Career Options after 12th Commerce
After completing the 12th grade, it’s time to start thinking about what you want to do in the future. The Commerce stream offers various options for courses and careers after high school. Usually, students only know about a few courses available after 12th Commerce, but there are many different paths and fields where you can explore your interests and build a career.
The popular commerce courses after 12th class are related to subjects like Accounting, Marketing, Management, Business Administration, and Banking.
However, besides these standard courses, few people know of other career options in Commerce after the 12th, such as BBS, BBI, and BAF.
List of Career Options after 12th Commerce.
1. Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com):
It is one of the most popular and sought-after courses among students who choose the commerce stream. This is a three-year undergraduate course that imparts education related to commerce and finance subjects like corporate tax, accounting, auditing, company law, and management.
There is also an option for pursuing honours in this particular degree with a specialization in some particular subjects while general B.Com comprises all the relevant subjects. The duration of both the courses is the same, i.e., three years.
The general eligibility criteria for this course is that the candidate must have pursued 12th class with subjects like Accounts, Business Studies, Economics and English as their main subjects.
Maths as an optional subject in 12th may or may not be an essential requirement depending upon the college chosen. Other than this, the candidate needs to clear the cutoff marks for that particular degree in a particular college or pass the entrance test if there is any.
Some of the top colleges offering B.Com are-
• Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC)
• Lady Shree Ram College for Women
• Loyola College
• Hindu College
• Joseph College of Commerce
• Narsee Monjee College of Commerce and Economics
• Hansraj College
2. Bachelor of Business Administration:
This is also one of the most popular courses among students in all three streams: Science, Commerce, and Arts. The subjects taught under this curriculum include Management principles, Business Analytics, Marketing Management, Digital Marketing, Business Laws, and Human Resource Management.
This course is especially popular among students who wish to go into Management Field and pursue an MBA in the future. The course teaches various aspects of business administration and marketing.
Various specializations can be pursued with BBA. They are also among the trending commerce courses after class 12th.
| Business Administration | International Business | Computer Applications |
| Accounting | Tourism | Supply chain |
| Entrepreneurship | Sports Management | Information Systems |
| Hospitality | Finance | Retail |
| Human Resources | Management | Global Business |
| Hospital & Healthcare | Marketing | Human Resource Management |
- To choose among these specializations, one need to consider few points:
- Making a list of the colleges offering particular specializations.
- Do thorough research about each of these specializations’ curriculum and future scope, checking out things like fees, placements, future chances of growth, etc.
- Note the pros and cons of each of them to clarify things further.
- Discovering your interest and choosing your specialization accordingly.
Colleges offering BBA : - Institute of Management-Christ University (IMCU)
- Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS)
- Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies (SSCBS)
- School of Business Management-Noida International University (NIUSBM)
- ICFAI Business School
3. Chartered Accountant (CA)
- This is a certified 5-year course which is offered by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). It tops the list of best courses after 12th Commerce. The course comprises three levels: Foundation, Intermediate, and Final.
- CA Foundation: This is an entry-level exam that students can take after class 12. It will enable them to start their Chartered accountant journey, as those who clear it will only be eligible to sit for the intermediate exam. This exam takes place twice a year. There are four exams in Foundation.
- CA Intermediate: This is Level 2, which comes after qualifying the Foundation exam.
- CA Final Exam: Candidates are qualified to take this exam once they pass the intermediate level and complete their mandatory articled training, which must last at least 2.5 years. To be eligible to take this exam, students also need to pursue an Advanced Integrated Course on Information Technology and Soft Skills (AICITSS) during their training period. The CA certification is provided once the student clears this exam.
- This course can be taken by Science, Commerce, or Arts stream students after giving the foundation exam.
| Stream | Eligibility for registering with ICAI |
| Commerce | Passing of 12th exam with minimum 50% aggregate marks |
| Non-Commerce (with mathematics) | Passing of 12th exam with minimum 60% aggregate marks |
| Non-Commerce (without Mathematics) | Passing of 12th exam with minimum 55% aggregate marks |
4. Company Secretary (CS)
This course is offered by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) and is completed in three levels for the students who join this course after 10+2, on completion of which, the certificate of Company Secretaryship is issued.
The three levels after 10+2 of CS are:
Foundation program: This has four papers that involve subjects like Business environment, management, ethics, communication, accounting, and economics. This exam takes place twice a year, in June and December.
