Science Vs Commerce Vs Arts: Which is Better?

Science Vs Commerce Vs Arts – Confused?

One of the biggest dilemmas a student faces is what to choose between science, commerce, and arts. There’s a lot of pressure on making this choice because students have to most likely continue to pursue an education in the same stream until the end of graduation or post-graduation. Though students can change streams, it takes a lot of time and effort to do that, so it’s better to make the right choice from the start. 

What is Science? 

The science stream in education encompasses subjects like physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of natural phenomena and scientific principles. It emphasizes hands-on laboratory work to reinforce theoretical concepts and develop practical skills in experimentation and data analysis. Additionally, there may be a focus on technology and engineering subjects, including computer science and robotics, to apply scientific principles to technological innovation. Through interdisciplinary studies and research projects, students learn to integrate knowledge from multiple disciplines, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation skills essential for careers in medicine, engineering, research, and technology.

What is Commerce?

Commerce is an academic discipline focused on the study of trade, business, and financial transactions, encompassing subjects such as Accounting, Economics, and Business Studies. Accounting involves recording and analysing financial transactions, Economics explores principles of resource allocation and production, and Business Studies covers various aspects of management. This stream provides a foundational understanding of the business world, preparing students for careers in finance, accounting, management, marketing, and entrepreneurship, equipping them with the necessary knowledge and skills for effective contribution to the economic environment.

What is Arts/Humanities?

The Arts stream covers a wide range of subjects related to humanities, social sciences, and creative expression. It includes subjects like literature, history, sociology, psychology, political science, philosophy, and fine arts. Unlike some other streams, Arts encourages students to explore various disciplines, promoting critical thinking and interdisciplinary learning. Students develop skills in analysis, communication, and creativity, which can be applied to diverse career paths such as writing, teaching, social work, public service, and the arts. Overall, the Arts stream provides a well-rounded education that fosters an understanding of culture, history, and human experience

How to Choose Between Science, Commerce, and Arts?

Science, commerce, and arts are the main subjects to choose from when it comes to undergrad education. Your 10th and 12th standard education is mainly to form a strong base for what is to come in the future, so the0020onus is on you to make the right choice. Since there is so much pressure, you will need help. Check out the following information which will help you decide between science, commerce, and arts.  

When to Opt for Science?

1. Liking for Natural Sciences – 

If you like natural sciences subjects like physics, chemistry, and biology, and have previously scored well in these subjects, you have to choose the science stream. Your love for these subjects will only grow as you get deeper into their study and learn in more detail. 

2. Good in Mathematics – 

Mathematics is a subject that is a strong part of most streams, especially the science stream. If you want to become a scientist, you will need to be good at mathematics. Equations, experiments, research, and studies – all of these are a part of science and need knowledge of mathematics. 

3. Diverse Careers – 

The science field has some of the most diverse careers. From an engineer to a physicist, you can find a wide range of careers in this field. You get the luxury of choice and an opportunity to pursue something you are truly passionate about and make good money while at it. 

4. Career in Computers – 

There are some courses that you can directly opt for if you are interested in making a career in computers and technology, but if you can’t opt for them, you will have to go the science route. Many courses in science can lead to a career in computers and technology. 

When to Opt for Commerce?

1. Good with Numbers – 

If you are good at basic math, you can consider doing commerce. Accounting does not require complex mathematics, but strong basic math. This math is also useful in economics as well. Therefore, if you are good with numbers, you can do really well in the commerce stream. 

2. White-Collar Jobs – 

If you are looking to have a low-stress, high paying job where you don’t have to work at odd hours, or do any kind of fieldwork, commerce is the stream for you. This does not mean white-collar jobs are any less important, rather, these jobs are very important. Office workers are the people behind the scenes ensuring everything runs smoothly. 

3. Start Your Own Business – 

In the commerce stream, you are taught about all aspects involved in running an organisation. Therefore, you will have all the knowledge and understanding of how to start and successfully run a business. Many entrepreneurs start with a commerce degree. 

