Jagpreet
27 September, 2024
Table of Contents
“Trade plays an important role in empowering our nation, growing its economy, creating domestic jobs, and enhancing American competitiveness in the global chain of commerce.” – Charles Boustany
As per the last All India Survey on Higher Education list released by the Ministry of Education, 2021-2022, commerce saw a 13.3% increase in enrolment at the graduate level. Yes, BCom is among the popularly chosen undergraduate career paths in India. The vast career opportunities and access to job opportunities in almost every industry are significant reasons for this. If you have finished high school and are considering BCom as your bachelor’s degree, this blog is for you.
In this blog, we will explore the Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) programme in depth, covering everything you need to know, from B.Com eligibility requirements to top colleges, career opportunities, and more.
The full form of B.Com. is Bachelor of Commerce. It is a three-year undergraduate academic degree divided into six distinct semesters. The syllabus for Bachelor of Commerce courses differs from one university to another, but the general curriculum comprises core concepts like marketing, accounting, entrepreneurship, taxation, industrial laws, etc.
If you are passionate about commerce, economics, and business management, you are well suited to pursue a BCom degree. Different universities have different BCom eligibility criteria, so you need to be sure to check the requirements before applying. This course lays a perfect groundwork for specialised certifications like CA, CS, etc. or MBA.
Course | Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) |
Course Type | Degree Course |
Course Level | Bachelors |
Course Mode | Regular mode, Open Distance Learning, Online Learning Mode |
Course Duration | 3 Years |
Eligibility Criteria | Candidates should have a valid 10+2 with commerce/mathematics/statistics as the subjects. Also, aspirants must have scored at least 50% or more in higher secondary |
Admission Basis | Merit-based or entrance-based (depending upon the mode and college) |
Entrance Exam | CUET, DUET, NPAT, BHU-ET, IPU-CET |
Specialisations | Accounting and Finance Banking and Insurance Taxation Economics Marketing Human Resource Management Entrepreneurship International Business |
Colleges and Universities offering B.Com | University of Delhi Chandigarh University Loyola University Lovely Professional University Christ University Jain University Narsee Monjee Deemed to be University St. Xaviers College Mumbai Madras Christian College Chennai Amity University |
Average Salary after BCom | INR 3,00,000 to 8,00,000 (depending upon various factors like city, job role, skills, etc.) |
Career Opportunities | Banking, Chartered Accountant, Finance, Taxation, Accounts Manager, etc. |
Eligibility requirements vary between colleges. Some may require a mathematics or statistics background, whereas others don’t. So, we have compiled a general eligibility criteria for BCom courses followed by most colleges.
Candidates should have passed Class 12 or its equivalent from a recognised board.
The minimum percentage is 50%, with a scope for variation in different colleges.
For merit-based admission, you must keep track of the college merit list. For instance, Delhi University’s BCom cutoff is around 99%,
Students from any stream can apply for admission to the B.Com course, but candidates who have completed 10+2 with Commerce will be more preferred than those from other streams.
Some colleges hold entrance exams for admission to programmes.
BCom Entrance Exam names with dates are mentioned below:
Exam | Exam Date |
CUET | May 15 – May 31, 2024 |
IPU CET | April 27 – May 14, 2024 |
NPAT | January 1 – May 25, 2024 |
AIMA UGAT | April 27 – May 14, 2024 |
SUAT | June 2024 |
As there are two options, BCom and BCom Hons., students like you might be confused about which would be right for you.
A B.Com programme is general in its course of nature and provides students with various managerial skills in areas such as finance, accounting, taxation, and management. You will also learn about the economic aspects of the business world, trading aspects, commercial functions and policies, and so on.
Meanwhile, a B.Com honours degree is a more specialised version of a Bachelor of Commerce degree. It may take a year longer than the general BCom programme or offer learners a particular specialisation or research pathway. It allows students to further develop their skills in a specific area of commerce, such as finance, accounting, or marketing. You typically study more advanced topics in greater depth. It is a more researched type of course with a particular specialisation generally.
What are the types of B.Com Courses?
BCom courses can be classified based on their mode of study and specialisation. A learner can go to a particular mode of study, depending on what suits their needs.
