Bachelor of Computer Applications [BCA] {Hons.}
About Bachelor of Computer Applications [BCA] {Hons.}
The Bachelor of Computer Applications [BCA] {Hons.} is a 4-year full-time undergraduate programme offered at Dr. D.Y. Patil Arts, Commerce and Science College (ACS), Pimpri, Pune, affiliated to Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 framework. Under SPPU's NEP 2020 curriculum, students who complete 3 years earn a regular BCA degree (120 credits), while those who continue for the 4th year and complete 160 credits earn the BCA (Honours) degree. The 4-year programme includes advanced electives in UI/UX Design, Cloud Computing, Cyber Security, Prompt and Generative AI, Big Data and Analytics, and Mobile Application Development, along with an On-Job Training (OJT)/Internship in the final semester. The total fees for the 4-year BCA (Hons.) programme are approximately Rs. 2,82,000 for the entire duration. The programme is offered in full-time, on-campus mode and is ideal for students who wish to pursue a more specialised and research-oriented path in computer applications.
Admissions for the 2026-27 academic year are currently open. The college commenced direct provisional admissions from March 25, 2026, on a first-come-first-serve basis. The MAH BCA CET 2026 exam was held from April 28 to April 30, 2026, and CAP (Centralized Admission Process) rounds are expected to follow in May-June 2026.
Key Points
- The BCA (Hons.) is the 4-year NEP 2020 variant of the BCA programme at ACS College Pimpri, offering 160 credits compared to 120 credits for the 3-year BCA.
- Students have the flexibility to exit after 3 years with a regular BCA degree or continue for the 4th year to earn the BCA (Honours) degree.
- The 4th year includes advanced electives such as Prompt and Generative AI, Big Data and Analytics, and Mobile Application Development, along with a mandatory On-Job Training (OJT)/Internship.
- The programme follows SPPU's NEP 2024 pattern syllabus, which includes modern subjects like Introduction to AR/VR, Fundamentals of AI, Data Science, and Community/Field Projects.
- The college is re-accredited by NAAC with an 'A++' grade (CGPA 3.55 out of 4) and has received the 'Best College Award' from SPPU.
- BCA (Hons.) graduates are ranked alongside the BCA programme at #80 out of 251 BCA colleges in India by an external review site (2025).
DY Patil ACS BCA (Hons.) Fees
Fee Structure
| Fee Component | Amount (Rs.) |
|---|---|
| Fees (Years 1-3, approx. per year) | ₹70,500 (approx.) |
| Fees (Year 4, approx.) | ₹70,500 (approx.) |
| Total Fees (4 Years) | ₹2,82,000 (approx.) |
- The fee structure differs for Maharashtra domicile students and out-of-Maharashtra (OMS) students; Maharashtra residents pay a lower fee than OMS students.
- Fees can be paid in two installments: 50% at the time of admission and the remaining 50% after Diwali (as per college practice).
- University examination fees (approximately Rs. 800 to Rs. 1,000 per semester) are charged separately and are not included in the above total.
- Fee refund in case of cancellation of confirmed admission is governed by SPPU/Government of Maharashtra rules.
- Students from reserved categories (SC, ST, OBC, NT, EWS) are eligible for government scholarship benefits under MahaDBT.
- Education loans are available through banks such as SBI for eligible students.
DY Patil ACS BCA (Hons.) Admission 2026
College Admission Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Direct Provisional Admission Start (First-Come-First-Serve) | March 25, 2026 |
| MAH BCA CET 2026 Exam | April 28 to April 30, 2026 |
| CAP Round 1 (Tentative) | May-June 2026 |
| CAP Round 2 (Tentative) | June-July 2026 |
| Batch Start (Tentative) | July 2026 |
Entrance Exam Dates
| Exam | Event | Date |
|---|---|---|
| MAH BCA/BBA/BMS/BBM CET 2026 | Exam Dates | April 28 to April 30, 2026 |
| MAH BCA/BBA/BMS/BBM CET 2026 | Result / Score Card | To be notified on mahacet.org |
| MAH BCA/BBA/BMS/BBM CET 2026 | CAP Round 1 (Tentative) | May-June 2026 |
- MAH BCA CET 2026 is the primary state-level entrance exam for BCA admissions in Maharashtra, conducted by the State CET Cell (mahacet.org).
- It is an online CBT of 100 MCQ questions covering English Language, Reasoning, General Knowledge, and Computer Basics, with a duration of 120 minutes and no negative marking.
- Direct provisional admission (without CET) is also available at this college on a first-come-first-serve basis.
The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.
Eligibility Criteria
- Candidates must have passed 10+2 (HSC) with Science stream from a recognised board.
- For direct second-year BCA (lateral entry): Three-year Diploma after SSC, or Two-year Diploma after HSC from MSBTE in IT/Computer/Electronics/E&TC.
- Minimum 45% aggregate marks in 10+2 for Open category; 40% for Reserved category candidates (Maharashtra domicile).
Admission Process
- For direct provisional admission: Visit acs.dypvp.edu.in, fill the online admission form, pay the booking amount, and submit hard copies of documents (HSC marksheet, LC/TC, caste certificate if applicable) to the college.
- For MAH BCA CET route: Register on mahacet.org, appear for the CET exam, and participate in the CAP (Centralized Admission Process) rounds.
- Submit original documents at the time of admission: HSC marksheet, LC/TC, caste certificate (if applicable), gap certificate (if applicable).
- Pay 50% of the first-year fees to confirm admission; remaining 50% is due after Diwali.
