Online MCA from YCMOU 2026: Eligibility, Fee and Duration

Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University (YCMOU) offers an Online Master of Computer Applications (MCA) programme. Admission requires qualifying a Common Entrance Test (CET). The valid registration period for the MCA programme is four years.

Key facts

About the Online MCA Programme

The Master of Computer Applications (MCA) programme is designed for learners planning careers in computer science, in fields utilising computing, and for those intending postgraduate study in computer science. This programme combines the intellectual challenge of a new discipline with the rapidly expanding information technology sector.

The University delivers its academic programmes through a network of 8 Regional Centres and authorised Learner Support Centres across Maharashtra. Learner Support Centres (LSCs) are authorised to conduct computer programmes offered by the University, with specific programmes assigned based on available infrastructure.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates seeking admission to the Master of Computer Applications (MCA) programme must appear for the Common Entrance Test (CET) conducted by YCMOU and obtain the qualifying marks.

YCMOU has not published the specific academic eligibility criteria for the MCA programme for the 2026 session in the provided sources as of 03 October 2026.

Common Entrance Test (CET) for MCA

Admission to the MCA programme requires candidates to qualify in the university’s Common Entrance Test (CET).

The Online CET is 50 minutes long and consists of 50 multiple-choice questions, carrying a maximum of 100 marks (each question is 2 marks). Candidates must obtain a minimum of 40 marks to qualify for MCA admission. A mock test option is available before appearing for the CET.

The Online CET covers four sections: Mathematics and Statistics, Logical/Abstract Reasoning, English Comprehension and Verbal Ability, and Computer Concepts.

CET Structure

Admission Process for July 2026 Session

The YCMOU Admission 2026: Step-by-Step Application Process”>admission process for the July 2026 session is closing soon, and students are advised to confirm their admission at the earliest as of 30 September 2026. YCMOU has not published specific last dates for MCA admissions for the July 2026 session.

To apply for admission, candidates must register for the Online MCA CET. After qualifying the CET, candidates can proceed with the online admission application.

Students seeking admission for the fresher year, or those with a PRN starting with 25 or 26, should use the New Admission Portal.

1. Register for the Online MCA CET via the Online MCA CET Registration portal.
2. Appear for the Online CET and obtain the minimum qualifying marks.
3. Apply for online admission through the appropriate portal for the July 2026 session.

Programme Duration

The valid registration period for the MCA programme is four years, including the year of first-year registration. Learners must successfully complete the MCA programme within this period.

If a learner fails to complete the programme within the valid registration period, they will need to re-register for the programme, provided it is still offered by the University at that time. Re-registration involves taking fresh admission and paying the fees specified at that time, with all current rules and regulations applying.

Fee Structure

The total programme fee consists of four parts: Mandatory Fees, Exam Fees, and Learner Support Centre (LSC) Share. The exam fees cover the first attempt at examinations.

The learner is required to pay the total programme fees online at the time of admission; no installments are provided.

As per YCMOU policy, Transgender persons, children of farmers who have committed suicide, and visually impaired students are eligible for admission with a nominal fee of ₹10/- (Rupees Ten) only.

• Mandatory Fees: Include charges for Prospectus, Registration, Eligibility Checking, Identity Card, E-Suvidha / E-Services, Sanwad, Sports, Student Welfare (DSW), Chancellor office Events, Disaster Management, Library, NSS, Student Insurance, Convocation, and Alumni.
• Note: There will be a 10% increase in fees every year.

MCA Programme Fees (Academic Session January 2025)

Programme Structure and Courses

The MCA programme curriculum includes core and elective courses. The study material for all programmes is provided in PDF format.

• MCA501 Web Technologies (WT)
• MCA502 Database Technologies (DT)
• MCA503 Discrete Mathematics
• MCA504 Lab on WT & DT
• Elective Course (Select Any one): (MCA505 Java Programming and MCA506 Lab Course based on Java Programming Practical) OR (MCA507 Cloud Computing and MCA508 Lab Course based on Cloud Computing Practical)
• MCA599 Research Methodology
• MCA509 Software Engineering & Testing
• MCA510 Computer Network
• MCA511 Advance Java
• MCA512 Lab Course based on Advance Java &
• Elective Course (Select Any one): (MCA513 ASP.NET using C# and MCA514 Lab Course based on ASP.NET) OR (MCA515 Python Programming and MCA516 Lab Course based on Python)
• MCA517 Industry Internship and Field Project
• MCA601 Artificial Intelligence
• MCA602 Mobile Application Development
• MCA603 Object Oriented Analysis and Design
• MCA604 Lab Course Based on Mobile App Dev Practical
• Elective Course (Select Any one): (MCA605 Cyber Security and MCA606 Lab Course Based on Cyber Security) OR (MCA607 Web Frameworks and MCA608 Lab Course based on Web Frameworks Practical)
• MCA609 Research Project-I
• MCA610 New Trends in IT
• MCA611 Business Intelligence

Medium of Instruction and Examination

The medium of instruction for all YCMOU programmes, including MCA, is English. All study material is provided in English in PDF format. The medium of examination will also be English. However, coordinators, counsellors, or supervisors may use English, Marathi, or any other language to help learners understand the subject.

Important YCMOU links

Official documents (PDF)

• Click Here — Prospectus Academic Session January 2025 PDF — MCA Prospectus Academic Session January 2025

Frequently asked questions

What is the fee structure for YCMOU MCA?

For the Academic Session January 2025, the Learner Support Centre (LSC) share for both First Year (FY) and Second Year (SY) MCA (P163) was ₹21,500 each. Mandatory fees and exam fees are additional. YCMOU states there will be a 10% increase in fees every year.

Is a degree from YCMOU recognized for jobs?

Yes, YCMOU degrees are recognised. The MCA Prospectus Academic Session January 2025 includes an appendix detailing UGC approval for the university and a Maharashtra Government decision regarding the equivalence and recognition of degrees and diplomas.

Does YCMOU allow pursuing a double degree?

Yes, YCMOU allows pursuing two academic programmes simultaneously. The MCA Prospectus Academic Session January 2025 includes an appendix with the UGC letter dated 13 April 2022 and guidelines for pursuing dual degrees.

Is there an entrance exam (CET) for the YCMOU MCA course?

Yes, a Common Entrance Test (CET) is mandatory for admission to the YCMOU MCA programme. The online CET is 50 minutes long, has 50 multiple-choice questions for 100 marks, and requires a minimum of 40 marks to qualify.

What is the duration of the YCMOU Online MCA programme?

The valid registration period for the YCMOU Online MCA programme is four years, including the year of first-year registration. Learners must complete the programme within this period.

What is the medium of instruction for YCMOU Online MCA?

The medium of instruction and examination for the YCMOU Online MCA programme is English. All study materials are also provided in English.

Sources

Written from the official YCMOU pages and documents below, as read on 3 October 2026.

• Admission July 2026 ycmou.digitaluniversity.ac/…/Content.aspx
• Click Here — Prospectus Academic Session January 2025 ycmou.digitaluniversity.ac/…/MCA Prospectus_Academic Session January
• Admission 2025-26 ycmou.digitaluniversity.ac/…/Content.aspx