Courses after BCom: What Comes Next?

While a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) may be a popular degree, you also have many additional courses after BCom degrees to consider, each of which could help make you more marketable in the workplace. If you’re still considering entering a BCom degree programme, finding BCom colleges in India and reviewing the exams specific to BCom graduates can help you decide how to move forward.

Likewise, if you have a BCom and are wondering what to do next, it helps to understand the types of jobs available and the typical salary information. Delving deeper into postgraduate options can help Bachelor of Commerce graduates and anyone considering the degree determine how to continue their education best. 

What is a Bachelor in Commerce degree?

 A Bachelor of Commerce degree (BCom) is an undergraduate degree in business that you may complete in person, online, or through distance learning. The Universities Grants Commission (UGC) recognises it, and it’s one of the more popular educational paths among Class 12 graduates. It focuses on commerce, the study of how customers and suppliers interact throughout the exchange of goods and services. 

The programme helps students prepare for private and public jobs and involves studying business principles. It also examines the socio-economic, cultural, legal, and technological forces influencing business.

Common disciplines studied

Generally, a BCom degree will include courses in accounting, economics, marketing, taxation, information systems, and other national and global business disciplines. You may also study subjects like business law, taxation, and auditing. 

Postgraduate courses for BCom majors

You’ll find various options for BCom students who wish to continue their education after graduation. The Masters in Business Administration (MBA) and Masters in Commerce (MCom)  programmes are popular and can help you advance your career. Also, professional courses and certifications such as the Chartered Accountant (CA), Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Company Secretary (CS), and Financial Risk Manager (FRM) can help you to become more marketable in your job search.

Why invest in BCom postgraduate courses?

Furthering your education is an excellent way to invest in yourself. As a BCom graduate, when you decide to undertake postgraduate (PG) programming, whether, in a masters level programme or PG work towards a professional designation or certification, you are positioning yourself for better salary packages and enhanced marketability to potential employers. 

According to Payscale, the average base salary for a BCom graduate in India is ₹5,08,000 [1].In contrast, completing postgraduate courses after BCom can increase salary expectations. For example, the average base salary for a Chartered Accountant in India is ₹10,000,000, according to Glassdoor [2]. Also, after completion of an advanced programme in the commerce field, the scope of jobs you are eligible for will broaden, again enhancing your marketability.  

Top BCom graduate programmes

When researching graduate-level programmes, consider rankings by various sources that may factor into your process. Generally speaking, a high-ranking college will be active in contributions to society, maintain a high level of review with a focus on enhancing courses, and maintain the resources and infrastructure that keep the learner’s needs at hand.  

The Ministry of Education ranks the country’s institutions. Examples of highly rated BCom programmes at the graduate level are as follows [2]:

• Shri Ram College of Commerce

• M S Ramaiah College of Arts, Science, and Commerce

• Sri Guru Gobind Singh College of Commerce

• St. Joseph's College of Commerce

Prerequisites

A candidate must first graduate from an undergraduate programme to gain acceptance into a graduate-level programme. For example, only individuals who have completed a BCom or similar degree can apply for an M.Com as it is a specialised field. Additionally, some programmes, such as an MBA programme, may require you to take entrance exams as part of the prerequisites.

Average timeframe for completion of PG work after BCom

The average timeframe for completing courses after BCom depends on the track you pursue. For example, certificate programmes could take as little as six to 11 months to complete. Master’s programmes typically take between two to three years. Master’s level programmes may require you to complete a thesis, in which you must exhibit a grasp of critical concepts and skills in your area of expertise.    

Career options for BCom graduates with postgraduate education

Pursuing an advanced degree and taking courses after a BCom can open various career options. Completing masters-level and postgraduate programmes may make you a more marketable candidate and increase the scope of jobs that you may qualify for. For example, you could pursue positions in management, finance, banking, accounting, and investments as a graduate of a PG programme. 

Examples of career alternatives for the graduate of an M.Com degree or similar PG programmes include management consulting, actuarial, financial and investment analysis, loss control specialist, financial advisors, and tax consultants.

Average salary and job outlook

The average salaries for an MCom graduate range between ₹2,00,000 and ₹12,50,000, according to Payscale [3]; however, wages for some jobs in this field can be significantly higher. For example, the highest salary offered for senior finance managers is ₹17,62,150, while finance directors earn an average base salary of ₹37,16,787.

The job outlook looks promising, and the market appears strong for MCom and BCom graduates who have completed the PG programme. For example, as of December 2024, Naukri had more than 16,000 jobs available in India for MCom graduates [4].

Professional exams specific to BCom graduates

Taking (and passing) a competitive exam after completing your BCom degree is another way to increase your marketability and earn entrance into postgraduate programmes. You also have the opportunity to become more diverse in your educational accomplishments by choosing areas of study that may be different from what you took while in your BCom programme. 

One may choose a management-focused exam or a technically-focused exam. Another alternative is to complete an entrance exam for an advanced degree programme, such as a master’s level programme, which you could even complete abroad.  

Examples of competitive professional exams are as follows:

Common Admission Test (CAT): The CAT is a nationally recognised entrance exam for admission into graduate-level management programmes. It covers areas like quantitative aptitude, logical reasoning, and data interpretation. Passing this exam also makes you eligible for placement at one of the Indian Institutes of Management.

Civil Service Examination (CSE): Also known as the UPSC exam, passing this exam may open the door to working within the government sector. Combined with the IAS, IPS, or IRS exams, it may allow you to enter government civil service at the officer level. 

Bank Probationary Officer Exams: Exams are also highly popular in India. Combined with a BCom degree, passing this exam will enable you to become a bank manager. 

GMAT or GRE: The GMAT or GRE allows you to pursue advanced degrees in foreign universities. If you want to work and study abroad, particularly in the United States or Europe, consider applying for the GRE or GMAT. 

Short Service Commission Exams: The SSC exam is for acceptance into the Officers Training Academy in the Indian Army. Combined with your BCom degree, a military commission may increase your chances of entering higher-level government jobs.

Railway Entrance Examinations: Indian railways require you to take and pass their tests before you can be eligible to work for them. BCom graduates who work in railway jobs often enjoy higher-level, stable, but lucrative positions.

Take the next step with Coursera

If you’re considering taking courses after a BCom degree but are still deciding which direction to take, consider exploring areas that interest you. For example, you could take International Business Operations Specialisation or Doing Business in the Global Economy. You could also work towards a Global MBA, also on Coursera.

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