Yes, IGNOU MCA is difficult compared to other ODL courses and even some regular MCA program. The course is demanding with Mathematics, Programming, lab papers, theory papers, various assignments, and projects. 

IGNOU Syllabus MCA 2022 is as follows. 

IGNOU MCA Syllabus for Semester 1:

Course code	Title of the course	Total credits
MCS-011	Problem Solving & Programming	3
MCS-012	Computer Organization and Assembly Language Programming	4
MCS-013	Discrete Mathematics	2
MCS-014	System Analysis and Design	3
MCS-015	Communication Skills	2
MCSL-016	Internal Concepts and Web Design	2
MCSL-017	Cand Assembly Language Programming Lab	2

IGNOU MCA Syllabus for Semester 2: 

Course code	Title of the course	Total credits
MCS-021	Data and Structures	4
MCS-022	Operating System Concepts and Networking Management Systems	4
MCS-023	Introduction to Database Management Systems	3
MCS-024	Object-Oriented Technologies and Java Programming	3
MCSL-025	Lab (Based on MCS-021, 022, 023, and 024)	4

IGNOU MCA Syllabus for Semester 3: 

Course code	Title of the course	Total credits
MCS-031	Design and Analysis of Algorithms	4
MCS-032	Object-Oriented Analysis and Design	3
MCS-033	Advanced Discrete Mathematics	2
MCS-34	Software Engineering	3
MCS-035	Accountancy and Financial Management	3
MCSL-036	Lab (Based on MCS-032,034, and 035)	3

IGNOU MCA Syllabus for Semester 4:

Course code	Title of the course	Total credits
MCS-041	Operating Systems	4
MCS-042	Data Communication and Computer Networks	4
MCS-043	AdvancedDatabase Management Systems	4
MCS-044	Mini Project	4
MCSL-045	Lab (UNIX & Oracle)	2

IGNOU MCA Syllabus for Semester 5: 

Course code	Title of the course	Total credits
MCS-051	Advanced Internet Technologies	3
MCS-052	Principles of Management and Information System	2
MCS-053	Computer Graphics and Multimedia	4
MCSL-054	Lab (Based on MCS-051 & 053)	2
MCSE - 003 MCSE-004 MCSE-011	Elective Courses -  Artificial Intelligence and Knowledge Management  Numerical and Statistical Computing  Parallel Computing	3

IGNOU MCA Syllabus for Semester 6:

Course code	Title of the course	Total credits
MCSP-060	Project	16

Lab attendance is mandatory for MCA. Scoring passing marks in lab examinations will be difficult if you don’t attend labs and practical classes regularly. 

You can’t take the coursework lightly, even if it is a distance learning course.