Master of Computer Applications [MCA]

The Master of Computer Applications (MCA) at Siddhartha Academy of Higher Education (SAHE University), Vijayawada, is a 2-year full-time postgraduate program offered through the School of Science. Established in 2004-05, the department equips students with a strong foundation in computer science, software development, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and full-stack development. The annual tuition fee is Rs. 1,00,000 with a one-time admission fee of Rs. 10,000, making the total course fee Rs. 2,10,000 over two years. Admissions are primarily through AP ICET (the state-level entrance exam) or the university's own SPCAT exam, with an approved intake of 60 seats. The program is popular for its industry-aligned curriculum, active placement cell, and access to the same campus recruitment drives as the engineering departments.

Admissions for the 2026-27 academic year are currently open. The AP ICET 2026 exam is scheduled on May 2, 2026, with results declared on May 16, 2026. AP ICET counselling is expected to commence in July 2026 (tentative). The university's own SPCAT 2026 exam is also being conducted for direct admissions. Candidates can apply at admissions.siddhartha.edu.in.

Key Points

• The MCA program at SAHE University is offered under the School of Science, with a dedicated Department of Computer Applications established since 2004-05.
• The curriculum covers emerging areas including cloud computing, AI, cybersecurity, and full-stack development, aligned with current industry requirements.
• Students benefit from the same campus placement infrastructure as the engineering departments, with access to top IT recruiters like TCS, Accenture, Infosys, and LTI Mindtree.
• The department maintains a well-equipped computer laboratory with internet facility and a departmental library with over 200 books.
• The university follows an Outcome-Based Education (OBE) framework with CO-PO mapping, ensuring measurable learning outcomes for each course.
• SAHE University is NAAC A+ accredited and was ranked 6th best B.Tech institute in Andhra Pradesh by NIRF 2025, reflecting the overall academic quality of the institution.

SAHE MCA Fees

Tuition and Other Charges - MCA (A.Y. 2026-27)

Hostel Fees (Optional - Not Mandatory)

• The one-time admission fee of Rs. 10,000 is non-refundable.
• Tuition fee is payable annually. Students must pay the full fee for the even semester before the last date prescribed for payment of the odd semester examination fee.
• Failure to pay fees within the stipulated time will result in removal of the candidate's name from the roll list.
• Hostel accommodation is optional and not included in the total course fee above. Girls' hostel is within the campus; boys' hostel is approximately 5-6 km away.
• No EMI facility is officially mentioned; fee is payable on an annual basis.

SAHE MCA Admission 2026

SAHE University - MCA Admission Dates (2026-27)

AP ICET 2026 - Complete Schedule (Primary Exam for MCA Admission)

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

• Candidates must have passed a 3-year or 4-year degree in any stream from a recognized university with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks.
• Mathematics must have been studied as one of the subjects either at Intermediate (10+2) level or at degree level.
• Candidates must have a valid rank in AP ICET 2026 or SPCAT (Siddhartha Post-Graduate Common Admission Test).

Admission Process

• Register and appear for AP ICET 2026 (cets.apsche.ap.gov.in) or SPCAT 2026 (admissions.siddhartha.edu.in).
• After result declaration, register for AP ICET counselling on the official portal (icet-sche.aptonline.in) or apply directly to SAHE University.
• Submit required documents including degree mark sheets, transfer certificate, caste certificate (if applicable), and entrance exam rank card.
• Attend counselling / seat allotment round and report to the allotted college within the stipulated date.
• Pay the admission fee and tuition fee to confirm the seat.
• If seats remain after counselling rounds, the university conducts Spot Admissions for eligible candidates with minimum 50% in degree.

SAHE MCA Scholarships 2026

MCA - Scholarship Information

• Scholarships are offered based on merit and are limited to 30% of the total intake (i.e., up to 18 seats out of 60), on a first-come, first-served basis.
• To continue receiving the scholarship in subsequent years, students must maintain a minimum of 75% attendance and a CGPA of 7.5 or above without any backlogs.
• The university has a track record of releasing pending tuition fee reimbursement amounts to eligible SC/ST category students as per AP government norms.
• Specific scholarship percentage slabs for MCA based on entrance rank are not separately published; candidates are advised to contact the admissions office at admissions.siddhartha.edu.in for the latest scholarship criteria.

