Compare MCA and After 10th Diploma (Lateral): eligibility, entrance exams, salaries, recruiters, and FAQs.
Based on salary, fees, return on fees, admission routes and career options. Figures are midpoints of the ranges reported across colleges.
MCA graduates report a higher typical average salary (₹ 23.1 L vs ₹ 4.3 L for After 10th Diploma (Lateral)). Its highest reported package goes up to ₹ 52.9 L.
After 10th Diploma (Lateral) is the more affordable option (typical fees ₹ 1.7 L vs ₹ 4.9 L for MCA). Government colleges bring it to about ₹ 40.2 K.
One year of average salary for MCA covers about 4.7× its average fees, compared with 2.5× for After 10th Diploma (Lateral).
MCA admits via TANCET, MHT CET and 8+ more; After 10th Diploma (Lateral) admits via CBSE Class 10 Exam, JEECUP.
Comes out ahead on the most parameters in this comparison.
A good pick if its strengths match your priorities.
Match the choice to what matters most to you.
MCA leads on higher average salary (₹ 23.1 L) and better salary-to-fees ratio (4.7×). After 10th Diploma (Lateral) has the edge on lower average fees (₹ 1.7 L). Weigh these against your eligibility, preferred entrance exams and career interests.
Key Metrics
Average Salary
₹ 23.1 L
Median Salary
₹ 16.0 L
Average Fees
₹ 480.0 - ₹ 9.8 L
Top Recruiters
Key Metrics
Average Salary
₹ 1.8 L - ₹ 6.7 L
Median Salary
₹ 3.5 L - ₹ 8.0 L
Average Fees
₹ 16.0 K - ₹ 3.2 L
Top Recruiters
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For MCA, the most frequently associated entrance exams (by programme–college hits) are: TANCET, MHT CET, CUET, LPUNEST, KCET, OJEE, GATE, MAH MBA CET, GUJCET, CAT. Figures aggregate active college–programme mappings across all colleges for each course.
For After 10th Diploma (Lateral), the most frequently associated entrance exams are: CBSE Class 10 Exam, JEECUP. Figures aggregate active college–programme mappings across all colleges for each course.
MCA shows a higher midpoint within its salary span (₹23,10,000) than After 10th Diploma (Lateral) (₹1,80,000 – ₹6,74,000).
After 10th Diploma (Lateral) has a lower midpoint within its fees span (₹16,000 – ₹3,21,000) than MCA (₹480 – ₹9,80,000).
Both show the same most common duration: 2 years.