Selecting the right career options after 12th commerce is a crucial decision that sets the direction of your professional life. For students from the commerce stream, the options are various, such as financial services, banking, business, management, and more. The key lies in understanding your own strengths, interests, and aspirations. Here, we provide a comprehensive list of career options for commerce students after 12th in India, each with unique opportunities and challenges. Whether you have an analytical mind, a knack for management, a passion for law, or a flare for creativity, there’s a path that’s just right for you. Let’s explore these options further.
Top 20 Career Options after 12th Commerce
- Chartered Accountancy (CA): This is a highly reputed course in India. If you’re good with numbers and have strong analytical skills, this is a great option.
- Company Secretary (CS): This course allows you to work in the corporate legal area. The CS is responsible for all regulatory compliance with company law and corporate strategy.
- Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com): A B.Com degree provides a fundamental understanding of commerce and trade practices. It can be pursued in various specializations like General, Honors, Accounting and Finance, Taxation, etc.
- Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)/Bachelor of Management Studies (BMS): These undergraduate courses offer a deep understanding of management techniques, organisational behaviour, and business models.
- Bachelor of Economics: This course provides an understanding of economic concepts and policies.
- Cost and Management Accountancy (CMA): CMA course is a perfect gateway to a career in finance and accounting.
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA): This globally recognized course opens up opportunities in investment analysis and portfolio management.
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB): After completing 12th, students can opt for a 5 year integrated course which includes BBA + LLB, B.Com + LLB, etc.
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA): This USA equivalent of CA, is also becoming popular in India.
- Bachelor in Foreign Trade: This course will help students develop skills required for managing foreign trade business.
- Hotel Management: Another popular career choice, Hotel Management offers job opportunities in hospitality, hotels, and event management.
- Bachelor in Business Studies (BBS): BBS provides knowledge about the business and operations industry.
- Bachelor of Computer Application (BCA): For students interested in the IT field, BCA could be a good option.
- Actuarial Science: It involves the use of mathematics, statistics, and financial theory to study uncertain future events, particularly those of concern to insurance and pension programs.
- Digital Marketing: With the growing importance of online business, a career in digital marketing is increasingly valuable.
- Data Science and Analytics: With increasing amounts of data being generated, the demand for data analysts and data scientists is growing.
- Aviation Courses: Courses in Aviation and hospitality management can lead to careers in the airline industry.
- Journalism and Mass Communication: If you have good communication skills, a career in journalism could be rewarding.
How to Choose the Right Course After 12th Commerce?
Before entering the commerce field, you should be aware of the different courses after 12th commerce that are available to choose from. Knowing about the different options available makes it easier for you to narrow down the area you would like to enter into. There are a large number of possibilities and opportunities available for you. Building the required skill set will help you get your dream job. Let us learn more about courses after 12th commerce.
- Identify your interest in finding a relevant course.
- Check the syllabus and subjects.
- Check the best course for commerce, eligibility, course duration, and fee.
What Course Should I Choose After 12th Commerce?
Bachelors course after 12th commerce
Bachelor of Commerce (B. Com)
Bachelor of Commerce is a 3-year UG program that focuses on subjects such as commerce, Economics, Business Law, Accountancy, Taxation, and finance to impart managerial skills to students while focusing on a particular business area. BCom aspirants will learn about general business principles.
Eligibility: Eligibility for BCom courses is 50% marks in class 12 or equivalent examination. The BCom course is the most popular and sought-after course by commerce students. The BCom Syllabus focuses on subjects such as Taxation, Economics, Accounts, etc.
Job Options after B.Com
There are many job options after completing a B.Com degree.
| Job Options After B.Com | Eligibility | Top Recruiters | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Risk Manager | Any graduation degree | Deutsche Bank, Deloitte, RBS, HSBC, Citigroup | Rs.10 LPA to Rs.18 LPA |
| Business Analyst | B.Com/ B.Com (Hons) students are given preference | EY, KPMG, Deloitte, PWC | Rs.3.5 LPA to Rs. 5.5 LPA |
| Digital Marketer | Graduation degree | Deloitte, Accenture, Oracle, Gartner | Rs. 4.5 LPA to Rs.10 LPA |
| Accountant | Graduation + Subject-specific Diploma/ Certificate/ Degree | Banks, Corporate Sector Companies, etc | INR 3.5 LPA – INR 18 LPA |
Must Do Free Courses for Commerce Students
Bachelor of Economics (BE)
Bachelor of Economics is a 3 years undergraduate degree course that analyzes the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. Students who wish to make it big in Banking and Finance and other major corporate industries can take up a Bachelor of Economics.
