Best Courses After 12th Commerce: Career Options, Salary, Skills

Introduction

If you find numbers, business, and strategy intriguing, completing your 10+2 in the Commerce stream is just the beginning of an exciting journey ahead. When it’s time to choose the next step forward—the course for your undergraduate studies that paves the foundation for a promising career path—you’re going to have tons of appealing options!

From finance and accounting to management, law, or digital marketing, you name it. A background in Commerce opens doors to a wide range of high-demand, versatile courses. If you aspire to become a CA, work in the corporate sector, or start your own business, choosing the right post-10+2 course can shape your future. 

This guide walks you through the best courses after 12th Commerce to help you make an informed decision, free from confusion or pressure.

Most In-Demand Courses After 12th Commerce

Deciding on the best course after completing class 12 can be overwhelming. So many options and so many factors to count in, as this one decision has the power to shape your career in several unimaginable ways. To help simplify this decision for you, we share below a list of courses after 12th Commerce that are in high demand among students:

1. Chartered Accountancy (CA)

One of the most reputable yet highly challenging Accounting courses after 12th is Chartered Accountancy (CA). The program is offered by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). It is designed to equip students with in-depth knowledge of taxation, auditing, accounting, finance, and business law. 

The entire CA program is divided into three levels – Foundation, Intermediate, and Final. A combination of theoretical and practical learning, the CA course prepares students to handle complex financial and compliance roles across diverse industries. Key concepts covered in the program include Business Laws, Advanced Accounting, and Direct Tax Laws.

Duration	4.5-5 years (average)
Career Opportunities	Financial Advisor Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Management Consultant Risk Advisor Taxation Expert
Top Recruiting Companies	Deloitte Grant Thornton JP Morgan Chase Barclays Aditya Birla Group
Average Salary	INR 11.6 LPA (approx)
Skills Developed	Financial modeling and valuation Analytical thinking Time management Ethics and integrity Teamwork and leadership

Source: AmbitionBox

2. Actuarial Science

The next on our list of courses after 12th Commerce is Actuarial Science, a specialized program for students with a keen interest in statistics, mathematics, and analytical thinking. The program focuses on identifying and evaluating financial risk using techniques such as data analysis, mathematical models, probability, and economics. 

Actuaries are professionals who play a crucial role across industries such as banking, insurance, pensions, risk management, and investments. A professional certification in Actuarial Science after 12th Commerce is offered by leading institutions, namely the Institute of Actuaries of India (IAI). 

Duration	5-7 years (average)
Career Opportunities	Actuarial Analyst Insurance Product Developer Pension Fund Actuary Data Analytics Expert Risk Manager
Top Recruiting Companies	LIC PwC Swiss Re WNS Global Services  Milliman India
Average Salary	INR 7.3 LPA (approx)
Skills Developed	Quantitative analysis Attention to detail Perseverance  Time management Strong mathematical proficiency

Source: Indeed

3. Company Secretary (CS)

Like CA, the Company Secretary (CS) program is also among the best courses to pursue after 12th Commerce. The course primarily focuses on legal compliance, corporate governance, and strategic management, and is offered by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI). 

Aimed at offering students an in-depth understanding of taxation, finance, company law, regulatory frameworks, and ethics, CS professionals play a critical role in ensuring compliance with legal and statutory requirements by organizations. They also offer expert advice to boards on best practices and strategic decision-making. 

Duration	3-4 years (average)
Career Opportunities	Company Secretary Legal Advisor Compliance Officer Corporate Planner Corporate Law Consultant
Top Recruiting Companies	Google  TCS Amazon Microsoft HCL
Average Salary	INR 7 LPA (approx)
Skills Developed	Corporate law knowledge Legal compliance & governance Drafting & documentation Strategic advisory skills Ethical decision-making

Source: Glassdoor 

4. Bachelor of Commerce (BCom)

The most popular and natural choice of courses for Commerce students after 12th is a BCom degree. This three-year undergraduate program is designed to provide a robust foundation for aspiring students in finance, accounting, business management, and economics. 

Some of the key subjects covered in BCom courses include Economic Theory, Business Law, Cost Accounting, Direct Taxes, Management Accounting, and Principles and Practices of Auditing. The course also offers 8 elective subjects in the third year: Banking & FinTech, Business Accounting & Taxation, Accounting with AI, Economics, Business Analytics, Financial Analytics, E-Commerce, and Digital Marketing with AI.

