Compare MCA and MS: 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 ₹ 14.0 L for MS). Its highest reported package goes up to ₹ 52.9 L.
MCA is the more affordable option (typical fees ₹ 4.9 L vs ₹ 97.5 L for MS). 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 0.1× for MS.
MCA admits via TANCET, MHT CET and 8+ more; MS admits via Neet PG, GATE and 5 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 MS, though it may still be the right fit for you. Weigh these against your eligibility, preferred entrance exams and career interests.
IIT
IIT Bombay
Fees: ₹ 3.5 L
Salary: ₹ 17.9 L
Courses: 2
College
AIIMS Delhi
Fees: ₹ 3.0 K - ₹ 20.2 K
Salary: ₹ 22.0 L - ₹ 3.4 Cr
Courses: 3
College
Vardhman Mahavir Medical College
Fees: ₹ 1.6 L
Salary: -
Courses: 5
IIT
IIT Delhi
Fees: -
Salary: ₹ 17.0 L
Courses: 4
College
PGIMER Chandigarh
Fees: ₹ 7.1 K - ₹ 20.3 L
Salary: ₹ 18.0 L
Courses: 5
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
₹ 1.6 L - ₹ 26.5 L
Median Salary
₹ 81.5 K - ₹ 3.4 Cr
Average Fees
₹ 3.0 K - ₹ 1.9 Cr
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 MS, the most frequently associated entrance exams are: Neet PG, GATE, NEET, INI CET, NEET SS, PGIMER, IMU CET. Figures aggregate active college–programme mappings across all colleges for each course.
MS shows a higher midpoint within its salary span (₹1,63,000 – ₹26,46,000) than MCA (₹23,10,000).
MCA has a lower midpoint within its fees span (₹480 – ₹9,80,000) than MS (₹3,027 – ₹1,95,00,000).
The most common duration shown is 2 years for MCA and 3 years for MS.