SAHE MCA Placement 2026

MCA - Placement Data (A.Y. 2024-25)

• The 2023-24 placement data from the university's overall placement report shows MCA had 35 offers (out of 1,246 total offers across all departments).

SAHE MCA FAQs

Ques. Is the MCA at SAHE University a 2-year or 3-year program? What is the current duration after the NEP 2020 changes?

Ans. The MCA at SAHE University is currently a 2-year (4-semester) full-time program. The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) revised the MCA duration from 3 years to 2 years effective from the 2020-21 academic year, in line with NEP 2020 recommendations. SAHE University follows this revised 2-year structure. The program is offered under the School of Science and leads to a Master of Computer Applications degree from SAHE University (a Deemed-to-be University).

Ques. What is the eligibility for MCA at SAHE University? Is Mathematics compulsory at the degree level?

Ans. Yes, Mathematics is a mandatory subject for MCA admission at SAHE University. Candidates must have studied Mathematics either at the Intermediate (10+2) level or at the degree level. A 3-year or 4-year bachelor's degree in any stream with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks from a recognized university is required. Candidates who have passed all subjects of a 3-year degree in a single sitting are not eligible for MCA admission as per university norms.

Ques. Can I get admission to MCA at SAHE University without AP ICET? What is the SPCAT exam?

Ans. Yes, SAHE University accepts admissions through its own entrance exam called SPCAT (Siddhartha Post-Graduate Common Admission Test) in addition to AP ICET. The SPCAT is conducted in offline/online mode with 150 questions covering Analytical Ability (60 questions), Mathematical Ability (40 questions), and Communication Ability (50 questions) over 2 hours 30 minutes. If seats remain unfilled after all counselling rounds, direct admission is also possible for candidates with a minimum of 50% in their degree, based on merit. Candidates can register for SPCAT at admissions.siddhartha.edu.in.

Ques. How are the MCA placements at SAHE University compared to the B.Tech placements?

Ans. MCA placements at SAHE University are more modest compared to B.Tech placements. In 2024-25, 23 out of 61 MCA students were placed with 31 offers from 6 companies, with packages ranging from 3.2 LPA to 6 LPA. The top recruiters were Accenture, TCS Ninja, LTI Mindtree, and Infosys - the same companies that recruit B.Tech students. While the placement numbers are smaller due to the smaller batch size, MCA students do participate in the same campus drives as B.Tech students. Students looking for higher packages may need to supplement campus placements with self-preparation and off-campus applications.

Ques. What is the fee structure for MCA at SAHE University? Are there any scholarships available?

Ans. The total fee for MCA at SAHE University is Rs. 2,10,000 for the 2-year program - comprising a one-time non-refundable admission fee of Rs. 10,000 and an annual tuition fee of Rs. 1,00,000 per year (Rs. 2,00,000 for 2 years). Merit-based scholarships are available for up to 30% of the intake based on AP ICET or SPCAT rank, on a first-come, first-served basis. Government fee reimbursement is also available for SC/ST/BC/EBC category students as per AP state government norms. To retain the scholarship, students must maintain 75% attendance and a CGPA of 7.5 without backlogs.

Ques. What career options are available after MCA from SAHE University? Is it better than doing B.Tech CSE?

Ans. After MCA from SAHE University, graduates can pursue careers as software developers, data analysts, IT consultants, system administrators, cybersecurity analysts, and full-stack developers. The degree is recognized by UGC and is equivalent to an M.Tech for the purpose of teaching positions in engineering colleges (as per AICTE norms). Compared to B.Tech CSE, MCA is a postgraduate degree that provides deeper specialization in computer applications and is suitable for graduates from non-engineering backgrounds who want to enter the IT sector. However, B.Tech CSE typically has stronger campus placement numbers and higher starting packages at SAHE University. MCA is a good option for students who completed BCA, B.Sc (CS/IT), or B.Com and want to transition into the IT industry.