More and more students are opting for commerce in their 10+2 or graduation degrees, breaking the myth that commerce has no scope. In fact, commerce is the most practical and relevant field where you can actually apply the knowledge gained to your real life.
Another reason for choosing commerce is that the market’s highest-paid jobs come into this category, like CA, Company Secretary, Financial Analyst, Investment Banker, and whatnot.
If you have expertise in this field, you can also become a financial consultant. So, here are some rewarding career options for commerce students discussed in detail.
24 Best Career Options for Commerce Student
If I take commerce, what can I become? Many students have this question before they’re permanently shifting into the commerce stream for 10+2. Let’s read some of the exciting career options for commerce students you can pick up after your high school.
1. Company Secretary
Becoming a Company Secretary is one of the most lucrative career options for commerce students. A Company Secretary is a key managerial person responsible for looking after legal filings and managing the administration in a company.
The eligibility criteria are 10+2 in any discipline (except fine arts) from a recognized institution and then getting registered for the first level of CSEET.
The Company Secretary course is one of the best courses in commerce, offered in 3 programs – Foundation, Executive, and Professional. It opens up a wide range of career options like Legal advisor, Compliance officer, chief advisor for the board of directors in a company, and other public and private sector jobs.
Top institutes offering courses for Company Secretaries are:
- The CS course is conducted by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI).
- There are 18 CS colleges in India located in the cities of Pune, Mumbai, Delhi/NCR, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Thane, Haryana, Faridabad, Dehradun, Ahmedabad, and Jaipur.
The average income of a Company Secretary is between 6 Lakhs per annum to 7 Lakhs per annum, which might increase based on your expertise.
2. Financial Management
Financial Management comes under high-paying career options for commerce students. This course can help you understand deeply how to manage money, budgeting, capital management, etc.
The eligibility criteria to jump into this field is a bachelor’s degree in finance, business, economics, or any related field along with a work experience as an accountant, Financial Analyst, or other positions.
If you are looking for the best courses for commerce students, go for the financial management courses offering lucrative career options like financial advisor, financial analyst, finance officer, payroll associate, accountant, investment analyst, and many more.
Top colleges offering financial management courses in India:
- Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore
- Indian Institute of Management, Kolkata
- Indian Institute of Management, Indore
- Xavier Institute of Management, Jamshedpur
- Indian Institute of Management, Kozhikode
- Department Management Studies, IIT Roorkee
- Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar
- Indian Institute of Management, Udaipur
The average estimated salary for candidates in the financial management field lies between 4 Lakhs per annum to 6.5 Lakhs per annum. The amount may vary based on your qualifications and the company.
3. Investment Banking
Investment banking is one of the highly paid and rewarding career options for commerce students. Investment bankers play a role in market investment for companies, give advice on how to multiply profit, and get hired by major corporate companies to manage sales and acquisitions.
A candidate requires a bachelor’s degree in Commerce, Finance, or accountancy for entry-level jobs and MBA in Finance for higher positions in the investment banking industry.
If you want a solid career in the commerce stream, you should apply for career options like an investment banker, sales and trading banker, financial market, etc.
The top institutions to learn investment banking in India are:
- NMIMS
- St. Joseph’s College of Commerce
- Christ University
- Annamalai University
Investment banking is one of the best vocational courses after 12th commerce and a candidate can earn 9-10 Lakhs per annum at beginner’s levels. Earnings can go up to 26 Lakhs per annum with experience.
4. Financial Analyst
Financial Analyst comes under the promising career options for commerce students. Having a bachelor’s degree in business administration or a Master’s in Finance with good analytical skills can help you become a Financial Analyst.
A Financial Analyst is required to analyze the market and risks for clients, collect data, and do financial planning for a company.
Financial Analysis is one of the popular career options in the commerce stream due to the high pay and high demand in the market. Financial Analysts can make fortunes in insurance companies, mutual fund corporations, and security firms.