Eligibility: Students should clear class 12th board exams with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks or equivalent CGPA from a recognized board
Bachelor of Economics Course Highlights
| Name of the Course | Bachelor of Economics |
|---|---|
| Course Level | Undergraduate |
| Course Duration | 3 years |
| Course Mode | Regular / Full time |
| Course Eligibility Criteria | Class 12th Board exams with 50% aggregate marks |
| Course Admission Process | Merit-Based / Entrance Exams |
| Average Salary (INR) | 3 – 4.5 LPA |
| Areas of Employment | Economic ResearcherSales AnalystEconomistSecurities Analyst TraineeInvestment AnalystFixed Income Portfolio ManagerInvestment AdministratorFinancial Service ManagerCustomer Profit Analyst |
Bachelor of Accounting and Finance (BAF)
Bachelor of Accounting and Finance (BAF) is a three-year undergraduate course that offers in-depth knowledge in accounting and financial subjects for aspirants to learn the technical skills associated with many of the procedures of financial analysis and accounting standards. Candidates who have an interest in pursuing a career as an Audit Manager or as an investment banker should take up the course.
Eligibility: Candidates who have completed 10+2 or its equivalent exam from a recognized board with a minimum 50% marks score.
BCom Accounting and Finance Course Highlights
Listed below are some key highlights of the BCom Accounting and Finance course:
| Course | BCom Accounting and Finance |
|---|---|
| Full form | Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and Finance |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Eligibility | 10+2 |
| Level | Undergraduate |
| Admission Process | Entrance and Merit-Based Followed by Interview |
| Average salary | INR 1 to 10 Lakhs |
| Top recruiting companies | EY, KPMG, Deloitte, PWC, Deloitte, Accenture, Oracle, Gartner, SBI, NABARD, PNB, CBI, etc. |
Check out our free excel courses, Business Finance Foundations courses, and Introduction to Corporate Finance courses.
Bachelor of Commerce in Banking and Insurance (BBI)
B.Com. in Banking and Insurance is a 3-year full-time undergraduate course that is composed of theoretical subjects dealing with Banking and Insurance.
Eligibility: 10+2 education completed with min 50% from a recognized educational Board.
B.Com. in Banking and Insurance: Course Highlights
| Course | B.Com. in Banking and Insurance |
|---|---|
| Course Level | Under Graduate |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Examination Type | Semester System |
| Eligibility | 10+2 with Commerce subjects, with a minimum aggregate score of 50%. |
| Top recruiting organizations | TCS, Sutherland, HCL, DELL, CTS, CITY Bank, etc. |
| Top recruiting areas | Banks, investments, the insurance industry, savings and loan associations, and such. |
| Top job profiles | Accountant, Financial Advisor, Marketing Agent, and Sales Representative, among others. |
| Average Starting Salary | INR 2 to 20 lakhs |
Bachelor of Commerce in Financial Market (BFM)
B.Com. in Financial Markets is a 3-year undergraduate course in Financial Markets. Financial Markets are typically defined as a mechanism that enables people to trade financial securities such as bonds, stocks, and commodities in the market.
The course involves an advanced study of debt & equity markets, foreign exchange markets, and financial markets.
Eligibility: Candidates should have completed 10+2 or equivalent qualification in the Commerce stream from a recognized educational board with a minimum aggregate score of 50%.
B.Com. in Financial Market Highlights
| Course | B.Com. in Financial Market |
|---|---|
| Course Level | Graduation |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Examination Type | Semester System/ Year-wise |
| Eligibility | 10+2 or equivalent qualification from a recognized educational Board |
| Average Starting Salary | INR 3 to 10 lacs per annum |
| Top Recruiting Companies | Public Accounting Firms, Policy Planning, Foreign Trade, Banks, Budget Planning, Inventory Control, Merchant Banking, Marketing, etc. |
| Job Positions | Finance Controller, Treasurer, Finance Officer, Credit and Cash Manager, Risk Manager, Financial Research Manager, Financial Planning Manager, Trainee Associate, Financial Planning Consultant, etc. |
Top Courses After 12th Commerce without Mathematics
BCom (General)
A Bachelor of Commerce is one of the most common professional options in commerce that does not require mathematics. A three-year B.Com degree covers the essential concepts of finance, accounts, business, etc.; this course provides you with an overview of numerous commerce fields and familiarises you with them.
