A Comprehensive Guide to Courses After 12th Commerce

Commerce is one of the popular streams among higher secondary (HSC) students in India. If you have studied commerce in the 11th and 12th Grades, then it allows you to choose from a multitude of courses at the undergraduate level paving way for varied career choices. Also, it is a crucial decision that sets the direction of your professional life.

As a commerce student, one of the major benefits you have over other streams is that you are eligible to take both commerce and arts courses. This article guides you to a suitable course after 12 commerce so that you can gather information about the popular programs in the commerce stream. These after 12 courses are designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and competencies required to excel in the dynamic world of commerce and industry.

There are various career opportunities for a commerce student. Some of the popular ones include cost accounting, company secretary, investment banking, budget analysis, stock broking, auditing, and more. However, the key lies in understanding your strengths, interests, and aspirations. A Bachelor of Commerce or BCom is the most popular course in the commerce stream where BCom Honours and BCom General programs are offered. In these courses, Accountancy, Business Studies, and Economics are core subjects, while Mathematics is optional. Hence, the commerce stream can be categorized into two major groups:

1. Commerce with Mathematics

If you studied commerce with mathematics in classes 11 and 12, you can opt for:

1. B.Com. (Honours) – Is considered the most popular course after 12 commerce. This course is for those students who wish to get specialized knowledge in Accounting and Finance. The graduates can work in the financial industry or as tax consultants.
2. B.Com. in Accounting and Taxation – This course is for students who wish to make a career in banking and insurance sectors.
3. B.Com. in Statistics – This course opens various avenues for students in economic research and analysis. Civil Services, Data Analytics, Education, Consulting, and Government Organizations are some of the popular career options in this field.
4. B.Com. in Management Accounting & International Finance – This course is a good option to choose at the undergraduate level if you wish to pursue International Business at the master’s level.
5. B.Com. in Accounting – It is the best course to choose if you wish to go for competitive and banking exams or take up Chartered Accountancy or Company Secretaryship.
6. B.Com. in Applied Economics – This course trains the students in theoretical knowledge of various aspects of Applied Economics and how they can be used in the economic environment to critically analyze problems and solutions.
7. B.Com. in Banking & Finance – This covers all the aspects of the BFSI industry such as Banking, Banking Law, Insurance Law, Insurance Risk & Insurance Regulations, Accounting, etc. After completing the degree, one can opt for careers such as Auditor, Equity Manager, Stockbroker, Market Analyst, etc.

2. Commerce without Mathematics

If you studied commerce without mathematics in classes 11 and 12, you can opt for:

1. B.Com. (General) – Considered the most popular course after 12 commerce amongst students from commerce without mathematics stream. Students can opt for regular college or can obtain a bachelor’s degree through correspondence and distance learning mode.
2. B.Com. in Business Administration – As the course name suggests, this program is a good option for students who plan to make a career in Business Administration and Management.
3. B.Com. in Marketing – This course trains the students in techniques and methods of planning and managing marketing activities for a business organization. Since marketing is one of the core pillars of any business, marketing graduates are in high demand in every industry.
4. B.Com. in Tourism & Travel Management – This course specifically trains students in theoretical and practical aspects of the tourism industry. Besides business operation and other core commerce subjects, the students are taught the financial relevance of tourism, its impact on the world economy, environmental laws and regulations, customer servicing and care, international travel laws, and tourism management.

Other popular UG level programs

Irrespective of commerce with or without mathematics, you can choose a course after 12 commerce that suits your interests and aspirations. They are:

Bachelor of Business Administration / Bachelor of Management Studies – This course is taken to pursue a career in business management. Any student who has completed class 12th or equivalent in any stream with at least 50 percent in aggregate from a recognized board or university can pursue BBA/BMS.

Bachelor of Computer Application (IT and Software) – As the name suggests, this course is suitable for those students who wish to explore the world of computer applications. A BCA degree is at par with a B.Tech./BE degree in Computer Science or Information Technology.

BA in Humanities & Social Sciences – This course is related to social sciences, liberal arts, and fine arts. Any student who has completed their class 12 from any stream is eligible to pursue a BA degree.

Bachelor of Fine Arts – This degree is undertaken to study courses in Fine Arts, Visual Arts, and Performing Arts.

BA in Animation – Bachelor of Arts in Animation is a bachelor’s degree undertaken to become an animator. Those students who enroll for an animation degree of three years will learn to understand the process of manipulating visual elements to create moving images. And, the graduates of this programme can work in animation studios, advertising agencies, film production houses, game development companies, and other related fields.

BA LLB – This Bachelor of Arts + Bachelor of Laws degree is an integrated Law course offered at the undergraduate level. The duration of the course is typically five years.

BDes in Design – Bachelor of Design in Design is a bachelor’s degree undertaken to become a designer. Students who have cleared their 10+2 or PUC from any stream, including commerce, can pursue design courses at the graduation level. BDes is a full-time four-year course offered in various specializations such as Interior Design, Fashion Design, Textile Design, and more.

BSc in Hospitality & Travel – This 3-year undergraduate course is designed to provide specialized knowledge in the hospitality and tourism industry. It focuses on offering students leadership and operational skills. Many recruiters such as Air India, The Taj Group of Hotels, MakeMyTrip, and more offer jobs to hospitality and travel students.

Bachelor of Journalism & Mass Communication – This three-year undergraduate program is suitable for students who wish to pursue their career in the media industry, either in print, electronic, or online media.

Bachelor of Hotel Management – This popular course offers opportunities for students in hospitality, hotels, and event management.

Bachelor of Economics – This course lets students understand the economic concepts and policies and shape the future of a country or an organization. There are several types of specializations in this course such as Agricultural Economics, Crime Economics, Health Economics, Industrial Economics, International Economics, Managerial Economics, and more.

Bachelor in Foreign Trade – As globalization has made international borders transparent, it is crucial than ever before to better equip them with the knowledge that affects the global marketplace. So, this course will help students develop the skills required for managing foreign trade business. And, those students who pursue foreign trade will learn about the movement of services, goods and capital across international borders and territories.

Diploma in Education – D.Ed. is an undergraduate degree undertaken to take up teaching as a profession at the nursery/kindergarten level in schools or educational institutes.

Conclusion

There are several options for students to explore a suitable course after 12 commerce. However, the above list gives a gist of courses to motivate you to do some research before finalizing your undergraduate program. But, remember these courses focus on teaching practical skills along with providing theoretical knowledge to prepare you for different career paths. So, what are you waiting for? Find the best course for your career success with this comprehensive guide.