Fees
Fees at Banaras Hindu University for the Bachelor of Arts + Bachelor of Law [BALLB] {Hons.} program comprise various components. The annual tuition fee is now set at Rs. 72,000. Additional costs include a hostel fee of Rs. 6,000 per year and a monthly mess fee of approximately Rs. 4,500.
There is a student welfare fee of Rs. 200 annually. Other yearly expenses include Rs. 170 for cultural activities, Rs. 350 for student health facilities, Rs. 100 for computer and internet facilities, Rs. 50 for the Alumni Activity Fund, Rs. 100 for training and placement, and Rs. 10 for the Border Delegacy fee.
The special course fee amounts to Rs. 60,000, while a laminated ID card costs Rs. 26. Scholarships are available, particularly benefiting students from reserved categories.
About Master of Computer Applications [MCA]
The Master of Computer Applications (MCA) at Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi, is a 2-year full-time postgraduate program offered by the Department of Computer Science on the main campus. Following the NEP 2020 guidelines, the MCA program was revised from 3 years to 2 years (4 semesters), making it more aligned with industry requirements and international standards. The curriculum covers core computer science subjects including data structures, algorithms, database management, software engineering, computer networks, artificial intelligence, and web technologies, along with electives and a mandatory project/dissertation in the final semester. With 82 seats and one of the most affordable fee structures in India (total tuition of Rs. 8,000 for the 2-year program), BHU MCA is highly popular among students seeking quality computer science education at a premier Central University. The program is conducted entirely on campus in full-time mode.
Admissions for the 2026-28 batch are based on CUET-PG 2026. The CUET-PG 2026 exam is currently ongoing (March 13 - April 1, 2026), with results expected tentatively on May 6, 2026. BHU will conduct its own counselling rounds based on CUET-PG scores after the result declaration. The 2025-27 batch admissions were completed through multiple counselling rounds, with the final mop-up round concluding in September 2025.
Key Points
- Duration revised from 3 years to 2 years (4 semesters) as per NEP 2020 guidelines.
- Admission is based solely on CUET-PG scores - no separate BHU entrance test required.
- Paid seat option available at Rs. 60,000 per semester (in addition to regular fee), with guaranteed hostel accommodation at the South Campus.
- Hostel availability for regular seat students is limited and allotted based on CUET-PG score and distance from home.
- Central Sector Scholarship of Rs. 20,000 per year is available for eligible PG students based on merit.
- The BHU brand and the Department of Computer Science's strong faculty make it a preferred choice for MCA aspirants from across India.
- Students can leverage BHU's Placement Coordination Cell (PCC) for campus placements and off-campus opportunities.
BHU MCA Fees
The MCA program at BHU has one of the most affordable fee structures among government universities in India. The total tuition fee for the 2-year program is Rs. 8,000, payable at Rs. 2,000 per semester. The total fees including other university charges amount to approximately Rs. 27,500 for the entire course. Students opting for the Paid Seat scheme pay Rs. 60,000 per semester in addition to the regular fee.
Fee Structure
| Fee Component | Semester 1 (INR) | Semester 2 (INR) | Semester 3 (INR) | Semester 4 (INR) | Total (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee | 2,000 | 2,000 | 2,000 | 2,000 | 8,000 |
| Other University Charges | Included | Included | Included | Included | ~19,500 |
| Total Fees (Regular Seat) | - | - | - | - | ~27,500 |
| Hostel Fee (Optional, per year) | 5,375 | - | 5,375 | - | ~10,750 |
- Paid Seat fee: Rs. 60,000 per semester + regular fee (~Rs. 7,500/semester). Total for paid seat students: approximately Rs. 60,000 x 4 = Rs. 2,40,000 + regular fee.
- Hostel fee is optional and subject to availability. Regular seat students are allotted hostel based on CUET-PG score and distance from home.
- Paid seat students at the South Campus have guaranteed hostel accommodation.
- Fees are subject to revision by the university without prior notice.
- Fees are the same for all categories (General, OBC, SC, ST, EWS).
BHU MCA Admission 2026
Admissions to the MCA program at BHU are based on CUET-PG scores, conducted by NTA. There is no separate BHU entrance test for MCA. After CUET-PG results, BHU conducts its own counselling rounds (typically 5-6 rounds including a mop-up round) to fill all 82 seats. The CUET-PG 2026 exam is currently ongoing (March 13 - April 1, 2026), and results are expected in May 2026. BHU counselling for the 2026-28 batch is expected to begin in June/July 2026.
BHU MCA Admission Dates
| Event | Date / Tentative Date |
|---|---|
| CUET-PG 2026 Registration | December 14, 2025 - January 23, 2026 |
| CUET-PG 2026 Form Correction | January 28 - 30, 2026 |
| CUET-PG 2026 Admit Card | March 9, 2026 |
| CUET-PG 2026 Exam | March 13 - April 1, 2026 |
| CUET-PG 2026 Result | May 6, 2026 (Tentative) |
| BHU MCA Counselling Round 1 | June/July 2026 (Tentative) |
| BHU MCA Mop-Up Round | August/September 2026 (Tentative) |
| Commencement of Classes | July/August 2026 (Tentative) |
BHU MCA Cutoff
| Category | Round 1 | Round 5 (Final) |
|---|---|---|
| General | 204 | 173 |
| OBC | 192 | 165 |
| EWS | 192 | 170 |
| SC | 153 | 138 |
| ST | 100 | 102 |
| PwD | 117 | 55 |
The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
Eligibility Criteria
- Candidates must have passed a Bachelor's degree under the 10+2+3 pattern in any discipline with a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate (including all subjects) from a recognized university. SC/ST candidates require 45% marks.