4. For CA and CS – 

If you want to study courses like Chartered Accountancy (CA) and Company Secretary (CS), you will need to be a commerce graduate. CA and CS are specialist degrees that further build on what you learn in the commerce degree. CA and CS courses are held in high regard.  

When to Opt for Arts?

1. Passionate About Art – 

If you are passionate about art, craft, language, literature, music, films, photography, history or geography, you have to choose arts for graduation. Arts is a degree that allows you to follow your passion and even make a career complemented by good pay and benefits. 

2. Different Careers – 

If you are looking to have a different career than the norm, arts is the stream for you. People who study arts go for careers like psychologists, archaeologists, journalists, filmmakers, photographers, and more. Therefore, if you don’t want a 9 to 5 job, you should consider doing arts. 

3. Visual Media – 

There are many professions in visual media, and studying arts is the best way to be eligible for these professions. The visual media industry is one of the fastest-growing industries in the country and employs thousands of professionals. With an arts degree, you can be a part of this exciting industry. 

4. Satisfy Creative Thirst – 

You hear stories of so many people quitting their job later in life and pursuing creative professions. By choosing arts, you can do this right from the beginning. You can make fulfilling careers and be happy with what you do for a living. 

 

Key Points of Difference Between Science Vs Commerce Vs Arts

Science, Commerce, and Arts represent distinct academic streams, each offering a unique focus and preparing students for diverse career paths. Science emphasizes empirical study and experimentation, Commerce delves into trade and financial transactions, while Arts fosters creativity and humanities understanding. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the key differences between these streams in terms of subjects, career focus, exams/courses, skills developed, job opportunities, further education, practical application, and salary ranges.

Aspect	Science	Commerce	Arts
Subjects	Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics	Accounting, Economics, Business Studies	Literature, History, Sociology, Fine Arts
Career Focus	Engineering, Medicine, Technology	Finance, Accounting, Management	Writing, Teaching, Social Work, Arts
Exam/Courses	NEET, JEE, AIIMS (for medical/engineering)	CA Foundation, CS Foundation, B.Com	BA (Bachelor of Arts), BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts), BSW (Bachelor of Social Work)
Skills Developed	Analytical, Research, Problem-solving	Financial Analysis, Business Management	Critical Thinking, Communication, Creativity
Job Opportunities	Engineering, Medicine, IT, Research	Finance, Accounting, Marketing	Writing, Teaching, Social Work, Arts
Further Education	Engineering, Medicine, PhD in Sciences	MBA, Chartered Accountancy, Finance	Master’s in Humanities, Arts, Education
Practical Application	Laboratory experiments, Research projects	Financial Analysis, Business Strategies	Writing, Performing, Teaching, Advocacy
Salary Ranges
Typical Industries	Healthcare, Technology, Research	Banking, Consulting, Retail	Media, Education, Non-profits, Creative Industries

These representative courses give a glimpse of the specific academic pathway’s students might pursue within each stream.

Science Vs Commerce Vs Arts: Job Options

Choosing a career path after finishing 12th grade is a big decision. It’s important to grasp the different opportunities available in Science, Commerce, and Arts. Each stream opens up its own set of job options, giving students a variety of paths to consider based on their interests. By exploring the diverse career choices in Science, Commerce, and Arts, students can pick roles that match their passions and goals.

1. Career/Job Options After 12th Science

For students who have pursued Science in 12th grade, a plethora of career avenues available across diverse fields. Some potential options include:

• Engineer (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Chemical, etc.)
• Doctor
• Research Scientist
• IT Professional
• Pharmacist
• Biotechnologist
• Data Analyst
• Mathematician
• Physicist

2. Career/Job Options After 12th Commerce

Students who opt for Commerce in 12th grade delve into the world of business, finance, and economics. This stream equips them with knowledge and skills relevant to various sectors. Here are some potential career options:

• Accountant
• Financial Analyst
• Investment Banker
• Business Consultant
• Management Trainee
• Marketing Manager
• Entrepreneur
• Stock Broker
• Chartered Accountant

3. Career/Job Options After 12th Arts

Those who choose Arts in 12th grade often have a passion for humanities, social sciences, and creative expression. This stream fosters critical thinking, communication, and creativity, opening doors to diverse career paths. Here are some potential options:

• Writer/Author
• Teacher/Educator
• Journalist
• Social Worker
• Counsellor
• Graphic Designer
• Historian
• Artist/Designer
• Event Planner

Related Blog: Career Options After 12th Arts: What to Do After 12th Arts?

