What is Computer Science?
Computer Science is a discipline of science and technology dealing with the study of computers and the aggregation, algorithm processes, analysis, design, creation, implementation, and maintenance of software and hardware computational systems and information.
Computer Science is a highly coveted stream of science and engineering and comprises a gamut of specialisations like artificial intelligence, information security, data science, computer programming, computer graphics, and big data.
Undergraduate Computer Science Degrees Offered
Candidates aspiring towards a career in computer science can opt for the following undergraduate degrees-
- Bachelor of Technology (B Tech)- 4 years
- Bachelor of Engineering (BE)- 4 years
- Bachelor of Science (BSc)- 3 years
- Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA)- 3 years
- Undergraduate Diploma
- Certificate Courses
Specialisations in Computer Science
Specialisations offered in computer science include the following-
- Advanced Operating System
- Algorithms and Data Structures
- Artificial Intelligence
- Cloud Computing
- Computational Engineering
- Computer Networks and Cyber Security
- Computer Science & Communication Engineering
- Computer Science & Systems Engineering
- Computer Science and Business Systems
- Computer Science and Coding Practices
- Computer Science and Design
- Computer Science Engineering
- Artificial Learning and Machine Learning | Bioinformatics | Block Chain Technology | Information Security | Internet of Things | Telecom Informatics | Data Science | Big Data | Computational Sustainability | IT Infrastructure
- Communication and Networks
- Computer Science, Bioinformatics, and Statistics
- Computer Science, Mathematics, Electronics
- Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics
- Computer Science, Statistics and Mathematics
- Computer System & Network Administration
- Control and Automation
- Cryptography & Network Security
- Cyber-Physical Systems
- Cyber Security
- Data Mining and Machine Learning
- Data Science and Analytics
- Digital and Interactive Media
- Digital Service Design
- Ethics and Digital Technology | Ethical Hacking
- Full Stack Development
- Game Design and Development
- Gaming Technology
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Information Technology (IT)
- Information Management and Data Analytics
- Software Engineering
- System & Network Administration
- Systems Architecture
- Virtualization Technology
Eligibility and Requirements for Computer Science
Students can enrol in computer science colleges and courses after appearing for entrance exams across the country. The eligibility criteria are as follows-
- Candidates enrolling on computer science programmes and entrances must have passed their 10+2 (or equivalent) examinations from a recognised Indian board with a minimum aggregate of 50-55% marks.
- Candidates must have chosen the science stream in their 10+2 with Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as compulsory subjects.
Admission Procedure for Computer Science
The admission procedure for computer science colleges and courses in India is as follows-
- Candidates applying for computer science courses must qualify for the minimum eligibility to appear for the respective entrance exams. Candidates can apply for the entrance examinations by registering in the online portal and submitting the required documents.
- After appearing for the entrance exams, candidates will be shortlisted based on scores, ranks, and merit lists in the counselling session for the respective colleges/entrances. Some colleges also conduct group discussions and private interviews (GD/PI) for further screening of candidates.
- In the case of merit-based admissions, candidates will be shortlisted based on their 10+2 examination scores.
- Shortlisted candidates may finalise their admission at the concerned college by paying the fees and submitting the required documents for verification.
