What Is Bachelor of Commerce (B. Com)?
Bachelor of Commerce, popularly known as B. Com, is a graduate degree that lets you specialise in commerce. Most students, who have done their 12th standard in commerce, enroll for the B. Com degree. Even arts and science students can switch streams and join the B.com degree after their 12th standard. B. Com is a popular degree with a lot of scope for employment. It also forms a strong base for further education. There’s a lot you can do with a B.Com.
If you are considering getting into B. Com there’s a lot more you should know that will help you make an informed decision. You should know about the different types of degrees, specialisations, B. Com with honours, duration of the degree, eligibility, admissions, fees, and career opportunities. Therefore, read on to know all that you need to know about the bachelor of commerce degree.
How Many Types of B. Com Courses?
B. Com is versatile. There are different types of degrees that you can choose. Though most students first go for the conventional graduate degree, there are other options as well that are just as valuable, will ensure you learn a lot, and find a good job and career.
1. B. Com
The bachelor of commerce degree is the most popular degree amongst students. This degree is perfect to get a good job in a multitude of companies spread across a wide variety of industries. In B. Com, you have subjects like accountancy, economics, mathematics or computer, business communication, English, additional English, cost & works accounting, banking & financial systems, and entrepreneurship. Some of the subjects come in the later semesters. With such a wide scope of subjects, B. Com students can choose a good specialisation to make a career in or study further.
2. B. Com (Honours)
B. Com with Honours or B. Com (H) is similar to the B. Com degree when it comes to the subjects. This is also a 3-year degree course that is easily available in most govt.-recognised universities. This degree is a great stepping stone for further education, especially if you want to do professional courses like Chartered Accountancy (CA) or Company Secretary (CS). Students who also want a career in different industries like teaching, journalism, communications, design, etc. go for B. Com (H).
3. B. Com (LLB)
B. Com (LLB) is a 5-year degree course that combines the subject of commerce and law. In it, you have subjects like auditing, economics, business communication, statistics, constitution law, consumer protection law, legal language, the law of contract, etc. By the end of the course, you will be a lawyer, eligible to take the bar council exam and then practice as a lawyer. In total, you have to clear 10 semesters and in the later ones, you get to choose your specialisation in which you complete your law degree.
4. B. Com Accounting and Finance
B. Com Accounting and Finance is a three-year program at the University of Mumbai that comprises 6 semesters, focusing on comprehensive training in Accounting and finance. It prepares students for roles as Chartered Accountants and Financial Analysts, emphasizing practical learning, placements, and decision-making skills.
5. B. Com Banking and Insurance
B. Com Banking and Insurance is a three-year course at the University of Mumbai that spans 6 semesters, emphasizing business analytics and preparing graduates for careers in the Banking and Insurance sectors. It covers statistical analysis, predictive modelling, and operational techniques vital for roles in mortgages, insurance, and back-office operations.
6. B. Com Financial Markets
B. Com Financial Markets, a three-year course at the University of Mumbai across 6 semesters, equips students with skills in Accounting and finance, focusing on practical training and placements. Tailored for aspiring Chartered Accountants and Financial Analysts, it emphasizes decision-making and execution abilities in financial domains.
B. Com Course Details: Key Highlights
The Bachelor of Commerce (B. Com) program equips students with a comprehensive understanding of various subjects essential for roles in commerce, finance, and business. Here’s an overview showcasing the key details of the B. Com course:
| Aspect | Details |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Semesters | 6 semesters (2 semesters per year) |
| Subjects | Accountancy, Economics, Mathematics or Computer, Business Communication, English, Additional English, Cost & Works Accounting, Banking & Financial Systems, Entrepreneurship |
| Specializations | Students can choose specialized fields for further study or career pathways |
| Degree Types | B. Com, B. Com (Honours), B. Com (LLB) |
| Career Paths | Chartered Accountancy, Company Secretary, Teaching, Journalism, Communications, Design |
This program, spanning 3 years with 6 semesters, covers a range of subjects including Accountancy, Economics, Mathematics or Computer, Business Communication, English, Additional English, Cost and works Accounting, Banking and Financial Systems, and Entrepreneurship. Students can opt for specialized fields for further study or career pathways, leading to various career options such as Chartered Accountancy, Company Secretary, or roles in teaching, journalism, communications, and design.
