Career options after 12th commerce: What to do after 10+2 [2023 edition]

It is time to consider your potential future career paths once you have passed the 12th grade in the commerce stream. After high school, students can choose from a variety of academic options and employment opportunities in the commerce stream. It is one of the primary advantages commerce students have over arts students to be able to enroll in both commerce and arts courses. 

Generally, students with 10+2 may only be aware of a handful of courses to pursue after completing their studies. However, there are a number of disciplines and interests one can explore in order to build one’s career. Commonly chosen commerce majors today include accounting, marketing, management, business administration and banking. Other lesser-known fields available for commerce students are BBS, BBI and BAF. Moreover, 12th grade commerce students have the option to select from a vast list of courses that will lead them to numerous career paths related to the field. This article is focused on discussing the best courses for pursuing after 12th grade commerce. 

After 12th commerce, what should I do? 

Considering what courses to take after 12th commerce? You’ll study accounting, finance, and business after you complete 12th grade in commerce. The future of commerce is bright, and there might be well-paying jobs in the sector if you choose the right career path. 

Possibilities in the world of commerce are endless, having a far-reaching effect on many industries. Growing from accounting and law to finance, human resources management and taxation, there is much to consider when deciding what educational pathway to take. Undergraduate courses provide the basics while further specialization can be undertaken through postgraduate study; however, this broadening of options can often be overwhelming for students wanting answers to the question of “what to do after 12th commerce?” To assist with this decision making process, this article will cover some popular programs available after finishing year twelve in commerce. 

Here are the scope of a B.Com degree. 

Choosing a career after 12th commerce 

A number of career options are available to commerce students because it is a branch of an industry that offers students a variety of post-high school academic and career options. In addition to some well-known courses like B.Com and BBA, students can choose from a wide variety of professional courses after 12th Commerce. Here are some of the jobs roles students can choose from: 

Designation	Salary
Chartered Accountancy	₹ 4 – 10 LPA
Company Secretary	₹ 6 LPA
Financial Analyst	₹ 5 LPA
Tax Consultant	₹ 60K – 4 LPA
Auditor	₹ 5 LPA
Stock Broker	₹ 4 – 7 LPA
Accountant	₹ 6 – 6 LPA
Finance and Budget Analyst	₹ 5 – 12 LPA
Banker	₹ 3 – 8.5 LPA
Market Analyst	₹ 8 – 11 LPA
Investment Administrator	₹ 8 LPA
Financial Risk Analyst	₹ 7 – 12 LPA
Economist	₹ 9 – 29 LPA

B.Com (Bachelor of Commerce) 

The B.Com program is one of the most sought-after and standard courses in the field of commerce. This three-year undergraduate program covers topics such as corporation tax, accounting, auditing, company law, management, etc. There is also an option to pursue honours in this degree with specialization in specific topics. The eligibility criteria demands that a student have passed 12th grade with Accountancy, Business Studies, Economics and English as core subjects and may or may not require Mathematics as an elective depending upon the college selected by them. Moreover, they must meet necessary prerequisites for that degree at a given college and clear any entrance exams if applicable. Completing this degree with an MBA or M.Com on top offers plenty of opportunities for a successful career ahead. 

Check out the difference between B.Com and B.Com Honours. 

BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration)  

The BBA program is particularly sought-after due to its diversity, with students from each of the Science, Commerce and Arts streams enrolling in it. Its curriculum covers management basics, business analytics, marketing management, digital marketing, business laws and human resource management. This course is perfect for those who are aiming at a career in management or eager to pursue an MBA. It also provides students with a comprehensive grasp of marketing principles and business administration practices. The BBA also allows for a range of specialties which make it one of the best choices available after completing 12th commerce studies. Popular specializations include: 

• Business Administration 
• International Business 
• Computer Applications 
• Accounting
• Travel and tourism 
• Supply Chain 
• Entrepreneurship 
• Sports Management 
• Information Systems
• Hospitality 
• Finance 
• Retail 
• Management 
• Global Business
• Hospital & Healthcare 
• Marketing 
• Human Resource Management 

BCA (Bachelor of Computer Applications) 

Obtaining a BCA degree is a great option for those aiming to gain knowledge of Computer languages and applications. Class 12 qualifications are necessary to pursue this undergraduate program; the prerequisite being a passing grade in mathematics and an overall grade point average between 45 and 55 per cent. The three-year course provides fundamental computer and software programming education, ultimately expanding the range of opportunities in the IT industry. Furthermore, it lays the groundwork for successful employment in computer applications. 