Approximately 11,000 colleges in India offer BCom programmes. These courses are available in a variety of modes, including:
Full-time BCom | This is a three-year regular BCom degree course taught in the classroom. The students have to physically attend the classes today. |
Distance BCom | This course is similar to a full-time BCom degree course; however, students can complete the course and get the credential without going to college. |
Online BCom: | This is the most flexible form of learning, and you don’t have to attend the class physically. It is more affordable and convenient for those with work and personal restrictions. The curriculum is similar to that of a full-time offline course. |
Part-time BCom: | These courses have a curriculum similar to a distance BCom; however, candidates need to study in physical classes. Students typically need to attend the college on the weekends or specified days of the week in the evening. |
You should consider several things when picking a BCom college. The choice will also depend on the mode of your degree, the specialisation you choose, and the location of the institution.
The following things you should keep in mind while selecting a college:
Always look for colleges or universities that are accredited and recognised by reputable bodies like UGC, NAAC, AICTE, etc.
Thoroughly check the curriculum. Check if it is updated regularly and matches today’s industry trends. Also, find out about the teaching faculty, their experience, and their knowledge.
Look at the placement record, placement facilities and other student services.
Check the campus facilities, student support services and other assistance provided to students.
In online BCom, you can pursue your degree from any place in the world. But for distance or regular BCom, choose an institution that is easily reachable and accessible.
Go for the course at your selected college, which doesn’t hurt your pocket. Do not go for a BCom degree at an institution just for the name of it.
If you are pursuing a distance/online BCom degree, check whether the online learning management system is effective and whether reading materials and e-learning sources are available.
Here are the quick steps which will land you on your dream programme:
College Name | Fees |
Farook College, Kozhikode | INR 1050 (Annual) |
Goenka College of Commerce and Business Administration | INR 790 (per semester) |
Loyola College | INR 15,980 (per semester) – for shift 1 INR 54,000 – 84,000 (per semester) – for shift 2 and differs as per specialisation |
Mahatma Gandhi College, Thiruvananthapuram | INR 5010 (total fee) |
Presidency College Chennai | INR 300000 |
Shri Ram College of Commerce | INR 15000/Annual |
Sivanath Sastri College, Kolkata | INR 11,060 (1st Year Fees) |
St. Albert’s College, Ernakulam | INR 19,818 (Yearly) |
St. Joseph College Bangalore | INR 82,000- INR 96,722 (Annual) |
Stella Maris College Chennai | INR 88,935 ( 3 Years) |
College Name | Fees |
Brihan Maharashtra College of Commerce | INR 9,750 (1st Year Fees) |
HR College of Commerce and Economics | INR 18,162 (1st Year Fees) |
KJ Somaiya College of Arts & Commerce | INR 23,662 (Yearly Fees) |
Kristu Jayanti College, Bangalore | INR 1.35 Lakh (1st Year Fees) |
Loyola Academy Degree and PG College | INR 14,000 (1st Year Fees) |
RA Podar College of Commerce and Economics | INR 75,100 (1st Year Fees) |
St Ann’s College for Women, Hyderabad | INR 11,955 (1st Year Fees) |
St. Joseph’s College of Commerce | INR 2,01,000 (Total fees) |
St. Xavier’s College Mumbai | INR 7000 –INR 13,971 (First semester) |
Symbiosis College of Arts and Commerce | INR 19,100 (1st Year Fees) |
Industries | Company Names |
Banking and financial services | Citibank, ICICI, LIC, UTI Mutual Fund, Paytm |
E-commerce and retail | Amazon, Myntra, Nykka, D-Mart, Reliance |
Government sector | SBI Bank, PNB Bank, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), Ministry of Finance |
Human resources | TeamLease Services Limited, Randstad India, Adecco India, ManpowerGroup India, Kelly Services India |
Consultancy firms | McKinsey & Company, The Boston Consulting Group (BCG), Bain & Company, Deloitte Consulting, Ernst & Young (EY) Advisory |
As commerce is inclined to finance and business fields, you have job roles to apply for such as:
Job Role | Average Salary |
Chartered Accountant | INR 10.9 LPA |
Tax Consultant | INR 7.3 LPA |
Financial Analyst | INR 6.1 LPA |
Investment Banker | INR 16.5 LPA |
Credit Analyst | INR 8.4 LPA |
Account Executive | INR 3.9 LPA |
Finance Manager | INR 17 LPA |
After completing grade 12 with different subjects related to commerce, finance, and related fields, students generally go with degrees like B.Com. Owing to its vast career opportunities, job security and demand. A finance professional or someone with accounting knowledge is required in every company. So, earning a commerce degree would open up many professional opportunities for learners. If you aim to enter the world of corporate, pursue your entrepreneurial dreams, or pursue a higher degree, a BCom degree will serve as the perfect degree. Do not think twice before going for a BCom degree.