Credential Evaluation Update: Equivalency Changes to Indian MCA Degrees
Credential Evaluation Update: Equivalency Changes to Indian MCA Degrees
In a 2020 development, India’s University Grants Commission approved a change in duration for the Indian Master of Computer Applications (MCA) degree— the MCA was shortened to a two-year program.
This update is significant as students have now completed and are graduating from this new program. Formerly spanning three years of study, the program has transitioned to a two-year structure, starting with the class of 2020-21. The All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE) stated the decision was prompted by a decrease in enrollment of students coming from backgrounds not related to Computer Science, such as Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry. When the program was first introduced in the late ‘90s, the first-year prepared students with principles such as the basics of coding. Now, most students pursuing an MCA already have this knowledge and do not need the introductory year, leading to the shortened curriculum. As a result of this change, AACRAO has reviewed the updated program structure and revised their credential advice.
Park Evaluations has reviewed the program structure and AACRAO’s updated guidance and has decided to change how we evaluate MCA degrees. Previously, Park Evaluations equated completion of this program to a US Masters of Applied Computer Science if the candidate also provided evidence of completion of an underlying three-year baccalaureate degree. Park Evaluations will now be evaluating MCA degrees utilizing the following guidance:
– 3 year MCA’s will continue to be deemed equivalent to Masters of Applied Science degree in the US
– Park will be able to perform a single-source evaluation for PERM petitions that includes Masters level equivalence for 3 year MCA’s.
– 2-year MCA’s will be evaluated as equivalent to a baccalaureate degree in the United States.
As a result of this change, Park Evaluations will need to see transcripts for contemporary MCA degrees so that we can properly determine whether the new 2-year or the legacy 3-year MCA program was completed. Do you still have questions as to how this change impacts your clients? Feel free to email us at [email protected] or give us a call at 212-581-8877.