Things You Should Know Before Commerce Stream

The commerce stream refers to an academic stream that focuses on studying various aspects of commerce and trade. This stream of education is highly sought-after by students who are interested in pursuing a career in business, finance, accounting, or economics. The commerce stream is often considered one of the most versatile streams, offering a wide range of career opportunities in different industries.

Students who opt for the commerce stream in high school or junior college are exposed to various subjects such as accounting, economics, business studies, mathematics, and statistics. These subjects help in developing an understanding of the functioning of the financial and business world. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the principles of commerce and its applications in real-life scenarios.

Students who choose to study in the commerce stream are exposed to a wide range of topics and concepts that are relevant to the modern business world. They learn about different types of financial transactions, such as investments, loans, and credit, and how to manage financial risk. They also learn about marketing strategies, consumer behavior, and the fundamentals of business management, including the principles of planning, organizing, and controlling.

What all is covered in this post?

In this blog post, we shall be looking at the various aspects of opting for a commerce stream, subjects involved in a commerce stream, and job opportunities after a commerce stream.

Is Commerce a good stream to choose for?

The commerce stream is a good choice for students who are interested in pursuing careers in business, finance, economics, and accounting. It provides a solid foundation in these fields and prepares students for a wide range of careers in the business world. Additionally, the skills and knowledge gained in the commerce stream are highly valued by employers, making it a practical and lucrative choice for students.

Why choose the commerce stream?

Choosing a commerce stream can provide students with a variety of benefits. Here are a few potential Benefits of Pursuing Commerce Courses After the 10th:

• Wide Range of Career Opportunities: Commerce stream prepares students for careers in various fields such as accounting, finance, marketing, and entrepreneurship, which provide a wide range of career opportunities.
• Practical and Applicable Skills: The curriculum of the commerce stream is designed to provide practical and applicable skills that can be used in the real world. Students gain a solid foundation in business and finance, which can be applied to various industries.
• High Demand: The skills and knowledge gained in the commerce stream are highly valued by employers, making it easier for students to secure well-paying jobs in the job market.
• Lucrative Salaries: The jobs available to commerce graduates often offer lucrative salaries, making it a financially rewarding career path.
• Flexibility: The commerce stream provides flexibility in terms of further education options. Students can choose to pursue further education in business, law, management, or any other related field.

Subjects involved in Commerce Stream

In this section, we shall be looking at the various subjects involved at the various academic levels in the commerce stream. The subjects involved in the commerce stream can vary slightly depending on the educational system and institution. However, here are some common subjects involved in the commerce stream at different levels:

11^th and 12^th Class Commerce Stream Subjects

Subjects involved in the commerce subjects in 11^th and 12^th class level are:

• Accountancy
• Economics
• Business Studies
• Mathematics (optional in some cases)

Checkout – Best Courses after 12th Commerce or Professional Courses After 12th Commerce

Undergraduate Commerce Stream Subjects

Following are the subjects involved in UG:

• Financial Accounting
• Cost Accounting
• Business Economics
• Financial Management
• Business Law and Ethics
• Marketing Management
• Organizational Behaviour
• Human Resource Management
• Statistics for Business and Economics
• Taxation

For understanding subjects after UG, refer to our Courses After Graduation in Commerce blog post!

Postgraduate Commerce Stream Subjects

Subjects involved in the commerce stream at the postgraduate level are:

• Advanced Financial Accounting
• Corporate Accounting
• Business Research Methods
• Strategic Management
• International Business
• Investment Analysis and Portfolio Management
• Management Accounting
• Banking and Financial Services
• Entrepreneurship
• E-Commerce

A career in Commerce Stream

As we have already mentioned that there are plenty of career options after 12th commerce available. The scope of opportunities in the commerce stream is vast and varied. In this section, we will be looking at some of the top 10 career options in the commerce stream with their average annual salary that you are going to love for sure.

