What is the Difference between BCA and BSc Computer Science?

The ever-growing IT sector is one of the largest private employers in India. A fair share of students who passed the 12th standard chose to pursue their careers in Computer Science. While some go for Engineering in Computer Science, some opt for other bachelor's degrees like BCA, BSc Computer Science, BSc IT, etc.

Among these BCA and BSc Computer Science are two of the most popular courses. Both these courses have some things in common while having many differences.  The important differences lie in the training modules, admission procedures, and career opportunities. 

Before choosing a course you should understand the differences and features of BSc Computer Science vs. BCA. Let us check them out here.

BCA or Bachelor of Computer Application

BCA is the acronym for Bachelor of Computer Application. A BCA course has a holistic approach toward the technology application level. It is one of the minimum degree certifications one requires to enter the technology world.

The rise of the digital era will increase job opportunities for a person with a BCA degree. A BCA course is 3 years or 6 semesters long and is one of the most popular courses for aspirants who want to pursue a career in the field of Information Technology. 

BCA has a training module handling advanced concepts of Information Technology and Computer Applications. The BCA course offers to impart knowledge on computer applications and solve queries related to Computer Science or its applications. 

BSc Computer Science 

A Bachelor in Computer Science degree is a 3-year or 6-semester concept-oriented course. The training module includes core concepts of Computer Science which will provide a strong academic foundation in the same. 

BSc Computer Science focuses on the mathematical and theoretical foundations of computing. It does not emphasise the latest technologies and their application, since they may quickly become outdated. It is essential to have a good understanding of Mathematics at the intermediate level to study better.

A strong understanding of the core concepts will help in studying programming concepts, control structures, and disk operations. 

BSc Computer Science and BCA Course Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility for BCA Course

The candidate who aspires to join BCA must fulfil the BCA course eligibility criteria. It might differ from college to college or university to university. The criteria are:

• The candidate must study Commerce or equivalent subjects in their 10+2 boards from any recognized boards.
• The candidate should have a minimum of 50% or above aggregate marks.
• Some universities consider the marks scored by the candidates in their specific entrance tests.

Eligibility for BSc Computer Science

The candidate who aspires to join BSc Computer Science must fulfil the eligibility criteria. It might differ from college to college or university to university. The criteria are:

• The candidate must study Science or equivalent subjects in their 10+2 boards with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as subjects, from any recognized boards.
• Some private colleges may grant admission to candidates who have studied Science or equivalent subjects in their 10+2 boards with Physics, Chemistry and Biology as subjects, from any recognized boards.
• The candidate should have a minimum of 50% or above aggregate marks. 

BSc Computer Science and BCA Fees Structure

BSc Computer Science Fees Structure

A basic and foundational undergraduate degree like BSc Computer Science is offered by most government and aided institutions. Many universities and their affiliated colleges offer a good number of seats for this course in India. So, the course fee is relatively low. The course fee for BSc Computer Science has an average of Rs. 6,000 and Rs. 50,000 per annum. 

BCA Fees Structure

BCA being a dedicated technical course is often provided by self-financed wings of aided institutions and private institutions. The course fee of the BCA program can go up as high as Rs. 6 lakhs per annum. This fee structure can be justified to a large extent because immediate employability is higher for a BCA graduate.

BSc Computer Science and BCA Course Subjects

Some of the important subjects that you should study to pass BCA and BSc Computer Science are:

BSc Computer Science	BCA
Basics of Computer Science	Fundamentals of Computers
Discrete Mathematics	Operating Systems
Technical Writing	C Programming
Operating Systems concepts	Multimedia Systems
System Analysis and design	Data and Database Management Systems
System Programming	Web-Based Application Development
Python programming	Understanding Organisational Behaviour
Object-Oriented Programming using C++	Computer Lab and Practical Work
Computer Lab and Practical Work

Difference Between BSc Computer Science and BCA

Let us check out the important differences between the degrees BCA and BSc Computer Science here.

Category	BSc Computer Science	BCA
Training Modules	Concept-oriented	Application-oriented
Included Programs	Current technologies and applications are not included in the program.	Importance to current technologies and applications
Fee Structure	Rs. 6,000 and Rs. 50,000 per annum.	Up to Rs. 6 lakhs per annum
Post Graduation Course	MSc, M.Tech, MCA, MBA, etc.	MCA, MBA, MIM, PGDCA, etc.
Job Opportunities after Course	Software Engineer, Applications Developer, Software Developer, Network Systems Developer, IT Support, Database Administrator, Information Security Analyst	Software Developer, Programmer, Software Tester, Web Designer, Computer Support, Network Administrator, System Specialist, System Manager, System Maintenance

BSc Computer Science vs. BCA - Which is Best?

Since the career options overlap for both streams, it will be clear that BSc in Computer Science also offers a wide range of career opportunities. However, if you consider the employment opportunities now, it is evident that BCA tends to get you a job at the earliest. 

It will be impossible for you to imagine a world without technologies and their applications. So, you may need no further assurance of the job stability BCA and BSc Computer Science offers in the IT field. To have a successful career in this field, you can choose to study either of these two courses. But, it is important to recognise the compatibility and utility of the course considering your interests and ambitions.

Undergraduate degrees at top colleges with  Sunstone can help you grow in your career. So, invest some time and effort before making the choice. 

People Also Ask

1. Is BCA or BSc Computer Science better?

Both BCA and BSc Computer Science have great scope in the current world. It will be impossible for you to imagine a world without technologies and their applications. The career options overlap for both streams. However, if you consider the employment opportunities now, it is BCA that tends to get you a job at the earliest. 

2. Is BCA tougher than BSc?

BCA is a professional course whereas BSc Computer Science is just a normal undergraduate course. Although both the courses have the same subjects to study, the training module differs. BCA is tough and advanced as compared to BSc.

3. Does BCA have scope in future?

Yes, BCA has great scope in the ever-evolving IT field. It will be impossible for you to imagine a world without technologies and their applications. So, you can understand the job stability BCA offers in the IT field. 

Also Read

1. BCA vs B.Tech CSE - Admission, colleges, syllabus and salary
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