Top colleges to become a Financial Analyst in India:
- Central India Institute of Management Studies, Raipur
- Central India Institute of Management Studies, Jabalpur
- FTMS Global Academy India Pvt. Ltd., Chennai
- Indian Institute of Business Management and Studies, Maharashtra, Mumbai
- Mansukh Institute of Financial Markets, Delhi
- Narayana Business School, Ahmedabad
The best benefits of studying commerce are that you learn to deal with real-life situations like money management and earn money by managing personal finance as well as for others. The average income of Financial Analysts in India is estimated to be around 12 Lakhs per annum.
5. Cost Accounting
If you are good with numbers, then Cost Accounting can be a good career in the commerce stream. Cost Accountants are responsible for crucial tasks like managing budgets, assets, and expenses, finding ways to increase profits, and evaluating performance in a company.
You can become a Cost Accountant after pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Accounting or any related field or you can get hired by some companies even if you have general accounting experience.
Cost Accounting comes with a wide spectrum of career options like a chief accountant, financial director, chief auditor, and accountant. Accountancy also comes in the commerce subject list, so it is easier to pursue a career in cost accounting for commerce students.
Top colleges in India to study cost accounting:
- Nrupatunga Arts and Commerce College, Gulbarga
- Chandigarh University
- Ishan Institute of Management and Technology, Greater Noida
- University of Mumbai
- Cherpulassery College of Science and Technology, Palakkad
- Sree Venkateswara Commerce Degree College, Hyderabad
The average annual income of a Cost Accountant is around 4 Lakhs which can increase based on your skills and experiences.
6. Actuarial Science
An Actuary is one of the most high-paying jobs globally and one of the most popular career options for commerce students. These jobs require a combined extensive knowledge of Economics, Statistics, Mathematics, and research abilities.
Any candidate with 10+2 in Science/Commerce with Mathematics/Statistics or UG in BSc. Actuarial Science can make a career as an Actuary.
Studying Actuarial Science is not easy as it requires constant dedication. Actuaries are responsible for managing and preventing financial risks in organizations like banks and hospitals.
Some of the fascinating career options in actuarial science are pension funds, investment consultants, government jobs as financial consultants, and life and health insurance.
The top colleges to study Actuarial Science in India are:
- Christ University, Bangalore
- Bishop Heber College, Tiruchirappalli
- Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi
- Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam
- Mumbai University
- Amity University, Noida
If you are looking for unique career options in commerce that pay well too, then you can opt for an actuarial science course. The average income of Actuaries in India is estimated to be 10-14 Lakhs per annum.
7. Business Management
Business Management can be one of the best career options for commerce students as their background in finance can help them get higher positions in an organization. A Business Management course of 3 years can help you become an entrepreneur and run a business of your own.
The eligibility criteria for the business management course is the 12th degree and preferably a bachelor’s degree in accounting or commerce.
Business Management Studies open a wide range of career options depending on the discipline you have chosen. For example, if you have chosen finance, you can make a career as a Financial Analyst or a Business Analyst.
For those selecting Banking and insurance, career options available are investment banker, loan officer, or internal auditor.
The top colleges to study business management in India are:
- Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore
- Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta
- Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow
- Indian Institute of Management, Indore
- FMS Delhi
- Management Development Institute, Gurgaon
- Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad
- SPJIMR Mumbai
Your average annual income in the Business Management field depends on the discipline you have chosen. For example, Human Resource Managers earn 7-15 Lakhs per annum, Business Accountants and Marketing Managers get 6-7 Lakhs per annum, and Retail Managers earn 5-6 Lakhs per annum.
8. Foreign Trade
Working in foreign trade can be one of the most profitable career options for commerce students. Foreign Trade involves knowledge of the exchange of goods among countries, capital, and services on international borders.
You can make a career in Foreign trade after pursuing a bachelor’s of foreign trade (BFT), an integrated foreign trade course with an MBA, or a BA in Foreign Trade courses.
The various job roles in foreign trade are Relationship Manager, Export Manager, Foreign Trade Manager, Foreign Trade Analyst, and Business Development Analyst.
The top colleges offering courses in Foreign Trade are:
- IIFT, Delhi NCR
- WeSchool, Mumbai
- Jamia Millia Islamia University, Delhi
- IMS BHU, Varanasi
- Amity University, Noida
- Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar
The average annual salary in foreign trade jobs is between 7-10 Lakhs, which can grow to 22 Lakhs based on experience and knowledge.
