Top Career Options for Commerce Students After Class 12: Courses, Exams, and Salary Insights
Shruti
24/03/2025
Table of Contents
Best Career Paths for Commerce Students After Class 12
Choosing the right career path after Class 12 Commerce is crucial for students aspiring to build a successful future in business, finance, law, or management. With multiple degree programs, entrance exams, and high-paying job roles, commerce offers diverse opportunities across various industries.
From B.Com and CA to CFA and business management, here’s a detailed guide on the best career options for commerce students, along with the required entrance exams, course fees, and salary prospects.
1. Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) – A Popular Choice
B.Com is one of the most sought-after undergraduate degrees for commerce students. It provides a strong foundation in accounting, business management, and finance.
Top B.Com Specializations:
- B.Com (General)
- B.Com (Accounting & Finance)
- B.Com (Banking & Insurance)
- B.Com (Taxation)
Admission Process & Entrance Exams:
- CUET UG (Common University Entrance Test)
- IPU CET (for Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University)
- Christ University Entrance Test
Course Fees: ₹20,000 – ₹2,00,000 (depending on the university)
Average Salary Post-B.Com: ₹3-6 LPA
2. Chartered Accountant (CA) – A Prestigious Career in Finance
Chartered Accountancy (CA) is a prestigious and challenging career path for commerce students who want to specialize in accounting, taxation, and auditing.
Steps to Become a CA:
- Register for CA Foundation Course after Class 12.
- Pass CA Intermediate (requires 8 months of study).
- Complete a 3-year Articleship (internship) under a practicing CA.
- Clear CA Final Exam to become a certified Chartered Accountant.
Course Fees: ₹2,00,000 – ₹3,00,000
Starting Salary: ₹6-10 LPA (higher for top scorers in CA Final)
3. Company Secretary (CS) – A Key Role in Corporate Governance
A Company Secretary (CS) manages legal and regulatory affairs for businesses, ensuring compliance with corporate laws. The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) conducts the CS program.
Steps to Become a CS:
- Register for CS Executive Entrance Test (CSEET) after Class 12.
- Clear CS Executive & CS Professional levels.
- Complete a 21-month internship with a company or practicing CS.
Course Fees: ₹50,000 – ₹1,00,000
Salary After CS: ₹5-12 LPA
4. Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) – Gateway to Management Careers
For students interested in business management, marketing, and leadership roles, BBA is an excellent choice.
Top BBA Specializations:
- BBA in Finance
- BBA in Marketing
- BBA in Human Resource Management
- BBA in International Business
Popular BBA Entrance Exams:
- CUET UG
- NPAT (for NMIMS)
- IPMAT (for IIM Indore & Rohtak)
Course Fees: ₹2,00,000 – ₹8,00,000
Average Salary After BBA: ₹4-7 LPA
5. Bachelor of Economics – A High-Demand Field
A Bachelor’s degree in Economics is an ideal choice for students interested in data analysis, policy-making, and financial markets. It offers lucrative job opportunities in banking, research firms, and government organizations.
Top Colleges Offering BA/BSc in Economics:
- Delhi University
- JNU
- Christ University
- Presidency University
Course Fees: ₹50,000 – ₹2,50,000
Average Salary After Economics Degree: ₹5-10 LPA
6. Certified Financial Analyst (CFA) – Global Career in Finance
The CFA certification is one of the highest-paying career options for commerce students, ideal for those interested in investment banking, portfolio management, and equity research.
How to Become a CFA:
- Enroll in CFA Level 1 after graduation.
- Pass three levels of CFA exams (conducted by CFA Institute).
- Gain 4 years of relevant work experience.
Total Cost of CFA Course: ₹2,50,000 – ₹3,50,000
Starting Salary of a CFA: ₹8-15 LPA
7. Law (LLB) – A Reputed Career for Commerce Students
Commerce students can also pursue a career in corporate law, taxation law, or criminal law by opting for LLB (Bachelor of Laws) after Class 12.
Top Law Entrance Exams:
- CLAT (Common Law Admission Test)
- LSAT India
- AILET (for National Law University, Delhi)
Course Fees: ₹2,00,000 – ₹6,00,000
Salary After LLB: ₹5-12 LPA (depending on experience & specialization)
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Career After Class 12 Commerce
The best career path depends on your interests, strengths, and future goals. While CA and CFA offer high salaries, BBA and LLB open doors to corporate leadership and legal careers. Students should explore their skills, job prospects, and entrance exam requirements before making a decision.
Also Reads :
Internshala Grand Summer Internship Fair 2025: Explore Top Internships Across India
Get Instant Updates on WhatsApp
Stay updated with career opportunities, entrance exams, and commerce education news.
Click here to join our WhatsApp group
Bookmark for the latest education news: Formfees.com/news
