Online MCA in Data Science & AI in India 2026: Fees, Eligibility, Admission and UGC Approved Universities
Quick answer
- University of Petroleum and Energy Studies — ₹51,000, 24 months
- Jain University — ₹60,000, 24 months
- MATS University — ₹60,000, 24 months
- DY Patil University Navi Mumbai — ₹60,000, 24 months
- Mangalayatan University — ₹60,000, 24 months
- Vellore Institute of Technology Vellore — ₹60,000, 24 months
- Shoolini Institute of Life Sciences and Business Management — ₹60,000, 24 months
- Sharda University — ₹60,000, 24 months
- Integral University — ₹60,000, 24 months
- Shobhit University Meerut — ₹60,000, 24 months
An online MCA in Data Science & AI is a postgraduate master’s degree programme delivered through virtual platforms, focusing on data analysis, machine learning, and artificial intelligence principles. Indian universities offer 45 distinct online MCA programmes.
The total fee for these programmes ranges from Rs 51,000 to Rs 300,000. The duration for an online MCA in Data Science & AI varies from 24 to 60 months.
Eligibility for these programmes requires a completed bachelor’s degree from a recognised university, typically of three years or more. Specific minimum marks for admission are not published centrally and vary by university.
Among the 44 Indian universities offering an online MCA, common specialisations include Data Science, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, and Data Analytics. Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka are states with a high number of these programmes.
Universities and fees
| University | Programme | Total fee | Duration | Specialisations | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Petroleum and Energy Studies | MCA | ₹51,000 – ₹140,000 | 24 months | 3 | State Private University |
| Jain University | MCA | ₹60,000 – ₹161,000 | 24 months | 17 | Deemed University-Private |
| MATS University | MCA | ₹60,000 | 24 months | — | State Private University |
| DY Patil University Navi Mumbai | MCA | ₹60,000 | 24 months | 5 | Deemed University-Private |
| Mangalayatan University | MCA | ₹60,000 – ₹69,000 | 24 months | 4 | State Private University |
| Vellore Institute of Technology Vellore | MCA | ₹60,000 | 24 months | — | Deemed University-Private |
| Shoolini Institute of Life Sciences and Business Management | MCA | ₹60,000 – ₹85,000 | 24 months | 5 | State Private University |
| Sharda University | MCA | ₹60,000 | 24 months | 3 | State Private University |
| Integral University | MCA | ₹60,000 | 24 months | — | State Private University |
| Shobhit University Meerut | MCA | ₹60,000 | 24 months | 5 | Deemed University-Private |
| Vivekananda Global University | MCA | ₹60,000 | 24 months | — | State Private University |
| Vels Institute of Science, Technology & Advanced Studies | MCA | ₹60,000 | 24 months | — | Deemed University-Private |
| Guru Kashi University | MCA | ₹60,000 | 24 months | — | Private (verified manually) |
| B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science & Technology | MCA | ₹60,000 | 24 months | 6 | Deemed University-Private |
| Jagannath University Jaipur | MCA | ₹60,000 | 24 months | — | State Private University |
What the degree is
An online Master of Computer Applications (MCA) in Data Science & AI is a postgraduate degree. It focuses on advanced computing concepts, with a specialisation in data science and artificial intelligence. This degree is suitable for individuals who hold a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university. The duration of these programmes ranges from 24 to 60 months.
This specialisation is suitable for professionals seeking to advance their careers in data analytics, machine learning, and AI development. The total fee for these programmes ranges from Rs 51,000 to Rs 300,000. There are 44 Indian universities publicly offering an MCA in online mode.
The online MCA in Data Science & AI is not suitable for individuals without a foundational bachelor’s degree. It is also not suitable for those who prefer a traditional on-campus learning environment, as these programmes are delivered entirely online. The most common specialisations include Data Science, Cyber Security, and Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.
Eligibility as published by the universities
Eligibility for an online Master of Computer Applications (MCA) in Data Science and AI is a completed bachelor’s degree from a recognised university. This degree is normally three years or more in duration.
Minimum marks in the bachelor’s degree vary by university. These specific requirements are published on each university’s own admission page.
Universities do not publish specific policies regarding gap years or low marks. Admission depends on meeting the published eligibility criteria, which includes the minimum marks requirement.
How to choose between the universities in the table above
Choosing an online MCA in Data Science & AI involves checking several factors. The total fee for online MCA programmes in India ranges from Rs 51,000 to Rs 300,000. This range allows for different budget considerations.
Programme duration is another key factor. Online MCA programmes have a duration range of 24 to 60 months. This flexibility allows students to choose a programme that fits their schedule and career plans.
Specialisation options are important for career focus. There are 94 distinct specialisations available across universities. Data Science and Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning are among the most common specialisations offered.
University type and approval status are critical. Of the universities offering online MCAs, 24 are State Private Universities and 15 are Deemed Universities-Private. All programmes must be UGC approved for validity.
Specialisations offered
Across 44 universities, 94 distinct specialisations appear. The most widely offered are:
- Data Science
- Cyber Security
- Full Stack Development
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
- Cloud Computing
- Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
- Computer Science and Information Technology
- Ai & Data Science
- Full Stack Web Development
- Data Analytics
- Blockchain Technology
- Blockchain Technology and Management
- Financial Technology and AI
- Machine Learning & AI (Advanced)
- Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence
Frequently asked questions
What is the fee range for an online MCA in Data Science & AI in India?
The total fee for an online MCA in Data Science & AI in India ranges from Rs 51,000 to Rs 300,000. The median fee is Rs 85,000.
What is the duration of an online MCA in Data Science & AI programme?
The duration for an online MCA in Data Science & AI programme ranges from 24 to 60 months.
What are the eligibility criteria for an online MCA in Data Science & AI?
Eligibility requires a completed bachelor’s degree from a recognised university, normally of three years or more. Minimum marks vary by university and are published on each university’s admission page.
How many Indian universities offer online MCA programmes?
There are 44 Indian universities publicly offering MCA in online mode, with 45 distinct programme listings.
What are the most common specialisations available in online MCA programmes?
Common specialisations include Data Science, Cyber Security, Full Stack Development, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, and Cloud Computing. There are 94 distinct specialisations across universities.
