Top 10+ Career Options & Salaries for Commerce Students After 12th

21 mins read

Clearing the 12th board exam is one of the most important milestones of our academic and professional life. It's a great accomplishment, worth celebrating. It's also the start of your professional journey. 

In most Indian schools, students choose between three streams—Arts, Commerce, and Science—after Grade 10. While science was traditionally the most popular choice, the demand for commerce has surged in recent years. Today, commerce students have a wide range of career options after Grade 12.

Having stated these facts, it's only natural that questions like these start cropping up in your mind if you're a commerce student: 

• What after class 12th commerce?
• Is there any career in commerce?
• What is a lucrative career option for commerce students?
• What careers in commerce have a stable and secure future?
• What are the highest-paying jobs available after a commerce degree?
• What's the average salary for a commerce graduate?

All these questions are valid, and we are here to help you find answers to them. Let's start.

An Overview of Commerce Stream

Commerce is a major stream nationwide with an industry-oriented syllabus and approach. The higher education options also provide a very strong base with career-specific courses, which are needed in a world where economic borders have become blurred.

In India, grade 12th commerce is usually divided into Commerce with Mathematics and Commerce without Mathematics. Though there is a prevalent belief that students have better career options after Commerce with Mathematics, it's not true. Today, several career options are available after 12th for commerce students, even if they didn't opt for mathematics. 

The range of jobs for commerce students is wider than ever before. From the insurance industry to the tourism industry, there are jobs for commerce students in every industry. After completing their 12th grade in the commerce stream, students can opt for various courses and land enviable positions in corporates, become their own boss, i.e. entrepreneurs, go for the traditional approach like business administration, or currently popular courses, like event management.

There are multiple options, from offering financial advice as a Chartered Accountant to managing customers as a relationship manager. What's common between them is that each requires hard work, dedication, and passion. 

In this article, we will systematically look at some stable and popular careers in the commerce field that students can explore, as well as ways of excelling in the highly competitive job market:

Top 10+ Career Options for Commerce Students

There are several lucrative careers in commerce across industries. Let's first examine some of the more popular and traditional courses, such as the Bachelor of Commerce and Chartered Accountancy.

1. Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com)

A Bachelor of Commerce is one of the most common degrees in commerce and offers various jobs for commerce students. The Bachelor of Commerce is a three-year undergraduate degree program that covers most of the industrial topics related to the commerce background.

A Bachelor of Commerce degree serves as a good base if one wishes to go forward in the corporate sector or pursue higher education. With courses in Business Law, Economics, Statistics, Human Resources, Management, etc., the bachelor of commerce degree covers all general business principles and aspects of commerce. 

From Marketing Manager to Financial Analyst, there are several careers in commerce that one can pursue after attaining a B.Com degree. However, it is advisable to pursue post-graduation after a Bachelor of Commerce degree or else to pursue another professional course alongside it in order to increase your chances to ace in competition. The most popular choices available are Chartered Accountancy (CA), M. Com, M.B.A, C.M.A, and C.S.

B.Com at an undergraduate level offers promising opportunities in multiple sectors, such as Accounting firms, Policy planning departments, Business consultancies, Business Management, Banks, Investment banking, Digital marketing, Budget allocation and planning, the Education sector, and Capital and Wealth management departments.

2. Bachelor of Economics

Economics can be a good bet for students looking for lucrative careers in commerce. With the precarious condition of the world economy, higher education in this subject has gained more importance than ever. It is a three-year program that paves the way for employment opportunities in the government and the private sector.

The most common profiles are available in the following industries: Consultancy, Financial Analysis, Banking and Insurance, Operations Management, Research, and Business Administration.

A graduate degree in economics coupled with a master's degree in the same field is a very powerful signal in the job market of your capabilities. After graduation, one could either opt to do an M.A. in Economics or pursue an M.B.A. Other professional courses are also an option.

Economics is among the most popular courses after 12th, offering handsome salaries in both government and private corporations. A degree in economics opens up a host of job opportunities, such as Economist, Actuarial science, Public finance, Data analysis, Budget analysis, Risk management analysis, Investment analysis, Financial analysis, Stockbroker, etc.

3. Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)

Bachelor of Business Administration is a three-year undergraduate degree program that explores core business subjects. It is a great platform for a career in business development and management and provides a sound understanding of business principles for students who wish to pursue higher studies in the field.

Today, several colleges also offer BBA-IB or Bachelor of Business Administration International Business. As the name suggests, this program focuses on international trade in addition to the general curriculum, helping students develop a better understanding of foreign trade. 