These are just a few examples of the many career paths available to students after completing their respective streams in 12th grade. Each stream offers unique opportunities suited to different interests and skill sets.

Science vs Commerce Vs Arts: Salary

Understanding the salary trends across different academic streams is crucial for students as they navigate their career choices. In India, graduates in Science, Commerce, and Arts experience varying average salaries, reflecting the diverse opportunities and demands within each field.

Commerce graduates, earning an average annual salary of ₹458,173, typically pursue roles in finance, accounting, and business management. Entry-level positions offer salaries starting at ₹275,000 per year, with experienced professionals earning up to ₹1,764,280 annually. These figures highlight the lucrative opportunities available in the commerce sector, attracting students with strong numerical skills and business acumen.

Professionals in the Science field are rewarded for their expertise and innovation. Roles such as Big Data Engineer, Database Administrator, and Machine Learning Engineer offer salaries ranging from 8 to 22 lakhs per annum. Medical surgeons and physicians earn between 6 to 12 lakhs annually, while Biotechnologists and Data Scientists command salaries between 4 to 17 lakhs per year. These figures underscore the financial rewards available to those passionate about scientific research and technological advancement.

In the Arts field, creativity and expression are highly valued, offering diverse career paths with varying salary ranges. Roles such as Video Editor and Graphic Designer offer salaries around ₹2,36,020 to ₹2,41,384 per year, while Creative Directors and Interior Designers earn between ₹2,60,863 to ₹8,33,441 annually. Despite the range, careers in the arts provide fulfilling avenues for individuals passionate about visual media, design, and creative expression.

Why Take the Right Decision?

Choosing the right stream is of utmost importance. You are going to invest 3 years of your life towards an undergraduate degree course, so it has to be the right one. Changing streams, later on, will waste a lot of time and money, and all your previous efforts become wasted. Here are some other reasons to make the right decision:

• For Your Knowledge – You don’t get an education just to get a job, you get an education to gain knowledge as well. If you have taken the right decision, you are going to gain a lot of knowledge in a subject that you love.   

• For Your Career – For most people, careers start right after graduation. Your bachelor’s degree decides what career path you are going to take. The wrong choice means you will end up in the wrong profession and be unsuccessful.  

• For Happiness – People in the wrong profession are also quite unhappy. When you do the right degree course, you will end up doing a job that you truly love. You’ll be getting paid to do what you love, resulting in happiness. 

• For Value for Money – Education in India is not cheap. Parents invest their hard-earned money to get their child educated, and if the stream is not the right one, it all becomes a big waste of time and money. 

• For Contributing to Society – People with the right education and profession contribute to the betterment of society. They not only pay taxes, but they are also moral citizens that make life better for others. 

The streams of science, commerce, and arts, each have their advantages and disadvantages. Today, all these streams lead to excellent careers, and you can make a good living in any of them. You can also choose to study further for a master’s degree and postgraduate courses. So, it all comes to what you are good at and what career you want to pursue. So, take the advice given above and choose the right career path for yourself. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, the decision between Science, Commerce, and Arts significantly shapes academic paths and future careers. Students need to reflect on their passions, strengths, and long-term goals before deciding. By aligning their educational journey with personal aspirations, individuals set themselves on a fulfilling path toward success.

Ultimately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to determine the best stream—it varies based on individual interests and ambitions. What truly matters is pursuing a path that ignites passion, fosters growth, and leads to fulfilment. With careful thought and introspection, students can confidently navigate their academic and career choices, paving the way for a rewarding future.