- Students scoring below 60% in 10th and 12th board exams must submit documents to the college; a merit list will be displayed for such students.
DY Patil ACS BCA (Hons.) Scholarships 2026
Scholarship Details
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Amount / Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Rajashree Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Shikshan Shulk Yojna | Open category students with annual family income up to Rs. 8 lakh | Up to Rs. 15,000 per year |
| Government Post-Matric Scholarship (SC/ST) | SC/ST students; income-based | Full tuition fee reimbursement as per government norms |
| OBC/NT/SBC Post-Matric Scholarship | OBC, NT, SBC category students | Partial to full fee reimbursement as per government norms |
| EBC (Economically Backward Class) Scholarship | Open category students with annual family income below Rs. 1 lakh | Partial fee concession |
| MahaDBT Scholarship Portal | All eligible reserved category students | Disbursed directly to student bank account via MahaDBT portal |
| College Merit Scholarship | Students scoring 85% or above in the first semester | As per college norms |
| National Certification Scholarship | Students with national-level certifications | As per college norms |
- All government scholarships are processed through the MahaDBT portal (mahadbt.maharashtra.gov.in).
- Students must register and apply within the stipulated deadline each academic year.
- Students from outside Maharashtra are treated as Open (General) category for reservation and scholarship purposes.
- The college also offers merit-based scholarships for students who score 85% or above in the first semester exams.
DY Patil ACS BCA (Hons.) FAQs
Ques. What is the difference between BCA and BCA (Hons.) at DY Patil ACS College Pimpri?
Ans. Under SPPU's NEP 2020 framework, both BCA and BCA (Hons.) are offered at this college. The BCA is a 3-year programme (120 credits) that covers core computer science subjects across 6 semesters. The BCA (Hons.) is a 4-year programme (160 credits) that includes all the subjects of the 3-year BCA plus an additional 4th year with advanced electives such as Prompt and Generative AI, Big Data and Analytics, Mobile Application Development, and a mandatory On-Job Training (OJT)/Internship. Students who complete 3 years can exit with a BCA degree; those who continue for the 4th year earn the BCA (Honours) degree. The BCA (Hons.) is more valuable for students planning to pursue higher studies or specialised roles in the IT industry.
Ques. What are the total fees for BCA (Hons.) at DY Patil ACS College Pimpri, and how does it compare to the 3-year BCA?
Ans. The total fees for the 4-year BCA (Hons.) programme are approximately Rs. 2,82,000 for the entire duration, compared to approximately Rs. 2,11,455 for the 3-year BCA. The additional year (Year 4) costs approximately Rs. 70,500, which includes the advanced electives and OJT/Internship semester. Fees can be paid in two installments: 50% at the time of admission and the remaining 50% after Diwali. University examination fees of approximately Rs. 800 to Rs. 1,000 per semester are charged separately. Maharashtra domicile students pay a lower fee than out-of-Maharashtra students.
Ques. What subjects are covered in the 4th year of BCA (Hons.) that are not in the 3-year BCA?
Ans. The 4th year (Semesters VII and VIII) of the BCA (Hons.) programme at ACS College Pimpri covers advanced and emerging technology subjects. Semester VII includes Software Engineering and Testing, Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence, Fundamentals of Data Science, and electives such as UI/UX Design, Cloud Computing, or Cyber Security, along with Core Java Programming and a Field Project. Semester VIII includes Software Project Management, Web Programming, Operating System Design, and electives such as Prompt and Generative AI, Big Data and Analytics, or Mobile Application Development, along with Advanced Java Programming and a mandatory On-Job Training (OJT)/Internship. These subjects are specifically designed to align with current industry demands.
Ques. Is the BCA (Hons.) degree more valuable than the regular BCA for placements and higher studies?
Ans. Yes, the BCA (Hons.) degree carries more weight than the regular BCA for both placements and higher studies. For placements, the additional year of specialised training in AI, Data Science, Cloud Computing, and the OJT/Internship gives BCA (Hons.) graduates a competitive edge over 3-year BCA graduates. For higher studies, many universities and institutions prefer or require an Honours degree for admission to postgraduate programmes such as MCA, M.Sc. Computer Science, or MBA. The BCA (Hons.) also opens doors to research-oriented programmes and fellowships that may require a 4-year undergraduate degree.
Ques. Can a student who has taken admission for BCA (Hons.) exit after 3 years with a regular BCA degree?
Ans. Yes, under SPPU's NEP 2020 framework, students have the flexibility to exit the programme at multiple points. A student who completes 3 years (6 semesters, 120 credits) can exit with a regular BCA degree. If they continue for the 4th year (8 semesters, 160 credits), they earn the BCA (Honours) degree. This multiple exit option is a key feature of the NEP 2020 framework and gives students the flexibility to decide based on their career goals, financial situation, or other personal circumstances. Students who exit early can also re-enter the programme later under the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) framework.
Ques. What are the career prospects after completing BCA (Hons.) from DY Patil ACS College Pimpri?
Ans. BCA (Hons.) graduates from DY Patil ACS College Pimpri are well-positioned for careers in software development, data analytics, AI/ML engineering, cloud computing, cybersecurity, UI/UX design, and mobile application development. The college has a strong placement cell with recruiters including Wipro, TCS, Goldman Sachs, and other IT companies, with a median package of approximately Rs. 4.5 LPA. The BCA (Hons.) degree also qualifies graduates for direct admission to MCA, M.Sc. Computer Science, and other postgraduate programmes. The OJT/Internship in the final semester provides practical industry exposure, which significantly enhances employability.