BCom vs BBA: What to choose after 12th?

Choosing the right degree option, right after completion of their 12^th can be a challenging task for students. One should make an informed decision by weighing in many factors as it is a crucial decision that defines your career trajectory. BCom and BBA are the two most common choices that students are usually presented with after their 12^th.  

BCom offers a comprehensive understanding of commerce, economics, and finance while BBA program focuses on business management and administration. The career prospects vary too. BCom graduates often find themselves in roles like accountancy, banking, or finance, while BBA graduates lean towards managerial positions. This article delves into each degree, its scope, career prospects, and higher education possibilities. 

What is BBA? 

Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) is an undergraduate program that focuses on business management and administration. It provides students with a comprehensive understanding of various facets of the business world, including marketing, finance, human resources, and entrepreneurship. The BBA course duration is typically 3 years and is divided into 6 semesters. 

What is the scope of BBA? 

BBA offers a wide range of opportunities and a strong foundation in business-related disciplines.  

• Diverse career options: BBA graduates are well-equipped to pursue careers in various industries such as finance, marketing, human resources, and operations. 
• Entrepreneurship: BBA programs often include coursework in entrepreneurship, making it an ideal choice for aspiring entrepreneurs. 
• Managerial skills: The curriculum emphasizes developing leadership and managerial skills, which are valuable in any organization. 
• Global perspective: BBA programs often incorporate international business concepts, preparing graduates for global careers. 

Career options after BBA 

Top jobs after BBA 

Sales & marketing manager 

They are responsible for leading a team of professionals who are involved in the sales and marketing activities of an organization. They must track market developments, develop marketing opportunities, create strategies, set up sales plans and ensure they’re implemented. They must possess in-depth knowledge and understanding of sales and marketing and have effective communication and leadership skills.  

Management consultant  

Management consultants help an organization solve issues, maximize the growth of a company and improve business performance. They perform quantitative and qualitative analysis to drive proposed solutions to various issues within the company. They can work in various sectors like banking, healthcare and engineering. 

Business development manager  

They are responsible for contacting potential clients and developing a strategy focused on financial gain. They identify new markets and satisfy customer needs. They keep a record of sales, revenue, invoices etc. They set goals for the development team and ensure the business is growing.  

Operations manager 

An operation manager is a key part of the management team. They oversee the operational activities of an organization such as recruitment, training, and other day-to-day operations. They also oversee financial planning, management, budgets, product delivery and strategy.  

Product manager 

Product managers are go-to people for a product. They identify customer needs and the larger business objectives that need to be fulfilled and build a strategy. They are heavily involved in a wide range of responsibilities like planning, delivery, and marketing throughout the product life cycle. They prioritize customer needs, work with sales and marketing teams and define the product vision. Find out more about the skills required for a career in product management.  

Read more- Top career options after BBA 

Higher studies after BBA 

BBA graduates who wish to further their education and expand their career prospects can consider various postgraduate options. Here are some common paths they can pursue: 

• Master of Business Administration (MBA): Pursuing an MBA is a popular choice, as it provides advanced business knowledge and can lead to higher-level management positions. 
• Master of Science in Management (MSM): This program focuses on advanced management concepts and is suitable for those seeking specialized knowledge. 
• Master of Human Resource Management (MHRM): Ideal for those interested in specializing in human resources. 
• Master of International Business (MIB): Suitable for those who want to focus on global business and international markets. 
• Master of Finance (MFin): For individuals interested in finance and investment management. 
•  Master of Marketing (MM): Designed for those aiming to specialize in marketing and branding. 

You may like to know more about BBA degree program details. 

Skills developed with a BBA degree 

Analytical skills 

As part of your education, a BBA degree needs you to complete a lot of analysis. You will also master sophisticated analytical software, which is now a need for most management roles. 

Presentation skills 

Making presentations is an essential aspect of BBA degree programs and all connected jobs. Presentations are a common and efficient form of visual communication in the business. 

Accounting skills 

As part of the BBA program, you will learn about all areas of running a company, including accounting. To succeed, you must be naturally gifted with numbers. 

Management: BBA graduates learn fundamental principles of management, including organizational behavior, resource allocation, and project supervision. 

Financial acumen: BBA students gain a strong foundation in finance, accounting, and economics, enabling them to understand financial statements, perform financial analysis, and manage budgets effectively. 

 Marketing skills: Understanding consumer behavior, market research, and marketing strategies is essential in various business roles. BBA programs often include coursework in marketing. 

Entrepreneurial mindset: Many BBA programs foster an entrepreneurial mindset, encouraging graduates to think creatively, take calculated risks, and explore opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship. 

What is BCom? 

Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) is an undergraduate program that offers a broad foundation in commerce-related subjects, including accounting, finance, economics, and business management. It typically spans three years which is divided into 6 semesters. 

Know more about B.Com course details. 

What is the scope of BCom degree? 

Graduates with a BCom can pursue careers in various sectors, including accounting, finance, banking, marketing, and business management. They are equipped with skills in financial analysis, accounting principles, and business operations, making them valuable assets in both private and public organizations. BCom graduates can also choose to further their education through postgraduate programs like Master of Commerce (MCom) or Master of Business Administration (MBA) to specialize further and enhance their career prospects. 