Duration of The B. Com Degree
The B. Com degree should not need you more than 3 years to finish. You can have a backlog of 2 subjects per year, but you have to clear those backlogs in the next semester. Failure to clear them will result in a repeated year. More than 2 backlogs will also result in a repeated year.
B. Com: Fees
The fee for B. Com, compared to other graduation courses, is not very high. Along with arts, it is one of the most affordable degree courses. However, the fee is completely dependent on the college you are doing your degree from. Government-aided colleges tend to have lower fees, as compared to private colleges.
The tuition fees for a Bachelor’s degree in commerce can vary among universities affiliated with the UGC. The B. Com Course fees typically range between INR 14,000 to as high as INR 80,000, showcasing the disparity in costs across different institutions.
B. Com Eligibility Criteria
There are certain criteria you need to fit into to be able to enrol in a B. Com degree course. Here are the eligibility criteria for the B. Com course: –
- You need to be 12th pass in the subject of commerce. However, under special circumstances, 12th-pass students of science and arts may also join and change streams.
- You need to have scored more than the minimum cut-off percentage of the college you are applying to.
- This minimal cut-off percentage score is completely dependent on the college or university.
B. Com Admission Process
The B. Com admission process may differ from state to state. However, there are a few things that remain the same. Let’s take a look at the common steps in the admission process for B.Com. Remember, there are no entrance exams for B.Com.
- First, you have to register on the website of the university you are interested in.
- Next, you have to download and fill out an online form of the university.
- You have to attach your 12th mark sheet along with the correctly filled-out form.
- In the form, in a particular section, you can fill out your preferred colleges.
- Submit the form and wait for the colleges to release their admission lists.
If you are unhappy with the college you have been allotted, you may directly approach the college of your choice for admission. Once colleges are done with the university admissions, and there are seats left, they provide admissions to students directly approaching the college. The fee structure may vary in such a case.
B. Com Entrance Exam 2024
Admissions for B. Com in 2024 are attainable through either entrance examinations or merit-based selection processes. These entrance tests are conducted at both state and university levels. Common entrance exams enabling admission to B. Com courses include SAT, CUET, DUET, BHU UET, and AMU Entrance Exam. Acknowledged by the University Grants Commission (UGC), B. Com is recognized as a three-year undergraduate degree course. Alongside traditional full-time programs, alternatives such as Distance B. Com or Online B. Com courses are available for learners.
- Delhi University Entrance Test (DUET)
- Banaras Hindu University Undergraduate Entrance Test (BHU UET)
- Aligarh Muslim University Entrance Exam (AMU Entrance Exam)
- Symbiosis Entrance Test (SET)
- Christ University Entrance Test
- Panjab University Common Entrance Test (PU CET)
- Mumbai University Common Management Entrance Test (MUCMET)
- Madras University Entrance Test (MUET)
- Osmania University Common Entrance Test (OUCET)
B. Com Course Syllabus & Subjects
The B. Com program covers subjects like Corporate Taxation, Financial Law, Economics, and Accounting. Each subject is worth 100 marks, split into 20 marks for internal assessment and 80 marks for external exams. The program spans six semesters over three years and includes core, elective, and optional subjects. The Ministry of Education is considering a Choice-Based System for B. Com subjects. B. Com is a popular choice after 12th grade, with over 9 lakh students opting for it, according to the AISHE Report.
