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Compare MCA and Diploma: 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 ₹ 4.6 L for Diploma). Its highest reported package goes up to ₹ 52.9 L.
MCA is the more affordable option (typical fees ₹ 4.9 L vs ₹ 7.5 L for Diploma). Government colleges bring it to about ₹ 4.9 L.
One year of average salary for MCA covers about 4.7× its average fees, compared with 0.6× for Diploma.
MCA admits via TANCET, MHT CET and 8+ more; Diploma admits via CBSE Class 10 Exam, CUET and 2 more.
Comes out ahead on the most parameters in this comparison.
A good pick if its strengths match your priorities.
MCA leads on higher average salary (₹ 23.1 L), lower average fees (₹ 4.9 L) and better salary-to-fees ratio (4.7×). None of the compared parameters favour Diploma, though it may still be the right fit for you. Weigh these against your eligibility, preferred entrance exams and career interests.
Eligibility
10th/12th
Top Entrance Exams
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
₹ 16.8 K - ₹ 9.0 L
Median Salary
₹ 2.0 L - ₹ 10.0 L
Average Fees
₹ 650.0 - ₹ 15.0 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 Diploma, the most frequently associated entrance exams are: CBSE Class 10 Exam, CUET, CBSE Class 12 Exam, AP Polycet. 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 Diploma (₹16,826 – ₹9,00,000).
MCA has a lower midpoint within its fees span (₹480 – ₹9,80,000) than Diploma (₹650 – ₹15,00,000).
The most common duration shown is 2 years for MCA and 1 year for Diploma.
