One of the best computer applications and programming courses in India is the ADCA. This is the Advanced Diploma in Computer Applications course.Students who have taken their Class 12th exams can apply for the ADCA. This is an excellent course as it covers basic aspects of computers – operating systems, web designing and database management. More importantly, it also teaches coding in C and C++, Python and animation which are essential in today’s times. Being a one-year diploma program, it is comprehensive and makes individuals job-ready.
Here are 10 important details on the ADCA course.
Who can apply for the ADCA?
- There is no age limit for this exam
- Students must have cleared their 10+2 from a recognized board.
- These subjects should have been taken in class 12: Physics, Chemistry, Math, Computer Science
- Students need to secure atleast 40% marks in their 10+2 to be eligible for this course.
- The entrance exam is compulsory, students have to pass the same. These are CUET or the DUET. The entrance marks requirement varies, depending on the college the individual is applying to.
Procedure to apply for the ADCA
Below are the steps to apply for this exam.
- Go to the college website where you wish to apply
- Search for the application link
- Click on the same and enter the details required.
- Details needed to be filled in would be personal information, education, etc. Ensure accurate information is provided.
Colleges that offer the ADCA course
| College Name | University |
| Mata Sundri College | University of Delhi |
| Pavendar Bharathidasan College of Arts and Science | Bharathidasan University |
| S.Kula Women’s College | Manipur University |
| Siddhar Sivagnaani Arts and Science College for Men | Thiruvalluvar University |
| Acharya Narendra Dev College | University of Delhi |
| Meena Shah Institute of Technology & Management | Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh University |
| Rajeswari Arts and Science College for Women | Thiruvalluvar University |
| Saraswathy College of Arts and Science | Thiruvalluvar University |
| Tirukkovilur College of Arts and Science | Thiruvalluvar University |
Duration of the ADCA Exam
- The exam is for 2 to 3 hours
- In-person but can be taken offline also. However, it is best to check this condition closer to the date you wish to apply.
- Medium: English
- Criterion: English, Quantitative, Analytical, Communication Ability, General Ability
To prepare for the entrance exam, one should look up some of the past papers available online and practise.
What is the Fees for the ADCA exam
ADCA course fees are approximately Rs 1 lakh per annum. The fee depends on factors such as the college’s reputation, location, faculty, infrastructure and facilities. Given below are the fees for some colleges offering this course.
| ADCA Course Fees | ||
| Sl.No. | Name of the College | Total Fee Structure (INR) |
| 1. | Ram Manohar Lohia Avadh University, UP | 50,000 PA |
| 2. | Jamia Milia Islamia, Delhi | 27,000 PA |
| 3. | Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune | 7000 PA |
| 4. | Lovely Professional University, Punjab | 25,000 PA |
Subjects that are covered compulsorily in the ADCA course
Below are the subjects taught in this course :
- Semester 1: Fundamentals of computers, Microsoft Office & Microsoft Excel, Operating systems, Internet and email, Computer networks, Financial Accounting Applications
- Semester 2: Corel Draw, C programming, Visual Basic, Photoshop CS, Project Management, C++, Unix operating system
How does the ADCA Course compare with other courses?
Students who are quite new to computer operations can choose this course. It strengthens their skills and is comparable to other intensive courses such as DCA and PGDCA. For example, here is a comparison of how ADCA compares to PGDCA.
| Course | ADCA | PGDCA |
| Full-Form | Advanced Diploma in Computer Application | Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Application |
| Stream | Any | Information Technology |
| Course Duration | 1 year | 1 year |
| Eligibility | 10+2 from a recognised board with a minimum of 40% | Undergraduate in relevant subjects from a recognised college/university. |
| Entrance Exams | DUET, CUET, etc. | DUET, CUET, etc. |
| Top Colleges | Delhi University, DRMLAU, etc. | UPES, SRM University, etc. |
| Fees | INR 0.1 – 1 lakh p.a. | INR 0.07 – 1 lakh p.a. |
Work Opportunities after completion of the ADCA
This comprehensive course opens several avenues for students. One can apply for the positions of programmer, network support specialist, systems analyst, software engineer, Graphic Designer and analyst. The diploma holders are also well-equipped to become computer instructors and trainers in the technology field.
Salary levels for ADCA diploma holders in India
In the current era of increasing technology and its applications, the demand for coding and systems experts is high. The average salary is approximately Rs 3.5 lakh p.a. The highest being in the range of Rs 5 lakh to the lowest being Rs. 2.5 lakh p.a. However, with experience and by upgrading their skill set over a period of time, individuals can aim for better roles and salaries.
ADCA is a great course for any student wishing to pursue a career in computer applications, and coding in the long run. Upon completion of the one-year diploma program, one can apply to various positions in the growing technology industry.
FAQ
- How does DCA compare to the ADCA?
- Diploma in Computer Application (DCA) is a good course that teaches the basics of the Internet, different software, Microsoft tools etc. It is considered more elementary level, for students who wish to learn from scratch. The ADCA on the other hand, provides the student with more in-depth learning. It is computer fundamentals and higher level programming languages. Hence, ADCA is a more comprehensive course than the DCA
- How are the job prospects after doing ACDA compared to DCA?
- There are ample opportunities after completing the ADCA. Highly demanded positions such as systems analyst, programmer, web designer can be applied for by the students. Hence ADCA has more scope compared to DCA.