Executive Program: It has eight papers covering topics like General Laws, Company Law, Tax Law, Corporate and Management Accounting, capital markets, Financial and Strategic management, etc.
Professional Program: In this, you have nine papers divided into three modules involving Risk Management, Advanced Tax Laws, Secretarial Audit, Corporate Funding, and Listing, etc. In the final module, candidates can choose one specialization out of
- Banking laws and practice
- Capital
- Commodity and Money market
- Insurance law and practice
- Intellectual property rights-Law and Practice
- International Business- Law and Practice
After completing their graduation, those who wish to join this course need to clear only two levels for completing CS, i.e., Executive and Professional Programme.
There is also a mandatory training program which includes different types such as Student Induction Program (SIP), Compulsory computer training program, management of professional training, specialized agency training, Executive Development Program (EDP), Professional Development Program (PDP), and Management Skills Orientation Programme (MSOP).
Students of all three streams can join the Foundation Program – Science, Commerce, and Arts (except Fine arts.), and the Executive Program can be joined by any graduate (except fine arts).
5. Bachelor of Computer Application (BCA)
This is a three-year undergraduate program that teaches basic computer and software development skills and opens the chances of a job in the IT sector. This sets up a base for an advanced career in Computer Applications.
This course curriculum includes computer languages like C++, Python, Java, and Oracle. This also dwells in professional aspects such as cloud computing, computer networks, user interface design, graphics and animation, Unix, web development, etc.
The admission to this course can be merit-based or an entrance exam (SET, GSAT, AIMA-UGAT, BUMAT) depending upon the college.
This course is also offered in online or distance learning for students to pursue without attending regular college.
Top specializations that can be opted while doing BCA are-
• IT Technologies
• Programming languages
• Management information system (MIS)
• Computer Graphics
• Network systems
• Internet technologies
• System analytics
• Music and video processing
The students pursuing this course can be recruited as system engineers, software testers, web developers, system administrators, or software developers.
Top recruiters for this include Oracle, IBM, Infosys, Wipro, Indian Air Force, etc. Or students can decide to go for further education like Masters in Computer Application (MCA) or MBA in IT Management.
6. BA. Economics (Honours)
It is a three-year undergraduate program for students after 12th The eligibility includes having economics as a subject in class 12 and clearing the cutoff of the respective college. Some colleges may even have an entrance test with an interview or may require Maths as a compulsory subject in 10+2. This also comes under the best course options for commerce students.
The curriculum will vary from university to university but overall widely includes Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Statistics, Mathematics, and Econometrics. There are also a variety of electives that can be chosen with this course like Finance, Marketing, Business Management, etc.
This course will impart knowledge related to Micro and Macro Economics, Mathematical methods, economic theory and statistics, history and development of Economics in India, Economics of society, financial markets, and Development Theory.
The students pursuing this course are widely working in the banking, finance, and marketing sector. Others prefer to go for higher studies like MA in economics or even a Ph.D. or MBA. Some recruiters after BA. Economics include Berkshire Hathaway, JP Morgan, HSBC, ICBC, Citigroup, etc.
Top colleges offering this Commerce
| Shree Ram College of Commerce | Lady Shri Ram College | St. Stephen’s College |
| Loyola College | Miranda House | Madras Christian College |
| Fergusson College | Hansraj College | Hindu College |
| Ramjas College | Jesus and Mary College | Sri Venkateswara College |
7. LLB (Bachelors of Law)
- After completing 12th Commerce, one can opt for this five-year integrated program if you want to establish your law, justice, and administration career. The primary regulatory body for this is the Bar Council of India (BCI).
- There are three integrated programs available with LLB by various National Law Universities (NLUs) all over the country- BA. LLB, B.Com LLB, and BBA LLB. In BA LLB, the students are taught Art subjects along with Law. For B.Com with LLB, subjects of Commerce are part of the curriculum along with law subjects, and for BBA LLB, management subjects with law subjects like criminal law, civil law, tax law, corporate law, patent law, social law, etc.