Duration	3 years
Career Opportunities	Financial Analyst Accountant Tax Consultant Bank Officer Auditor
Top Recruiting Companies	KPMG Wipro ICICI Bank Cognizant Goldman Sachs
Average Salary	INR 5.5 LPA (approx)
Skills Developed	Know-how of taxation Business acumen Critical thinking and analysis Business communication Strategic insight

Source: Payscale

5. Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)

For students keen on entering business and management roles after completing 10+2 in the Commerce stream, a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) is an excellent option. The course covers core areas of study, including finance, marketing, human resources, entrepreneurship, and operations. It is designed to equip students with crucial skills such as communication, leadership, and problem-solving. 

Through a wide range of projects, case studies, and internships, BBA students gain ample exposure to become industry-ready. The course is also an ideal choice for students who wish to pursue higher education, such as an MBA. 

Duration	3 years
Career Opportunities	Investment Banker Brand Strategist Supply Chain Analyst Business Consultant  Business Analyst
Top Recruiting Companies	TCS Infosys Ernst & Young  Reliance Industries  HDFC Bank
Average Salary	INR 4.7 LPA (approx)
Skills Developed	Interpersonal skills Technical and financial literacy Entrepreneurship Networking Emotional intelligence

Source: Indeed

Finance and Accounting Courses After 12th Commerce 

There are plenty of options after completing 10+2 in the Commerce stream to choose the next set of courses for higher studies.  Taking a close look at some of them helps you better understand what they entail and whether they align with your long-term academic and career goals. Let’s first take a quick look at some of the popular courses for Commerce students after 12th below in the field of Finance and Accounting, specifically:

1. Cost and Management Accountant (CMA)

• Core focus: To offer training to students in financial planning, cost management, and strategic decision-making processes
• Duration: 3-4 years (average)
• Course structure: Covers three main stages – Foundation course, Intermediate course, and Final course
• Eligibility criteria: 10+2 from a recognized school board for entry into the Foundation course
• Key skills: Financial data analysis, compliance with regulatory laws, and analytical abilities 
• Career prospects: Financial Controller, Cost Auditor, Finance Manager
• Average Salary: INR 9.3 LPA (approx)

Source: AmbitionBox 

2. Bachelor of Accounting and Finance (BAF)

• Core focus: Management Accounting, Financial Accounting, and Auditing
• Duration: 3 years (average)
• Eligibility criteria: 10+2 with at least 50% aggregate marks or higher in any stream (Commerce, Science, or Arts) 
• Key skills: Investment management, financial statement analysis, and financial software proficiency
• Career prospects: Financial Analyst, CA, Investment Banker
• Average Salary: INR 5.4 LPA (approx)

Source: Payscale

Law-Related Courses After 12th Commerce

As noted earlier in the blog, a 10+2 in the Commerce stream opens up a range of study options across fields, enabling students to pursue diverse career paths across industries. Some of the best courses to do after 12th Commerce in the field of Law are:

1. BCom LLB

• Duration: 5 years (average)
• Course structure: 10 semesters incorporating Law into Bachelor of Commerce degrees
• Key subjects: Management, Financial Accounting, Economics  
• Eligibility criteria: 10+2 with at least 45% aggregate 
• Key skills: Business acumen, analytical abilities, legal research
• Career prospects: Tax Advisor, Corporate Lawyer, Legal Consultant
• Specializations: Taxation Law, Corporate Law, Business Law
• Average Salary: INR 10.3 LPA (approx)

Source: AmbitionBox

2. BBA LLB

This is yet another of the popular law-related courses after 12th Commerce. 

• Duration: 5 years (average)
• Course structure: 10 semesters integrating Law subjects into Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) programs
• Eligibility criteria: 10+2 with 45-55% aggregate 
• Career prospects: Compliance Manager, Entrepreneur, Management Consultant
• Average Salary: INR 6.6 LPA (approx)

Source: Indeed

Professional Courses After 12th Commerce

In addition to the courses shared above, you can pursue professional and specialized certification programs in the list of courses after 12th Commerce. Some of these are briefed below for your reference:

1. Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) 

• Course structure: Four levels – Certificate, Operational, Management, and Strategic
• Duration: 2-4 years (average)
• Core focus of the curriculum: Performance, Enterprise, and Finance
• Eligibility criteria: 10+2 completion 
• Career prospects: Corporate Finance, Treasury Management, Business Analysis 
• Average Salary: INR 7 LPA (approx)

Source: Payscale

2. Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)

This course is recognized worldwide as one of the premier professional Accounting courses after 12th Commerce. 

