We at Stoodnt have published a series on undergrad courses for students who have studied science and humanities in class XII. This article focuses on the degree and professional course to undertake in order to build up a good career base, after studying commerce in plus two. There are a plethora of career options to opt for. Taking the right career decision could be a complex process and sometimes it gets a bit confusing. What is important is to follow the interest area and go ahead with what makes one feel confident and happy as taking the right decision will help one build a successful career in the future. Here are the top career paths and courses after Class 12 commerce.
Top Courses after 12th Commerce In India
Following are the core subject areas of study in commerce –
- Finance
- Accounting
- Law
- Taxation
- Auditing
- Management
- Investing
- Insurance
- Investment banking
- General Banking
- Consulting
Main-stream Courses After Class 12 Commerce
Bachelors of Commerce (B.Com)
The most common undergrad program for commerce students is Bachelors of Commerce or B.Com, a three-year general degree program. Those pursuing professional courses can do a B Com which will boost their academic profile. Besides, it is advisable to do a graduate program before going for higher studies. B.Com can be pursued as a full-time or as a correspondence course in case one is pursuing a professional program like CA, CS, etc. Read CA vs CS vs CFA – what’s best after B.Com?
Bachelors of Commerce (Honours) or B.com (Hons)
This is B.com with specialization in fields like Accountancy, management or economics etc. The industry demand for B.com (Honours) is somewhat better than normal B.com. The admission and eligibility criteria are the same for both and admission is normally based on merit, while some colleges take admission tests. Subjects taught are mostly the same, but in the honors course, one gets to study more extensively.
Related Article: Top Job-Oriented Courses after 12th
Bachelors in Economics
Commerce students can pursue BSc. Economics Hons after plus two. The core study area includes economic policies, analytical methods, and programs etc. Those interested in economics and aspire to do specialization in the concept of the economic framework can opt for this course.
Related Article: Careers and Jobs for Economics Graduates in the Govt. and Public Sectors in India
An economics background will be an added advantage for those aiming to write the Indian Administrative Services or IAS exam or UPSC exam in general.
Bachelors of Business Administration (BBA)
A three-year Business Administration course helps build a foundation in core business disciplines. One gets to look at different functional domains of business. BBA from a recommended institution helps students get specialized in business insights and real-world business skills.
After BBA one can do a master’s program like M.Com (Finance) or MBA. Those aiming to make a career in finance and business management can think of taking this course.
Related Article: BBA Abroad after 12th
Bachelor of Management Studies (BMS)
This is a three-year undergraduate programme which prepares students for the field of management. The program provides theoretical and practical knowledge in inculcating leadership and managerial skills which help students explore numerous of opportunities in the business world.
Core area of study includes – management, human resources, organizational theories, research methodology etc. With demand for skilled managerial professionals, ever-increasing having the requisite degree from a reputed institution will help students get success in the corporate world.
Colleges often rename BBA Course as BMS course. Clarify before enrolling and check out other details like – fees, duration, subjects etc.
Professional Courses After Class 12 Commerce
Chartered Accountancy (CA)
This is the most popular and sought-after professional course for building a great and lucrative career in commerce. Chartered Accountancy opens the doors to exciting career opportunities as a Tax Consultant, an auditor, an advisor, a financial officer et al. One can also opt for independent practice.
However, CA is a very difficult and complex course hence requires a lot of hard work and sincere efforts to qualify. Clearing the initial level might be easy but as one goes to the higher levels i.e. Intermediate (IPCC) and CA Finals, it gets extremely tough. It is only through total determination and consistent efforts that one can complete the program successfully. The new curriculum includes Foundation, Intermediate and Final levels.
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) offers this course and one can visit the official website http://www.icai.org to get more details on the course, eligibility conditions and admission procedure.
Company Secretary (CS)
Yet another professional course is Company Secretary or CS. Opted by many students after 12th commerce this course is carried out by The Institute of Company Secretaries of India. A Company Secretary is actually responsible for regulatory compliance of the company and operates as an in-house legal advisor. CS qualified individuals can either practice independently or get hired in the corporate world. A combination of CA and CS is a popular choice as it helps in building a rewarding career.
Cost and Management Accountant (CMA)
Offered by The Institute of Cost Accountants of India or ICWAI, this is also a very useful course for commerce students. The responsibilities of a Cost Accountant include maintaining accounting records, carrying out cost auditing and assisting in planning, controlling and costing of products.
One can opt for individual practice as a CMA or look for jobs in public or private sectors and work in cost audit area, certification and consulting areas. The function of Cost Accountant is much more than that of a Financial Accountant as the former helps in production operations and processes.
Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
Those interested to make a career in Personal finance, wealth management, insurance planning, mutual fund investing can think of doing a course in Certified Financial Planning or CFP. To make it into the financial planning world one needs this certification in order to operate as a Certified Financial Planner or CFP.
Bachelor of Law (LLB)
Study of law is unquestionably one of the most gratifying career options considering the job challenges and financial benefits. Over the last few decades India INC has witnessed a steady rise in demand for law graduates in various professional fields.
Study of law is increasingly becoming a career choice for millennials. Earlier students were offered courses in civil, criminal, corporate, taxation, labour and election law. Today the repertoire has included new specializations including space, cyber, intellectual property, and international laws. The prospect for law students is very good as they are now better armed than those 10-15 years ago.
Read Top Study Abroad Options after B.Com.
Students can choose between a three-year LLB degree after graduation in any discipline or a five-year integrated BA LLB programme after plus two. Those seeking admission to the law programs have to write a test, like the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT).
With rising demands that are emerging with the fast-changing world, law schools of India introducing more dedicated subjects and programmes in their curricula. Programmes like Aviation law at NALSAR, Public policy at NLSIU, Entrepreneurship administration at NUJS and Labour welfare laws at Symbiosis Society’s Law College, have recently been initiated. In addition to new courses, the institutes have also started focussing on schooling law students through moot court sessions, competitive legal events, journal writing, and mandatory internships.