The Indian IT industry continues to be one of the largest employers in the country — and Delhi NCR's tech corridor specifically employs hundreds of thousands of software developers, data engineers, cloud architects, and IT managers across Noida's Sector 62 tech parks, Gurugram's Cyber City, and the expanding startup ecosystems in Faridabad and Ghaziabad.
For BCA graduates and working IT professionals in this geography, an MCA (Master of Computer Applications) is the postgraduate credential that opens the door to senior developer roles, technical leadership, and IT management positions. And in 2026, you no longer need to leave your job or pay campus-level fees to earn it. Online and Distance MCA programs from UGC-DEB approved universities deliver the same recognised degree with full flexibility around your existing career.
This guide is the most complete, most current resource available for anyone in Delhi NCR evaluating an Online or Distance MCA admission in 2026. No padding — just everything you actually need to make the right decision.
What Is an Online MCA in Delhi NCR?
An Online MCA (Master of Computer Applications) in Delhi NCR is a 2-year postgraduate degree in computer science and IT, delivered through a digital Learning Management System. It covers advanced programming, software engineering, data science, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and database management. The degree is UGC-DEB recognised, does not mention "Online" on the certificate, and is legally equivalent to a regular campus MCA for employment, government jobs, and further academic study.
A Master of Computer Applications builds directly on a BCA or other technical undergraduate background, taking students into advanced areas of software development, system design, full-stack development, data science, machine learning, and IT management. The Online MCA is specifically structured for professionals who need flexibility — live lectures are recorded for later viewing, assignments have flexible deadlines, and exams are proctored online from your home or office.
An Online or Distance MCA from a UGC-DEB entitled university is recognised and accepted for:
- Software engineering and senior developer roles at IT companies in Noida, Gurugram, and Delhi
- Data science, cloud, and AI/ML roles at tech-first companies across Delhi NCR
- Government IT officer positions — NIC, IBPS IT Officer, and PSU tech cadre
- Promotion eligibility for IT professionals in PSUs and banking sector
- Further academic studies — PhD in Computer Science/IT
📌 Critical check: Only Online/Distance MCA degrees from universities with active UGC-DEB entitlement are recognised. Check at ugcdeb.gov.in. Regarding AICTE — the Supreme Court of India ruled in 2021 that AICTE approval is not mandatory for MCA programs in distance/online mode from UGC-entitled universities. Sky Education Group verifies both before making any recommendation.
Online MCA vs Distance MCA in Delhi NCR — Which Is Better?
Both modes deliver the same MCA degree with equivalent UGC recognition. The differences are in how you learn — and for a technical master's degree, this matters significantly.
🟢 Online MCA
- Live & recorded video lectures via LMS
- Virtual coding labs and IDEs accessible online
- Online proctored exams from home
- Live doubt-clearing for Data Science, AI, coding
- Stronger placement cell connectivity
- Industry certifications (AWS, Google, Coursera) at top universities
- Best for working professionals with internet access
- MCA specializations like Data Science, AI/ML more effectively taught
🔵 Distance MCA
- Physical or PDF study material at home
- Exams at physical study centres in Delhi NCR
- Lower internet dependency
- More affordable — especially IGNOU
- Self-paced, independent theory learning
- Requires strong self-discipline for practical skills
- Best for budget-constrained or low-connectivity students
- Strongest for government job preparation
💡 Recommendation for Delhi NCR IT professionals: For a working software developer or IT professional in Noida or Gurugram targeting career advancement, Online MCA is the clearly superior choice — it aligns with how the tech industry actually operates, provides access to live technical instruction and virtual labs, and offers direct placement support. Distance MCA from IGNOU is the smart choice if you're budget-constrained, targeting government IT roles, or need a flexible exam schedule due to field postings.
Who Is Eligible for Online MCA Admission in Delhi NCR?