• Duration: 2-3 years (average)
• Course structure: 13 exams divided into 3 levels; exams held 4 times a year – March, June, September, and December 
• Career prospects: Management Accountant, Financial Accountant, Auditor
• Average Salary: INR 4 LPA (approx)

Source: Glassdoor 

Skill-Based & Short-Term Courses After 12th Commerce

The Commerce stream offers a variety of skill-oriented study paths that are shorter than regular degree programs. Listed below are some of the popular skill-based and short-term courses for Commerce students after 12th:

1. Digital Marketing

• Short-term and skill-based study options: Certifications and Diplomas
• Duration: 3-4 months (average) for Certificate courses; 6-12 months (average) for Diploma programs; 60-280+ hours (average) for online courses/bootcamps
• Eligibility criteria: 10+2 from a recognized board in any stream with at least 50%
• Key skills: Content Marketing, SEO, Social Media Marketing, PPC Advertising, Email Marketing 
• Career prospects: SEO Executive, Social Media Manager, Content Marketer
• Average Salary: INR 5.6 LPA (approx)

Source: AmbitionBox

2. QuickBooks

• Study options: online and in-person training institutes
• Duration: 4 -30 hours+ (average) 
• Eligibility criteria: 10+2 with basic computer knowledge and know-how of accounting fundamentals  
• Course curriculum: Expense tracking, payroll, invoicing, inventory management, and more
• Key skills: Proficiency in digital accounting 
• Career prospects: Accounts Assistant, Bookkeeper, Junior Accountant  
• Average Salary: INR 4.5 LPA (approx)

Source: Payscale

How to Choose the Best Course After 12th Commerce

As noted in the blog above, there are many options after completing your 10+2 in the Commerce stream. From formal degree programs to short-term and skill-based courses, there’s so much that you can opt for after completing class 12. But how do you make the right choice for your career path? Here are some pointers to help you make an informed decision:

• Know your strengths: Choose a program based on your academic and personal interests. For students who love numbers, Accounting or Finance courses, such as B.Com or CA, are natural choices. For those aspiring to management positions, a BBA may be a better fit.

• Chart out your career goals: Align your shortlisted courses with your overall career objectives. For instance, if you aim to become a lawyer, an LLB would be more logical. If you dream of starting your own business, then a BBA is your go-to option.

• Research the latest industry trends: A know-how of what’s trending in the industry and what the job market is on the lookout for can go a long way in helping you decide which course is expected to have a long-term strong demand.    

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Choosing a Course

The above-mentioned pointers can help guide you through the selection process. Yet many students are likely to make small, common mistakes, such as unthinkingly following friends’ course choices without assessing their own career needs or succumbing to family or peer pressure. A wrong choice at this stage may have lasting consequences in your career path in the long run. 

Shared below are some common pitfalls to watch out for when selecting the best courses to do after 12th Commerce:

• Lack of research: Detailed research is highly critical when choosing a study program for higher studies. A course may sound appealing, but it may not align with your chosen career path.

• Rushed decision: Making a course decision in haste to avoid missing deadlines without doing proper research or consulting your mentors may not prove fruitful in the long run. 

• Choosing an institution over a course: This may not be the wisest decision. Researching the course curriculum, specializations offered, and skill sets developed is as vital as the rank or reputation of the chosen college/university. One or the other isn’t really a choice. 

Conclusion

The decision for further studies after completing +2 is indeed a critical one, for it has the power to shape both your academic and career paths. It can be overwhelming, as the choices available after 10+2 across all streams are numerous. This blog serves as a guide to help you select the best courses to do after 12th Commerce so that you can confidently tread forward toward a progressive career path with the proper knowledge and skill set.

If you’re looking for flexible study options after 12th in the Commerce field, check out Online Manipal, where you can find some of the leading universities in India offering 100% online courses in Commerce (both BCom and MCom degree programs). Take the first step to a promising professional journey by gaining a reputable professional degree right at home. 

References:

https://www.payscale.com/research/IN/Degree=Bachelor_of_Commerce_(BCom)/Salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/chartered-accountant-salary
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https://in.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/career-after-bba
https://in.indeed.com/career-advice/pay-salary/how-much-does-actuarial-salary-make-in-india
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