After completing your class 12th board examinations in the commerce stream, you must have faced worries and confusion about the course you should pursue to make your career in. Another common worry marring the foreheads of students after completing class 12th education is which institution to complete the course from.
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If you are a student facing the same doubts, worry not, as here in this blog at College Vidya, we bring to you curated information and updated facts about the various career and course choices a commerce student has, to choose from.
Continue reading to find out the top careers and courses for commerce students to choose from after completing class 12th, along with other necessary details.
Career Options After Class 12th Commerce
Upon completion of your class 12th education in the commerce stream, there are many lines of study and career that you can venture into. Among the most prominent options, there are options like:
- Pursuing a purely academic course
(a) With Mathematics
(b) Without Mathematics
- Pursuing a professional course
- Venturing into startups or growing one’s own entrepreneurship
Academic Course Options After Class 12th
1) Bachelor of Commerce
B.Com or Bachelor of Commerce is one of the most prominent courses among commerce students and nearly 70% of commerce students take up a B.Com after completing their school education. Bachelor of Commerce is one of the top commerce courses available at the undergraduate level as well as one of the best professional courses since it allows for sufficient development of skills for field exposure. It is a three-year UG degree program that covers course areas such as accounting, statistics, management, taxation, computer science, economics etc.
Students who meet the minimum eligibility criteria, which includes a minimum score of 50% aggregate in the class 12th qualifying examination, can easily apply and get admission in a B.Com course. In recent years, students have been required to appear in the CUET-UG exam to seek admission in top public and private universities offering B.Com. A major revolution in the education sector, the advent of online degree courses has facilitated the access of a larger number of students to higher education, especially in the B.Com course which has been approved by the UGC-DEB for teaching in the fully online mode.
Here we have enlisted a few of the key details about the B.Com course as offered in India.
- Duration of Course: 3 Years
- Average Fee for Course: INR 15,000 to INR 1,00,000
- Eligibility of this Program: Class 12th Board Examination from a Recognised Board with at least 50% aggregate marks (Commerce Stream Preferred)
Top Universities Offering Bachelor of Commerce Degree
Some of the top universities and institutes that are offering Bachelor of Commerce programs are mentioned below:
- Hindu College
- Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC)
- Calcutta University
- University of Mumbai
- Christ University
- Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS)
- Jain University
- Chandigarh University
- Amity University
- Amrita Vishwavidyapeetham
2) Bachelor Of Arts in Economics (B.A Economics Hons)
Economics is undoubtedly one of the favourite subjects of commerce students. After class 12th education in the commerce stream, Bachelor’s in Arts with the specialisation in Economics is one of the undergraduate courses offering a myriad of career opportunities to students –economics being one of the most well-regarded subjects in the professional fields. This is a desirable option for learners with an interest in economics who want to gain knowledge and abilities in grasping the subject’s basic concepts and principles. Microeconomics and macroeconomics, econometrics, statistics, history of economics, political economy, and other economics subjects covered in this degree, making it one of the courses with greatest scope for professional development.
- Duration of Course: 3 Years
- Average Fee for Course: INR 20,000 to INR 1,50,000
- Eligibility of this Program: Qualifying Class 12th with a Minimum of 50% Aggregate Marks with Economics/Mathematics as one of the subjects in class 12th level
Top Universities Offering Bachelor of Arts in Economics
Some of the top universities and institutes that are offering Bachelor of Arts in Economics are mentioned below:
- Jamia Millia Islamia
- Christ University
- Aligarh Muslim University
- Manipal University, Jaipur
- Delhi University
3) Bachelor of Banking and Insurance (BBI)
Bachelor of Banking and Insurance or BBI is an undergraduate course of a duration of 3 years that provides students with detailed knowledge and expertise in banking and insurance. It is an ideal course for students with a commerce background in class 12th. The course includes the study of subjects like business economics, financial accounting, microeconomics and macroeconomics, cost accounting, customer relationship, universal banking, auditing etc. This course is available to be pursued by students who meet the general eligibility criteria for the course.
