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Compare M.Des and MCA: 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 ₹ 15.8 L for M.Des). Its highest reported package goes up to ₹ 52.9 L.
MCA is the more affordable option (typical fees ₹ 4.9 L vs ₹ 7.3 L for M.Des). 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 2.1× for M.Des.
M.Des admits via NID DAT, NIFTEE and 8+ more; MCA admits via TANCET, MHT CET and 8+ 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 M.Des, though it may still be the right fit for you. Weigh these against your eligibility, preferred entrance exams and career interests.
Key Metrics
Average Salary
₹ 3.5 L - ₹ 28.0 L
Median Salary
₹ 1.5 L - ₹ 58.9 L
Average Fees
₹ 5.8 K - ₹ 14.6 L
Top Recruiters
Key Metrics
Average Salary
₹ 23.1 L
Median Salary
₹ 16.0 L
Average Fees
₹ 480.0 - ₹ 9.8 L
Top Recruiters
For M.Des, the most frequently associated entrance exams (by programme–college hits) are: NID DAT, NIFTEE, CEED, UCEED, MITID DAT, WUD Aptitude Test, CAT, IPU CET, ATMA, NMAT. Figures aggregate active college–programme mappings across all colleges for each course.
For MCA, the most frequently associated entrance exams 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.
M.Des shows a higher midpoint within its salary span (₹3,50,000 – ₹28,00,000) than MCA (₹23,10,000).
MCA has a lower midpoint within its fees span (₹480 – ₹9,80,000) than M.Des (₹5,800 – ₹14,62,000).
Both show the same most common duration: 2 years.