This course is only open to students who have completed their 12th standard. Taxation, cost accounting, financial accounting, bookkeeping, business management, accountancy, and other topics are covered in a B.Com course. It is unquestionably a fantastic choice for students interested in finance, insurance, accountancy, or business.
BCom Marketing:
B.Com Marketing is a 3-year undergraduate course for marketing aspirants. The course revolves around concepts such as sales management, quality management, communication, advertising, and more.
The course requires you to have creative skills and logical thinking abilities to come up with original advertising and marketing campaign ideas. It is a proper mix of theory as well as practical subjects that help you attain the hands-on experience of real-time marketing.
BCom Tourism & Travel Management
The Bachelor of Commerce in Tourism and Travel Management is a 3-year full-time undergraduate degree program focusing on the financial and economic management of the travel and tourism business.
The course focuses on subjects like corporate accounting, tourism marketing, hotel management, business communication, economics, financial management, revenue management, eco-tourism, and more.
Professional Courses After 12th Commerce
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
BBA or Bachelor of Business Administration is a popular choice for professional courses after 12th commerce. It is a three-year undergraduate program that helps you gain knowledge about business principles and business administration. It will help you enhance your leadership abilities and cultivate a business vision. You can also choose a specialization in Marketing, HR, or Finance.
Taking up a BBA Degree will help you understand business management, accounting, quantitative techniques for management, and much more.
Eligibility: An individual who has completed a 10+2 or equivalent exam from any recognized board is eligible to take up a BBA Course. Some colleges look for individuals who have secured 50% marks in the qualifying exam.
BBA: Course Highlights
| Name of the Course | BBA |
|---|---|
| Course Level | Undergraduate |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Examination Type | Semester/ Year-wise |
| Eligibility | 10+2 or equivalent qualification from a recognized educational Board |
| Average Starting Salary | INR 4 lacs per annum |
| Job Positions | Business Administration Researcher, Business Consultant, Marketing Manager, Finance Manager, Human Resource Manager, Research and Development Manager |
Bachelor of Business Administration – International Business (BBA-IB)
BBA-IB or Bachelor of Business Administration International Business is an industry-based course that has been developed to create an understanding of foreign trade
It helps understand the importance of foreign trade in the Indian economic context. BBA-IB is a three-year professional degree course that helps you understand strategic management, operations management, marketing, and finance.
Eligibility: 10 + 2 in any stream. However, some colleges may have Mathematics or Commerce as a requirement
BBA – IB: Course Highlights
| Name of the Course | BBA – IB |
|---|---|
| Course Level | Undergraduate |
| Course Duration | 3 years |
| Examination Type | Semester-wise |
| Eligibility | 10+2 or equivalent qualification from a recognized educational Board. Some colleges may require Mathematics and Commerce. |
| Average Course Fees | INR 4.5-6 Lakhs |
| Job Profiles | International Logistics Manager, International Distribution Manager, International Finance Manager, International Training Manager, Global Business Manager, Consultant |
Check out the free logistics management course which helps you to apply for the above job profile.
Bachelor of Business Administration – Computer Application (BBA-CA)
BBA-CA or Bachelor of Business Administration- Computer Application is an undergraduate course created to help IT professionals excel in IT user support and infrastructure. It is one of the courses after 12th Commerce that will help individuals understand various advanced computer applications.
They will also learn more about how these computer applications will make a difference to companies and the general public.
Eligibility: 10+2 in Commerce or Science Stream
BBA – CA: Course Highlights
| Name of the Course | BBA – CA |
|---|---|
| Course Level | Undergraduate |
| Course Duration | 3 years or 6 semesters |
| Eligibility | 10+2 in Commerce or Science Stream |
| Course Fee | INR 1-6 Lakhs |
| Average Salary | INR 2 lakhs-10 lakhs |
| Recruiting Companies | Accenture, Bajaj, Biocon, Genpact, IBM, Ford Motors, Dell, HDFC Bank, and ICICI Bank |
Industry Oriented Integrated Courses
The industry-oriented job opportunities are enormous in India. You can choose from various industry-oriented courses such as integrated BBA, integrated BBA-IB, integrated B.Com, and integrated BBA-CA available in the market. In these courses, the subjects are taught with the industry perspective kept in mind, and teaching is approached from an industry point of view.
The industry-oriented job opportunities are enormous in India. You can choose from various industry-oriented courses such as integrated BBA, integrated BBA-IB, integrated B.Com, and integrated BBA-CA available in the market. In these courses, the subjects are taught with the industry perspective kept in mind, and teaching is approached from an industry point of view.
Eligibility: 12th with a minimum aggregate score of 60%.