It is advisable that a 12th-grade commerce student either pair a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with a professional degree or pursue higher studies. An MBA is a preferred choice after a BBA, as it helps to open up myriad career options for commerce students.

The career fields open to these students are business administration, analysis, sales, marketing, policymaking, human resources, production, operations management, etc. Multiple lucrative career options and job prospects are present in the government and the private sector, making BBA one of the more popular courses after 12th grade. 

4. Bachelor of Management Science (BMS)

Bachelor in Management Science or Management Study is a three-year course that provides a degree in management practices and concepts with practical exposure. It consists of core managerial subjects like Business Accounting, Business Statistics, Business Law, Marketing Management, etc. Subjects covered in BMS overlap with B.Com and BBA. However, BMS is more specialized than both. BMS offers a good career for commerce students, teaching them managerial skills along with theoretical knowledge. Several commerce stream jobs are available after attaining a BMS degree.

Students can choose to take professional courses like C.A., C.F.A., or the C.S. alongside this degree or opt for higher education and pursue an MBA. The sectors open to students of BMS are business management, human resources, operations management, business administration, business processes and analysis, banking sector, investment sector, management analysis, etc.

Also Read: MBA Life Hacks for Building a Meaningful Career Network

5. Bachelor of Accounting and Finance (BAF)

A bachelor's in finance and accounting is an industry-oriented course. Along with preparing a student with expertise in the said streams, it also provides a solid structure to base your higher education in public and corporate finance. BFA graduates are often employed in organizations to provide accounting, taxation, and general financial advice. They should possess problem-solving skills, managerial skills, and analytical skills, along with thorough knowledge of the subject.

The career sectors that utilize this degree are - data analysis, data science, banking, tax management, chartered management accounting, chartered public finance accounting, business advisory, insurance companies, budget allocation, etc.

6. Chartered Accountant (CA)

Chartered accountancy is one of the most sought-after yet challenging jobs for commerce students. This is because our country's difficulty level for clearing the CA exam is extremely high. The CA degree is provided by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). The coursework also mandates mentorship from experts. This is a prestigious professional course, and CAs are often consulted when making financial decisions. A CA degree is equivalent to a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) degree offered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). 

Accounting professionals who attain a CA degree can pursue careers in the fields of financial auditing, financial risk analysis, tax consulting, financial advisory, budget allocation, etc.

Quick Fact: A CA never loses his charm! It is easier to maintain continuity as Chartered Accountant even if you take a break! You can always comeback after brushing up your knowledge.

A C.A. is responsible for auditing financial statements and managing the financial affairs of any organization. They can have a private practice or work with any government or private organization. This is one of the highest-paying jobs for commerce students and requires critical thinking and problem-solving skills, a sound understanding of accounting principles, and excellent computational skills.

CAs deal with departments like auditing, financial accounting, tax management, cost accounting, consultancy, and management accounting. They may even be involved in the creation of financial models for an organization. In fact, CAs may even take short-term courses on financial models and how to create them to improve their skills and knowledge. 

A financial model is used to represent an organization's financial performance and forecast future financial performance. 

Also Read: Career As A Stockbroker: Become The Next Big Bull!

7. Cost and Management Accountant (CMA)

Cost and management accountancy is another course offered by the Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICAI) that opens the doors to a host of opportunities. It trains students in the professional approach to cost management, i.e., cost auditing, recording, planning, and controlling, along with budgeting and asset management. 

The job profile is focused on business strategy and value creation, and students are expected to have a sound understanding of both Management and Accountancy. CMA students could opt for jobs in various sectors, including banking, finance, education, training, research, asset management, etc. CMAs offer pertinent financial advice and possess excellent computational skills. This is why this job profile is in high demand in both government and private organizations.

8. Company Secretary (CS)

This is one of the popular jobs for commerce students. Provided by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI), the Company Secretary program is a professional program open to students after the 12th board examination. It provides expertise in company law and the regulatory framework of any organizational body.

A company secretary has the following career choices: corporate governance and secretarial services, corporate law advisory and representation services, financial market services, and management services. They can work for any government or private firm or practice independently.  

9. Industry Integrated Courses

Apart from the aforementioned courses, the Bachelor of Commerce (Industry Integrated) program or the Bachelor of Business Administration (Industry Integrated) program are available for students after class 12th Commerce. These are 3-year undergraduate courses that blend academic learning with practical exposure through industry internships.

