Master of Computer Applications [MCA]

The Master of Computer Applications (MCA) at SASTRA Deemed University, Thanjavur is a 2-year full-time postgraduate programme offered under the School of Computing (SOC), spread across 4 semesters with a strong emphasis on software development, algorithms, networking, and project-based learning. The programme carries a total of 144 credits and culminates in a full-semester industry project. The total fees for the programme stand at Rs. 1,78,000, with an intake of 120 seats. Admission is primarily based on qualifying degree scores and a SASTRA-conducted entrance test, with TANCET scores also considered. The MCA at SASTRA is popular for its rigorous curriculum, strong industry connections, and excellent placement support from the dedicated Training and Placement department.

Admissions for the 2026 batch are currently open. Applications started from March 27, 2026, and are being processed on a rolling basis. Candidates are advised to apply at the earliest as admissions are done in multiple batches. The last date to apply is June 5, 2026.

Key Points

• The MCA programme is a full-time on-campus programme at SASTRA's Thanjavur campus, structured across 4 semesters with 144 total credits.
• The final semester is entirely dedicated to a project at a software industry or research establishment of the student's choice, providing real-world exposure.
• The curriculum includes elective courses in areas such as Cloud Computing, Data Mining, Mobile Computing, Neural Networks, and E-Commerce, allowing students to specialise based on interest.
• HR Skills training is embedded across three semesters, preparing students for professional communication and workplace readiness.
• SASTRA's School of Computing is equipped with the Central Computing Facility (CISH), offering state-of-the-art infrastructure for MCA students.

SASTRA MCA Fees

The MCA programme at SASTRA University is competitively priced, with a tuition fee of Rs. 40,000 per semester. The total programme cost including one-time charges at admission comes to Rs. 1,78,000 for the entire 2-year duration. There is a 5% annual increase in tuition fees from the second year onwards. Hostel accommodation is optional and available at additional cost.

Fee Components

• Tuition fee increases by 5% annually from the second year onwards.
• Development fee and Special/Registration/Medical Exam fees are one-time payments made at the time of admission only.
• Hostel fees are optional and not included in the total above. Hostel lodging charges range from Rs. 16,000 to Rs. 90,000 per year depending on room type (AC/Non-AC, single/shared). Mess charges are approximately Rs. 5,000 per month (payable for ~10 months per year).
• Educational loans are facilitated through City Union Bank (CUB) and Indian Overseas Bank (IOB) at reduced interest rates.

SASTRA MCA Admission 2026

SASTRA University MCA 2026 admissions are currently open and being conducted on a rolling basis. Admissions are based on qualifying degree scores and a SASTRA-conducted entrance test. Candidates with valid TANCET scores may be given preference. The application process is entirely online through the SASTRA admissions portal.

College Admission Dates

Entrance Exam Dates

Note: SASTRA conducts its own entrance test for MCA admissions. TANCET scores are accepted and may be used for merit consideration. NIMCET is not applicable for SASTRA MCA admissions as SASTRA is a Deemed University with its own admission process.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

• Any recognised bachelor's degree of minimum 3 years duration from a recognised university.
• Mathematics must have been studied either at the +2 (Class XII) level or as a subject in the qualifying degree programme.
• No minimum percentage is specified, but merit-based selection applies.

Admission Process

• Submit online application at webstream.sastra.edu/sastraonline.
• Appear for the SASTRA-conducted entrance test (if applicable) or submit qualifying degree scores.
• Receive provisional admission letter via email.
• Complete fee payment online to confirm admission.
• Enrolment and document verification at the time of joining.

SASTRA MCA Scholarships 2026

SASTRA University offers merit-based and need-based scholarships to eligible students, including MCA students. The Dean's Merit Scholarship rewards top academic performers with significant tuition fee concessions, while the Hostel Scholarship supports students with good attendance and conduct. Additionally, government scholarships such as the AICTE Yashasvi Scholarship Scheme are available for eligible students.

Scholarship Details

• Dean's Merit Scholarship is awarded based on performance in university semester examinations.
• Hostel Scholarship requires perfect hostel attendance, minimum 90% class attendance, CGPA of 7.5 or above, and no disciplinary record.
• Students are encouraged to apply for government scholarships through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) and AICTE portals.
• Educational loans are available through City Union Bank and Indian Overseas Bank with facilitated processing.

SASTRA MCA Placement 2026

Placement Details

According to an external review site Ranking 2026, SASTRA ranks 129 out of 200 colleges in India and 38th in state Tamil Nadu for its MCA program.

• 18 out of 63 under IIRF Computer Applications Ranking 2024.

Read more on SASTRA Rankings here

SASTRA MCA FAQs

Ques. Does SASTRA MCA require TANCET or any entrance exam for admission?

Ans. SASTRA conducts its own entrance test for MCA admissions. However, candidates with valid TANCET scores may be given preference and could be exempted from the SASTRA test. The admission is primarily based on qualifying degree scores and the entrance test. NIMCET is not applicable for SASTRA MCA.

Ques. Is Mathematics mandatory for MCA admission at SASTRA?

Ans. Yes, Mathematics is mandatory. Candidates must have studied Mathematics either at the Class XII level or as a subject in their qualifying undergraduate degree. This is a standard requirement for MCA admissions at SASTRA.

Ques. Can a BCA or B.Sc. Computer Science graduate apply for MCA at SASTRA?

Ans. Yes, any recognised bachelor's degree of minimum 3 years is eligible, provided Mathematics was studied at +2 or degree level. BCA, B.Sc. CS, B.Sc. IT, B.Com., and other graduates with Mathematics are eligible to apply.

Ques. Is hostel accommodation guaranteed for MCA students at SASTRA?

Ans. Hostel facility is available at SASTRA's Thanjavur campus for both boys and girls. First-year students are provided shared accommodation. From the second year, options include single, two-in-one, three-in-one, and four-in-one rooms with or without AC and attached bathrooms. Hostel is not mandatory and is available on request.

Ques. What is the final semester project structure in SASTRA MCA?

Ans. The final semester is dedicated entirely to a project. Students are required to undergo 42 hours per week of practical work in software development at a software industry or research establishment of their choice. This provides significant industry exposure before graduation.

Ques. What are the placement prospects for MCA graduates from SASTRA?

Ans. SASTRA's Training and Placement department actively supports MCA students. Recruiters visiting SASTRA include major IT companies such as TCS, Infosys, Wipro, Cognizant, IBM, Accenture, Tech Mahindra, and many others. The overall university placement rate is around 79%, with IT-related programmes seeing higher placement activity. MCA graduates typically find roles in software development, testing, system administration, and data analytics.