MCA vs. MBA: Which is Better?

India is one of the global IT hubs that has been witnessing a 12.2% annual growth rate. The Information Technology sector in India has the potential to become the largest in the world. India’s IT exports stood at 88.8% in the fiscal year 2021-22, contributing 21.4% to the national GDP. Such growth has only been possible due to the innumerable human resources that join the IT sector every year, and many of them have an MCA degree. 

While we celebrate the contribution of the IT industry, we cannot ignore the immense growth opportunities that the business sector provides. Many professionals who join IT often go for an MBA for career advancement. So, the question arises, MCA or MBA — which is better?

Here, in this article, we will try to answer the question. 

Which One is Best — MBA or MCA?

MBA and MCA are different disciplines, and both of them offer a wide scope for success and career growth, depending on your career path. MBA and MCA both promise great career opportunities with attractive salary packages, which is why students find themselves in a dilemma about which one to choose.

Let us take a deeper look at the MCA course.

What is MCA?

MCA, or Master of Computer Applications, is a 2-year long postgraduate course. It is an industry-oriented course, mostly dealing with the application of knowledge of software and computer languages. 

MCA Degree Eligibility

Generally, BCA graduates choose MCA for their higher education, but having any graduate degree with mathematics as a core subject makes you eligible for the MCA degree. Here is a quick rundown of the MCA eligibility criteria:

• Candidates must be graduates in Computer Applications(BCA)/ B.Sc.(Computer Science)/ B.Sc.(IT)/ B.Com or B.Sc. with Mathematics as a subject 
• Candidates must have obtained at least 50% marks in their 10+2 level exams.

Keep in mind that the MCA eligibility criteria might differ between various institutions.

MCA Fees

MCA fees can vary greatly and mostly depend on the college or university. An MCA PG degree fees can cost anywhere between ₹1 lakh to ₹5 lakhs.

MCA Admission Process

Generally, MCA admissions are entrance-based, but some colleges also have direct and merit-based admissions. Candidates can take NIMCET, the national-level entrance exam for admission to MCA courses. There are many state-level and university-level entrance exams as well. You may consider some MCA entrance exam tips to prepare for these entrance exams. 

Future Scope and Salary 

The average salary for a fresher holding an MCA degree can be to the tune of ₹4.5 to ₹6.5 lakh per annum. However, with experience, the salary can shoot up. 

Specialisation in MCA in India

You can choose a specialisation in MCA courses, and here are your available options:

• MCA in Systems Management
• MCA in Systems Development
• MCA in Systems Engineering
• MCA in MIS
• MCA in Cloud Computing
• MCA in Hardware Technology
• MCA in Mobile computing
• MCA in Networking
• MCA in Software Development
• MCA in Internet working
• MCA in Application Software
• MCA in Troubleshooting

We hope you got an idea of what MCA is - its course fees, opportunities, salary, and growth prospects. Now let us take a look at the MBA degree for an in-depth comparison.

What is an MBA?

Masters of Business Administration, or MBA, is a 2-year long postgraduate course. It equips you with a nuanced knowledge of business operations, finances, fundamentals, and business analysis. MBA helps you build business acumen so that you can shine and make a career in the corporate field.

MBA Degree Eligibility

While MCA still has some limitations and prerequisite education criteria, MBA is for everyone. You can pursue an MBA after graduation, or you can take admission to an MBA integrated course after completing your Class 12. Whatever your choice may be, make sure you fulfil the eligibility criteria. 

• Candidates must be graduates from any discipline.
• Score a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate in graduation.
• Candidates who have either completed or are in their final year of graduation can also apply.

MBA Course Fees

MBA course fees can vary, depending on the university or institute of your choice. For example, pursuing an MBA from the top MBA colleges in India can cost around ₹25 lakhs, whereas some colleges may offer the MBA degree for as little as ₹5 lakhs.

MBA Admission Process

Candidates need to appear for national-level tests like CAT, MAT, CMAT or ATMA to get admission to an MBA degree programme. There are also many state-level entrance exams like MAH-CET, KMAT, OJEE, etc. Some private colleges/universities also conduct MBA entrance tests.

Future Scope and Salary

The scope of an MBA in India has always been huge. MBA has been the career enhancement degree of choice for people working in the private sector. Many students take up BBA because they have planned an MBA in the future. Such popularity of the MBA degree has solid ground for it — a handsome pay package. The average pay for an MBA graduate in India is around ₹10.42 lakhs per year. Those who graduate from premier institutes like IIM-A can easily bag a package of ₹25 lakh per annum.

Specialisation in MBA in India

MBA courses offer different specialisations, and in India, you can choose any of the below-mentioned disciplines. 

• MBA in Technology
• MBA in Finance
• MBA in Marketing
• MBA in Human Resources
• MBA in Consultancy Management
• MBA in Business Analytics
• MBA in Hospitality Management
• MBA in Business Analytics
• MBA in Data Analytics

Some other specialisations in MBA are Import and Export, Operations, Sales, Advertising, Public Policy, Telecom, Project Management, NGO Management, Sports Management, etc.

So far, we have discussed MCA and MBA features in detail. Now, it is time for some at-a-glance MBA vs MCA comparison for the convenience of readers.

MCA vs MBA Career Scope

Both MCA and MBA graduates have immense opportunities in their careers. MCA is a technical degree that allows graduates to venture into the IT industry. On the other hand, MBA graduates are more involved in the business. Even an IT company recruits MBA graduates for business development in the role of project managers, HR professionals, etc.

MCA vs MBA Salary

Average MCA Salary for Freshers: ₹4.5 to ₹6.5 lakh per annum

Average MBA Salary for Freshers: ₹10.42 lakh per annum

Conclusion

MCA and MBA are different courses with different sets of opportunities and career paths. MCA is a technical degree, while, on the other hand, MBA is a course related to business administration and the managerial aspects of a business. With everything said, one crucial point determines the success level for both MCA and MBA graduates— choosing the right college/university. 

MCA vs MBA - FAQs

• Is MCA more valuable than MBA?

It would be wrong to say that one course is more valuable than the other. MBA and MCA are completely different disciplines and both the courses are equally valuable.

• Which is better - MCA or MBA IT?

MCA is a technical PG programme that allows people to work in IT as a developer, support and maintenance expert, software architect, network engineer, and in other technical roles. On the other hand, MBA IT allows candidates to take up managerial roles in an IT company. 

• Is MCA or MBA better after BCA?

BCA is an undergraduate degree programme, whereas MCA and MBA are both postgraduate degree programmes. Clearly, MCA and MBA degrees offer more opportunities as compared to BCA.