The standard eligibility for Online MCA is a bachelor's degree from any stream with Mathematics at Class 12 or graduation level, and a minimum of 50% aggregate marks. BCA, B.Sc. CS/IT, B.Sc. Maths/Statistics, and B.E./B.Tech. graduates are directly eligible. Non-technical graduates with Maths at Class 12 are also eligible at many universities. Most Online MCA programs do not require an entrance exam — admission is direct.
| Criteria | General Category | Reserved Category (SC/ST/OBC) |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Qualification | Any bachelor's degree from a recognised university | Any bachelor's degree from a recognised university |
| Maths Requirement | Maths at Class 12 or graduation level (mandatory at most institutes) | Same requirement; bridge course at some institutes |
| Minimum Marks | 50% aggregate at graduation (45% at some universities) | 45–47.5% aggregate (as per institute policy) |
| Eligible Backgrounds | BCA, B.Sc. CS/IT, B.Sc. Maths, B.E./B.Tech., B.Com. (with Maths), BA (with Maths) | Same backgrounds eligible |
| Entrance Exam | Not required at most Online/Distance MCA universities | Not required |
| Age Limit | No upper age limit | No upper age limit |
⚠️ No Maths background? Some universities offer MCA admission to non-Maths graduates with a bridge/foundation module in the first semester covering essential mathematical foundations for computing. Our counselors can identify which universities in Delhi NCR accept this pathway for your specific graduation background.
Top Online MCA Universities in Delhi NCR 2026 — UGC Approved
These are the best UGC-DEB entitled, NAAC-accredited universities offering Online and Distance MCA programs accessible from Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Faridabad, and Ghaziabad:
| University | Mode | Accreditation | Annual Fee (Approx.) | Specialization Strength | Brochure |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ)
Online MCA — Top Choice for IT Professionals
|
Online | NAAC A+ | ₹45,000–₹60,000 | Data Science, AI/ML, Cloud Computing, Coursera access | |
|
Lovely Professional University (LPU)
Online MCA — Highest NAAC Grade
|
Online | NAAC A++ | ₹40,000–₹55,000 | Full Stack Dev, Cyber Security, strong placement record | |
|
Sikkim Manipal University (SMU)
Online / Distance MCA
|
Online + Distance | NAAC A+ | ₹35,000–₹48,000 | 30-year track record, largest IT alumni network, BFSI sector placements | |
|
Amity University Online
Online MCA — Premium NCR Brand
|
Online | UGC + AICTE | ₹55,000–₹75,000 | Strong Delhi NCR employer connect, premium brand recognition | |
|
IGNOU
Distance MCA — Government University, New Delhi
|
Distance | Central Govt. University | ₹20,000–₹28,000 | Maximum affordability, govt. job recognition, wide study centres |
📌 Which university is best for MCA in Delhi NCR? For private-sector IT careers with a focus on Data Science, AI, or Cloud Computing — MUJ (Coursera access + A+ NAAC) and LPU (A++ NAAC + placement record) are top choices. For government IT roles and maximum cost-efficiency — IGNOU Distance MCA is unmatched. For NCR-specific employer brand recognition — Amity University Online carries strong recall among Delhi NCR corporates. The best choice depends on your specific career goal.
Online MCA Fees in Delhi NCR Universities 2026
Online MCA fees vary significantly by institution type. Here's a realistic breakdown for Delhi NCR students:
| University Type | Example | Annual Fee | Total 2-Year Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central Govt. University | IGNOU Distance MCA | ₹20,000–₹28,000 | ₹40,000–₹56,000 | Nominal exam fee per semester extra |
| Private University — Online (Standard) | SMU, GLA University | ₹35,000–₹48,000 | ₹70,000–₹96,000 | Exam fees mostly included; EMI available |
| Private University — Online (Premium) | MUJ, LPU | ₹40,000–₹60,000 | ₹80,000–₹1,20,000 | Includes virtual labs & industry certifications; EMI available |
| Premium NCR Brand | Amity University Online | ₹55,000–₹75,000 | ₹1,10,000–₹1,50,000 | All-inclusive; strong NCR employer recall; flexible payment |
⚠️ Comparison with regular campus MCA: A campus MCA from a mid-tier private engineering college in Delhi NCR costs ₹80,000–₹2,00,000+ per year — 2 to 5 times more than an Online MCA. The degree validity is identical. EMI options at private universities typically split the 2-year fee across 24 monthly instalments, making Online MCA financially accessible for working professionals on a regular IT salary.