9. International Business Management
If I take commerce stream, what can I become? An ideal answer to this question can be an International Business Management. It’s an emerging and popular course among students, that focuses on the analysis of planning and behaviour of international operations.
Purusing this course will need you to pass your 12th with a minimum of 50% of marks. Some of the best career paths you can choose after this course include: International Marketing Manager, International Product Manager, Financial Analyst, etc.
Top colleges to study International Business Management:
- Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta
- Lovely Professional University,
- FORE School of Management
The average anual salary of an International Business Manger can be up to INR 12 lakhs per annum, based on their skills and expertise.
10. Civil Services
If you want a respectable position in society and want a government job, then preparing for civil services lies at the top of the list of career options for commerce students. As for the eligibility criteria, a candidate should hold a graduate degree from any recognized institution.
After qualifying for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exams, a candidate gets a respectable position as an IAS, IPS, or IFS. The examination requires a lot of hard work but also provides rewarding career opportunities.
Civil Service institutions in India:
- Rau’s IAS Study Circle, Delhi, Jaipur, Bangalore
- Chanakya IAS Academy, Delhi
- Sathya IAS Academy, Chennai
- Brain Tree India, Hyderabad
- Elite Academy, Mumbai
- Khan Study Circle, Delhi
A reputed civil servant in higher positions like IAS, and IPS, can get 16 Lakhs per annum approximately. It may vary according to the positions and facilities provided by the government.
11. LLB, Bachelor of Law
A great career in commerce can be with legal after you pursue your bachelor’s in Law. Pursuing the 3-year law course will need you to be a graduate in any discipline with a minimum mark of 45%.
Major job roles you can expect as an LLB graduate can be Corporate Lawyer, Legal Manager, Public Prosecutor, Criminal Lawyer, etc.
The top colleges to study LLB in India are:
- National Law University, Delhi
- National Law School of India University, Bengaluru
- Symbiosis Law School, Pune
The average salary of an LLB graduate can be between 3 lakhs per annum to 6 lakhs per annum and increase gradually with experience.
12. Hotel Management
One of the most promising career options for commerce students is going for a hotel management degree and landing lucrative job offers in the splendid industry. Pursuing this course needs you to have finished your 12th from a recognized board with at least 50% marks in aggregate.
Various jobs you can crack after passing hotel management can be Hotel Manager, Resort Manager, Hospitality Sales Manager, Food and Operations manager, etc.
Top Indian colleges to study Hotel Management in India are:
- Institute of Hotel Management, Catering and Nutrition, New Delhi
- Institute of Hotel Management, Bangalore
- Institute of Hotel Management, Chennai
The starting salary of Hotel Management professionals can be between 2 lakhs per annum to 4 lakhs per annum which gradually reaches a whopping limit with skills and expertise.
13. Travel and Tourism
One of the best career options for commerce students can be in travel and tourism industry. After successful completion of your 12th boards, you’re eligible to study this course. Taking this up in your Master’s will need you to complete your bachelor’s in any stream with a minimum of 45%.
Some tempting job options you can crack in this sector are Corporate Travel Manager, Travel Agent, Flight Attendant, Airline Pilot, etc.
The top Indian colleges to study travel and tourism are:
- National Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Gachibowli, Hyderabad
- College of Vocational Studies, Fort, Mumbai
- Banaras Hindu University, Ajagara, Varanasi
The average starting salary of Travel and Tourism professionals can be between 2.5 lakhs per annum to 4 lakhs per annum and gradually increases with seniority and experience.
14. BCA (IT and Software)
Another one of the most promising career opportunities in commerce can be in the IT industry. You might be wondering if pursuing IT is possible after studying commerce in your high school.
Well, yes, if you had computer applications as an additional subject in your 12th. A minimum of 50% aggregate in your board exam is required to be eligible for admission or sitting for the entrance set, based on the respective admission criteria of the college.
The top jobs you can land as a BCA student can be Technical Analyst, Software Developer Trainee, Web Developer, E-commerce Executive, etc.