| Course | Subjects along with Law |
| BA LLB | History, political science, sociology, Economics |
| B.Com LLB | Auditing, Business Statistics, Economics, Business Communication |
| BBA LLB | Principle Of Management, Financial Accounting, Computer Application, Effective Communication |
- Various specializations can be done with LLB
- Company Law
- Criminal Law
- Corporate law
- Business law
- Patent and Intellectual Property Law
- Civil and Private law
- Cyber Law
- Legal Studies
- Entrance exams that students can take to enroll in various NLUs are
| AILET (ALL INDIA LAW ENTRANCE TEST) | TS LAWSET |
| CLAT (COMMON LAW ADMISSION TEST) | ILSAT (ICFAI ADMISSION TEST) |
| SLAT (SYMBIOSIS LAW ADMISSION TEST) | BHU BLAT (BHU BA LLB ADMISSION TEST) |
| LSAT (LAW SCHOOL ADMISSION TEST) | MH-CET (MAHARASHTRA COMMON ENTRANCE TEST) |
Best NLUs as per NIRF ranking are :
- National Law University, New Delhi
- National Law School of India University
- Nalsar University of Law
- National Law University, Jodhpur
- The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences
- Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur
- Gujarat National Law University
- Symbiosis Law School
- Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi
- The Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Law
8. Bachelor of Accounting and Finance (BAF)
This course includes exploring the realms of Accounting, Market systems, Management, Finance, Taxation, and Banking. The duration of this course is also three years.8.
The general eligibility criteria are that the candidate must have cleared 10+2 with commerce stream, and the minimum percentage can vary from college to college. Some colleges may have entrance exams. Students who want to pursue it from foreign universities will need their TOEFL, IELTS, or other English proficiency test scores.
• The curriculum includes subjects similar to B.Com
• Business law
• Financial accounting
• Taxation
• Auditing
• Information technology
• Risk management
• Business communication
• Top colleges in India offering BAF are
• Gujarat University
• B.Institute of Communication and Management.
• Teresian College.
• Aloysius Evening College.
• HA College of Commerce.
9. CMA (Cost and Management Accountant)
This certification is given by the Institute of Cost Accountants of India. This is the same as ICWAI. This exam is also one of the most challenging professional exams in India.
This professional course is now becoming more and more popular among Commerce students to aim for a career in accounting and Finance. This is pursued in three levels.
• CMA Foundation
• CMA Intermediate
• CMA Final
The eligibility for sitting in the Foundational level exam is 10+2 cleared from a recognized board. The exams for CMA take place twice a year, in June and November. However, graduates in any stream (apart from Fine Arts) are directly eligible for Intermediate exam level.
The curriculum of this course is
| Foundation | Intermediate paper 1 | Intermediate paper 2 | Final Paper 1 | Final Paper 2 |
| Fundamentals of Economics and Management | Financial Accounting
| Operations Management & Strategic Management | Corporate Laws & Comaliance | Corporate Financial Reporting |
| Fundamentals of Accounting | Laws & Ethics | Cost & Management Accounting and Financial Management | Strategic Financial Management | Indirect Tax Laws & Practice |
| Fundamentals of Laws and Ethics
| Direct Taxation | Indirect Taxation (Including Customs Act) | Strategic Cost Management – Decision Making | Cost & Management Audit |
| Fundamentals of Business Mathematics & Statistics | Cost Accounting | Company Accounts & Audit | Direct Tax Laws and International Taxation
| Strategic Performance Management and Business Valuation |
There is also mandatory training to be taken during the Intermediate level (100 hours of computer training; Communication and Soft Skills Training) and the Final level (Industry oriented training program and 15 months of practical training).
10. Bachelor of Business Studies (BBS)
- This is a three-year undergraduate course for commerce students. This course offers to teach intricacies of business, marketing, and Finance.
- Similar to the BBA curriculum, it offers a more practical approach to realistic, industry-oriented courses. It helps enhance your entrepreneurship skills.
- The general eligibility is just a 10+2 commerce stream from a recognized board with a minimum percentage of marks required as per the college cutoff. IPU-CET, DU-JAT, and BHU UET are some of the entrance exams for admission to this course.
- Major subjects covered are Business Economics, Financial Accounting, Business Statistics, Public Relations, Marketing management, Information technology, Corporate Governance, and Business policy and strategy.
- BBS also includes electives such as Investment analysis, Portfolio management, Brand management, advertising, Income Tax and planning, and Financial markets.
- Job profiles after BBS include HR Manager, Information system manager, Management accountant, business consultant, marketing manager, research and development manager, and product manager. Top companies like IBM, McKinsey, TCS, Accenture, and HCL also recruit after BBS.
Top Colleges offering BBS course are :
- Deen Dayal Upadhyaya College
- Aryabhatta College
- Ramanujan College
- Sri Guru Gobind College of Commerce
- Keshav Mahavidyalaya
11. Bachelor of Banking and Insurance (BBI)
- It is a six-semester undergraduate program comprising a three-year program for students after 12th Commerce who want to make a career in the banking, finance, and insurance sectors.
