Overview
Bachelor of Computer Application (BCA) at SchEMS, Kathmandu
The Bachelor of Computer Application (BCA) at SchEMS is a four-year undergraduate program affiliated with Pokhara University. The School of Environmental Science and Management (SchEMS) has offered BCA since 2018, with a stated intake capacity of 48 seats.
The program is centered on computing and software development. Its curriculum moves from computer fundamentals, programming logic, mathematics, digital systems, and communication into programming, databases, web technologies, operating systems, software engineering, networks, data science, mobile application development, cloud computing, projects, electives, and internship.
The Pokhara University curriculum is identified as the “Bachelor in Computer Application, 2022 (Proposed Curriculum Structure).” It is organized across eight semesters and carries a total of 126 credits. Practical components appear throughout the course through programming work, workshops, projects, laboratory-oriented subjects, electives, and internship.
BCA at SchEMS: quick details
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Course | Bachelor of Computer Application (BCA) |
| Level | Bachelor's degree |
| Duration | 4 years |
| Academic structure | 8 semesters |
| Total credits | 126 |
| Affiliation | Pokhara University |
| College | School of Environmental Science and Management (SchEMS) |
| Location | Kritimarg-32, Koteshwor, Kathmandu, Nepal |
| BCA offered since | 2018 |
| Seat capacity | 48 |
| Internship | Semester VII |
| Final project | Project IV in Semester VIII |
SchEMS is affiliated with Pokhara University. Within the college, BCA forms the undergraduate computing stream alongside academic programs in environmental studies and management. The institution later added MCSIT at the graduate level in 2025.
What students study in BCA
BCA begins with subjects that establish the mathematical, technical, communication, and programming foundations required for later computing courses.
During the first year, students encounter Mathematics I and II, Digital Logic System, Computer Fundamental and Application, Programming Logic and Technique, Computer Application Workshop, Programming in C, Microprocessor and Computer Architecture, English for IT Professionals, Business and Technical Communication, Financial Accounting, and the first project.
The second year moves much more directly into software and computer systems. Object Oriented Programming using Java, Data Structure and Algorithms, Systems Analysis and Project Management, Web Technology, Operating Systems, Software Engineering, Database Management System, Computer Graphics and Multimedia Technology, Probability and Statistics, and Project II form this part of the curriculum.
Later semesters extend into numerical methods, DotNet Technology, computer networks, research, data science, simulation, management information systems, mobile applications, cyber law, cloud computing, the digital economy, electives, internship, and larger projects.
This sequence means that BCA does not concentrate on a single programming language or technical area. Students work across software, systems, web development, databases, networking, mathematics, data, mobile applications, cloud technologies, professional issues, and project work.
Who may consider BCA?
The course may be relevant to students interested in computing who want to study both programming and the wider systems that support software applications.
The curriculum requires work in several different areas:
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programming and application development;
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mathematics and quantitative subjects;
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databases and data structures;
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web technologies;
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computer architecture and operating systems;
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networking;
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software engineering;
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data science and analytics;
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mobile application development;
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cloud computing;
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projects and practical assignments.
Students also encounter communication, accounting, management, economics, research methodology, cyber law, and professional ethics. BCA therefore combines technical computing subjects with selected business and professional courses rather than limiting the degree to programming alone.
Course duration and credit structure
Duration: 4 years
BCA follows an eight-semester structure with a total of 126 credits.
| Semester | Credits | Main academic stage |
|---|---|---|
| Semester I | 16 | Computing and mathematical foundations |
| Semester II | 16 | C programming, architecture and Project I |
| Semester III | 15 | Java, algorithms, web and operating systems |
| Semester IV | 18 | Software, database, graphics and Project II |
| Semester V | 15 | Numerical methods, .NET, networks and research |
| Semester VI | 17 | Data science, systems, management and Project III |
| Semester VII | 15 | Mobile development, ethics, internship and elective |
| Semester VIII | 14 | Cloud computing, digital economy and Project IV |
The semester totals add up to 126 credits.