The top colleges to study BCA in India are:
- Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore
- Symbiosis Institute of Computer Studies and Research, Pune
- Christ University, Bengaluru
The starting salary of a fresh BCA student can be between 2.5 lakhs per annum to 3. Mid-level professionals can earn up to 5 lakhs per annum and more. Seniors in this field can earn a whopping amount of up to 12 lakhs per annum or even more.
15. BBA/BMS
One of the most brilliant opportunities for commerce students can be in the management sector. Many commerce students go for management studies after commerce as it provides an enticing career scope for them. Bachelor’s in Business
Administration or Bachelor’s in Management Studies can be a great pick for your college.
Pursuing BBA/BMS will need you to have passed your 12 boards with a minimum of 50% marks in any stream. Some popular job options you can go for as a graduate in these disciplines are Financial Advisor, Human Resource Executive, Marketer, Commodities Trader, etc.
The top colleges to study BBA in India are:
- University of Engineering and Management, Kolkata
- UPES, Dehradun
- Amity University, Noida
The average salary for a BBA student can be between 3 lakhs per annum to 5 and eventually extend to10 lakhs per annum or even more with skills and expertise.
16. B.Des
If you’re a creative person, willing to explore the world of creativities, layouts, themes, etc., B.Des is your go-to course. It is among the top professional courses in commerce. Pursuing this undergraduate degree will need you to complete your 12th board from a recognized institution with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks.
Top jobs you can land in this industry can include, Design Manager, Costume Designer, Graphic Designer, Outside Sales Representative, Interior Designer, Fashion Merchandiser, etc.
Top Colleges to study B.Des:
- National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Mumbai
- National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad
- Pearl Academy, New Delhi
Professionals in this industry can earn up to INR 4 to 6 lakhs per annum on average.
17. BSc in Hospitality & Travel
One of the most lucrative career options for commerce students is in the Hospitality and travel sector. Pursuing this 3-year degree course needs you to complete your 12th from a recognized board, with a minimum of 45% aggregate marks.
Some popular job profiles in this industry are Hotel Manager, Resort Manager, Housekeeping Manager, Food and Hospitality Manager, etc.
Top Colleges to study BSc Hospitality & Travel are:
- University Institute of Hotel Management and Tourism, Punjab University, Chandigarh
- Maharashtra State Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology, Pune
- Madras Christian College (MCC), Chennai
The starting salary in the tourism industry can be up to INR 4 lakhs per annum, while it can go up to a staggering INR 19 lakhs per annum or more based on position and experience.
18. Bachelor of Journalism (BJ)
Do you love the camera? Is reporting something that interests you? If yes, then a Bachelor of Journalism is the perfect fit for you. Among the huge career options in commerce stream, this is a very promising one.
Going for this course in your college will need you to have at least 50% aggregate marks in your 10+2 or equivalent CGPA. Top career options in the Journalism field can be a Content Marketer, Corporate Communications Specialist, Reporter, Social Media Specialist, Grant Writer, Editor, etc.
BJ is among the top career options for commerce students and the top colleges to study Bachelor in Journalism are:
- Asian College of Journalism, Chennai
- St. Xaviers College, Kolkata
- Indian Institute of Journalism and New Media, Bengaluru
Fresh graduates can expect a starting salary of around 3 to 4 lakhs per annum while it can go up to 9 to 10 lakhs or even more with position and seniority.
19. Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication (BJMC)
A great career with commerce stream can be in the mass media sector. If journalism, reporting, media, television, and advertisement are your forte and you love knowing more about this segment, then a Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication is your thing. Taking up this course will need you to finish your 10+2 in any stream with a minimum of 45% aggregate.
Top job profiles in the Mass Communication industry include Blogger, Magazine writer, Business Reporter, Feature Reporter, Social Media Manager, Public Relations Officer, Advertising Manager, etc.
Top colleges to study BJMC:
- University of Delhi, Delhi
- Indian Institute of Mass Communication
- Christ University
Starting salary for Mass Communication professionals can be between 3 lakhs per annum to 4 lakhs per annum. Senior-level professionals in the advertising, and marketing sector can earn up to 10 lakhs per annum or more based on the company and skills.
