PGDCA Course Opens Path for Non-IT Graduates to Study IT in Postgraduate Level

Kathmandu: Most undergraduate faculties have already published their fourth-year results, and students who have completed their bachelor's degrees are now preparing for postgraduate studies. Among them, some are interested in studying information technology (IT) at the postgraduate level.

For those who studied IT-related subjects in their undergraduate programs, continuing in the same field is not difficult. However, students from other streams face a problem because only those who completed their undergraduate studies in IT are eligible to study IT at the postgraduate level. As a result, many students cannot pursue IT at the master’s level due to a lack of qualifications.

To address this, Purbanchal University has been running the Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Application (PGDCA) program, designed specifically for students from non-IT backgrounds. The course allows graduates of science, management, humanities, and other faculties to qualify for IT-based master’s programs such as MIT and MCA.

Bridging the Gap Between Non-IT and IT Education

Purbanchal University introduced the PGDCA course 25 years ago. The goal was to prepare non-IT graduates for IT studies at the postgraduate level by teaching them the fundamentals of computer applications and information technology.

According to Manoj Kumar Haluwai, Assistant Dean at the university’s Faculty of Science and Technology, the course targets students who want to build their careers in IT but did not study IT during their bachelor’s degree.

He explained that one of the main reasons behind launching the program was that undergraduate courses in Nepal were previously three years long. “In 2056 BS, Purbanchal University introduced Nepal’s first IT course, BCA. At that time, the bachelor’s level was only three years. However, universities in countries like the US and Australia require 10+2+4 years of study for master’s admission. Completing the PGDCA provided that additional year, making it easier for students to study abroad,” he said.

He added that the course has benefited many students who later pursued higher studies abroad.

What the Course Covers

The PGDCA course includes topics such as, analysis, design, and development of computer-based systems, problem-solving for real-life situations, and research on new and emerging technologies. 

Currently, the course is taught at Kantipur City College in Putalisadak, Kathmandu, and the School of Science and Technology in Biratnagar, Morang. The university conducts an entrance exam for 10 percent scholarship seats, while the respective campuses handle admissions for the remaining students.

The entrance exam for scholarships for the upcoming academic session will be held on 15 Kartik. Each campus sets its own fee structure and conducts its own entrance exams for regular admissions.

PGDCA in Brief

• Course Name: Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Application (PGDCA)

• Duration: One year (Two semesters)

• Operating Body: Purbanchal University

• Institutions:

  • School of Science and Technology, Biratnagar, Morang

  • Kantipur City College, Putalisadak, Kathmandu

• Scholarship: 10% (5% open, 5% reserved) — exam conducted by the university

• Seat Capacity: 30 seats per campus (campus conducts its own entrance exam)

• Fee: Determined by respective campuses

• Eligibility: Minimum 40% or 2.0 CGPA in any undergraduate faculty

• Career Scope: Enables non-IT graduates to pursue MCA or MIT; useful for careers in IT and related fields

 

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