These programs are more application-oriented and focus on skill development along with theoretical learning, covering various aspects of commerce. Students can opt for a career in business administration, financial management, corporate communication, etc., depending on the subjects studied.

Career Options in Other Streams

After 12th commerce, students can also opt for courses outside the field of commerce and accounting. Both, full-time degree courses and diploma courses in streams other than commerce are available for students after 12th commerce, like in event management, hotel management, journalism, etc. Here's a look at some of these courses: 

1. B.A. in various Art courses

The options are many and range through every discipline, from Humanities and social Sciences to Art and literature. For example, one can get a B.A. degree in subjects like History, Anthropology, Languages, Economics, Computer science, Drawing, Geography, Philosophy, Psychology, Sociology, Education, etc. There are several jobs for commerce students with an undergraduate BA degree in the fields of education, corporate communication, translation, consulting, etc. 

2. Bachelor in Hotel Management

A bachelor's degree in Hotel Management is a three-year undergraduate course that focuses on Management, Human Resources, Finance, and other departments of the Hospitality industry. It provides a deep understanding of how the hospitality industry functions.

Hotel management has recently emerged as one of the more popular commerce stream jobs. It's a practical course that teaches students about the industry but also builds major skills in students, like problem-solving skills, leadership skills, decision-making skills, etc. Students can also pursue a master's in hotel management. Masters in Hotel Management is a two-year course, ideal for students who wish to advance their hospitality industry knowledge. 

Various organizations employ students with a hotel management degree. Some of the roles available are relationship managers, chefs, stewards, and allied staff in restaurants, hotels, cruise ships, industrial and institutional hospitality, etc. Students can also pursue a career in event management with a hotel management degree. 

3. B.Sc in Statistics

This is a three-year, full-time undergraduate degree program in statistics. The focus area of the B.Sc in Statistics is data collection, organization, and interpretation. Statisticians should have strong analytical and problem-solving skills, along with technical and industry knowledge and the ability to work in a team.

A statistics student's job profile will include the following: Market Cost Accountant, Financial Advisor, Educator, Statistics Manager, Consultant, Credit Risk Analyst, Budget Analyst, Investment Analyst, etc. 

Also Read: How can you broaden your career opportunities in statistics in India?

4. Degree Courses in Mathematics

A degree in mathematics can offer many career options for 12th commerce students. One could opt to be an Investment or Budget Analyst or pursue Actuarial analysis, Data analysis, Stockbroking, etc. One could also pursue further studies and teaching.

5. Bachelor in Computer Application

Coding and computer science have now become an integral part of any organization. Be it government or private, every sector has requirements for computer science graduates. A role in this industry is also likely to offer high job satisfaction and competitive salaries, and thus, students can pursue computer applications after completing their 12th commerce. This will enable them to develop a deep understanding of the subject and its application in the real world. 

With a computer degree, one could opt to become a Web Designer, Web Developer, Data Analyst, Business analyst, Games developer, IT consultant, Multimedia programmer, etc. Today, computer applications and knowledge of finance can also be combined to prepare financial models for a company. 

6. Diploma in Digital Marketing

Today, a job in digital marketing is one of the greatest possibilities for those who have completed their 12th commerce. Marketing a company, service, or product using digital channels differs from conventional marketing. A plethora of new employment opportunities are created every second in this rapidly expanding area. In industries like event management, mass communication, public relations, etc., digital marketing is incredibly important. 

7. Bachelor in Journalism & Mass Communication

Students who have completed their class 12th commerce can also pursue a bachelor's degree in journalism and mass communication - especially if they have strong communication skills or a deep interest in the field of communication and journalism.

There are two ways to go about pursuing a degree in journalism and mass communication - either a bachelor of arts (BA) degree in journalism or a Bachelor in Journalism & Mass Communication (BJMC)/Bachelor in Mass Communication (BMC). Both are three-year programs, but the difference between the two is in the scope. BJMS covers all aspects of mass communication, from mass media like radio, print and TV to public relations, social media and digital media communication, among other aspects.

Mass communication is no longer restricted to journalism, and there are several promising opportunities for BJMC graduates apart from journalism. Some of these are Public Relations, Social Media, Digital Marketing, Copywriting, Book Editing, Corporate Communication, and Event Management. 

Salary Packages for Commerce Students 

The salary estimates provided are indicative and can vary based on multiple factors, including location, industry, and individual capabilities. Many of these career options offer substantial growth potential, and with the right skills and experience, professionals in these fields can command high salaries and enjoy rewarding careers.

