Distance MCA from NOU 2026: Eligibility, Fee and Duration
Nalanda Open University (NOU) offers a 2-year Master in Computer Application (MCA) distance degree programme. The fee is ₹20,000 per year, with a 25% fee discount available for women candidates. Admission requires a BCA, a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science/B.Tech, or a Graduation/10+2 degree with Mathematics.
Key facts
| Programme | Master in Computer Application (MCA) |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 Years |
| Annual Fee | ₹20,000 per year |
| Women Concession | 25% discount on course fee |
| Selection Mode | Admission Test / Interview |
| 2026-27 Registration Deadline | 08 October 2026 |
MCA Course Duration and Eligibility Criteria
The Master in Computer Application (MCA) at Nalanda Open University is a 2-year postgraduate degree programme.
- Bachelor of Computer Application (BCA), OR
- Bachelor degree in Computer Science, OR
- B.Tech degree, OR
- B.Sc, B.Com, or B.A. degree with Mathematics at the 10+2 level or at the Graduation level.
MCA Fee Structure and Concessions
The complete fee structure for the MCA programme is defined on the NOU admission details page. Fees are paid online at the time of admission.
MCA Fee Details
| Category | Fee per Year |
|---|---|
| General / Male Candidates | ₹20,000 |
| Women Candidates (25% Concession) | ₹15,000 |
MCA Admission Process and Interview Schedule
Admission to the MCA programme is conducted online through the NOU Samarth admission portal. For the 2026-2027 academic session, online registration closes on 08 October 2026.
Candidates applying for MCA must appear for an Admission Test (Interview). As per the MCA Admission Test notification, interviews for the 2026-2027 session were scheduled at Maulana Mazharul Haque Arabic & Persian University, Patna.
- Open the NOU admission portal and select New Registration.
- Upload scanned copies of photograph (<500 KB), signature (<500 KB), qualifying educational mark sheets (<1024 KB), and caste certificate if applicable.
- Fill out the personal and academic qualification details in the online application form.
- Pay the full annual fee online via digital payment options.
- Download and keep the printout of the submitted application form and fee payment receipt.
MCA Admission Test 2026 Schedule
| Group | Interview Date | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Group A | 25.09.2026 | 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM |
| Group B | 25.09.2026 | 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM |
| Group C | 26.09.2026 | 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM |
| Group D | 26.09.2026 | 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM |
MCA Assignment and Examination Rules
Evaluation for theory subjects consists of written annual examinations and compulsory assignment submissions. Students must prepare handwritten answers for two assignment questions (10 marks each, total 20 marks) per paper.
Assignments must be written in the official answer book issued by NOU and sealed in separate envelopes for each paper. Students must hand over the sealed envelope to the invigilator inside the examination hall on the day of that paper’s written examination. Assignments sent by post or courier are not accepted.
Important NOU links
| What you can do | Official page |
|---|---|
| Apply online for MCA 2026 admission | nouadm.samarth.edu.in/ |
| Register on NOU admission portal | nouadm.samarth.edu.in/index.php/site/index |
| View NOU eligibility and fee rules | nou.ac.in/admission |
| Log in to student portal | umis.nou.ac.in/User/Login |
Official documents (PDF)
- Notice For MCA Admission Test 2026 || PDF — Schedule and applicant list for MCA Admission Test 2026
- MCA Part-II_Old Syllabus_Assignment Question for Examination-2026 PDF — Assignment questions and instructions for MCA Part-II examination 2026
- Result of MCA Admission Test 2026 PDF — Results of NOU MCA Admission Test 2026
Frequently asked questions
What is the fee for the MCA course at Nalanda Open University?
The annual tuition fee for MCA is ₹20,000 per year. All female candidates receive a 25% fee concession, bringing their fee to ₹15,000 per year.
What is the eligibility requirement for distance MCA at NOU?
Candidates must hold a BCA degree, a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, a B.Tech, or a Bachelor’s degree (B.Sc, B.Com, B.A.) with Mathematics at the 10+2 level or at the Graduation level.
Does NOU offer a BA or BSc in Psychology?
Nalanda Open University offers a B.A. Honours in Psychology for ₹2,400 per year. It does not list a B.Sc in Psychology.
What courses are offered at Nalanda Open University?
NOU offers Intermediate, Bachelor’s degrees (B.A., B.Sc., B.Com., BCA, B.Ed, BLIS), Master’s degrees (M.A., M.Sc., M.Com., MCA, MJMC, MLIS), and Postgraduate Diplomas.
How are assignments submitted for NOU MCA examinations?
Handwritten assignments must be sealed in separate envelopes for each paper and submitted in person to the examination center invigilator on the day of the respective theory paper exam.
Sources
Written from the official NOU pages and documents below, as read on 2 October 2026.
- Click here for Online Admission 2026 || nouadm.samarth.edu.in
- Nalanda Open nouadm.samarth.edu.in/…/index
- Notice For MCA Admission Test 2026 || www.nou.ac.in/…/179006862787MCA_Admission.pdf
- MCA Part-II_Old Syllabus_Assignment Question for Examination-2026 www.nou.ac.in/…/177824035277MCA Part-II_Old Syllabus_Ass
- Admission nou.ac.in/…/admission