How to prepare for JNU MCA

The post talks about the general course content in MCA at JNU, its aspirations. It then talks about how to prepare for JNU MCA entrance.

MCA (Master of Computer Application)
Course contents: The basic direction behind the courseware in MCA is to equip the student with the elements of computer science which allows him to pursue a career in academic research as well as in professional computer science. The initial semesters focus on getting basic elements of Mathematics side of computer science through Computational statistics, algebra, numerical methods as well as basics of computer architecture and structured programming. From there it proceeds to providing width of multiple areas of computer science e.g. operating systems, databases, algorithms, compilers, artificial intelligence. Finally you have option to advance further in specialized areas through advanced courses e.g. Advanced Databases, Advanced Software engineering etc

Eligibility Criteria : Everybody talks about the formal,visible criteria. You can very well visit that by following . However, the real criteria for being eligible for a successful Master in Computer Applications are

• Being passionate about solving problems through technology
• Good aptitude towards mathematical modeling
• A Never say die approach towards life.

You will find that your fellow students and later your colleagues are quite competitive and you need quite a lot to be in the front runners

How to get there: For getting into JNU MCA Entrance you should be really good at intermediate level mathematics. Computer science is an added benefit. From last couple of years people with computer science background are getting an edge in the initial semesters over others. So, it is anyway good to equip yourself with basic computer science knowledge ( at least one programming language, preferably C).

Time needed: It takes around 3-6 hours X 6 months of sincere effort to understand, appreciate and grasp the course material specified as the course material for entrance examination. BTW, a good time to start is from summer vacation of your second year graduation ( which spreads the effort to 8-9) months Good books to refer : If you want more of excercises then ‘Objective Mathematics’ from R.D. Sharma is a good option. Otherwise, ‘Upkar MCA guide’ from Upkar Pubications should be a god option to understand the contents and grasp the concepts involved. TMH is also a worth reading .

Does coaching help ? : If you feel you are good enough to keep yourself motivated and disciplined then you do not need any coaching as such. The guide books do have enough examples. Otherwise, do join some coaching class. They help you follow a routine and at times provide with focused study material.

Topics to give special focus : First things first, whatever comes in the entrance IS important. However, you can give special focus on probability, matrix algebra, calculus and programming logic (if not C language).

That's done for today. You can come up with questions and I will try to answer them as and when I get time.

You can look at the link below for more 'official ' information. This link takes you to School of Computer & Sytems Sciences' home page.

http://www.jnu.ac.in/main.asp?sendval=SchoolOfComputers