Unsure Which Online MCA University in Delhi NCR Is Right for You?
Tell us your graduation background, current role, budget, and target MCA specialization — our counselors will recommend the exact right university and mode in under 30 minutes. Completely free.
Online MCA Syllabus — Semester by Semester
The Online MCA is structured over 4 semesters (2 years). The first year builds advanced computer science foundations; the second year focuses on emerging technologies, specialization electives, and project work:
Core Computer Science
- Advanced Programming (Python/Java)
- Data Structures & Algorithms
- Database Management Systems
- Operating Systems & System Architecture
- Discrete Mathematics & Statistics
- Software Engineering Principles
Infrastructure & Security
- Computer Networks & Protocols
- Object-Oriented Programming (Java/C++)
- Web Technologies (HTML5, CSS3, JS, React)
- Linux & Cloud Infrastructure Basics
- Cybersecurity Fundamentals
- Research Methodology
AI, Data & Cloud
- Machine Learning & AI Fundamentals
- Data Science with Python
- Cloud Computing (AWS/Azure/GCP basics)
- Mobile Application Development
- Elective I (as per specialization)
- Internship / Industry Project
Advanced Specialization
- Elective II & III (Specialization deep-dive)
- IT Project Management
- DevOps & Agile Methodologies
- Enterprise Architecture
- Major Project / Dissertation
- Viva Voce
Exact subject names and technology stacks taught vary between universities. MUJ, LPU, and Amity tend to offer the most industry-aligned and updated MCA syllabi. Our counselors can share semester-wise syllabus PDFs for any shortlisted university.
Distance & Online MCA Admission Process in Delhi NCR — Step by Step
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1Free Counselling Call
Call Sky Education Group at +91-9873042303 or fill the form below. Our counselor will assess your graduation background, work experience, budget, desired MCA specialization, and career goal to recommend the right university and mode.
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2University & Mode Selection
Choose between Online MCA (MUJ, LPU, SMU, Amity) for IT career advancement or Distance MCA (IGNOU) for maximum affordability and government job recognition. Finalise specialization — Data Science, AI/ML, Full Stack, Cyber Security, or General MCA.
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3Document Preparation
Keep ready: 10th marksheet, 12th marksheet and certificate, all graduation semester/year marksheets and degree certificate, Aadhaar card, passport-size photograph, signature scan. Work experience certificate may be required for some programs.
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4Online Application Form
Fill the university's official admission form online. Our team ensures MCA specialization, Mathematics eligibility, and document uploads are correctly submitted — avoiding delays or rejection due to form errors.
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5Fee Payment & EMI Setup
Pay program fees directly to the university via their official payment portal. Private universities offer EMI options across 12–24 months. IGNOU accepts online and NEFT payment per semester.
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6LMS Access & Enrollment Confirmation
Receive your Student ID and enrollment number. Online MCA students get immediate LMS access with virtual labs, live session schedules, and course material. Distance students receive printed material at their home address. Your Online MCA journey begins immediately.
Apply for Online / Distance MCA in Delhi NCR 2026
Get a callback from our expert team within 30 minutes. Zero fees, zero pressure.
Online MCA Specializations — Which Has the Best Career Scope?
The Online MCA specialization you choose should align directly with your target career path in Delhi NCR's tech job market. These are the most in-demand MCA specializations in 2026:
💡 Specialization demand in Delhi NCR's job market (2026): Based on current hiring trends in Noida, Gurugram, and Delhi — Data Science & Analytics (highest volume openings across IT, BFSI, e-commerce), Cloud Computing (AWS/Azure roles growing fastest), Full Stack Development (consistent demand at startups and product companies), and Cyber Security (fastest salary premium) are the four highest-return MCA specializations for Delhi NCR's IT job market right now.
MUJ and LPU offer the most current specialization tracks for Data Science, AI/ML, and Cloud Computing, including hands-on tools like TensorFlow, Spark, AWS, and Docker. Contact our counselors for a detailed specialization-to-career-outcome mapping for your specific background.