- Duration of Course: 3 Years
- Average Fee for Course: INR 40,000 to INR 2,00,000
- Eligibility of this Program: Qualifying Class 12th with a Minimum of 50% Aggregate Marks from a Recognised Board (Preferably in Commerce Stream)
Top Universities Offering Bachelor of Banking & Insurance
Some of the top universities and institutes that are offering a Bachelor in Banking and Insurance are mentioned below:
- Jamia Millia Islamia University
- ICLES Motilal Jhunjhunwala College of Arts, Commerce & Science
- Jai Hind College
- Shree LR Tiwari Degree College
4) Bachelor of Business Administration
Students who complete their 12th in the commerce stream can also go for management courses that help them in entering different fields of business management, administration and so on. After class 12th education in commerce, BBA is one of the most common choices for students who are willing to gain expertise in the principles of business administration and management training. It is a three-year undergraduate degree course that provides students knowledge with a foundation in business fundamentals and administration. Also Read | BBA Full Form – A Complete Guide
You can pursue this course in different specializations like finance, accounting, banking and financial services as well as in the form of a general BBA which opens up a plethora of options for you to explore different career fields easily. You can pursue BBA in the regular mode, fully online or virtual mode as well as distance mode. Students who are unable to pursue their higher studies in the regular mode due to any reason can easily take the course up via online and distance modes. Some of the top specialisations for commerce students in a BBA degree course include those like finance management, banking and financial services (BFSI), accounting, taxation laws, international business management etc.
- Duration of Course: 3 Years
- Average Fee for Course: INR 20,000 to INR 5,00,000
- Eligibility of this Program: Qualifying Class 12th with a Minimum of 50% Aggregate Marks from a Recognised Board
Top Management Universities Offering a BBA
Enlisted below are some of the top management universities and institutes from where you can pursue a Bachelor’s in Business Administration after class 12th in commerce stream:
- University of Delhi
- Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies
- Amity University
- Chandigarh University
- Jamia Millia Islamia
- Christ University
- Jain University
- Chandigarh University
- Amrita Vishwavidyapeetham
Here is the list of the best topic related to career options
5) Bachelor of Computer Applications
You can go with the BCA program after completing class 12th in the commerce stream if you are interested in the study of computer softwares, computer applications, graphics etc. It has been observed that the IT industry is one of the fastest-growing industries in recent years and the jobs in this sector pay you a handsome salary, making this field highly appealing with respect to career scope. Hence, it can prove to be a very profitable and smart option to go for technical courses like BCA to enter into fields such as Data Science, Machine Learning, AI, and so forth. Also Read | Full form of BCA – A Complete Guide
BCA is a 3-year undergraduate course that is typically taken up by students who want to learn about computer programming languages. BCA students learn a variety of courses, including programming in the C language, animation, software development and programming, graphical designing etc. as part of their curriculum. This course provides students with in-depth knowledge of the Fundamentals of computers, Operating Systems, Multimedia Systems, etc.
- Duration of Course: 3 Years
- Average Fee for Course: INR 50,000 to INR 2,00,000
- Eligibility of this Program: Qualifying Class 12th with a Minimum of 50% Aggregate Marks from a Recognised Board (Mathematics as one of the subjects is preferred)
Top Universities Offering BCA
There are a large number of universities and colleges that offer a Bachelor of Computer Applications degree in both the regular and online modes. Here are some of the universities that are offering BCA after 12th for commerce students:
- Delhi Technical Campus
- Institute of Information Technology & Management
- Chandigarh University
- Amity University
- Amrita Vishwavidyapeetham
- Lovely Professional University
- ICFAI
6) Journalism and Mass Communication
The journalism and Mass Communication field is for those who are interested in media and networking. In this field, you will get plenty of practical exposure and experience in public speaking, oration, self-presentation, media networking, media writing etc. Although not a field directly related to commerce, students interested in media studies can pursue a 3 year Bachelor’s degree program in Journalism and Mass Communication after completing class 12th education in the commerce stream. This three-year curriculum will test your abilities and equip you with education in areas like media and Indian politics, public relations and corporate communication, event management, media writing and more.