Chartered Accountancy
CA or Chartered Accountancy is a prestigious course or an international accounting designation that is granted to accounting professionals across the world, except for the United States. The equivalent of CA in the US is the CPA or certified public accountant. Through this course, you will learn subjects such as tax laws, taxation, corporate law, business laws, and auditing.
This course is divided into three levels, i.e.:
- CPT (Common Proficiency Test)
- IPCC (Integrated Professional Competence Course)
- FC (Final course)
Students need to clear a previous level to take up the next exam. CA is one of the most sought-after career options after 12th for commerce students. The overall difficulty of this course is very high and therefore it might take some students multiple attempts to clear a level. You should check out the maximum number of attempts before pursuing the course so that you can prepare better. It is among the most paid career choice in the field of commerce.
Some of the subjects you would master while pursuing this course are:
- Accounting
- Cost Accounting and Financial Management
- Information Technology
- Taxation
- Auditing and Assurance
- Ethics and Communication
- Corporate and other Laws
- Business Laws, and others
You can get all information regarding this course on the ICAI website.
Eligibility: 10+2 with a minimum 60% aggregate
Chartered Accountancy: Course Highlights
| Name of the Course | Chartered Accountancy |
|---|---|
| Course Level | Undergraduate |
| Course Duration | 3 years – 4 years |
| Eligibility | 10+2 with a minimum 60% aggregate |
| Average Salary | INR 7 lakhs |
| Job Profiles | Internal Auditing, Forensic Auditing, Career in Accounting and Finance, Tax Auditing, Statutory Audit under applicable statutes, Managing Treasury function, Forensic Auditing, |
Also Read: Salary Calculator
Company Secretary (CS)
Unlike CA, the company secretary program falls under the administration of The Institute of Company Secretaries of India(ICSI). The commerce students with an inclination towards theory courses in law would prefer this course.
Just like the CA course, the CS professional program also has levels to clear until they reach the final level. The course informs the students about legal proposes and agreements of companies. It will eventually help you achieve senior positions in corporates and large firms.
Cost and Management Accountant
Cost and Management Accountant is a professional course offered by ICAI (Institute of Cost Accountants of India). It is very similar to CA and CS. The curriculum of this program is formed on the basis of different levels (foundation, intermediate, and final) that the students need to clear to complete the course. The students are required to obtain expertise in a total of 20 subjects, some of which are mentioned below:
- Business Mathematics and Statistics
- Laws and Ethics
- Accounting
- Economics
- Management
- Company Accounts and Audit
- Operation Management Information System
- Business Strategy & Cost Management
You can check out the complete syllabus and papers for CMA here
Mass Communications and Journalism
Mass Communication and Journalism is a completely different career path from those mentioned above. Most of the career paths after 12th commerce are along the lines of finance and business fields. This course is for the students who see themselves working in media houses and related fields of content creation and delivery. It is a three-year program that develops skills and helps you explore career options in media, public relations, corporate communication, event management, and other similar fields.
Other Course options after 12th commerce
Besides the above-mentioned courses, a Commerce student has the option to pursue various courses open to students after Class 12th Arts, such as:
Commerce students can jump into the entirety of different courses apart from the above-mentioned courses. Some of the courses are :
- BA in Humanities & Social Sciences
- BA LLB
- BDes in Design
- Diploma in Education (DEd)
BA in Humanities & Social Sciences
In India, the BA in Humanities & Social Sciences course can be started as soon as class 12 is completed. Typically, institutions offer a three-year Arts curriculum in a variety of fields like design, mass communication, and hospitality. You can pursue a BA (Hons) or BA course full-time, part-time, through correspondence, or through distance learning. Five disciplines must be studied in addition to a few electives. Depending on the topic chosen, there will be a variety of subjects.
Qualifications for a BA
Candidates must have received their 10+2 certifications from an accredited board.
Additionally, some universities require that applicants have a minimum of 50% in their overall 10+2 grade point average.
Skills needed for a BA
Candidates who want to enrol in a BA programme should have the following skills:
- Goal-oriented
- Ability to work under pressure
- Intellectually curious
- Inquisitive
- Organisation skills
- Interpersonal skills
BA LLB
Candidates may enrol in the BA LLB (Bachelor of Arts – Bachelor of Legislative Law), a five-year integrated LLB programme, after passing Class 12. The Law course combines the Humanities and Law streams, allowing students to take courses in history, sociology, administrative law, criminology, family law, and other legal topics.