Entrance Tests for Computer Science Courses
Some of the important entrance tests offering admission into undergraduate computer science courses include the following-
- Joint Entrance Examinations (JEE) Mains and Advanced- conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA)
- Common Universities Entrance Test (CUET-UG)- conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA)
- Delhi University Entrance Test (DUET-PG)- conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA)
- Birla Institute of Technology and Science Admission Test (BITSAT)- conducted by BITS Pilani
- Banaras Hindu University Undergraduate Entrance Test (BHU UET)- conducted by National Testing Agency (NTA)
- Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) Engineering Entrance Exam (VITEEE)- conducted by (VIT)
- SRM Joint Engineering Entrance Exam (SRMJEE)- conducted by SRM Institute of Science and Technology
- Manipal Entrance Test (MET)- conducted by Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE)
- West Bengal Joint Entrance Examinations Board (WBJEE)- conducted by the West Bengal Joint Entrance Examinations Board
- Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology Entrance Examination (KIITEE)- conducted by KIIT
- State Common Entrance Test Cell, Mumbai (MHCET)- conducted by Directorate of Technical Education, Government of Maharashtra
Aptitude for Computer Science
Students with an interest in computers and programming will find computer science the ideal study goal for them. Students may gauge their aptitude for computer science with the following criteria:
- Analytical and critical thinking
- Strong mathematics and science foundation
- Numeracy
- Technical knowledge of hardware and software systems
- Problem-solving and resolution skills
- Organisational skills
- Knowledge of programming languages
- Logical reasoning
- Teamwork
Computer Science Subjects
Computer Science courses comprise subjects and topics such as-
- Algorithm Systems
- Information Security
- Artificial Intelligence
- Operating Systems
- Coding
- Programming Concepts
- Digital Electronics
- Web Technology
- Numerical Analysis
- Computational Theory and Logic
- Information Theory
- Systems and Architecture
- Web Application and Technology
- Software Development
- Computer Modelling
- Database Management
- Foundational Mathematics
- Technical Writing
Besides core courses, computer science students also have skill development subjects, ability-enhancement courses, and discipline-specific, general, and interdisciplinary electives in their syllabi.
Top Computer Science Specialisations for the Future
Computer science has immense future prospects in a rapidly-digitalised world. Top computer science specialisations for the future include-
- Cyber-security
- Ethical Hacking
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Machine Learning (ML)
- Software Engineering
- Cloud Computing
- Human-Computer Interaction (HCI)
- Digital and Interactive Media
- Information Systems
- Systems Architecture
Post-graduate Study/Research Opportunities in Computer Science
After completing undergraduate degrees, candidates can further their computer science study goal through postgraduate and research degrees.
The eligibility criteria for pursuing postgraduate courses is completing an undergraduate computer science degree in the specialisation/course of choice from a recognised university with a minimum aggregate of 55% marks.
Popular postgraduate degrees in computer science include-
- Master of Technology (M Tech)- 2 years
- Master of Engineering (ME)- 2 years
- Master of Science (MSc)- 2 years
- Master of Computer Applications (MCA)- 2 years
- Post-graduate Diploma- 9 months to 2 years
- Master of Philosophy (M Phil)- 2 years
- Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD.)
Important entrance exams for admission into postgraduate computer science programmes include-
- Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE)- conducted by the Indian Institutes of Science (IISc) and Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)
- Indian Institutes of Technology Joint Admission test for Masters (IIT-JAM)- conducted by IIT Guwahati
- Common Universities Entrance Test (CUET-PG)- conducted by National Testing Agency (NTA)
- Delhi University Entrance Test (DUET-PG)- conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA)
- Jawaharlal Nehru University Entrance Examination (JNUEE)- conducted by JNU
- Banaras Hindu University Postgraduate Entrance Test (BHU PET)- conducted by National Testing Agency (NTA)
- Tata Institute of Social Sciences National Entrance Test (TISS-NET)- conducted by TISS
Career Prospects/Placements in Computer Science
Computer Science is a promising study goal and one of the most highly coveted streams in science and technology. Computer Science offers several career avenues and job prospects in both, the public and private sectors. CS graduates receive placement offers from prominent and reputed companies visiting their college during campus placement programmes organised by the training and placement cell.
Popular and coveted career prospects in computer science include the following-
- Computer Engineer
- Computer Programmer
- Data Analyst
- Database Administrator
- Data Scientist
- Ethical Hacker
- Cyber Security Analyst
- IT Specialist
- Networks Engineer
- Programmer
- Software Engineer/Architect
- Web Developer
- Technical Writer
- DevOps Engineer
- Game Designer/Developer
- Machine Learning Engineer
- Artificial Intelligence Engineer
Starting Salaries in Computer Science
Starting salaries in mathematics range between INR 4 to 10 LPA, and can go as high as 50 LPA for experienced professionals and academicians.
Subjects Similar to Computer Science
Candidates with a propensity for computer science might be interested in similar subjects like-
- Computer Application
- Data Analysis
- Robotics
- Electrical and Telecommunications Engineering
- Bioinformatics
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Machine Learning (ML)
- Data Science