Are you planning to advance your IT career with post-graduation plans? For anyone looking for an alternate mode to a regular MCA program, Online/ Distance MCA can be the solution. Technology keeps evolving with time and so should the skills. It’s important to upgrade your computer and technical skills to stay relevant and in demand in the tech market. 

If you need help managing regular classes then Online & Distance mode is the best option. Many accredited Universities in India with UGC-DEB recognition provide Master of Computer Application(MCA) with valid degrees. An MCA is a great way to boost your software development, programming language, and theoretical skills. 

This blog is your best guide to all the relevant information related to Online/ Distance MCA, the benefits of online/ distance MCA, universities offering online/distance MCA, and more. 

What is Online/ Distance MCA

Online/ Distance Master of Computer Applications or MCA is a postgraduation computer science program pursued after graduation. These courses can be accessed online or in a distance mode of education. It's designed to support the master's degree to candidates who can’t attend regular classes. It is a 2-year course of 4 semesters that can be extended up to 4 years. You can pursue your MCA after completing your BCA online/ distance. 

It covers the knowledge of programming database & network management, designing algorithms & organizing, computational theory, mathematics, mobile technologies, and more. Online/ Distance MCA offers you to study from online materials and downloadable study materials that can be accessed from your comfort. 

The fee structure for Online/ Distance MCA might vary from INR 13,000 to INR 2,00,000 which might vary depending on the university. The minimum eligibility criteria for Online/Distance MCA is BCA passed with a minimum of 50% marks. Students of 10+2 with B.Sc/ B.Com/ BA in mathematics can apply too for the same.

Difference between Online MCA and  Distance MCA 

Online Master of Applications and Distance Master of Applications are introduced to ease the learning mode for students who want to pursue their masters with flexibility.

• Learning Process: In an Online MCA, students learn from the internet, and the study materials are provided in PDF or document forms. Students can access classes online through live or recorded mode. In Distance MCA, students are required to visit the University/ College occasionally for some coursework like submitting assignments, workshops, etc. The study materials are often in physical and online formats. Video conferencing, printed materials, and PDFs are the sources of learning in Distance MCA. 
• Admission Process: The admission procedure for Online MCA (Master of Computer Applications) can be either online or offline based on merit or entrance criteria. Distance MCA (Master of Computer Applications) offers direct admissions or merit-based admission. In this case, both online registration and offline registrations are available. Some Distance MCA Universities require you to fill out the admission forms by physically visiting the place and taking admission. 
• Examination Mode:  The exam is conducted online in the Online Master of Computer Application (MCA) programs. Distance Master of Computer Applications (MCA) is performed offline in the exam centers. For Online MCA, the remote proctoring process is followed to maintain academic integrity while in Distance MCA typical method of pen and paper is followed to complete the examination process.  
• Interaction & Network: Online MCA follows digital interaction between professors and students while Distance MCA more often involves direct interactions.  Networking in Online MCA is through virtual discussions and live classes, but in Distance MCA students attend in person to network and interact. Another mode of interaction in Distance learning at MCA is online through video conferencing. 
• Convenience and Flexibility: Online MCA is more convenient for students who want a flexible mode of education while Distance MCA provides less flexibility as students are sometimes required to visit their University. 

Here are some important differences between the Online MCA and Distance MCA:

Top Universities Offering Online/ Distance MCA

Many accredited and recognized Universities have Online MCA and Distance MCA programs. There are a few authorized Universities/ Colleges that offer only Online MCA or Distance MCA programs. Here’s a list of Universities that grant Online/ Distance MCA that you might want to know:

Top Online MCA Universities/ Colleges

Top Distance MCA Universities/ Colleges

Conclusion

We hope you are one step closer to choosing between Online MCA or Distance MCA after reading this blog. For anyone looking for options to choose between the two while managing your personal life, work balance, and family responsibilities both can be an option to choose. Where universities with UGC-DEB accreditations support masters for your convenience, it's high time that you make a smart move.