Most law schools operate on a semester system, which divides the five-year course into 10 semesters. The leading law schools in India charge between Rs 1.5 and 2.8 lakh annually for the BA LLB programme.
BA LLB Eligibility
- Candidates must graduate from a recognised school with a Class 12 diploma in any stream.
- Candidates must achieve an overall grade point average of at least 45–50% in Class 12.
- No Age bar!
Skills in BA LLB
Candidates for the course should have the following abilities among others:
- Confidence
- Research skills
- Convincing skills
- Objectivity
- Ability to work for long hours
- Time management skills
BDes in Design
A well-known undergraduate design degree is the Bachelor of Design (BDes) or BDesign. A four-year full-time programme leading to the B.Des degree is available in many specialisations, including fashion design, interior design, accessory design, textile design, and many more. The BDes degree has developed throughout time and is now available in a number of design specialisations, including graphic design, multimedia design, visual effects design, visual communication, and game design.
BDes Eligibility
The BDes programme is open to students who have passed Class 12 or an equivalent qualification exam.
Additionally, there is no stream restriction, so students can pursue the course regardless of their stream of choice—Science, Commerce, Arts, or Humanities.
The minimum age requirement for admission to BDes courses is 19 or 20, depending on what the institutes specify at the time of admission.
BDesign Skills
To pursue a career in the design area, candidates for the course must possess or have obtained a certain set of abilities. An eye for detail, aptitude for quick learning, and in-depth understanding of the design sector are needed. Other crucial information for BDes students includes:
- Strong artistic skills
- Presentation skills
- Traditional skills
- Drawing skills
Diploma in Education (DEd)
A certificate-level teacher training programme called DEd, or Diploma in Education, prepares applicants to teach in nursery schools. The curriculum, which is vital for preparing students for careers in teaching, primarily serves India’s elementary school population.
The length of the DEd programme might range from one to three years, depending on the college or university to which a candidate is applying for admission. Additionally, from institute to institute, the minimum time required to complete the course differs. However, there are both full-time and part-time programmes for the course.
DEd Eligibility
Candidates must receive at least 50% to 60% of their total marks in Class 12 in any stream from an accredited board in order to be eligible for the DEd programme.
Skills needed for a D.Ed.
Candidates who want to pursue D.Ed should have the following qualities and competencies:
Skillset for DEd Candidates
- Patience
- People skills
- Flexibility
- Management skills
- Passion for teaching
Free Resources
- Smart English Basics for Professionals
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- 4Ps of Marketing Mix
- Business Finance Foundations
- Basic Accounting Course
Career Options after12th Commerce FAQs
After 12th commerce, you have several options for courses, including:
B.Com (Bachelor of Commerce)
BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration)
CA (Chartered Accountancy)
CS (Company Secretary)
CMA (Cost and Management Accountancy)
BMS (Bachelor of Management Studies)
Banking and Finance courses
Economics (Hons.) or related courses
Some of the highest-paying jobs in the commerce field include Investment Bankers, Management Consultants, Chartered Accountants, and Data Analysts.
After completing 12th commerce, you can pursue a variety of careers in fields such as finance, accounting, management, economics, banking, and more.
In terms of future prospects, careers in fields like Data Science, Financial Analysis, E-commerce, and Digital Marketing are gaining prominence.
Both BBA and BCom are good choices, but they have different focuses. BBA is more management-oriented, while BCom provides a broader understanding of commerce subjects. Choose based on your interests and career goals.
Salaries vary widely based on factors like job role, industry, experience, and location. However, professions in finance, investment banking, and management consulting tend to offer higher salaries.
Fields like Data Science, Digital Marketing, Financial Analytics, and E-commerce are currently in high demand due to technological advancements and changing consumer behavior.
Subjects like Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Finance are among the fields with high scope due to their relevance in various industries.
Yes, commerce continues to have significant scope in the future. Businesses and industries will always require professionals with expertise in finance, accounting, management, and related fields.
Remember that the “best” choice depends on your interests, skills, and long-term goals. It’s important to research thoroughly, consider your passions, and explore the options that align with your aspirations and strengths.
Closing Thoughts
We hope that this blog on career options after 12th commerce was helpful. If you are from the commerce stream and found yourself in a dilemma on the various options available in the market, we hope that this blog was helpful for you. There are various options such as Marketing, Finance, Human Resources, Accounting, or Business Administration. Before entering the commerce stream, you can also research more on the eligibility, salary trends, and jobs available.
You can also plan your career success with Great Learning’s Salary Builder and get the powerful insights required to grow your career.
Also Read: Career Planning Pro Tips