This course gives students exposure to areas such as web development, cloud technology, computer systems, user interface, graphics, and animations. The requirements for entry to the course vary depending on the institution and can include merit-based entry or an entrance exam (SET, GSAT, AIMA-UGAT, BUMAT). With successful completion of this course, students may look forward to professional roles such as technical specialists, software testers, web developers, server administrators or computer programmers. For those interested in further studies after the course completion they could consider an MBA in IT Management or a Master of Computer Applications (MCA). 

Bachelor of Arts in Economics

In the four-year Bachelor of Arts in Economics degree program, you will acquire knowledge of numerous concepts related to macro and microeconomics in order to investigate and analyze economic data trends and issues. As an undergraduate, you will study international, rural, and development economics as well as fundamental business principles. It is possible to find employment as an economist, a financial analyst, a consultant, etc., with a degree in this field. 

Bachelor of Commerce in Banking and Insurance

Through this program, students gain a comprehensive understanding of how to apply theory to various facets of banking and insurance in practice. It offers advanced classes in accountancy and financial management, business communication, environmental studies, business economics papers, math and statistical techniques, and accounting. These graduates may pursue the following roles: 

• Accountant 
• Cashier 
• Insurance Manager 
• Loan Counselor 
• Financial Advisor 

BFM (Bachelor of Commerce in Financial Markets) 

A Bachelor of Financial Markets (BFM) could be the right choice for you if you are looking to kick-start your career based on the market’s intricate workings. This three-year program covers a range of topics, such as economics, financial risks, investments and applied subjects like managing financial resources. Obtaining this qualification opens up numerous jobs and possibilities in the professional sphere. After graduating, you are eligible to apply for positions such as: 

• Chartered Accountant 
• Financial Analyst 
• Project Coordinator 
• Financial Risk Manager 
• Company Secretary 
• Financial Manager 
• Financial Consultant 
• Research Analyst 
• Accountant 
• Finance Manager 
• Insurance Manager 
• Finance Officer 
• Wealth Management 

BAF (Bachelor of Accounting and Finance) 

Accounting, market systems, management, finance, taxation, and banking are included in this course. Candidates must have passed the 12th exam with a commerce-related major, and their required minimum GPA varies from college to college. A student’s TOEFL, IELTS, or other English proficiency test results are required if they choose to pursue it from a foreign university. The curriculum includes B.Com-related disciplines like, 

• Business law
• Financial accounting
• Taxation
• Auditing
• Information technology
• Risk management
• Business communication

Integrated courses geared towards industry 

After graduating from grade 12, students have the option of enrolling in integrated courses, which represent two Bachelor’s degrees taken concurrently or an undergraduate and graduate course. This offers dual qualifications, affording learners the opportunity to explore multiple fields at once. Integrated education is beneficial for those looking to increase their effectiveness and secure a position within various industries. Individuals with a commerce background can consider pursuing one of these comprehensive programs post-grade twelve. 

• BBA-MBA  
• LLB with a B.Com  
• CIMA B.Com 
• B.Com with CMA
• B.Com with ACCA 

Find out the ACCA subjects covered in a B.Com program. 

Chartered Accountancy (CA) 

It has three stages: Foundation, Intermediate, and Final, and is offered by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). 

Students can take the entry-level CA Foundation test after completing Grade 12 and then advance to Level 2 – CA Intermediate upon passing it. To qualify for the Final exam, they must additionally enroll in an Advanced Integrated Course on Information Technology and Soft Skills (ICITSS) during the articled training period that lasts around 2.5 years. Upon passing this exam, the student receives the CA certification. This course is open to students from Science, Commerce, or Arts streams who have passed the foundation test. It is administered twice a year. 

Check out this article if you want to clarify pursuing CA along with an online B.Com. 

Company Secretary (CS) 

As a result of this three-level curriculum offered by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI), students who have completed their 12th Commerce education can earn a degree as a Company Secretary. There are three levels of CS: the Foundation Program, the Executive Program, and the Professional Program. 

This test is taken twice a year – in June and December, and covers topics such as corporate environment, management, ethics, communication, accounting, and economics. 

Capital markets, corporate and management accounting, general laws, company law, tax law, and financial and strategic management are among the topics covered in the Executive Program. 

The professional program consists of nine papers that cover topics such as risk management, advanced tax laws, secretarial auditing, corporate funding, and listing. 

Cost and Management Accountant (CMA)

Commerce students who want to pursue careers in accounting and finance are increasingly taking advantage of this professional course. The Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICAI) awards this certification, one of the most challenging professional examinations in India. The test is divided into three levels: 

• CMA Foundation  
• CMA Intermediate  

• CMA Final 

For the Foundational level test, you must obtain a pass certificate from an approved board. The CMA tests are given twice a year, in June and November.

After 12th commerce without mathematics, what are the top courses? 