- Candidates must have appeared in CUET-PG of the corresponding year.
- Mathematics as a subject at 10+2 or graduation level is preferred but may not be mandatory (check official BHU PG bulletin for the latest requirement).
Admission Process
- Register for CUET-PG on the NTA portal (pgcuet.samarth.ac.in) during the registration window.
- Select BHU MCA as a preferred institution and appear for the CUET-PG exam.
- After CUET-PG result declaration, register on the BHU admission portal (bhuonline.in) for MCA counselling.
- Fill and lock college/course choices during the BHU counselling choice-filling window.
- Seat allotment is done based on CUET-PG score, category, and choices filled.
- Report to BHU with original documents for verification within the stipulated joining date.
- Complete fee payment to confirm admission.
- Paid Seat admissions are made separately; candidates must indicate preference at the time of counselling.
BHU MCA Scholarships 2026
BHU MCA students can avail both central government and state government scholarships. The most notable is the Central Sector Scholarship, which provides Rs. 20,000 per year to eligible PG students based on merit. UP domicile students can additionally apply for the UP Government Scholarship. Given the very low tuition fee, scholarships can effectively cover the entire cost of education for eligible students.
Scholarship Details
| Scholarship Name | Amount (INR) | Eligibility | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Sector Scholarship (PG) | Rs. 20,000/year | Merit-based; all categories | Applied through NSP portal; selection based on CUET-PG score |
| UP Government Scholarship | Variable | UP domicile students; income-based | Covers tuition + hostel allowance for eligible students |
| National Scholarship Portal (NSP) | Variable | Students from other states; income-based | Central government scheme |
| Merit-based BHU Scholarship (1st Rank) | Rs. 4,000 (one-time) | First rank holder in the program | Institutional reward |
| Merit-based BHU Scholarship (2nd Rank) | Rs. 3,000 (one-time) | Second rank holder in the program | Institutional reward |
| Economically Weak Students Scholarship | Free meals (7 months) + Rs. 2,000/year | Family income below Rs. 1 lakh per annum | Need-based; 100 students covered |
- Students already availing any other scholarship are not eligible for BHU institutional scholarships.
- Mandatory 75% attendance is required to remain eligible for BHU scholarships.
- The Central Sector Scholarship is highly competitive and based on CUET-PG merit rank.
BHU MCA Placement 2026
Placement Details
| Placement Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Placement Cell | BHU Placement Coordination Cell (PCC) |
| Campus Placement Rate | Approximately 18-20% of students |
| Average Package (Campus) | Rs. 4-5 LPA |
| Off-campus Opportunities | BHU brand significantly helps |
| Other Opportunities | Higher studies (M.Tech/PhD), government jobs (SSC, UPSC, state PSC) |
BHU MCA FAQs
Ques. Has the BHU MCA program been reduced from 3 years to 2 years? When did this change happen?
Ans. Yes. Following the NEP 2020 guidelines, BHU revised the MCA program from 3 years (6 semesters) to 2 years (4 semesters). This change was implemented for batches admitted from 2022-23 onwards. The 2-year MCA is now the standard format at BHU and most other central universities.
Ques. What CUET-PG score is needed for MCA admission at BHU?
Ans. Based on 2025 data, the General category closing score in Round 1 was 204 and in the final round (Round 5) was 173. OBC candidates needed around 165-192, and SC candidates needed 138-153. These scores can vary year to year. Scoring above 180 in CUET-PG gives a strong chance for General category candidates.
Ques. Is hostel accommodation guaranteed for MCA students at BHU?
Ans. Hostel accommodation is NOT guaranteed for regular seat MCA students. Allotment is based on CUET-PG score and distance from home (students from farther away get priority). However, students who opt for the Paid Seat scheme at the South Campus have guaranteed hostel accommodation. Regular seat students who do not get hostel accommodation need to arrange private accommodation near the BHU campus.
Ques. What are the placement prospects for MCA graduates from BHU?
Ans. BHU has a Placement Coordination Cell (PCC) that facilitates campus placements for MCA students. While campus placements are limited (approximately 18-20% of students get placed through campus drives), the BHU brand significantly helps in off-campus placements. Average packages through campus drives have been around Rs. 4-5 LPA, with some students securing higher packages through off-campus efforts. Many BHU MCA graduates also pursue higher studies (M.Tech/PhD) or government jobs (SSC, UPSC, state PSC).
Ques. What is the difference between a regular seat and a paid seat in BHU MCA?
Ans. Regular seats are allotted based on CUET-PG merit, with a nominal fee of Rs. 2,000 per semester. Paid seats are available for candidates who narrowly miss the regular merit cutoff, at an additional fee of Rs. 60,000 per semester (over and above the regular fee). Paid seat students are typically placed at the South Campus (RGSC, Mirzapur) and have guaranteed hostel accommodation there.
Ques. Can I apply for BHU MCA if I have a B.Com or B.A. background (non-science)?
Ans. Yes. The BHU MCA program accepts graduates from any discipline (B.Sc., B.Com., B.A., BCA, etc.) with a minimum of 50% marks. However, having a background in Mathematics or Computer Science at the 10+2 or graduation level is advantageous for the CUET-PG exam and for the MCA coursework. Candidates without a mathematics background may find the first-year subjects more challenging.