Here’s an overview of the estimated salary for some of the aforementioned career options. The actual salary can vary depending on location, experience, company, and industry.

1. Chartered Accountancy (CA)

• Estimated Salary:
  • Entry-Level: ₹6 to ₹8 lakhs per annum
  • Mid-Level: ₹10 to ₹15 lakhs per annum
  • Senior-Level: ₹20 lakhs and above per annum
• Notes: CAs in top firms like the Big Four (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG) or in multinational companies often earn more.

2. Company Secretary (CS)

• Estimated Salary:
  • Entry-Level: ₹4 to ₹6 lakhs per annum
  • Mid-Level: ₹8 to ₹12 lakhs per annum
  • Senior-Level: ₹15 lakhs and above per annum
• Notes: Salaries can vary significantly depending on the size of the company and the complexity of its legal structure.

3. Cost and Management Accountancy (CMA)

• Estimated Salary:
  • Entry-Level: ₹5 to ₹7 lakhs per annum
  • Mid-Level: ₹8 to ₹12 lakhs per annum
  • Senior-Level: ₹15 lakhs and above per annum
• Notes: CMAs working in manufacturing or large corporations may command higher salaries.

4. Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com)

• Estimated Salary:
  • Entry-Level: ₹2 to ₹4 lakhs per annum
  • Mid-Level: ₹5 to ₹8 lakhs per annum
  • Senior-Level: ₹10 lakhs and above per annum
• Notes: The salary range can increase with additional qualifications like M.Com, MBA, or relevant certifications.

5. Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)

• Estimated Salary:
  • Entry-Level: ₹3 to ₹5 lakhs per annum
  • Mid-Level: ₹6 to ₹10 lakhs per annum
  • Senior-Level: ₹12 lakhs and above per annum
• Notes: An MBA post-BBA can significantly boost earning potential.

6. Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

• Estimated Salary:
  • Entry-Level: ₹3 to ₹6 lakhs per annum
  • Mid-Level: ₹7 to ₹10 lakhs per annum
  • Senior-Level: ₹12 lakhs and above per annum
• Notes: CFPs working with high-net-worth clients or in financial advisory firms tend to earn higher salaries.

7. Bachelor of Economics (B.Econ)

• Estimated Salary:
  • Entry-Level: ₹3 to ₹5 lakhs per annum
  • Mid-Level: ₹6 to ₹9 lakhs per annum
  • Senior-Level: ₹10 lakhs and above per annum
• Notes: Economists working in research, government, or international organizations may earn more.

8. Bachelor of Laws (LLB)

• Estimated Salary:
  • Entry-Level: ₹4 to ₹7 lakhs per annum
  • Mid-Level: ₹8 to ₹12 lakhs per annum
  • Senior-Level: ₹15 lakhs and above per annum
• Notes: Lawyers working in corporate law firms or as legal advisors in multinational companies may earn significantly more.

9. Hotel Management

• Estimated Salary:
  • Entry-Level: ₹2.5 to ₹4.5 lakhs per annum
  • Mid-Level: ₹5 to ₹8 lakhs per annum
  • Senior-Level: ₹10 lakhs and above per annum
• Notes: Salaries can vary based on the type of establishment (luxury vs. budget hotels) and location.

10. Digital Marketing

• Estimated Salary:
  • Entry-Level: ₹3 to ₹5 lakhs per annum
  • Mid-Level: ₹6 to ₹10 lakhs per annum
  • Senior-Level: ₹12 lakhs and above per annum
• Notes: Digital marketers with specialized skills in SEO, content marketing, or social media management may command higher salaries.

11. Bachelor of Management Studies (BMS)

• Estimated Salary:
  • Entry-Level: ₹3 to ₹5 lakhs per annum
  • Mid-Level: ₹6 to ₹9 lakhs per annum
  • Senior-Level: ₹10 lakhs and above per annum

Notes: A BMS degree combined with an MBA can greatly boost career prospects and increase earning potential.

How can Unstop Help?

To tap the best career options in commerce, systematic and efficient planning plus management is absolutely necessary. Coaching and professional programs can only help to an extent - what truly makes a difference is the amount of self-study the student agrees to put in. Another factor that matters is credible information, deep insights, and educational sources for the students.

Unstop provides information about various national educational competitions from every discipline under one roof. These competitions work as good simulators of ideas and boost the participants' confidence in their expertise in the choice of subjects. The students can keep track of the upcoming competitions and have a one-stop destination for all the information regarding them.

