. Companies do accept MCA Online degrees if it from a recognized university.
Most important to note that nobody is going to reject you because of your mode of education, whether you completed your MCA from regular mode or online, a recruiter would hire you based on your skills and knowledge. If you can add value to an organization you will get hired easily.
Read Also: Regular Degree with an Online BBA Program
Which is Better MCA Online or Offline?
Let’s understand this by comparing some features of both the modes of MCA:
- Flexibility– Online MCA provides 100% flexibility you can learn at your place and speed. Whereas offline MCA has no flexibility you have to attend class on-campus.
- Affordability– Online MCA is more affordable, yet provides the best quality education as the faculty is almost the same and the curriculum is designed with a practical approach. However, Regular MCA might not be affordable for many.
- Networking– Offline MCA has better networking opportunities because students interact with each other better on-campus. Continuous advancement in online MCA programs provides networking through virtual meets and forums.
- Job Opportunities– It depends on the individual candidate’s skill because job opportunities are the same in both programs. If an online MCA graduate is better than a regular one then definitely get the opportunity first.
- Curriculum– MCA Online students learn from a more rigorous and dynamic curriculum including topics from applied research and focuses on practical skill building. However, offline MCA still follows a more theoretical approach.
Read Also: Can I Do an Online MBA From Home?
Which University is Best for Online MCA?
Manipal University Online
- Approval: UGC, NAAC A+, AICTE, WES, ICAS, NIRF, NBA, QS Ranking, ACU
- Year of Establishment: 1953
- Mode of Learning: Online
- Fees- INR 39,500/Semester
Amrita University Online
- Approval: UGC, AICTE, NIRF, NAAC A++, WES
- Year of Establishment: 1994
- Mode of Learning: Online
- Fees- INR 35,000/Semester
Amity University Online
- Approval: UGC-DEB, AICTE, DEC, WES, AlU, NIRF, QS World Ranking
- Year of Establishment: 2005
- Mode of Learning: Online
- Fees- INR 42,500/Semester
LPU Online
- Approval: UGC, ACTE, NAAC Att, NIRF, WES, AlU, SACSCOC
- Year of Establishment: 2005
- Mode of Learning: Online
- Fees- INR 26,750/Semester
Chandigarh University Online
- Approval: UGC-DEB, AICTE, NAAC At, NIRF, WES, QS-World University Ranking
- Year of Establishment: 2012
- Mode of Learning: Online
- Fees- INR 22,500/Semester
Vignan University Online
- Approval: UGC-DEB, NIRF, AICTE, ISO, NAAC A+
- Year of Establishment: 2008
- Mode of Learning: Dual Mode
- Fees- INR 27,500/Semester
Uttaranchal University Online
- Approval: UGC, NAAC At, AlU, AICTE, ISO, PCI
- Year of Establishment: 2013
- Mode of Learning: Online Mode
- Fees- INR 20,500/Semester
How to Select the Best University for MCA Online?
You can visit College Vidya, which is an unbiased platform to find recognized universities and compare them on fees, reviews, placement support, approvals, etc. You get the option of multiple programs including online MCA.
Not just that you will get additional facilities like free counseling, post-admission services, CV community access, placement support, and CV subsidy from College VIdya.
Conclusion
In conclusion, MCA online indeed has advantages over regular MCA, but selecting which program is right for you would depend on individual student’s goals and personal decisions. You can select any program and achieve success in your career.