- The curriculum focuses on the theoretical as well as practical aspects of banking procedures, management, insurance speculations, law, and regulations. Moreover, it also covers communication skills along with exposure to new banking policies and reforms through case studies, projects, presentations, and seminars, which form a part of the course curriculum.
- The admission is merit-based or entrance test-based. Some of the entrance tests include the Chandigarh University test, the Mumbai University test, etc. However, students do need to have maths in their 10+2 for pursuing BBI.
- The colleges that offer the BBI course are Jai Hind College, Rizvi College of Arts, Science, and Commerce, C Mithibai College of Arts, Commerce, and Science, and Narsee Monjee Institute of Management.
These were some of the best courses after 12th Commerce, which are widely pursued by students after high school and have a broad scope and huge demand in commerce. However, the options to pursue the students of Commerce stream are not limited to these ten options only. The students can explore other fields or courses that fit their interests and eligibility.
Other Top Courses After 12th Commerce
There are also some other professional courses after 12th Commerce that can be taken up according to one’s interests. Here is another list of courses after 12th Commerce that were not included in the above 10.
| BA. English Hons. | Bachelor of Financial Markets (BFM) |
| B.Sc Hons. Statistics | BA Visual Communication |
| BFT (Bachelor of Foreign Trade) | Mass media and Journalism |
| BMS (Bachelor of Management Studies) | Hotel Management Program (BHM) |
| Travel and tourism | Bachelor of Fine Arts |
After graduation also there are many courses in Commerce that can be taken up to increase your job options with higher salaries. They make you stand out and help you differentiate from the rest of the graduate crowd in the race of getting better employment opportunities. These further certifications will make you gain more skills and expertise in business and commerce-related fields, opening you up to many new options and opportunities.
- Master in Business Administration (MBA): It is the most common post-graduation course pursued by students in the commerce field. It has various specialization options available like Finance, Human Resources, IT, Banking, etc., which will help you develop expertise in that particular field. For admission to top B-schools, you need to give entrance exams like the CAT exam. It is always better to pursue an MBA after gaining 2-3 years of work experience.
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA): This is a global course that is offered by only the CFA Institute of USA. This is one of the most highly reputed degrees in the field of Finance and Investment analysis and management. The duration of the course actually ranges from 1.5 to 4 years. It is considered one of the most challenging exams to pass, with an average passing rate of only 43%. The course comprises 10 subjects which are taught in a total of 3 levels.
- Certified Management Accountant: It is also a globally recognized certification that can be done after graduation. The chances of getting a job abroad are high in the case of this course. The course is offered by the Institute of Management Accountants in the USA. To gain this certification, you need to clear two levels of examination, and also work experience of 2 years is also mandatory.
- Financial Risk Manager: Offered by the Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP) and is considered very high risk and management sector qualification. This is a short-term course of 9 months that will have its exam conducted in May and November. The role after this certification is to analyze and identify threats to company assets and earning capacity.
- US Certified Public Accounting (CPA): This is another globally recognized course offered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). You need to have a strong skill set in accounting. The primary role of such individuals is financial reporting along with advising officials, preparing financial audits, and informing investors about the company state.
Commerce Career Options after 12th
The Commerce stream is a job-oriented stream with many opportunities and chances of growth in the future. With increasing globalization and growing industries, the demand for individuals in this sector has rapidly increased.
To choose your future career in Commerce, you first need to be appropriately aware of the career options in Commerce.
List of Popular Career Options in Commerce
Chartered Accountant:
It is one of the most popular career options after 12th Commerce. After getting this certification and title of CA, one can work as an accounting professional and handle auditing, taxation, recording financial statements of companies, businesses, or individuals, and filing returns.
The working areas include Law and Tax firms, the IT sector, banking services, and companies.
Company Secretary:
It is one of the most lucrative jobs in the Commerce world and domain. It is also among the popular career options after 12th Commerce. After getting this certification, you become an associate member of ICSI.
Job profiles after this include company registrar, legal advisor, corporate policymaker, managing director, administrative secretary, chief administrative officer, and others. Top recruiters are ONGC, Deloitte, KPMG, JYP Group, Punjab National Bank, and HCL technologies Pvt Ltd.
Cost Accountant:
It includes jobs like assessing the cost information and making and maintaining an expenses database. It is part of courses of Commerce in bachelors as well as masters.