Career Opportunities After Online MCA in Delhi NCR
Delhi NCR's technology employment ecosystem is one of the largest and most diverse in Asia. An MCA from a UGC-recognised university opens the door to a wide range of senior technical and IT leadership roles across Noida, Gurugram, Faridabad, and Ghaziabad:
📌 Delhi NCR IT market context: Noida's Sector 62 and Expressway corridor hosts HCL, Wipro, Infosys BPO, and hundreds of mid-size IT companies. Gurugram's Cyber City and DLF Cyber Hub host Accenture, Microsoft, IBM, Deloitte, and major banks' tech centres. An MCA degree from a recognised university is a standard eligibility requirement for mid-senior engineering roles across these employers — directly accessible to Delhi NCR-based graduates without relocation.
Salary After Online MCA in Delhi NCR 2026
| Experience Level | Typical Role | Sector | Salary Range (LPA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresher (0–1 yr) | Junior Developer, QA Engineer, Trainee Analyst | IT Services, Startups | ₹3.5 – 6 LPA |
| Entry Level (1–3 yrs) | Software Developer, Data Analyst, Cloud Engineer | Product Companies, IT Services | ₹5 – 10 LPA |
| Mid Level (3–6 yrs) | Senior Developer, Data Scientist, DevOps Lead | MNCs, FinTech, E-commerce | ₹10 – 20 LPA |
| Senior Level (6–10 yrs) | Tech Lead, Architect, AI/ML Lead, IT Manager | All Tech Sectors | ₹18 – 35 LPA |
| Data Science Specialization | Data Scientist, ML Engineer | BFSI, E-commerce, Tech | ₹8 – 25+ LPA |
| Government IT Roles | IT Officer, NIC, IBPS IT | Public Sector | ₹6 – 12 LPA |
Online MCA for Working Professionals in Delhi NCR
The Online MCA was essentially built for the profile of the typical Delhi NCR IT professional — someone already working in tech, earning a salary, and needing a master's degree to qualify for senior roles, promotions, or a career pivot into Data Science, Cloud, or AI/ML.
Here's how the program accommodates working professionals in Noida, Gurugram, Faridabad, and Ghaziabad specifically:
- Evening and weekend live sessions: Top universities schedule live classes after 7 PM on weekdays and on weekends — directly timed for working professionals who cannot attend daytime lectures.
- Recorded lectures: Every live session is recorded and available on the LMS. Missed a class due to a project crunch? Watch it over the weekend at your own pace.
- Flexible assignment deadlines: Most universities allow a 48–72 hour window for assignment submission rather than fixed time slots, accommodating variable work schedules.
- Online proctored exams: Exams are taken from home during a defined window — no need to travel to an exam centre mid-career.
- EMI-friendly fees: Monthly EMIs of ₹3,000–₹7,000 (depending on university) make the 2-year fee easily manageable on a junior-to-mid-level IT salary.
Online MCA Placement Opportunities in Delhi NCR
Placement support varies significantly between universities offering Online MCA — and for Delhi NCR students, proximity to the local job market is an additional advantage regardless of formal placement cells. Here's what to expect:
- MUJ (Manipal University Jaipur): Dedicated Online placement cell with virtual campus drives. Coursera integration enables industry certification completion alongside placement preparation. Strong tech company connect including IT services and product companies.
- LPU (Lovely Professional University): One of India's most active placement programs — MCA Online students are included in virtual placement drives with companies like Wipro, TCS, Infosys, HCL, and tech startups. Campus-level placement support extended to online students.
- SMU (Sikkim Manipal University): Alumni-driven placement network across the BFSI and IT sector. SMU's 30-year alumni base in Delhi NCR's banking and tech ecosystem provides a strong referral pipeline.
- Amity University Online: Delhi NCR-specific corporate connects in Noida and Gurugram. Amity's strong brand recognition among local employers provides placement advantages specifically for NCR-based students.
- IGNOU Distance MCA: No formal placement cell — students self-direct their job search. However, IGNOU's NAAC-accredited degree is accepted by all employers, and IGNOU's alumni community in Delhi is one of the largest in India.
