I am student from DPS Dharan & looking forward to study Engineering in India. Since there is already accreditation, should there be ranking too?

Dear Student,

• Accreditation is a one-time (5 year) event. Accredited Institutions can slip in their yearly performance.
• Stakeholders are interested in knowing whether the institution is doing better or worse at the end of each year
• Ranking is an Annual Report Card to the Nation and to the stakeholders on what has been done by the institution in the last one year, on the given performance.
• Very few institutions have got the accreditation, whereas ranking is open to all!
• It is due to this reason that across the Countries, there is both accreditation and ranking.

I am Nidhi Khatri student of Omega college. Can you let me know difference between BCA Vs. B.Tech CS Vs. B.Sc Computer Science?

Computers have utterly revolutionized modern life, becoming an important part of work and relaxation. Considering the numerous roles that computers play, the study of computers is also varied and jobs are available in numerous fields.

If you are interested in working in one of the many fields of computers, you may have heard of the 3 most popular courses: BCA, B.Sc Computer Science and B.Tech Computer Science (CS).

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. Don’t worry, despite BCA, B.Sc Computer Science and B.Tech CS having common study topics, there is plenty of variation between them. These differences are visible in their course structure, admission process, and career opportunities.

What are BCA, B.Sc Computer Science and B.Tech CS?

All three, BCA, B.Sc. Computer Science and B.Tech CS involve the study of computers, but that is mostly where the similarity ends.

 Bachelor’s of Computer Applications (BCA)

BCA is a 3 (In India) or 4 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 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’s of Science in Computer Science (B.Sc Computer Science)

B.Sc Computer Science is a 4 or 3 (In India) year undergraduate degree, specialising 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’s 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. The B.Tech CS course was one of the first courses in the field of computer science to be offered in India and has immense prestige. Topics studied in B.Tech CS include digital circuits & system, data structures, operating systems, database management systems, and computer architecture.

Subjects Required in Class 12

An 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: Similar to 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.

Differences in Course Structure & Curriculum

The core difference between the 3 computer courses is their area of focus. 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.

Here 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 and 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

Higher Education Opportunities

Higher education is no longer a dull option, but an alluring opportunity to further knowledge and gain an edge in the 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.

However, 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 after 10+2+4 years of study.

If you 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.

Deciding to pursue higher education is a personal decision, however, 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 Career Opportunities After Each?

 Career Opportunities after BCA

Considering the wide applications of computers across industries, 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 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.

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 aid you in understanding new technologies when the need arises. Among the various job profiles 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.

Career Opportunities after B.Tech Computer Science

Graduates of B.Tech Computer Science are in great demand and are often hired straight from 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. You can work with engineering firms, IT/software companies, government PSUs, and sales and marketing firms, among others.

Summing Up

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. Consider which aspect of computers do you like the most, whether it is application, concept or theory.

Research the top institutes and their respective admissions procedures. Analyze your own interests and skills to identify which course would suit you. If you still have doubts, consider career counselling to help you make the best choice.

I am studying class XII in Liverpool Int’l College, Baneshwore . I am very much interested in pursuing a career in Aeronautical engineering. But I don't know the difference between the following Aeronautical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering and Avionics engineering ?

Aeronautical engineering course trains an engineer in designing, constructing, analyzing, testing, development and manufacturing of commercial and military aircrafts, missiles, and spacecrafts. Aeronautics focuses on systems that operate in the Earth's atmosphere and Astronautics on those operating in space. Within each division, your choice of a career path can take you on a journey through widely varying disciplines.
Aerospace engineering covers the study of aeronautic and spacecraft engineering. Aerospace engineering is a specialized field applying the knowledge gained from study of aeronautics and astronautics.
Aerospace engineers develop new technologies for use in aviation, defense systems, and space exploration, often specializing in areas such as structural design, guidance, navigation and control, instrumentation and communication, or production methods. They often use computer-aided design (CAD) software, robotics, and lasers and advanced electronic optics. They also may specialize in a particular type of aerospace product, such as commercial transports, military fighter jets, helicopters, spacecraft, or missiles and rockets. Aerospace engineers may be experts in aerodynamics, thermodynamics, celestial mechanics, propulsion, acoustics, or guidance and control systems.
So if you compare aeronautical and aerospace engineering there is not much of a difference.
Avionics refers to electronic systems on aircraft, artificial satellites, and spacecraft that provide communications, navigation and guidance, display systems, flight management systems, sensors and indicators, weather radars, electrical systems, and various computers onboard modern aircraft and spacecraft.
The word avionics is a combination of aviation and electronics. Mostly avionics is offered as course of study only in post graduation.

I'm Shreya studying in 12th STD. having Physics, Chem, and Bio, with computer science. Kindly let me know the possible educational field, related entrance examination &Job possibilities.

Dear Shreya,

Being a pure science student, there are many options available in medical related field. You can opt to choose in any one of the following course, depending on your interest.

• MBBS
• BDS ( Dental)
• B.Pharm ( pharmacy)
• B.SC Nursing
• BPT ( Physiotheraphy)
• BOT ( occupational theraphy)
• BHMS (Homeopathy medicine)
• BAMS ( Ayurvedha)
• Yoga Naturopathy
• Biotechnology, Microbiology, Food Technology, B.Sc. Nutrition
• Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry
• Veterinary Science
• Fishery Science

You can also opt to do some of the Under Graduate Science Courses like Botany, Zoology, Human Biology, Audiology and Speech therapy, Medical lab technology, Nuclear medicine, and Allied health services. For admission to professional courses related to Medical field, you should appear for the respective entrance examination conducted by different universities in Nepal or you could study abroad.