Managing cost information for maximizing a company’s profit and preparing budget reports are primary work under this profile. You can be recruited as an accountant, financial director, or chief auditor.
Investment Banker:
With advanced qualifications like CFA or MBA in Finance and banking, you can establish an amazing career in this field line.
This is also among the top career options after 12th Commerce. Their main line of work includes raising capital from the possible sources for the general operations of the company and also deciding on mergers and acquisitions.
This is a profession with handsome salary options along with working with some of the biggest corporations of the market like JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley, Deutsche Bank, and others.
Entrepreneur:
Among all options, you can also start your own business with commerce and market skills that you have acquired with your course overdue period of time.
This can be flexible and financially rewarding for individuals. An MBA can boost your skills for going in this direction; otherwise, no such degree is required for this but knowledge of business, budgeting, and management.
Financial Analyst:
Their main role is to assist the companies in making financial decisions by examining and analyzing company data.
Their analysis is related to micro and macroeconomics as well as the company model. Someone with good skills in Statistics and Economics would be highly required in this line of career.
Actuarial Sciences:
Students interested in this need to take actuarial science examinations that take place at different levels.
Their main work is to use their statistical and mathematical knowledge to analyze the financial risk and other operations, plan mergers and acquisitions and communicate with IT professionals, investment bankers, and clients. This job pays a handsome salary but is a really challenging course to pursue.
Stock Broker:
Referred to as an investment broker, this is also one of the most popular career options for commerce students. They study and analyze the financial market and are responsible for buying and selling stocks on behalf of a particular client, firm, or company.
Good knowledge of accounting, corporate law, and the share market is needed for a fruitful career in this line. Certification like Financial Risk Management or MBA in Finance can be helpful in this job.
Consultants:
These professionals provide business-related advice to individuals or firms related to a particular field. They conduct market surveys and interviews to understand business in the market better and advise firms to make profitable decisions in operation, marketing, management, and strategy.
Consultants can work individually or with any particular firm, and they can gain expertise with practice in this field and individual learning.
Economist:
They are regarded as the financial experts and are responsible for looking out for the best opportunities. Their job is to extensively study the market trend, analyze the data and formulate economic policies and strategies for the company according to their research.
The career options are open and available in private as well as government organizations.
Apart from these career options after Commerce, there are many directions still not discussed where you can steer yourself for a successful career in the future. Other options for career in Commerce after 12th are
| Auditor | Civil Services | Social Worker |
| Banker and Loan Officer | Computer Programmer | Hotel Management |
| Data analyst | Lawyer | Travel specialist |
| Foreign Trade Manager | Technical support executive | Tax Policy Analyst |
| Asset Manager | Family Business Manager | Export-Import Manager |
These are some best and trending career options after the commerce field. Apart from these as well, there are multiple and huge prospects and scope to this diverse field where you can explore and find a suitable career option as per your interest and likings. Proper research is required to choose the best course options for commerce students.
Rather than getting confused in the sea of options that a field puts before you, analyze your interests, give a thorough research time to all possible course and career options, check out properly the eligibility, institution, future job options, and other things, and then make a well-informed decision.
FAQs on After 12th Commerce Career Options
Q1. What are the popular career options after 12th commerce?
A1. Popular career options include pursuing degrees like Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com), Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Chartered Accountant (CA), and Company Secretary (CS). Other fields include Economics, Finance, Marketing, and Accounting.
Q2. Are there alternative career paths available for commerce students?
A2. Yes, there are numerous non-traditional career paths available. These include fields like Digital Marketing, Event Management, Entrepreneurship, Mass Media, and Hotel Management. Emerging areas like Financial Technology (FinTech) and Data Analysis also offer exciting opportunities.
Q3. What is the scope of professional courses like CA and CS for commerce students?
A3. Chartered Accountancy (CA) and Company Secretary (CS) are highly regarded professional courses that offer extensive career opportunities in accounting, auditing, taxation, and corporate governance.
Q4. How can I choose the right career path after 12th commerce?
A4. To choose the right career path, assess your interests, skills, and long-term goals. Research various fields, talk to professionals in those areas, and consider internship or work experience to gain insight. Consulting with career counselors can also help you make an informed decision.
Q5. Can I build a career in finance without becoming a CA or CS?
A5. Yes, there are many career opportunities in finance that do not require CA or CS qualifications. Careers such as Financial Analyst, Investment Banker, Financial Planner, and Risk Manager do not necessarily require these certifications.
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