1. Bachelor of Commerce (General) 

Following high school, a B.Com (General) program is the most popular choice for students studying commerce without maths. This course is particularly popular with students who want to pursue a vocational degree in regular mode while also getting a bachelor’s degree through correspondence and distance learning. 

2. B.Com (Business Administration) 

Students interested in a career in business administration and management might consider the B.Com Business Administration degree. Some of the topics covered in the course include business management, corporate accounting, business law, marketing, business organization, corporate law, business communication, retail management, etc. 

3. Bachelor of Commerce (Marketing) 

During this B.Com program, students learn techniques and procedures for planning and managing marketing operations within a company. Marketing is one of the four pillars of any commercial organization. Graduates of a B.Com in marketing have numerous career options. There is a significant demand for marketing graduates in every industry. 

4. Bachelor of Commerce (Tourism & Travel Management) 

In this degree, students are given both academic and practical knowledge of the tourism industry. In addition to business operations and other fundamentals of commerce, students are also taught about tourism’s financial importance, its impact on the global economy, environmental law, customer service, and international travel laws. Tourism management is also studied. 

5. Digital Marketing 

For those who have completed high school, majoring in digital marketing presents the chance to work in one of the booming sectors. Those intrigued by computers and graphics may opt to pursue a career in digital marketing. This field has a lot of system-based roles, allowing for remote employment by personnel. The course content covers SEO, SMO, PPC, online promotion and other topics pertinent to digital marketing. And there are many institutes throughout India offering diploma and certificate courses online in this field. 

• Bachelor of Business Administration in Digital Marketing 
• Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) in Digital Marketing 
• Bachelor of Science in Digital Marketing 
• Diploma in Digital Marketing 

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) 

After the 12th commerce, what can I do? 

Following Class 12, a number of commerce courses can be considered the best in terms of career paths. The best course can vary from student to student, depending on their preferences and career goals. So let’s explore the most popular commerce courses available after Class 12. These include: BBA, BMS, CS, ICWAI, Economic Honours, Statistics Honours, Taxation & Accounting Honours, Banking & Finance Honours, and B.Com, B.Com Honours. 

Is it possible for commerce students to do BCA? 

You can pursue a BCA degree because this bachelor’s degree program is available for students from all streams (including Science, Commerce, and the Arts), who have completed their 12th grade education from an accredited board. In order to get into the best colleges and universities, students from other streams need to pass entrance exams or in some colleges, they need to pass a bridge course.  

A number of colleges require students to have taken mathematics during their 12th grade in order to apply for their BCA program. Students from the commerce stream who took mathematics during high school will meet this requirement and be admitted to the BCA program. There are other colleges that do not apply to any of the above criteria. Even if you did not take mathematics during your 12th grade, you can still enroll in a BCA program at such institutes. 

Is it possible for commerce students to do data science? 

Yes, there is a shift from intuitive to data-driven decisions in the corporate world, offering an opportunity for those with a passion for numbers and a natural aptitude for analysis. Financial experts and commerce students have the edge when it comes to learning analytics since they already know how to work with statistics, can demonstrate strong quantitative abilities and are familiar with the workings of companies and their financial standing. Moreover, their knowledge of finance and management gives them an additional advantage. Ultimately, both analytics and business development rely heavily on numeracy. 

For more about data science programs, read this blog on data science. 

Is it possible for a commerce student to do a BBA?  

The BBA degree is appropriate for students who studied commerce without maths in class 12, but the BCA degree is more appropriate for students who studied commerce with maths. You can pursue a variety of careers, including business consulting, operations management, finance, and human resources.  

After 12th commerce, what courses can be taken without mathematics? 

With or without math, high school graduates have a wide range of exciting career opportunities in the commerce stream. There are several highly sought-after programs that do not require maths, including BBA, B.Com, BMS, Bachelor of Law, Bachelor of Foreign Trade, accounting courses, hotel management, and travel and tourism courses. 

In conclusion  

As a result, the above-mentioned courses will lead to high-paying careers in the commerce stream after 12th Commerce. There are many options for courses after finishing 12th commerce but choosing the right one is crucial. Students often struggle to select the right curriculum for their professional goals. 

Once you have completed your higher secondary education in commerce, it is important to consider your interests and decide on an appropriate career path. Accounting, Finance, Marketing and Business Administration are some of the main options available to you. Make sure you research thoroughly into the institution offerings, eligibility requirements and skills needed before choosing one of the courses.  

With Online Manipal, students from 12th commerce backgrounds can pursue online B.Com and BBA degree programs from NAAC A+ accredited Manipal University Jaipur. The flexible nature of these courses means that they will fit around any existing full-time job or commitments you may have. Therefore, it is essential to make an informed decision when enrolling in a course so that you can have a prosperous future ahead of you.