It doesn’t take much effort to realize that “Computers” have completely revolutionized the modern life today, having become an important part of work and relaxation in a real big way. And, in view of the multiple roles that computers play today, the study of computers has also become varied and jobs are available in several fields.
Assuming that you are interested in working in one of the several fields of computers, you may have heard of the 3 most popular courses – namely, BCA, B.Sc Computer Science and B.Tech Computer Science (CS).
Inasmuch as all 3 courses are computer-based, it may become confusing on how to differentiate between them and how to identify which is best suited to you. But, don’t worry! Despite BCA, B.Sc Computer Science and B.Tech CS having common study topics, there are plenty of variations between them. These differences are visible in their course structure, admission process, and career opportunities.
So, read on to learn more!
What exactly are BCA, B.Sc Computer Science and B.Tech CS courses?
Basically, all three – BCA, B.Sc. Computer Science and B.Tech CS – involve the study of computers. However, that is mostly where the similarity ends.
Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA)
BCA is a 3-year undergraduate degree course focusing on the applications of computers. As the focus is mostly on the various computer applications, understanding the technicalities and hardware functioning is not necessary. Topics studied here include multimedia systems, web-based applications and basics of computer programming. Most BCA graduates follow it up with a 2-year Masters of Computer Applications (MCA) degree course.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (B.Sc Computer Science)
B.Sc Computer Science is a 3-year undergraduate degree specializing in computer science. The course focuses on basic concepts in the field of computer science and technological implementations of computers, providing you with a strong academic foundation in the field of computer science. Topics studied in B.Sc Computer Science include programming concepts, disk operating systems, and control structures.
Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science (B.Tech CS)
B.Tech CS is a 4-year undergraduate professional course, which is essentially a degree in the field of engineering with a specialization in computer science. In B.Tech CS, you would study computers in-depth, including their software, hardware, concepts and applications. Topics studied in B.Tech CS include digital circuits & system, data structures, operating systems, database management systems, and computer architecture.
The Core Subjects Required in Class 12
One important distinguishing factor between BCA, B.Sc Computer Science and B.Tech CS is the subjects required in Class 11-12.
BCA: To be eligible for the BCA course, all you need is to pass Class 12 with any stream. While some institutes require you to have studied mathematics in Class 11-12, it is not compulsory for every institute.
B.Sc Computer Science: To be eligible for the B.Sc Computer Science course, you must have passed from the science stream in Class 12, with physics, chemistry and maths as compulsory subjects.
B. Tech Computer Science: Like for B.Sc Computer Science, to be eligible for B.Tech CS, you must have passed out from the science stream in Class 12, and have studied physics, chemistry and maths.
The Fundamental Differences in Course Structure & Curriculum
To talk about the fundamental difference between the 3 computer courses, it can be said that the basic difference is in their area of focus. Thus, while BCA concentrates on applications of computers, B.Sc Computer Science puts emphasis on concepts and B.Tech CS is based on intensive programming and software/hardware knowledge.
Enumerated below is a list of subjects that are typically taught in the 3 courses:
BCA
· Digital Computer Fundamentals
· Interpersonal Communication
· Financial Management
· Mobile Applications
· Computer Graphics & Animation
· Cyber Law
· Multimedia Applications
· Embedded Systems
B.Sc Computer Science
· Programming Fundamentals Using C++
· Computer System Architecture
· Data Structures
· Design and Analysis of Algorithms
· Database Management Systems
· Internet Technologies
· Theory of Computation
· Computer Graphics
B.Tech Computer Science
· Programming Fundamentals Using C++
· Web Technologies
· Management Systems
· Multimedia Technologies
· Applied Mathematics
· Applied Physics
· Applied Chemistry
· Database Management Systems/Data Mining
· Theory of Computation
· Engineering Mechanics
· Algorithm Analysis & Design
The Admission Criteria
Notwithstanding the fact that the admission criteria can vary based on the institute, admissions to the BCA and B.Sc Computer Science courses are generally provided on the basis of the marks you score in your Class 12 exam, but a few institutes may ask you to attempt an entrance test.
On the contrary, the admission to B.Tech Computer Science is a streamlined process and you will have to compulsorily attempt an engineering entrance exam, such as JEE (Joint Entrance Exam), BITSAT, VITEEE, and others.
The admission procedure for B.Tech CS is precisely the same as for any other engineering course, as it is primarily an engineering degree with a specialization in Computer Science. Based on the rank you score in the entrance exam and the possible personal interview/ group discussion, you will be able to secure admission in your desired institute.
The Higher Education Opportunities
As far as higher education is concerned, it is no longer a dull option, but an alluring opportunity to further knowledge and gain an edge in the job market. The higher education options after BCA and B.Sc. Computer Science are similar since both are 3-year degree courses. Your options include MCA, M.Sc Computer Science, MS or even management courses such as an MBA or post-graduate diploma.
Nonetheless, if you are interested in M.Tech as a BCA or B.Sc Computer Science graduate, you would need additional studies as M.Tech is available only after 10+2+4 years of study.
If you wish to pursue a 4-year B.Tech Computer Science course, you have the option of pursuing higher studies in M.Tech, MS or Management courses. MCA is generally not advisable as the B.Tech CS course is comprehensive and would have already covered the majority of relevant subjects.
Normally, deciding to pursue higher education is a personal decision. Yet, experts advise to pursue a Master’s degree or further studies after a BCA or B.Sc Computer Science, while a B.Tech CS is considered to be a comprehensive and complete course in itself.
What Are The Best Career Opportunities After Each Course?
The Top Career Opportunities after BCA
In view of the wide applications of computers across industries today, there are unlimited career opportunities for a BCA degree holder, whether you want to work in a government job, a private sector job or self-employment. You would be ideally suitable for job profiles such as system analyst, programmer, system manager, network designer, game developer, web designer, technical associate and IT technical support developer. Industries you can work with range from education and multimedia, to financial institutes and manufacturing.
The Top Career Opportunities after B.Sc Computer Science
The strong foundational concepts of studying B.Sc Computer Science will make you eligible for a variety of roles across industries and also help you in understanding new technologies when the need arises. Among the various job profiles available here are DTP operator, IT project manager, program analyst, software engineer, developer and programmer. You can work in areas including software development companies, system maintenance centres, the banking sector, consultancies, government agencies, electronic equipment manufacturing companies and more.
The Top Career Opportunities after B.Tech Computer Science
Graduates of B.Tech Computer Science are in great demand and are often hired straight from their campus. Since you would gain in-depth knowledge of software, hardware, programming and designing, you have a variety of job profiles to choose from. The job profiles include working as a software engineer, software developer, application developer, programming analyst, network engineer, hardware engineer, test engineer and CAD engineer. Here, you can work with engineering firms, IT/software companies, government PSUs, and sales and marketing firms, among others.
Conclusion
Eventually, the selection of which course to pursue, whether BCA, B.Sc Computer Science or B.Tech CS is a major decision as it will most likely reflect in your performance in the course. Hence, you must consider which aspect of computers do you like the most, whether it is application, concept or theory.
Be that as it may, there is one word of advice that we would like to give you here. In the wake of the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns – because of which most of business world across the globe has moved on to online operations and work-from-home conditions – the course content of BCA has become greatly relevant and BCA graduates are so much more in demand today. It follows that, choosing BCA course for your career might just give you that extra edge in the fast changing job market in the new world!
Nonetheless, it is advised that you should research the top institutes and their respective admissions procedures. You must also properly analyze your own interests and skills to identify which course would suit you best. Yet, if you still have doubts, consider career counselling to help you make the best choice!
