Quick Summary
- BCA and BSc are both 3-year computer courses, different in their core subjects and scope of study.
- BCA requires 50% in 12th with Physics, Chemistry, Math whereas BSc Computer Science needs 45%-50% in 12th with Math as compulsory for admission.
- The average salary of a BCA graduate is 3-6 lakhs per annum and BSc graduate is 5-6 lakhs per annum.
Table of Contents
Technology has shaped and structured the way we live and exist. Computers are no different. The slightest operation today requires computers. It is the potential that computers hold that has made the jobs in computers and IT all the more attractive and lucrative. Most students find themselves at the junction of BCA vs BSc computer science.
According to the India Brand Equity Foundation, the IT sector in India is expected to contribute 10% to India’s GDP by 2025. So, there is no doubt that technology holds much potential for the youth regarding job prospects. If you, too, are into technology and are exploring all the possible opportunities in the same field, then this blog might be for you. Discover the contrast between the two courses, their difficulty level, and career prospects. Choose for yourself and decide which is better, BCA vs BSc computer science.
BCA vs BSc Computer Science: An Overview
BCA and BSc are both 3-year courses. The core subjects are related to computers, but there are still fundamental differences in their scope. For instance, a BSc in computer science revolves around the basic concepts in the field of computer science and the technological implementation of computers. BCA, on the other hand, deals with the applications of computers.
Here is a gist of the significant differences between BCA and BSc computer science.
| Criteria | BCA | BSc Computer Science |
| Full form | Bachelor of Computer Applications | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science |
| Admission | Both entrance exams and merit-based | merit-based in most cases |
| Course duration | 3 years | 3 years |
| Eligibility | Minimum aggregate marks of 50% in Physics, Chemistry, or Math in class 12th | Minimum aggregate marks between 45% to 50% in class 12th with math as a compulsory subject. |
| Course fees | INR 3 to 7 lakhs, approximately | INR 2 to 4 lakhs, approximately |
| Job Profile | Software Development Trainee, E-commerce executive, Cyber Security expert, System Manager, etc | web developers, business development managers, mobile app developers, system architects, etc. |
| Average starting salaries | Public jobs- INR 15000-35000 Private jobs- 3-6 LPA | 30000-50000 for freshers and INR 5 to 6 lakhs for experienced individuals. |
| Entrance exams | NEST, KEAM, CUCET | CUET, SET, IPU CET, CUCET, MET. |
| Best Colleges | Loyola College (Chennai),Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies (Faridabad)The Institute of Business Studies & Research (Pune) | St. Xavier’s College, MaharashtraAtma Ram Sanatan Dharma College, Delhi.Mount Carmel College, Bangalore.Loyola College, Chennai.Indraprastha College for Women, Delhi.Ramakrishna Mission Residential College, Narendrapur, Kolkata. |
BCA vs BSc Computer Science: Differences in Syllabus
Any course stands out for its syllabus. The subjects and core ideas behind both BCA vs BSc computer science are slightly different. Here is a semester-wise compilation of both courses’ subjects so that you can choose the best.
First year Syllabus for Bca vs Bsc computer science
The first-year syllabus revolves around creating familiarity among students with the basics of computers and information technology. The course covers foundation courses for computer science, math, Information technology, digital computer mechanisms, etc. Let us get to know more about the subjects in BCA vs BSc computer science from the table below.
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| BCA | BSc Computer Science | BCA | BSc Computer Science |
| Basic Programming Concepts | Introduction to Digital Electronics | English Language and Communication Skills | Operating Systems and Fundamentals |
| Open Source Software Fundamentals | Basics of Computer Science | Mathematics-I (Bridge Course) | Advanced Mathematics |
| Advanced Mathematics | Environmental Sciences | Introduction to Information Technology | Organizational Behaviour |
| Computer Networks | Foundation course in Mathematics | Digital Computer Fundamentals | Advanced C Programming Lab |
| Functional English-I | Programming Language through C | C Language Advanced Concepts | |
Second Year Syllabus for Bca vs Bsc computer science
During the second year, the student is made familiar with higher-level basics in data structuring, object-oriented programming, applied sciences, and analysis. The subjects are both theoretical and practical. Get a glimpse of the detailed list of both BCA vs BSc computer science in semesters three and four, respectively.
Third Year Syllabus for Bca vs Bsc computer science
A detailed list of the subjects in BCA vs BSc computer science, semesters 5 and 6, is mentioned below.
BCA vs BSc computer science: Subjects
| Subject in BSc Computer science | Subjects in BCA |
| Introduction to Computers | Introduction to Programming Using C |
| Introduction to Programming Concepts | Statistics for BCA |
| Introduction to Windows, its Features, Application | Operating Systems |
| Mathematical Foundation For Computer Science | Data Structures |
| Functions | Graph Theory and Linear Programming |
| Arrays | Programming in Java |
| Disk Operating System | Computer Graphics and Animation |
| Introduction to Number system and codes | Computer Architecture |
| Data Mining | Multimedia Applications |
| Computer Networks | Embedded Systems |
| Software Engineering | – |
| Control Structures | – |
BCA vs BSc Computer Science: Which is Easy?
The scope of BSc Computer Science is comparatively wider than BCA. BSc Computer Science should be taken up by students who are dedicated to learning more about computer science. However, if you are trying to establish a career in the IT industry, BCA is a recommended course.
The level of course for both of them is Bachelor’s, and thus the difficulty level is moderate. Entrance to B.Sc is generally merit-based, but for BCA, you need to take entrance exams such as MET, SET, CUET, CET, etc. Therefore, admission to BCA is more challenging.