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
| Financial Accounting | Language: English/ Hindi/ Modern Indian Language |
| Environmental Studies | Business Law |
| English Language | Hindi/ Modern Indian Language |
| Business Organisation and Management | Business Mathematics and Statistics |
| Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
| Income Tax Law and Practice | Corporate Accounting |
| Hindi/ Modern Indian Language | Cost Accounting |
| Computer Applications in Business | E-Commerce |
| Company Law | Business Communication (English/ Hindi) |
| Semester 5 | Semester 6 |
| Principles of Microeconomics | Fundamentals of Investment |
| Principles of Marketing | Banking and Insurance |
| Indirect Tax Law | International Business |
| Human Resource Management | Corporate Tax Planning |
| Fundamentals of Financial Management | Computerised Accounting System |
| Entrepreneurship | Office Management and Secretarial Practice |
| Auditing and Corporate Governance | Management Accounting |
| – | Consumer Protection |
| – | Personal Selling and Salesmanship |
| – | Indian Economy |
The B. Com curriculum includes core and optional subjects covering a wide spectrum of knowledge areas. Here are some elective subjects commonly offered in B. Com programs:
- Advanced Mathematics
- Enterprise Resource Planning
- Financial Risk Management (FRM)
- Insights into Consumer Behavior
- Portfolio Management
- Global Finance
- Banking Technology
- Intellectual Property Law
- Science of Management
- Tourism Management and Marketing
- Supply Chain Management
List of Available Top 5 B. Com Specialisation
During your B. Com, you will have to choose a specialisation:
1. B. Com (Economics)
Many students like to specialise in economics for their B. Com degree. Economics is one of the most important subjects in the country, and there is a need for economists. In this specialisation, you learn in-depth, micro-level and macro-level economics. This specialisation opens doors for doctorates, and also professions like economists and college professors.
2. B. Com (Accounting & Finance)
The accounting and finance specialisation is for those students who are good with numbers. Students take this specialisation if they want to make careers in accounts or financial management. Both industries have good job opportunities and salaries.
3. B. Com (Financial Markets)
This is an upcoming specialisation that is garnering the interest of many students, as it is all about the national and international financial markets. You can choose from many high-paying careers this specialisation leads to.
4. B. Com (Banking & Insurance)
Be a part of the country’s two of the most growing industries – banking & insurance – this specialisation. With banking, you can find jobs in nationalised banks, private banks, cooperative banks, and financial institutions. In insurance, you can find jobs with a nationalised insurer or many international insurers that operate in the country. Salaries are good in both industries.
5. B. Com (Taxation)
This is the age of taxes. Therefore, specialising in taxation will only open multiple doors regarding your career. You can find work with government institutes or a wide range of companies across many industries.
Career Opportunities After B. Com Degree
There was a time when people assumed that the B. Com would only result in clerical jobs, but that is not true. With a B. Com, you can find jobs in many industries. Commerce is a subject that teaches you about accountancy, economics, industries, and financial and company management. These are important subjects in a country whose economy is growing.
There are many jobs you can aim for in an industry that you like. This is one of the biggest advantages. To know more about the career options for B. Com graduates, read the following article.
Know more about Job and career Opportunities after B. Com Degree
B. Com Graduate Average Salary in India
B. Com graduates in India have a promising career outlook. Initially, they secure roles like accountants or junior analysts, starting at Rs. 2,50,000 – Rs. 4,50,000 per annum. With experience, they progress to roles like financial analysts or audit associates, averaging Rs. 5,00,000 – Rs. 8,00,000 annually.
Further certifications like CA, CMA, or CPA can elevate earning potential, leading to roles such as financial managers or investment analysts, fetching Rs. 8,00,000 – Rs. 15,00,000 per annum or more. Salaries vary across regions; metros like Mumbai or Bangalore offer higher pay due to the cost of living, while finance, IT, and e-commerce sectors generally provide more competitive salaries.
