Syllabus
DCA Course Syllabus 2025 | Diploma in Computer Applications Curriculum & Topics
Explore the complete DCA syllabus 2025—covering computer fundamentals, MS Office, C programming, DBMS, web design & more. Includes semester-wise topics, recommended books, and downloadable PDF.
The Diploma in Computer Applications (DCA) is a foundational IT course designed for individuals who want to gain essential computer skills. Whether you’re a student, job seeker, or professional, DCA can boost your profile by teaching office tools, programming, web design, and accounting software.
This guide provides the complete DCA syllabus 2025, including semester-wise subject breakdowns, topic details, marks, syllabus PDF download, recommended books, preparation tips, specializations, and more.
DCA Course – Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Course Name | Diploma in Computer Applications (DCA) |
| Course Type | Diploma |
| Duration | 6 to 12 months |
| Eligibility | 10th or 12th pass from a recognized board |
| Admission Process | Merit-Based / Entrance Test (varies by institution) |
| Mode of Study | Offline / Online |
| Career Scope | Data Entry, Office Assistant, Computer Operator, IT Executive |
| Average Course Fee | ₹5,000 – ₹25,000 (in India) |
DCA Exam Overview
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Type | Semester / Annual (depends on institute) |
| Question Type | Objective (MCQs), Short Answers, Practicals |
| Total Marks | 500 – 600 |
| Passing Marks | 35% – 40% |
| Internal Marks | 20% |
| External Marks | 80% |
| Practical Exams | Yes (lab-based assignments and evaluation) |
DCA Course Syllabus – Semester-wise Subjects with Topic Details
Semester 1 – Foundation of Computer Applications
| Subject | Topic Details | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Fundamentals of Computer | Computer basics, types, history, hardware, software, input/output devices, binary number systems | 100 |
| Microsoft Office Suite | MS Word (document formatting), MS Excel (formulas, charts), PowerPoint (presentations), MS Access (basic DB operations) | 100 |
| Internet & Email | Basics of internet, web browsers, search engines, email creation, attachments, etiquette | 50 |
| Operating System | Windows and Linux basics, file system, user management, commands, GUI vs CLI | 100 |
| Practical – MS Office & Internet | Real-time usage of MS Office tools, formatting, email creation, internet browsing tasks | 50 |
Semester 2 – Advanced Applications and Programming
| Subject | Topic Details | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Programming in C | Variables, data types, control statements, arrays, functions, pointers, file handling | 100 |
| Database Management System (DBMS) | Tables, keys, normalization, SQL queries (SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE), joins, reports | 100 |
| HTML & Web Design | HTML tags, lists, forms, tables, CSS styling, page layouts, intro to JavaScript | 100 |
| Tally & Accounting Software | Accounting fundamentals, company creation, GST, vouchers, balance sheet, inventory | 100 |
| Practical – Programming & DBMS | C language coding tasks, MySQL/Oracle SQL query execution, database creation | 50 |
DCA Syllabus PDF Download
You can download the complete DCA syllabus in PDF format for offline use.
Download DCA Syllabus PDF 2025
Detailed Topic Descriptions (Key Subjects)
- Fundamentals of Computer: Computer history, binary system, hardware/software, memory types, input/output devices.
- Microsoft Office: Word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and database handling using MS Office suite.
- Operating Systems: File and user management in Windows & Linux, GUI vs CLI.
- C Programming: Basics to advanced – variables, loops, arrays, pointers, structures, file I/O.
- DBMS: SQL operations, keys, normalization, and relational database concepts using MySQL/Oracle.
- HTML & Web Design: HTML tags, forms, tables, CSS basics, layout design, simple interactivity with JavaScript.
- Tally: Company creation, ledgers, vouchers, GST, balance sheet, and inventory management.
Recommended Books for DCA Preparation
| Subject | Book Title | Author / Publisher |
|---|---|---|
| Fundamentals of Computer | Fundamentals of Computers | V. Rajaraman |
| MS Office Suite | Microsoft Office 2019 Step by Step | Joan Lambert (Microsoft Press) |
| Operating System | Operating Systems | Silberschatz, Galvin, Gagne |
| Programming in C | Let Us C | Yashavant Kanetkar |
| Database Systems | Database System Concepts | Abraham Silberschatz |
| HTML & Web Design | HTML and CSS: Design and Build Websites | Jon Duckett |
| Tally | Mastering Tally ERP 9 | Tally Education Pvt. Ltd. |
DCA Preparation Tips
| Tip No. | Strategy |
|---|---|
| 1 | Create a daily timetable and stick to a 2-hour learning window |
| 2 | Practice MS Office and Tally in a live environment or demo version |
| 3 | Use YouTube channels and online courses for C and HTML tutorials |
| 4 | Solve previous year/sample questions from your institute |
| 5 | Explore free platforms like W3Schools for HTML, CSS, and SQL practice |
| 6 | Build small projects (HTML webpage, simple Tally ledger, SQL DB) |
| 7 | Join forums and discussion groups for peer learning and doubt clearing |
Specializations After DCA
| Specialization | Career Path / Focus Area |
|---|---|
| Advanced Diploma in Computer Applications (ADCA) | Higher-level applications, programming, networking |
| Web Designing | HTML, CSS, JavaScript, UI/UX |
| Software Development | Java, Python, application building |
| Computer Networking | CCNA, system administration, hardware |
| Office Automation | Government clerkships, admin work |
| Graphic Designing | Photoshop, CorelDRAW, Adobe Illustrator |
Career Opportunities After DCA
| Job Role | Responsibilities | Average Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Data Entry Operator | Handling documents, typing, Excel data | ₹1.5 – ₹2.5 LPA |
| Computer Operator | Managing software, hardware, and printing tasks | ₹1.8 – ₹3 LPA |
| Office Assistant | Admin work using MS Office tools | ₹2 – ₹3 LPA |
| Web Designer (Junior) | Building websites with HTML/CSS | ₹2.5 – ₹4 LPA |
| Tally Executive | Handling GST, accounts, invoices in Tally | ₹2.5 – ₹4.5 LPA |
Conclusion
The DCA syllabus 2025 is designed to impart essential skills in computer applications, office productivity, programming, and accounting. Whether you’re preparing for a government job, corporate position, or further IT studies, the Diploma in Computer Applications gives you the right platform to build digital fluency and practical expertise.
With strong fundamentals, regular practice, and exposure to real-world applications, DCA students can unlock multiple career and academic paths.
Click Here to Download the Complete DCA Syllabus PDF 2025
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