BCA curriculum
Semester I
The first semester establishes the initial foundation in computing, mathematics, digital systems, programming logic, and communication.
| Course Code | Subject | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 121 | English for IT Professionals | 3 |
| MTH 131 | Mathematics I | 3 |
| ELX 111 | Digital Logic System | 3 |
| CMP 116 | Computer Fundamental and Application | 3 |
| CMP 117 | Programming Logic and Technique | 3 |
| CMP 111 | Computer Application Workshop | 1 |
Semester Credits: 16
Computer Application Workshop carries a strong practical component, while Digital Logic System and Computer Fundamental and Application also include practical work.
Semester II
The second semester introduces C programming, computer architecture, financial accounting, technical communication, and the first formal project.
| Course Code | Subject | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 122 | Business and Technical Communication | 3 |
| MTH 132 | Mathematics II | 3 |
| ACC 131 | Financial Accounting | 3 |
| CMP 118 | Programming in C | 3 |
| ELX 112 | Microprocessor and Computer Architecture | 3 |
| PRJ 151 | Project I | 1 |
Semester Credits: 16
Programming in C has a substantial practical component, and Project I begins the multi-stage project sequence that continues later in the degree.
Semester III
By Semester III, the curriculum becomes more software-focused.
| Course Code | Subject | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CMP 215 | Object Oriented Programming using Java | 3 |
| CMP 227 | Data Structure and Algorithms | 3 |
| CMP 221 | Systems Analysis and Project Management | 3 |
| CMP 380 | Web Technology I | 3 |
| CMP 230 | Operating Systems | 3 |
Semester Credits: 15
Students work with Java, algorithmic structures, web development, operating systems, and the analysis and management of software-related projects.
Semester IV
Semester IV contains the highest semester credit total in the curriculum.
| Course Code | Subject | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CMP 323 | Software Engineering | 3 |
| CMP 226 | Database Management System | 3 |
| CMP 242 | Computer Graphics and Multimedia Technology | 3 |
| MTH 320 | Probability and Statistics | 3 |
| CMP 402 | Web Technology II | 3 |
| PRJ 251 | Project II | 2 |
Semester Credits: 18
This semester connects software design with databases, multimedia, statistical study, advanced web work, and Project II. Database Management System and Web Technology II both carry notable practical components.
Semester V
The fifth semester extends the curriculum into numerical computing, .NET, networking, research, and mathematical foundations.
| Course Code | Subject | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MTH 230 | Numerical Methods | 3 |
| CMP 317 | DotNet Technology | 3 |
| CMP 336 | Data Communication and Computer Network | 3 |
| ELE 322 | Research Methodology | 3 |
| MTH 330 | Mathematical Foundation in Computer Application | 3 |
Semester Credits: 15
Research Methodology appears at this stage before students reach the larger project components of the later semesters.
Semester VI
Semester VI introduces data science and several subjects dealing with information systems, simulation, and organizational management.
| Course Code | Subject | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CMP 316 | Data Science and Analytics | 3 |
| CMP 314 | Management Information Systems | 3 |
| CMP 350 | Simulation and Modeling | 3 |
| MGT 322 | Organization Management | 3 |
| — | Elective I | 2 |
| PRJ 351 | Project III | 3 |
Semester Credits: 17
Project III is larger than the first two projects and sits alongside Data Science and Analytics and the first elective component.
Semester VII
The seventh semester combines technical study with professional, economic, elective, and workplace components.
| Course Code | Subject | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CMP 401 | Cyber Law and Professional Ethics | 3 |
| CMP 404 | Mobile Application Development Technology | 3 |
| ECO 311 | Applied Economics | 3 |
| INT 461 | Internship | 3 |
| — | Elective II | 3 |
Semester Credits: 15
The inclusion of Internship in Semester VII gives students a separate workplace-oriented academic component before their final semester. Mobile Application Development Technology also carries practical work.
Semester VIII
The final semester concentrates on cloud technology, digital economic systems, elective study, and the largest project in the curriculum.
| Course Code | Subject | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CMP 415 | Cloud Computing | 3 |
| CMP 416 | Digital Economy | 3 |
| — | Elective III | 3 |
| PRJ 451 | Project IV | 5 |
Semester Credits: 14
Project IV carries five credits, making it the largest individual project component within the BCA structure.