List of The Top Recruiters for B. Com Graduates
B. Com graduates are highly employable, especially when the economy is on the upswing, and even when the economy, on the whole, is not doing great, but a certain industry is, B. Com graduates still find a lot of jobs in this industry.
Here are some top recruiters who are giants of the industries, and absorb a large number of B. Com graduates. They are also known to offer good salaries and benefits. After your graduation, you can look for jobs with them.
Let’s explore some of the top companies for B. Com graduates:
- Capgemini: Capgemini is a prominent employer for B. Com graduates in India, offering diverse roles across different locations.
- Wipro: Wipro is a great platform for B. Com graduates, recruiting talent from leading business schools and providing opportunities to work on challenging projects.
- TCS: TCS, a global IT services provider, is another top recruiter for B. Com graduates, offering a wide range of IT solutions.
- Amazon: Amazon, known for its innovation, seeks B. Com graduates who can think creatively and contribute new ideas.
- Flipkart: Flipkart is a major recruiter of B. Com graduates, hiring thousands annually for various departments.
- Deloitte: Deloitte offers numerous career options for B. Com graduates, including roles in audit, taxation, consulting, and financial advisory.
- Cognizant: Cognizant, a leading digital business transformation services provider, hires thousands of B. Com graduates annually.
- Accenture: Accenture recruits B. Com graduates and provides on-the-job training to help them develop professionally.
- Genpact: Genpact, a global professional services firm, offers diverse career opportunities for B. Com graduates at different levels.
- Infosys: Infosys is a top recruiter for B. Com graduates, providing opportunities for freshers to work in various roles.
- KPMG: KPMG, a Big Four accounting firm, recruits B. Com graduates and is known for its excellent training and development programs.
Benefits of B. Com Degree: Why Choose B. Com Course?
There are many advantages a B. Com brings you. From career choices to salary packages, many things make B. Com lucrative to students. Be sure to learn of these advantages before choosing a degree course after your 12th.
- Career Options: A B. Com learns everything about how an organisation functions. From accounting to management, they learn it all. This makes them highly employable across many industries, thus giving them many career options.
- Starting Salary: B. Com graduates get good starting salaries, which of course, will grow into a substantial amount. Benefits are also good, but all of this also depends on the company you find employment in.
- Job Security: B. Com graduates find jobs in industries with a lot of job security. The banking industry is the best example. Banks are closely watched by the government and other governing institutions. Hence, job losses and bank shutdowns are rare.
- Entrepreneurship: Many B. Com graduates can also become entrepreneurs and start their own businesses. They understand how to start and run a company and many other intricate details. This is something science and arts students can’t do.
- Stress-Free Education: Compared to other streams, commerce students tend to be less stressed about their education and examinations. It’s not that B. Com is easy, but owing to the many options in education and high employability, B. Com students have a more positive outlook for a career.
If you have decided on doing B. Com, you have made a smart choice as you must have read above that many good universities and colleges provide this degree course. And the course is excellent with a lot of scope for employment, making your career and future secure. Hopefully, you will now know how to go about securing admission and choosing a career path.
What is the Difference Between B. Com & B. Com (Hons)?
Though B. Com and B. Com (H) seem to be similar degrees, some differences set them apart. These differences are what most students look at and choose accordingly. However, one good this that is common with both is that they can lead to good higher education and careers for the students.
- Eligibility: For B. Com (H), you will need to have passed your 12th commerce with mathematics as mathematics is an important subject at the graduate level, whereas, in B. Com, you can choose between mathematics and computers, with the latter being chosen by most students.
- Higher Education: B. Com (H) is preferred for higher education like Chartered Accountants or Company Secretaries. Although you are still eligible for those courses with a B. Com as well, people wanting to become CA or CS generally take B. Com (H).
- Curriculum: Most of the subjects in both the degree courses are almost the same. However, in a B. Com (H), all the subjects are taught a little more in detail as compared to a B. Com (H).
