Selection Procedure
Admission is through entrance tests, which are conducted separately by different universities offering the course. The MCA entrance exams usually have questions based on higher mathematics (sometimes B.Sc. level) and reasoning. Most of the MCA entrance tests are purely objective in nature. But a few tests also have a mix of objective, short-answer, and long-answer types of questions. The selection to most of the colleges in India, is through the written test only But for some colleges like DU, IMT, Symbiosis (MPIT), there is an interview/GD for the candidates short-listed after the written test. The tests are generally of 2-3 hours duration. Negative marking may or may not be there. The number of seats for the MCA programme is very limited. For MCA Entrance Tests of different colleges, there are different syllabi. Hence, it is difficult to have an integrated approach while preparing for these.
The extremely competitive nature of the Entrance Tests necessitates a focussed preparation supplemented by sustained practice over a long period of time and under competent guidance. One needs to be essentially good at higher mathematics, as most of the MCA Entrance Tests comprise Mathematics (chiefly upto XII standard), Statistics, and a little knowledge about Computers.
Time to start
The Entrance Exams of Top MCA/PG Diploma programmes are held between January and June every year. The preparation for MCA Entrance Test easily takes 5-6 months, with a consistent daily input of about 3-4 hours per day. This requires lot of short-cuts, time-saving-techniques, and a proper guidance; without which, it becomes difficult to clear the test.