Further, Unstop also provides information about the various scholarship programs and competitions offered by government, private, and university organizations. Students can take advantage of these opportunities to help them achieve their higher educational dreams.

Students can also take part in the various quizzes (both online and otherwise) on the website. These quizzes are designed for every discipline and are a fun way to learn and revise the concepts present in the textbooks. If students wish so, they can also participate in quizzing competitions held across the nation (information about which is also provided on the website).

Finally, there is a dedicated section of the website that contains career-related and educational articles that aim to help ease the ever-present confusion in a student’s mind.

Conclusion

The commerce stream offers many professional courses catering to a wide range of interests and career goals. Whether you are inclined towards accounting, finance, law, management, or digital marketing, there is a course that can help you achieve your career aspirations.

The key is to choose a course that aligns with your interests, strengths, and long-term career goals, ensuring a rewarding and successful career path.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are some popular careers in commerce for students after class 12th?

Popular careers in commerce include chartered accountant, business manager, financial analyst, business analyst, and research analyst. Some of the most popular sectors or industries that employ commerce graduates are the insurance industry, financial advisory, investment banking, and accounting departments in corporations.

It's a common misconception that industries only hire commerce students for accounting and finance roles. However, students with a commerce degree can also find a job in non-financial industries or sectors, like event management, hotel management, digital marketing, tourism industry, etc. Accounting professionals are a part of most, if not all organizations. 

This is because of two reasons - firstly, finance or accounting is a component of every industry. Secondly, it's not mandatory for students who took commerce in Grade 12 to only pursue an undergraduate degree in commerce subjects and opt for corresponding career choices. 

2. Which is the most difficult course after commerce in 12th?

The difficulty of a course depends on various factors - from the degree of competition to your comfort level with a subject. However, Chartered Accountancy is usually considered to be one of the most difficult courses because it requires rigorous studying to clear its three examination levels. You also need to complete a mandatory article to qualify as a CA. 

That being said, candidates may find other courses difficult as well if they're not well-versed or interested in the core subjects. Thus, always play to your strengths when choosing a career option after the commerce stream. 

3. Can we take up courses in humanities & social sciences after studying commerce in 12th?

Yes, you can opt for courses in humanities & social sciences or other areas outside of the commerce stream. The introduction of the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) enables students to apply for a wide variety of undergraduate courses. CUET is a nationwide, unified entrance exam for various undergraduate and postgraduate courses in India. It's conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Find more details about CUET here.

4. How do you choose the best course after 12th commerce?

There is a wide variety of fields, and it's natural to be confused about what course to pursue after studying commerce in class 12th. You can refer to the following steps, which can make it easier to make a decision: 

i) Identify your area of interest: It's no secret that pursuing subjects and courses that align with your area of interest makes it easier to study and excel in college. Whether you want to become an investment analyst or an event planner, you need to prepare accordingly.  

ii) Gather relevant information: Always gather relevant information about the field you're interested in. You can gather information from online sources and talk to professionals in the field to understand what the role actually entails and if it fits with your career goals. For example, if you like organizing events and have excellent problem-solving skills, you may wish to pursue event management and attain a degree in hotel management. But, talking to an event planner can tell you what the job actually entails - like the fact that it also needs excellent people skills and a creative bent of mind. 

iii) Play to your strengths: It's always advisable to play to your strengths. The best scenario is where strengths align with the course requirements. For example, if solving complex mathematical equations is a piece of cake for you, a bachelor's degree in Mathematics or Statistics is likely to hold your interest. It's important that you don't go by scores alone when identifying your strengths. Students can score high in a subject but may not be interested in the field. Thus, keep the point first in mind - identify your interests and then play to your strengths. 

iv) Have a backup: Today, every field has intense competition. And the finest minds are competing for limited seats. Thus, it's always advisable to have a backup option. 

v) Understand your motivation: People have different motivations. You could be looking for a field with the highest-paying jobs, want to work in the social sector, or even look for a combination of both. If you understand what motivates you, it's easier to make a decision about your future.

Hopefully, this will make it easier for you to make a decision regarding your future. 

5. What are some popular undergraduate courses for commerce students?

Here are the top ten courses in commerce that students can pursue: 

i) Bachelor of Commerce

ii) Bachelor of Business Administration

iii) Chartered Accountancy

iv) Company Secretary

v) Bachelor of Statistics

vi) Cost and Management Accountant

Apart from these, students can also pursue a BA in Humanities & Social Science subjects or go for professional courses like hotel management, journalism, mass communication, etc. 

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