Career options after BCom 

Top jobs after BCom 

Accountant 

An accountant is required in every organization, irrespective of which sector you choose. An accountant is responsible for making critical financial decisions for the company by collecting, tracking, and correcting the company’s finances. They are also responsible for financial audits, and ensuring that the organization’s financial records are accurate.  

Financial analyst 

The job of a financial analyst involves analyzing financial data, analyzing past results, identifying trends, and making recommendations for improvement. They are also responsible for evaluating the financial performance of the company and maintaining a strong financial analysis foundation creating forecasts and models.  

Business manager 

A business manager must oversee the activities and performances of other workers, hire and train new employees, and ensure that each department in the company is contributing to financial goals. They also ensure whether there are enough resources for workers and prepare reports for the management.  

Investment banker 

An investment banker is responsible for raising capital for businesses and individuals by issuing debt and selling equity. They develop various financial models to value debt and equity, mergers, acquisitions and capital-raising transactions. They also develop relationships with new clients to expand business.  

Financial risk manager  

A financial risk manager is responsible for identifying threats to assets of the company, analyzing business risks and offering a solution. They must possess knowledge in managing financial risks and work with banks, insurance companies and accounting firms. They work in various fields from financial services to marketing. 

Higher education after BCom 

BCom graduates seeking to enhance their qualifications and career prospects can consider pursuing higher studies. Here are some common postgraduate options: 

• Master of Commerce (MCom): Provides in-depth knowledge in commerce-related subjects and is an ideal choice for those looking to specialize further. 
•  Master of Business Administration (MBA): An MBA can open doors to leadership roles and offers a broader understanding of business management. 
•  Chartered Accountancy (CA): Ideal for those interested in pursuing a career as a chartered accountant. 
• Certified Management Accountant (CMA): Focuses on management accounting and financial management. 
•  Company Secretary (CS): For those interested in legal and corporate governance aspects of businesses. 
•  Master of Finance (MFin): Suitable for individuals looking to specialize in finance and investment. 

Skills developed with a BCom degree 

Computer skills  

All professional learning, including BCom, is now computer-based. You must be adept in the use of computers and other software programs that will benefit you in your studies. 

Accounting skills 

Accounting is a vital component of BCom. There are several jobs in accounting to explore after a BCom degree, so it is important to acquire accounting skills. To thrive in your job, you must be strong with numbers. 

Taxation skills 

Another vital element in BCom is taxation. You must have a strong knowledge of the country’s tax system, including laws and regulations and their applications. Tax knowledge will offer you a variety of professional opportunities. 

Analytical skills 

Analyzing figures, laws, and regulations, as well as utilizing analytical software, are significant parts of the course and professions, therefore you must be able to do analyses. 

Research skills 

BCom is a theoretical subject that necessitates extensive investigation. To perform well in the course, you must have solid research skills. 

You may be interested to know about the skills required for a BCom fresher. 

Eligibility criteria for BCom & BBA programs 

• 10+2 from a recognized National or State board institution 
• 10+3 diploma from a recognized national or state institute 
• At least 45% marks in aggregate in 10+2 / Diploma (40% for reserved categories) 

(The above information is based on eligibility criteria for online BBA and BCom programs at Manipal University Jaipur) 

Read more about Common Universities Entrance Test (CUET) examination details. 

Course curriculum: BCom Vs BBA

Course curriculum	BCom	BBA
Semester 1	General English  Economic theory   Fundamentals of accounting I  Business organization  Principles of business management	Communication skills & personality development  Organizational Behavior  Business environment  Marketing management  Computer fundamentals
Semester 2	Computer awareness & internet  Marketing management  Fundamentals of accounting II  Business law  Fundamentals of entrepreneurship & innovation  Economic environment in India	Business communication  Financial accounting  Human resource management  Quality management  Retail management
Semester 3	Business communication  Financial management  Cost accounting  Business statistics  Financial statement interpretation	Legal & regulatory framework  Quantitative techniques for management  Research methodology  Financial management  Advertising & sales
Semester 4	Indirect taxes  Corporate finance  Corporate accounting  Environmental science  Human resource management	Business strategy  Management information systems  Management accounting  Environmental science  International marketing  Rural marketing
Semester 5	Management accounting  Investment options and mutual funds  Money & banking  eCommerce  International trade & finance	Consumer behavior   Business analytics  Elective- General management  Elective- Retail management
Semester 6	Entrepreneurship development  Principles & practice of auditing   Business environment  Direct taxes  Dissertation	Customer relationship management  Digital marketing  Elective- General management  Elective- Retail management

BCom or BBA: What’s best for you?

The Online Manipal advantage 

Online degrees are definitely the way forward in today’s world. Be it flexibility, accessibility, or cost-effectiveness, there are several factors that have made online degrees more desirable. In that sense, pursuing a degree from top universities like Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ) and Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) through the Online Manipal platform can secure your future.  

MUJ’s online BCom degree is designed to build competencies required in the field of commerce. On the other hand, the online BBA program is attuned to the latest pedagogy and prepares you for many contours your professional life might take. So, make the right decision for a bright future in these in-demand programs. 

Both these online undergraduate programs come with a plethora of exceptional benefits. Students can apply for scholarships, avail easy financing options for fee payment, access live as well pre-recorded lectures, online learning materials, attend webinars from industry experts, and get placement support