Project progression
Project work is distributed across four stages instead of appearing only at the end of the program.
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Project I — Semester II, 1 credit
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Project II — Semester IV, 2 credits
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Project III — Semester VI, 3 credits
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Project IV — Semester VIII, 5 credits
The credit progression increases as students advance through the degree. By the final semester, Project IV represents a substantial part of the semester's academic workload.
This staged structure allows project work to develop alongside the theoretical and practical subjects taught in each phase of the curriculum.
Internship
BCA includes a three-credit Internship in Semester VII.
It appears alongside Cyber Law and Professional Ethics, Mobile Application Development Technology, Applied Economics, and Elective II. The internship is therefore built into the formal credit structure rather than being listed as an optional activity.
SchEMS also emphasizes practical and project-based learning within its BCA program. The college's BCA description refers to projects, workshops, and practical applications as parts of the program's computing and software-development study.
Elective study
Three elective components are included in the later semesters:
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Elective I in Semester VI;
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Elective II in Semester VII;
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Elective III in Semester VIII.
The curriculum divides elective options into Group A for Elective I and Elective II and Group B for Elective III.
Group A covers subjects across databases, GIS, security, programming, IT management, digital business, software testing, mobile development, networking, accountancy, and related areas. Listed options include Data Mining and Warehousing, Geographical Information System, Cryptography, Cyber Security and Ethical Hacking, Information System Audit, Artificial Intelligence, Advanced Java Programming, Image Processing with Python, Cross-platform Mobile Development, Server Design and Development, Advanced Database, and other subjects.
Group B includes advanced options such as Knowledge Engineering, API Design and Development, Human Computer Interaction, Compiler Design, Blockchain Technology, Network Programming, Systems Servers and DevOps, Natural Language Processing, Deep Learning, and related courses.
The elective structure allows part of the later BCA curriculum to move beyond the common compulsory subjects.
Main academic areas within BCA
The 126-credit curriculum can be understood through several connected areas.
Programming and software development
Programming begins with Programming Logic and Technique before moving into Programming in C and Object Oriented Programming using Java. DotNet Technology and Mobile Application Development Technology add further development-focused study.
Software Engineering, systems analysis, project management, and the four project stages address the wider process of planning and developing computer applications.
Web and database technologies
Web Technology I and II appear in the second year, while Database Management System provides a separate study of data storage and database systems.
Elective options later extend into areas such as advanced databases, distributed database systems, API development, and server-related study.
Computer systems and networking
Digital Logic System, Microprocessor and Computer Architecture, Operating Systems, and Data Communication and Computer Network give students exposure to the systems and infrastructure behind computer applications.
Later elective options can extend this area into routing, network programming, enterprise security, servers, and related technical subjects.
Mathematics and data
BCA includes Mathematics I and II, Probability and Statistics, Numerical Methods, and Mathematical Foundation in Computer Application.
Data Science and Analytics appears in Semester VI, adding a dedicated data-oriented computing course to the program.
Professional and organizational study
The curriculum is not limited to technical subjects. Financial Accounting, Management Information Systems, Organization Management, Applied Economics, Cyber Law and Professional Ethics, and Digital Economy add business, organizational, economic, and professional perspectives.
Skills connected with the curriculum
The subjects and practical components may help students develop abilities in areas such as:
| Area | Curriculum connection |
|---|---|
| Programming | C, Java, programming logic, .NET |
| Web development | Web Technology I and II |
| Database work | Database Management System |
| Software development | Software Engineering and projects |
| Networking | Data Communication and Computer Network |
| Data analysis | Statistics, Data Science and Analytics |
| Mobile development | Mobile Application Development Technology |
| Cloud concepts | Cloud Computing |
| Research | Research Methodology and projects |
| Communication | English and Business and Technical Communication |
| Professional awareness | Cyber Law and Professional Ethics |
These abilities depend on students' coursework, practical participation, project work, internship experience, and individual practice.