💡 Delhi NCR advantage beyond placement cells: Students in Delhi NCR have direct access to one of India's densest tech job markets — walk-in interviews, hackathons, LinkedIn networking events, and tech meetups in Noida and Gurugram happen every week. An Online MCA from a recognised university gives you the eligibility credential; the local job ecosystem does the rest if you engage actively with it.
Is Online MCA Worth It in 2026?
Yes — an Online MCA from a UGC-DEB approved, NAAC-accredited university is worth it in 2026 for BCA graduates and working IT professionals in Delhi NCR who need a postgraduate credential to qualify for senior roles, IT management positions, or specialised technology tracks like Data Science, Cloud Computing, or Cybersecurity. The degree is legally equivalent to a campus MCA, costs 50–80% less, and allows you to keep earning while you study.
The online MCA is specifically valuable for three profiles in Delhi NCR:
- BCA graduates (0–2 years experience): An Online MCA immediately strengthens your profile for senior developer and specialist roles that close the door to BCA-only candidates. Most Noida and Gurugram IT companies have a preference for MCA or B.Tech candidates for mid-level roles — an Online MCA bridges this gap within 2 years.
- Working IT professionals (2–7 years experience): Many senior developer, team lead, and IT manager job descriptions require a postgraduate degree. An Online MCA fulfils this while you keep your salary and momentum. Employers in Delhi NCR increasingly recognise Online MCA credentials from MUJ, LPU, SMU, and Amity.
- Non-CS graduates transitioning into IT: A B.Com., B.Sc., or BA graduate with programming skills who wants formal computer science credentials for a career pivot into Data Science, Cloud, or software development. The Online MCA provides both the degree and the structured technical curriculum.
Why Delhi NCR Students Trust Sky Education Group for Online MCA
Based in Sector 63, Noida
Right inside Delhi NCR's IT corridor — we understand the hiring expectations of Noida's and Gurugram's tech employers, the IBPS IT exam requirements, and the real career progression paths for MCA graduates in this geography.
14+ Years of Counselling Experience
We've guided thousands of BCA graduates and working IT professionals across Delhi, Noida, Gurugram, Faridabad, and Ghaziabad to the right Online or Distance MCA program and specialization.
Only UGC-DEB Verified Universities
Every university we recommend for Online MCA holds active UGC-DEB entitlement and NAAC accreditation. We do not recommend unrecognised programs or push universities based on commission incentives.
Specialization-to-Career Mapping
We match your MCA specialization choice to Delhi NCR's actual hiring demand — Data Science, Cloud, Full Stack, or Cyber Security — based on your current background and target role.
End-to-End Admission Support
From university selection to documentation to form filling to LMS enrollment — our team manages the entire admission process without errors or missed deadlines. Zero cost to you.
100% Free Counselling
Our guidance is entirely free for students. You pay fees only and directly to the university. No referral commissions, no hidden charges, no pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions — Online & Distance MCA in Delhi NCR 2026
Is Online MCA recognized by employers in Delhi NCR's IT companies?
Yes. An Online MCA from a UGC-DEB entitled, NAAC-accredited university is legally equivalent to a regular campus MCA and is recognised by private IT companies, MNCs, and banks in Delhi NCR including employers in Noida, Gurugram, Faridabad, and Ghaziabad. The degree certificate does not state "Online" — it reads exactly like a campus MCA certificate. Employers in Delhi NCR's tech corridor have increasingly accepted Online MCA graduates from MUJ, LPU, SMU, and Amity for developer, analyst, and IT management roles.
Which Online MCA university is best in Delhi NCR in 2026?
The best Online MCA university for Delhi NCR students depends on your goal: MUJ (NAAC A+, Coursera integration) and LPU (NAAC A++) are best for IT career advancement with specializations in Data Science, AI/ML, or Cloud Computing. SMU (NAAC A+) is ideal for a strong tech alumni network and BFSI sector connections. Amity University Online has the strongest Delhi NCR-specific employer brand recognition. IGNOU Distance MCA is best for maximum affordability and government IT exam eligibility.
What is the average fee for an Online MCA in Delhi NCR?