20. Bachelor of Mass Media
One of the best career options after 12th commerce can be a bachelor’s in Mass Media. Taking up this course in college will require you to have at least 50% aggregate marks in your 10+2. Some top job profiles in the Mass Media industry include Communication Officer, Technical Writer, Copy Editor, Web Producer, Social Media Coordinator, etc.
The top colleges to study Mass Media in India are:
- National Institute of Journalism and New Media, Bangalore
- Jaipur National University, Rajasthan
- Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication, Pune
The average starting salary for media professionals in India is around 4.2 lakhs per annum and goes up further with experience.
21. Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
Taking up fine arts can be among the best commerce side career options. Going for BFA in college will need you to have scored a minimum of 50% in aggregate in your 10+2 with English or Hindi as one of the core subjects.
Some top job profiles in this industry can be Animator, Illustrator, Art Teacher, Graphic Designer, etc.
The top colleges to study Fine Arts are:
- Banaras Hindu University
- University of Mumbai
- Jamia Millia Islamia
Starting salary for BFA professionals can be up to 2 to 5 lakhs per annum which gradually hits high with skills and experience.
22. Chartered Accountancy
One of the most picked and best commerce courses after the 12th is Chartered Accountancy. Being a Chartered Accountant needs you to sit for the CA exam. It requires five years of experience minimum, with a government-approved accounting employer.
The top colleges to study Chartered Accountancy in India are:
- The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), Noida
- Indian Institute of Finance and Accounts, Pune
- Loyola College, Chennai
- St. Xaviers College, Kolkata, and Mumbai
Chartered Accountants can get a whopping salary of up to 10 lakhs per annum with the highest package being 75 lakhs per annum for international posting.
23. Digital Marketing
There’s a lot of options in commerce to choose from and one such in-demand course is digital marketing. It’s a specialization, offered by many institutions in offline and online mode.
There no specific prerequisite to take this course, as long as you’re interested in making a career in this field. Some of the tempting career options in this industry are: Digital Marketer, SEO Expert, PPC Specialist, etc.
Top institutions offering Digital Marketing courses are:
- Post Graduate Program in Digital Marketing and Branding, NIIT.
- Digital Marketing 101, Simplilearn
- Digital Marketing Course by Digital Vidya
On an average, the annual salary of a digital marketer can be between 4 lakhs per annum to around 7 lakhs per annum or even more, based on experience and position.
24. Cost and Management Accountant
Similar to the CA course, this is another professional program for commerce students offered by the The Institute of the Cost Accountants in India. Very few clear the CMA exam. In this courses students explore all Cost and Management accounting, Laws and Ethics, etc.
Top colleges to study CMA:
- The Institute of the Cost Accountants in India
- Jain University, Bengaluru.
The average annual salary of a Cost Accountant in India is 5 lakhs.
Wrapping Up
Career options for commerce students are rich with abundant availability of courses. Based on your skills and interest, you’re good to go with any of the courses and get ahead toward building a bright future.
What do you want to pursue after high school? Which career option does excite you the most? Let us know in the comments!
FAQs
Q1. How to score good marks in 12th boards commerce?
Ans. Scoring good in your 12th commerce will need regular study schedules, solving test papers and working hard to improve on certain parts. Consulting the teacher during any difficulty is a must too.
Q2. What are some of the top courses after 12th commerce?
Ans. After commerce in your high school, you can choose from a wide range of options like: Chartered Accountancy, Business Management, BBA, Foreign trade, hotel management, etc.
Q3. What are some of the study tips for class 12 commerce?
Ans. You should always first understand the syllabus well and try covering the main topics with a clear conception about it. Revision is a must after every chapter and have a clear eye on the previous year question papers.
Q4. Which job is best for commerce students?
Ans. Some of the top career options for commerce students are: Investment Banker, Chartered Accountancy, Certified Public Accountant, Retail manager, etc.
Q5. Which commerce job has the highest salary?
Ans. A career after 12th commerce can be rewarding and some of the highest paid jobs in this sector are: Chartered Accountant, Marketing Manager, Human Resource Manager, etc.