B. Com Course Comparison: B. Com Vs. Other Courses
Comparing the Bachelor of Commerce (B. Com) program with other academic courses sheds light on the distinctive features, career prospects, and specialized learning offered by each. Here’s a comparative overview highlighting key differences between B. Com and other courses.
1. B. Com vs BBA: What is better B. Com or BBA?
A Bachelor of Commerce (B. Com) and a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) are popular undergraduate business degrees. A B. Com lays the groundwork in business and commerce principles, encompassing subjects like accounting, finance, economics, and management. A BBA is designed to prepare students for careers in business and management, covering areas such as marketing, finance, human resources, and operations management.
| Aspect | B. Com | BBA |
| Focus | Commerce, Accounting, Economics | Business Administration, Management |
| Core Subjects | Accounting, Economics, Business Mathematics | Business Law, Marketing, Finance |
| Career Pathways | Accounting, Finance, Banking | Management, Marketing, Human Resources |
| Specializations | Chartered Accountancy, Financial Analysis | Marketing Management, International Business |
| Job Opportunities | Accountant, Financial Analyst | Marketing Executive, Business Development |
| Industry Application | Financial Sector, Banking, Commerce | Corporate Sector, Sales, Retail |
2. B. Com vs B.Sc.
Both B.Sc. and B. Com graduates have ample career opportunities, B.Com offers greater potential for a successful career. However, with a B.Sc. degree, you can explore job opportunities in government, small-scale management, laboratories, and education.
| Aspect | B. Com | B.Sc. |
| Focus | Commerce, Accounting, Economics | Science, Specialized Subjects |
| Core Subjects | Accounting, Economics, Business Mathematics | Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology |
| Career Paths | Accounting, Finance, Banking | Research, Science & Technology Fields |
| Specializations | Chartered Accountancy, Financial Analysis | Biotechnology, Computer Science, Physics |
| Job Opportunities | Accountant, Financial Analyst | Research Scientist, Software Developer |
| Industry Application | Financial Sector, Banking, Commerce | Pharmaceuticals, Technology, Research |
3. B. Com vs BAF
BAF, also referred to as B. Com (A&F), is a specialized subset of B. Com, concentrating on Accounts and Finance. In contrast, B. Com provides a broad overview of various aspects of Business.
| Aspect | B. Com | BAF |
| Focus | Commerce, Accounting, Economics | Finance, Accounting, Investment Management |
| Core Subjects | Accounting, Economics, Business Mathematics | Financial Accounting, Corporate Finance |
| Career Paths | Accounting, Banking, Finance | Investment Banking, Portfolio Management |
| Specializations | Chartered Accountancy, Financial Analysis | Investment Analysis, Wealth Management |
| Job Opportunities | Accountant, Financial Analyst | Financial Planner, Investment Analyst |
| Industry Application | Financial Sector, Banking, Commerce | Finance & Investment, Wealth Management |
What Can I Do After B. Com?
Upon completing a Bachelor of Commerce (B. Com), a myriad of opportunities awaits for further education and career growth. Here are several pathways to explore:
- Pursue a Master’s Degree (M. Com, MBA, MA Economics)
- Consider Doctoral Studies (Ph.D. in Commerce or related fields)
- Enroll in Professional Courses (Chartered Accountancy – CA, Cost and Management Accountancy – CMA, Company Secretary – CS)
- Opt for Specialized Courses (Financial Analysis, Investment Banking, Business Analytics)
- Consider Certifications (Certified Financial Planner – CFP, Chartered Financial Analyst – CFA)
- Explore Government Exams (UPSC, SSC, Banking, Insurance)
- Venture into Entrepreneurship or Start a Business
- These options after B. Com provide avenues for advanced education, skill enhancement, and diverse career prospects across various sectors.
Want to Know More About B. Com Course?
B. Com is a vast subject and if there is still something more you want to know more about the Bachelor of Commerce Course or general guidance. Contact us today.
