Differences Between BCA and B.Sc. Computer Science: Nowadays the importance of computers has been increased in many folds and the demand for computer-based courses has been also increased. The demand for computer professionals is rising since the IT industry‘s growth creates a lot of career opportunities for computer graduates.
After completing the 10+2 level, there are three popular computer-based courses available for students; BCA (Bachelor of Computer Applications), B.Sc. in Computer Science, and B.Tech. in Computer Science. But students tend to get confused when it comes to choosing the proper course and career for themselves. So, before making the decision, one should be aware of all these distinctions, because it is important not to pick a course at random.
First, one must understand the main differences between them, including course structure, admission requirements, and opportunities in subsequent careers.
In this article, you are going to learn about the differences between BCA and B.Sc. in Computer Science based on course structure, eligibility criteria, admission procedure, career opportunities, salaries, etc.
Basic Difference Between BCA and B.Sc. Computer Science
   BCA:
- BCA, Bachelor of Computer Applications, is a 3 years undergraduate course. Its focus is the application of computer science like database networking, data structure, programming, web development etc.
- The technical side like hardware functioning, disk operations, control structures are not covered in this course.
- This course provide lots of opportunities to the students who are interested in the field of computer and to work in IT sector as a programmer and software developer.
B.Sc. in Computer Science:
- B.Sc. in Computer Science, on the other hand, is more concept oriented course as compared to BCA like programming concepts, disk operations, control structures. etc.
- Students will be able to create strong academic foundation by pursuing B.Sc. in Computer Science.
- It is also a 3 years undergraduate course which deals with the services related to computer applications and computer science.
Eligibility Criteria for BCA and B.Sc. in Computer Science
So after knowing the differences between these two courses, let’s talk about the eligibility criteria and admission procedure for these courses.
You need to have 50% marks in the 12th class to get admission in the BCA course and this eligibility criterion can vary from college to college because some colleges give admission only to the students who have English and Mathematics in their 12th class and in some other colleges students just have to have a minimum percentage in 12th standard to take admission. Also, in some good colleges, admission is carried out based on the national and state level entrance tests like AIMA, UGAT, BUMAT, Set, GSAT, etc.
And to get admission in B.Sc. in Computer Science, students have to pass with 50% marks in the12th standard with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics. This eligibility criterion may also vary from college to college.
As there are no uniform eligibility criteria and admission procedures all over India, we recommend you to visit the official website of the college where you want to study.
Top Colleges in India for BCA and B.Sc. in Computer Science
Here, we have listed down some good colleges for BCA and B.Sc. in Computer Science. Apart from these colleges, there are thousands of colleges and universities in each state of India that offer these two courses. Before choosing any college, we recommend you to check college infrastructure, facilities, teaching environment, placement facility, previous placement reports, higher education opportunities, etc.
 Top colleges for BCA course-
- Christ University, Bangalore
- Asian School of Business (ASB), Noida
- Vallore Institute of Technology, Vallore
- Madras Christian College, Chennai
- SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), Chennai
Top colleges for BSC Computer Science-
- Miranda house, New Delhi
- St. Joseph’s College, Bangalore
- St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai
- Wisdom School of Management, Lucknow
- Mithibai College of Arts, Mumbai
These two courses can be completed through distance mode also. Some top distance universities of India to pursue BCA and BSC in Computer Science through distance education are IGNOU, Tamil Nadu Open University (TNOU), Bharathiar University, SGVU.
Average Fee Structure
After discussing the best colleges, let’s know about the fees structure of BCA and BSC Computer Science. The average fees of BCA can be 2-3 Lakhs whereas the average fees of BSC Computer Science can be around 20-60 thousand rupees. To check the exact fee structure, you need to check the official website of your college or university.
Career Opportunities after BCA and B.Sc. in Computer Science
Now let’s learn about the scope and career options of these courses.
BCA graduates can be a…
- Data Scientist
- Network Engineer
- Software Developer
- System Admin
- Project Assistant
- Computer Programmer
If we talk about the available job profile of  BSC Computer Science graduates then we know that after completing this course students can be a…
- System Engineer
- Software Engineer
- Software Developer
- Computer Hardware Operator, and more
If we compare the employability of these two courses then we can tell that the employment opportunities of BCA opportunities comparatively higher and they can get jobs in any software company. And companies like Wipro, HCL, Infosys, TCS prefer to hire them.
However, companies like Electronic Equipment Manufacturers, Security and Surveillance Companies, System Maintenance Consultancies, Technical Support Teams, and Banking Firms hire BSC graduates. But the companies that hire top and skilled BSC Computer Science graduates include HCL, Google, Deloitte, Facebook, Microsoft.
Higher Education Opportunities After BCA and B.Sc. in Computer Science
As far as higher studies are concerned there are many opportunities after completing a bachelor’s degree. After completing higher education, the salary package increase higher and that’s why many students choose further study options.
After completing B.Sc. in Computer Science you can do M.Sc. in Computer Science. Where, you can get a deep knowledge of core Computer Science in which Parallel Computing, Artificial Intelligence, Soft Computing, and Information Security, and many more advanced topics.
Similarly, MCA can be done after BCA. And the course MCA covers the application of deep Computing technology and some companies prefer to recruit MCA degree holders. MBA in Information Management can also be done.
Salary
The average salary that a BCA graduate gets from IT companies, multinational companies, and startup stars from 3-5 Lakhs per annum which can reach up to 4-10 Lakhs after 2-4 years of experience. Whereas BSC Computer Science graduates can get 3-5 Lakhs per annum. Now you know the basic details and information and differences between BCA and BSC Computer Science.
I hope, this article will help you to choose the right path. If you have any further queries, please write within the comment box below.