Also, BSc covers the study of essential and complex topics such as C++, Discrete Mathematics, Programming, scripting languages, etc. On the other hand, BCA conducts studies on Database Management, Data Structures, Operating Systems, UX Design, etc. Therefore, the level of difficulty of the course depends upon your preference and liking of the subjects it covers.
If you are highly interested in technology, both these courses are the best for you. However, you must consider the job roles, salaries, and opportunities they offer before choosing the course.
BCA vs BSc Computer Science: Top Colleges
| BCA | BSc CS |
| SRM Institute of Science and Technology – Chennai | Fergusson College – Pune |
| Amity Institute of Information Technology – Noida | Deen Dayal Upadhyaya College – New Delhi |
| Symbiosis Institute of Computer Studies and Research – Pune | Loyola College – Chennai |
| Loyola College – Chennai | Mount Carmel College -Bangalore |
| Vellore Institute of Technology – Vellore | Christ University – Bangalore |
BCA vs BSc Computer Science: Career Prospects
Now that the similarities and differences between both courses are clear, let us dive into the career potential they hold. To start with, both BCA vs BSc computer science have immense potential as career prospects.
Here is a list of job opportunities available for both BCA and BSc CS students after graduation with their salary-
| BCA Jobs | Average Salary(in INR) | BSc Jobs | Average Salary(in INR) |
| System Manager | 17.5 LPA | Network Architect | 23.6 LPA |
| Game Designer | 11.5 LPA | IT Project Manager | 18.4 LPA |
| Software Developer | 8.4 LPA | Database Administrator | 12 LPA |
| Software Tester | 4.7 LPA | System Analyst | 10.2 LPA |
| Network Administrator | 5.6 LPA | Software Engineer | 8.6 LPA |
| Web Designer | 3.3 LPA | Research Scientists | 9.1 LPA |
| Technical Support Engineer | 4.7 LPA | Information Security Analyst | 6.9 LPA |
| System Maintenance Engineer | 2.5 LPA | Web Developer | 4.4 LPA |
Salary Source- Ambition Box
You can also choose to pursue further studies after both the course to upskill yourselves. After a BSc in Computer Science, you can pursue an MSc in Data Science or Data Analytics or even an MBA. On the other hand, after your BCA, you can take up courses like Master in Computer Management/ Master in Information Management, etc.
Similar and Further Study Options
After completing a BSc in Computer Science or BCA, individuals have the option to pursue both specialized and generalized postgraduate courses in Computer Science and related fields such as Economics, Data Science, Finance, and Management.
Some of the further study options include:
- Diploma in Computer Science
- Diploma in Computer Applications
- Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Applications
- BCom in Computers
- MBA in Computer Science
Choosing Between BCA and BSc Computer Science
Gadgets, computers, and devices- are all a manifestation of how technology has grown over leaps and bounds in today’s era. On a similar ground, everything related to technology has also seen a positive spike- be it production, jobs, or research. If it is BSc computer science vs. BCA, then both streams offer a great avenue for tech nerds.
There is a significant difference between BCA vs BSc computer science if we compare their scope and syllabus. With respect to scope in BCA vs BSc computer science, BSc computer science has a wider scope than BCA. On the other hand, BCA is solely related to Information technology which is a segment of computer science as a whole.
Both undergraduate courses have demand in corporate and government sector jobs like system manager, IT handler, researcher, technical support, Software Developer, Software Tester, Programmer, etc.
As a student, you must thoroughly go through the syllabus and scope of both before making a decision. Keeping all the differences aside, if you are interested in computers, both BCA vs BSc computer science streams will give you deep insight into technology and IT. A major advantage is that for both BSc CS and BCA graduates, their salary is competitive and promising. Dive into the computer world and decide which is best, BCA or BSc.
Evaluate numerous career choices to choose the right career path for yourself. Dive into our guide on Career Advice.
Frequently Answered Questions(FAQs)
Which one is better: BSc or BCA?
When it comes to the scope of the two streams, BSc and BCA both carry good potential for growth in careers like AI, IT, system management, cyber security, etc. If you compare BSc CS vs. BCA salary, then since BSc computer science has more scope, it diversifies your knowledge and experience about a plethora of fields.
Is BCA easier than BSc Computer Science?
It totally depends upon your interests and level of understanding. However, a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science is considered tough as it dives deep into the scientific side of computers. On the contrary, the BCA course has elements such as scripting languages, programming languages, web applications, multimedia systems, etc., which makes it a professional and relatively easy course.
Is computer science equal to BCA?
Both BCA vs BSc computer science are three-year courses. However, there are minute differences in their syllabus and scope. The syllabus of BCA is more concerned with computers and their applications. On the contrary, for BSc, the syllabus largely covers theoretical and practical aspects of computers. BCA graduates can pursue further research work in their respective fields as they have practical knowledge about their subjects.
Is BCA good for weak students?
BCA is a competitive stream. There are a plethora of challenging subjects like Data Structures, Object-Oriented Programming, research methodologies, etc. That being said, you must pursue the stream if you have an immense interest in the subject. Technology is the future of the world, and a degree in BCA is a step to leverage this potential.
Does BSc CS have scope?
Students after completing their BSc Computer Science course can opt for job profiles like Web Admin, Java Developer, System Analyst, Professor, Software Engineer, Data Analyst, etc. The average starting salary of a Software Engineer in India is INR 6.4 LPA.
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