This course can be pursued by a student in both the regular mode and the online mode, and hence, students can also conveniently take up a B.A (JMC) in the online mode alongside a mainstream undergraduate degree in the offline regular mode, as dual degrees have now been made officially acceptable by the UGC, provided both have been completed from an accredited institution.
- Duration of Course: 3 Years
- Average Fee for Course: INR 20,000 to INR 4,00,000
- Eligibility of this Program: Qualifying Class 12th with a Minimum of 50% Aggregate Marks from a Recognised Board in Any Stream
Top Universities Offering Journalism and Mass Communication
Enlisted below are a few of the top institutions for mass communication studies and journalism in India:
- Indian Institute of Mass Communication (for PG diploma courses)
- Amity University
- Delhi University
- Christ University
- Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University
- Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communications
Professional Courses After Class 12th Commerce
1) Chartered Accountancy
This is a professional course that students can pursue right after they pass out class 12th in the commerce stream. CA is one of the most well-regarded and highly compensated career options for commerce students and it includes a number of levels. This course is offered by the ICAI or the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. However, it is a certification and not technically a degree program and has a much higher level of difficulty than mainstream commerce courses.
Students completing their class 12th examinations can apply to this course at the Foundation Level, complete the level to move consequently to the Intermediate Level followed by the CA Final Level. Accounting, Cost Accounting and Financial Management, Advanced Accounting, Taxation, Auditing and Assurance, Business Laws, Ethics and Communication, and Information Technology are among the common subjects covered in this course.
- Duration of Course: 4.5 Years to 5 Years (Minimum Period)
- Average Fee for Course: INR 70,000 to INR 87,000
- Eligibility of this Program: Having Qualified Class 12th Education with a Minimum of 50% Aggregate Marks
2) Cost and Management Accountant (CMA)
Cost and Management Accounting or CMA, is a professional certification course offered by the Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICAI) to students who are interested in developing a career in management accounting. This course has a minimum duration of 3 years and can be taken up by students with a commerce background after class 12th board examinations.
This course, similar to the CA course, consists of three primary levels, beginning with the foundation level, followed by the intermediate and final levels. The student must successfully qualify each round in order to attempt the consequent level and complete the course. This course consists of subjects like economics and management, taxation, laws, accounting, business statistics, cost management and cost accounting etc. The course is quite a good professional choice for those students interested in developing a management accounting career which is highly paid and has scope for career escalation.
- Duration of Course: 3 Years (Minimum Period)
- Average Fee for Course: INR 1,00,000 to INR 2,00,000
- Eligibility of this Program: Qualified Class 12th Board Examinations from a Recognised Board with a Minimum of 50% Aggregate Marks
3) Company Secretary (CS)
Company Secretary (CS) is a professional certification course apt for students from the commerce stream offered by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) in India. This course is designed for students who are keen on developing a career in commercial ethics, legal provisions and handling the various legalities and management of corporate firms. This course can confer major professional advantage to students since it is a highly regarded course and much in demand in the professional domain.
The course consists of 3 levels–the foundation level, the intermediate level and the professional level, wherein each level can be completed when the student has qualified the prior level. For enrolling in the course right after completing school education, the student needs to enrol in the Foundation course of CS. The commonly included subjects in the course include those like entrepreneurship, business law, business management, tax laws, accounting, auditing, financial and strategic management etc.
- Duration of Course: Nearly 3 Years (35 Months)
- Average Fee for Course: INR 23,000
- Eligibility of this Program: Qualified Class 12th Examinations from a Recognised Board with at least 50% Aggregate Marks
4) Certified Financial Planner
The Financial Planning Standards Board India (FPSB) oversees and supervises this professional educational course known as Certified Financial Planner, which is a course of a duration of 6 months to 2 years and is regarded as one of the top vocational domains in commerce after class 12th. This course certifies and recognizes expertise and knowledge in domains such as financial planning and taxation, retirement, insurance, risk management and estate planning. CFP is one of the most prestigious professional courses in the field of business.
