1. The Master of Computer Applications (MCA) is a postgraduate degree in computer application streams awarded in India since 1982.

[1] Full time MCA programmes normally take three academic years.[citation needed] The primary emphasis in MCA curriculum is on the development of diverse types of application software rather than designing computer hardware and systems software, which is generally within the domain of engineering majors.[1] More than one thousand institutions provide MCA courses in India with an annual intake of more than 55000 students.[citation needed] Entrance into an MCA programme requires a bachelors degree from any field of computer science such as a BCA (Bachelor in Computer Application). The course of study covers a variety of topics in the computer programming and designing fields, and can prepare people for a wide variety of computer science related professions.[citation needed] Application software, also known as an application or an "app", is computer software designed to help the user to perform singular or multiple related specific tasks. Examples include enterprise software, accounting software, office suites, graphics software and media players. Many application programs deal principally with documents. Apps may be bundled with the computer and its system software, or may be published separately. Some users are satisfied with the bundled apps and need never install one.

application program
Complete, self-contained computer program (usually a commercially produced, shrinkwrapped software) that performs a specific useful task, other than system maintenance functions (which are performed by utility programs). Called 'Apps' for short, application programs are the most familiar forms of software and come in a very wide variety of types (such as accounting programs, database programs, graphics and illustration programs, word processing programs). Also called application software.

computer system
A system of interconnected computers that share a central storage system and various peripheral devices such as a printers, scanners, or routers. Each computer connected to the system can operate independently, but has the ability to communicate with other external devices and computers.