Computing facilities at SchEMS
The School of Environmental Science and Management (SchEMS) maintains an IT laboratory that supports BCA academic work.
Students can use the laboratory for:
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computer-based assignments;
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academic research;
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programming and related coursework;
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preparation of reports;
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presentation work;
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project collaboration;
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access to online academic resources.
The college also provides campus-wide Wi-Fi. This is relevant to a curriculum in which programming, web technologies, databases, networking, data science, mobile applications, and cloud computing require regular computer use.
SchEMS also maintains a library with textbooks and reference materials covering its academic disciplines, including computing-related study.
Admission process
Pokhara University's general undergraduate admission procedure includes application submission, an entrance examination, merit-based selection, and enrollment.
Applications are submitted through the applicable Pokhara University or affiliated-college process. Applicants provide personal and academic information and submit required documents such as academic transcripts, citizenship documentation, and passport-sized photographs.
Undergraduate applicants are required to sit for the applicable entrance examination. Admission is based on merit and the availability of seats in the selected program, followed by enrollment formalities for successful applicants.
SchEMS has a stated BCA intake capacity of 48 seats.
Scholarship context
Pokhara University has scholarship provisions for undergraduate and graduate programs, including programs under Science and Technology.
The scholarship framework includes:
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full scholarships;
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partial scholarships;
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academic merit-based categories;
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need-based categories;
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inclusion-focused categories.
Scholarship selection is competitive, with quotas and eligibility conditions applied through the relevant university process. The scholarship process is separate from the regular 48-seat BCA intake at SchEMS.
Career direction after BCA
The academic areas covered by BCA relate to software development, web development, computer applications, databases, networking, information systems, data-related work, and other IT functions.
Potential roles identified for BCA graduates include:
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software developer;
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web developer;
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IT officer.
The program can also form a basis for continued academic study in information technology. Career outcomes, however, depend on technical ability, project experience, individual performance, further qualifications, professional experience, and available employment opportunities.
SchEMS also offers the Master of Computer System and Information Technology (MCSIT) as a separate graduate program within its computing and information technology portfolio.
What stands out in the curriculum
Several structural features are particularly clear when the eight semesters are considered together.
First, practical computing begins early. Computer Application Workshop appears in Semester I, Programming in C includes practical work in Semester II, and Java and web technologies carry substantial practical components in Semester III.
Second, project work is continuous. Instead of a single final-year project, the degree contains Project I, II, III, and IV across four different semesters.
Third, the course becomes broader as students progress. Early semesters focus on foundations and programming, while later study adds data science, management information systems, cyber law, mobile applications, internship, cloud computing, digital economy, and electives.
Finally, the curriculum combines technical work with communication, accounting, management, economics, research, and professional ethics. For students considering BCA, this is an important feature of the program because the academic structure goes beyond coding and covers the wider environment in which computer applications are developed and used.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is BCA at SchEMS?
The Bachelor of Computer Application at SchEMS is a four-year undergraduate program organized across eight semesters.
Which university is BCA at SchEMS affiliated with?
BCA at SchEMS is affiliated with Pokhara University.
How many seats are available for BCA at SchEMS?
The stated BCA intake capacity at SchEMS is 48 seats.
When did SchEMS start offering BCA?
SchEMS has offered the Bachelor of Computer Application since 2018.
How many credits are in the Pokhara University BCA curriculum?
The eight-semester curriculum carries a total of 126 credits.
Does BCA include project work?
Yes. The curriculum contains four project stages: Project I in Semester II, Project II in Semester IV, Project III in Semester VI, and Project IV in Semester VIII.
Is there an internship in BCA?
Yes. A three-credit Internship is included in Semester VII.
Does BCA include data science?
Yes. Data Science and Analytics is a three-credit subject in Semester VI.
Does BCA include mobile and cloud computing?
Yes. Mobile Application Development Technology is included in Semester VII, while Cloud Computing appears in Semester VIII.
What computing facilities are available at SchEMS?
SchEMS has an IT laboratory used for BCA academic work and provides campus-wide Wi-Fi. The laboratory supports research, assignments, reports, presentations, and collaborative project activities.