Online MCA fees in Delhi NCR range from ₹20,000–₹28,000 per year for IGNOU's Distance MCA (₹40,000–₹56,000 total) to ₹55,000–₹75,000 per year for premium private universities like Amity (₹1,10,000–₹1,50,000 total). Most private universities offer EMI options of ₹3,000–₹7,000 per month. The total 2-year cost of an Online MCA is typically 50–80% lower than a regular campus MCA at a private engineering college in Delhi NCR.
Can I pursue Online MCA while working full-time in Delhi NCR?
Yes — this is the most common profile among Online MCA students in Delhi NCR. Top universities schedule live sessions after 7 PM on weekdays and on weekends, with all lectures recorded for flexible viewing. Assignments have 48–72 hour submission windows and exams are proctored online from home. Thousands of IT professionals in Noida and Gurugram successfully complete Online MCA while working full-time.
Is Distance MCA still valid in India in 2026?
Yes. Distance MCA from a UGC-DEB entitled, NAAC-accredited university remains fully valid in India in 2026. The 2021 Supreme Court ruling clarified that AICTE approval is not required for MCA programs in distance/online mode from UGC-entitled universities. IGNOU's Distance MCA is particularly widely accepted for government job applications and is eligible for NIC recruitment, IBPS IT Officer, and PSU technical positions.
Which MCA specialization has the best career scope in Delhi NCR?
Based on 2026 Delhi NCR hiring data: Data Science & Analytics has the highest volume of openings across IT, BFSI, and e-commerce companies. Cloud Computing (AWS/Azure) roles are growing fastest. Cyber Security commands the highest salary premium for experienced professionals. Full Stack Development offers the most consistent demand at startups and product companies. AI/ML Engineering has the highest long-term growth trajectory. Choose based on your current technical background and target company type.
Does Online MCA offer placement assistance for Delhi NCR students?
Yes — private universities like MUJ, LPU, SMU, and Amity offer placement assistance including virtual campus drives, interview preparation, and employer connects as part of their Online MCA programs. LPU and Amity have particularly strong Delhi NCR employer relationships. Additionally, Delhi NCR's dense IT job market provides direct access to walk-in interviews, LinkedIn networking, and tech events — making placement outcomes highly accessible for active job seekers regardless of formal placement cell support.
Can non-BCA students apply for Online MCA in Delhi NCR?
Yes. Non-BCA graduates can apply for Online MCA, provided they have Mathematics at Class 12 or graduation level. Eligible backgrounds include B.Sc. (Maths/Physics/Statistics/IT/CS), B.Com. with Maths, BA with Maths, and in some cases B.E./B.Tech. graduates. Some universities offer a bridge module for students without a CS/IT undergraduate background. Our counselors can identify which Delhi NCR-accessible universities accept your specific graduation background.
What are the benefits of studying Online MCA in Delhi NCR specifically?
Delhi NCR-specific benefits of Online MCA include: direct access to one of India's largest IT employment hubs (Noida, Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad) without relocation; proximity to tech events, hackathons, and networking meetups; familiarity with Delhi NCR employers for job applications; access to Sky Education Group's local counselling expertise based in Sector 63, Noida; and the ability to build a local professional network while studying — all while earning a fully recognised national-level degree.
How long does it take to complete an Online MCA?
The standard Online MCA duration is 2 years (4 semesters). Most universities allow an extended completion period of up to 4 years for students who need more time due to professional commitments. Unlike the earlier 3-year MCA format, the current 2-year Online MCA follows the updated national curriculum structure for MCA programs, aligned with the NEP 2020 framework.
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Disclaimer: Sky Education Group is an independent admission counselling and guidance service. We are not a university and do not grant degrees. All university accreditations and UGC-DEB entitlement details are based on publicly available data at the time of publication (June 2026). Fee ranges are approximate estimates — always verify with the respective university before enrolling. IGNOU is a Central Government university; all other universities listed are private institutions with UGC-DEB entitlement. Verify current entitlement status at ugcdeb.gov.in before admission. AICTE and UGC regulatory references are based on publicly available Supreme Court judgments and UGC circulars as of June 2026 — always verify current regulatory status. Salary figures are indicative industry estimates based on publicly available data and may vary based on skills, experience, employer, and individual performance. Hiring market observations are based on publicly available recruitment data for Delhi NCR as of June 2026.