BBA vs. BCA: Which should you choose and why? in 2024

After completing their schooling, students are faced with a conundrum—which career to take up? Students often get confused about which courses and colleges to pick as these choices form the groundwork of a good future ahead of them. As such, it becomes absolutely necessary to have a thorough knowledge about the various fields that can be chosen and what they entail.
From Computer Scence to Pharma—a wide range of alternatives are open to students. However, two courses which especially attract them are computer science and business, and given the economy and lifestyle of today, it isn’t surprising why. BCA and BBA are the courses one can go for.
BCA stands for Bachelor’s in Computer Applications whereas BBA stands for Bachelor’s in Business Administration. If you too are unclear about what a career in each will follow, this blog will surely end your worries in that respect.

Eligibility Criteria
For applying to BBA colleges, one needs to have completed their class 12th from a recognised board in any stream with a minimum of 50% marks. While for BCA, one needs to have completed their class 12th from a recognised board in Science and/or Mathematics stream with a minimum of 50% marks

Required Skills
BBA requires students to have skills that allow them to interact with people effectively. Possessing skills like leadership, communication, interpersonal, managerial, etc. goes a long way in paving a great career ahead. On the other hand, BCA requires students to have technical skills such as knowledge of programming and having an analytical mind.

Syllabus
BBA
Semester I

• Financial Accounting
• Microeconomics
• Principles of Management
• India Socio-Political Economics
• Quantitative techniques – I
• Essentials of IT

Semester II

• Macroeconomics
• Quantitative Techniques – II
• Effective Communications
• Cost Accounting
• Environmental Management
• Principles of Marketing

Semester III

• Banking & Insurance
• Indian Economics in Global Scenario
• Operations Research
• Direct Tax & Indirect Tax
• Human Resource Management
• Consumer Behavior & Services Marketing

Semester IV

• Human Behavior & Ethics at Workplace
• Management Accounting
• Business Analytics
• Business Law
• Financial Management
• Customer Relationship Management

Semester V

• Strategic Management
• Research Methodology
• Finance Electives
• Financial Statement Analysis
• Advanced Financial Management

Semester VI

• Operations & Supply Chain Management
  
• Marketing Electives
• Entrepreneurship & Business Plan
• International Business & EXIM
• Finance Electives

BCA
Semester 1

• Hardware Lab (CIA Only)
• Creative English
• Foundational Mathematics
• Statistics I For BCA
• Digital Computer Fundamentals
• Introduction To Programming Using C
• C Programming Lab
• PC Software Lab

Semester 2

• Case Tools Lab (CIA Only)
• Communicative English
• Basic Discrete Mathematics
• Operating Systems
• Data Structures
• Data Structures Lab
• Visual Programming Lab

Semester 3

• Interpersonal Communication
• Introductory Algebra
• Financial Accounting
• Software Engineering
• Database Management Systems
• Object Oriented Programming Using C++
• C++ Lab
• Oracle Lab
• Domain Lab (Cia Only)

Semester 4

• Professional English
• Financial Management
• Computer Networks
• Programming In Java
• Java Programming Lab
• DBMS Project Lab
• Web Technology Lab
• Language Lab (CIA Only)

Semester 5

• Unix Programming
• OOAD Using UML
• User Interface Design
• Graphics And Animation
• Python Programming
• Business Intelligence
• Unix Lab
• Web Designing Project
• Python Programming Lab

Semester 6

• Design And Analysis Of Algorithms
• Client-Server Computing
• Computer Architecture
• Cloud Computing
• Multimedia Applications
• Introduction To Soft Computing
• Advanced Database Management System

Entrance Exams
Each year, universities and colleges across India conduct entrance exams for both BCA and BBA applicants. Certain universities offer admissions based on merit as well. The entrance exams are usually held after the board exams of class 12th. The application forms are released months prior to that. Since different universities release their application forms at varying times, you should check the respective sites of these universities regularly to keep yourself updated.
Admissions to prestigious universities are based in the following modes:

• Banaras Hindu University (Entrance)
• IIM, Indore (Entrance)
• IIM, Rohtak (Entrance)
• Delhi University (Entrance and Merit)
• SRM (Entrance)
• NMIMS (Entrance)
• Christ University (Entrance and Merit)

The average fee in above colleges ranges from 1-12 lakhs for the entire duration of your degree.
Scope
The scope of BCA is more compared to BBA. So, if you are looking for a job right after graduation, BCA should be your go-to option. However, keep in mind that to pursue and Excel in this field, you need to be comfortable with mathematics and programming because that is what most of your job will entail.
If that’s not your cup of tea, BBA may be the right choice. And worry not, you may not get a well-paying job right after graduation here, but lots of opportunities open up after completing post graduation (MBA).

Job Profiles and Average Salaries
BBA

• Business Development Executive- 3LPA
• Executive Assistant- 2.8LPA
• Marketing Executive- 6.2LPA
• Travel and Tourism Manager- 3.5LPA
• Event Manager- 4.5LPA
• Account Manager- 4LPA
• Brand Manager- 5LP

BCA

• Software Developer- 5LPA
• System Analyst- 6LPA
• Web Designer- 3LPA
• Technical Associate- 2.15LPA
• Customer Support Technician- 2.5LPA
• IT Technical Support Developer- 3.15LPA

Top Recruiters
BBA

• TCS
• Capgemini
• Deloitte
• DRDO
• BHEL
• Infosys
• IBM
• Genpact

BCA

• HP
• Flipkart
• Accenture
• Cognizant
• Capgemini
• Aricent

Pros and Cons
BBA
Pros

• As mentioned earlier, if you want to step into the entrepreneurial world and make your name, BBA will be the right choice for you. During your course of learning, you’ll develop skills which will make you more confident and adaptable.
• You will have a great time if you enjoy the company of others more than preferring to be by yourself.

Cons

• It will be difficult to switch your career if you decide to do so after completing a BBA. This is because a BBA is a generic degree and hence will not provide you the flexibility to take up another career.
• Job prospects may not look too well right after graduating. Completing post graduation will be a wise choice.

BCA
Pros

• Provided that the world is in inching towards greater reliance on technology, a career in subjects related to technology will provide you a lucrative career ahead.
• If problem-solving and creative thinking is your forte, you’ll thoroughly enjoy the journey.

Cons

• If you get nightmares simply by the mention of mathematics, you may want to steer clear of pursuing this degree because maths will be accompanying you throughout.
• Also, you should not that companies give preference to B.Tech graduates during placements. So, you will have to face fierce competition. But if you have requisite skills, you do not need to worry much.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is BCA better than B.Tech?
B.Tech should be your first preference. This is because companies give priority to B.Tech graduates over BCA graduates.

2. Do I need to have commerce in class 12th to study BBA?
No, you do not. Students from any stream can pursue BBA.

3. Do colleges provide BBA+MBA integrated courses?
Yes, certain colleges do provide that option including few IIMs. However, you’ll have to sit for entrances and give a personal interview to be selected.

4. Which is better: BBA or BCA?
It depends on your interest. If you want to go into business, choose BBA while if you find programming and technology fascinating, go for a BCA.

5. Does Google hire BCA graduates?
Well, it depends. MNCs like Google, Microsoft give preference to B.Tech graduates. However, you may stand a chance if you develop your skills adequately and work hard to beat the competition you will have to face.

6. Do I necessarily have to complete BBA to be eligible for MBA?
No, there is no such requirement. Doing a BBA will help you adapt more readily during an MBA, but it is not prerequisite for applying for a MBA degree.

7. What is the full form of BCA?
BCA stands for Bachelor’s in Computer Applications.