- Duration of Course: 6 months-2 Years
- Average Fee for Course: INR 40,000–INR 60,000
- Eligibility of this Program: Qualified Class 12th Examinations from a Recognised Board with at least 50% Aggregate Marks AND Qualified NSE Exams 1 to 5
Add-on Courses of Use for Commerce Students After Class 12th Commerce
In addition to full-time courses like a degree in commerce, there are a number of other options like short-term courses, add-on skill-building courses and diplomas that can be taken up by students who have qualified their class 12th board exams in the commerce stream.
A few of the top courses that such students can consider pursuing for knowledge enhancement in addition to a full-time degree have been listed here:
- Certificate Program in Technological Banking and Financial Services
- Certificate Program in Debt and Money Market
- Certificate Program in Salesforce
- Advanced Diploma in International Trade Management
- Advanced Diploma in Wealth Management
- Advanced Diploma in Banking and Finance Management
- Advanced Diploma in Retail Management
- Advanced Diploma in Business Management
Thus, not only are degree courses or mainstream professional courses useful for career development in commerce, but add-on courses in the form of certifications and diplomas can also be of much help when it comes to upskilling or selecting a career trajectory for a student from the commerce background.
Career Options in Commerce
The courses and career directions mentioned above in this blog all provide lucrative career opportunities to graduates since they embibe necessary professional skills in students to thrive in the professional domain.
Moreover, professionals trained in commerce and financial subjects and domains are also highly in demand in the corporate and industrial sector to manage finances and other aspects. Consequently, the pay packages and supplementary compensation offered in these job domains are quite appealing.
Herein we have mentioned some of the top job roles students pursuing higher education in commerce can take up, along with the average salaries they can earn per annum in India in these fields.
Job Title |
Average CTC (per annum) |
Company Secretary |
INR 6 LPA |
Financial Analyst |
INR 5 LPA |
Tax Consultant |
INR 6.5 LPA |
Chartered Accountant |
INR 7 LPA |
Auditor |
INR 7 LPA |
Stock Broker |
INR 4 LPA |
Accountant |
INR 3 LPA |
Investment Banker |
INR 6.5 LPA |
Market Analyst |
INR 6 LPA |
Financial Risk Analyst |
INR 7.5 LPA |
Public Relations Officer |
INR 4 LPA |
Financial Planner |
INR 6 LPA |
Cost and Management Accountant |
INR 8 LPA |
Reasons To Pursue Online Learning Instead Of Regular Learning
Erstwhile, students couldn’t think of anything better than regular programs but the scenario has changed now. Online and Distance learning have emerged as the career saviours for many students and working professionals. Now, people prefer to work and study at the same time as it confers the dual advantage of gaining professional experience and expertise at the same time as completing an educational qualification. Moreover, with the latest guidelines of the UGC allowing students to pursue two degree courses at the same time (dual degrees), online education has proved to be further convenient.
This mode of learning also offers the following benefits to students:
- Flexibility in learning: You can study whenever and wherever you want with the help of both recorded & live online lectures. Attendance in online courses does not have strict criteria either.
- Offers Affordability: Online learning programs are relatively a lot more affordable than regular courses and working professionals can easily pay their fees for executive courses without spending all their savings.
- Innovative Learning: Online learning involves the use of innovative techniques and pedagogies to conduct online lectures and submit assignments. This enables students to also explore the know-how of the latest meeting applications, learning softwares and other skills that will help them to excel professionally in the future.
- Equivalence with a Regular Degree: One of the primary advantages of going for an online course is that UGC-DEB has now deemed online courses as being equivalent in credit and credibility as regular courses. This means that by taking up an online degree course, a student can benefit from the flexible learning criteria as well as equal value as a regular degree.
Here is a list of some topics related to career options for the future in India.
Conclusion
After completing class 12th in the commerce stream, you can explore a plethora of options for career development in commerce, humanities, and management fields. This blog brings to you a few of the best possible career options that can help you in your future endeavours.