Chartered Accountant (CA)

Chartered Accountants are highly qualified professionals who specialize in accounting, auditing, taxation, and financial management. They work in various industries, including banking, finance, and the corporate sector, providing financial advice and services. Becoming a Chartered Accountant requires rigorous academic and professional training, including passing a series of exams and gaining practical experience.

The average salary of a chartered accountant in India is around INR 8.5 LPA.

How to become a CA in India?

In order to become a CA in India, students must take care of the following things:

• Educational Qualification: Candidates must have passed 10+2 from a recognized board or university.
• CA Foundation Course: The candidate must have registered with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) for the CA Foundation Course after passing the 10+2 or its equivalent examination.
• CA Intermediate Course: After completing the Foundation Course, the candidate must complete the CA Intermediate Course, which divides into two groups.
• Articleship Training: The candidate must have completed practical training under a practicing Chartered Accountant.
• CA Final Course: After completing the Articleship Training, the candidate must have passed both groups of the CA Final Course.
• Membership: The candidate must have applied for and obtained membership in the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.

For more details, visit our latest blog CA Course after the 12th.

Investment Banker

Investment bankers are financial professionals who provide advice and services to clients regarding investment and financial decisions. They work in investment banks, providing services such as underwriting, mergers and acquisitions, and securities trading. Investment bankers require strong analytical skills, financial knowledge, and excellent communication skills to succeed in this highly competitive field.

The average salary of an investment banker in India is around INR 9 LPA.

How to become an investment banker in India?

In order to become an investment banker in India, students must take care of the following:

• Educational Qualification: Typically, employers require candidates to have a bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, accounting, business administration, or a related field. Some employers may also prefer candidates with a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) or finance.
• Relevant Experience: Most investment banking positions require candidates to have relevant work experience in the finance industry. The hiring team may prefer candidates who have experience in areas such as equity research, investment analysis, corporate finance, or financial consulting.
• Professional Certifications: Having professional certifications such as the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Certified Public Accountant (CPA), or Chartered Accountant (CA) can be an added advantage.
• Technical Skills: Candidates must have a strong understanding of financial modeling, valuation, financial statement analysis, and other technical skills required for investment banking.

Chartered Financial Analyst

The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation globally recognizes expertise in investment analysis, portfolio management, and other financial management skills. The CFA program requires passing a series of three exams and gaining relevant work experience. CFAs work in various financial sectors, providing financial analysis, portfolio management, and investment advice to clients. The financial industry highly values the CFA designation and considers it a mark of excellence.

The average salary of a chartered financial analyst salary in India is around INR 5 LPA.

How to become a chartered financial analyst in India?

In order to become a chartered financial analyst in India, students must take care of the following:

• Educational Qualification: The candidate must have completed a bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification from a recognized institution.
• Relevant Work Experience: To earn the CFA charter, the candidate must have a minimum of 4 years of professional work experience in investment decision-making, including portfolio management, financial analysis, and research. The work experience can be obtained before, during, or after completing the CFA program.
• CFA Program: The candidate must have completed all three levels of the CFA Program, which includes passing the exams for each level. The CFA Program covers topics such as ethics, quantitative methods, economics, financial reporting and analysis, corporate finance, equity investments, fixed income, derivatives, alternative investments, and portfolio management.
• Membership: The candidate must have applied for and obtained membership with the CFA Institute.

Actuary

Actuaries are professionals who assess and manage financial risks using mathematical models and statistical analysis. They work in various industries, including insurance, healthcare, and finance, and use their expertise to design and price insurance policies, pension plans, and other financial products. Becoming an actuary requires a combination of academic qualifications, professional certification, and work experience.

The average salary of an actuary in India is around INR 10.15 LPA.

How to become an actuary in India?

In order to become an actuary in India, students must take care of the following:

• Educational Qualification: The candidate must have completed a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Actuarial Science, or a related field from a recognized institution.
• Actuarial Exams: The candidate must have passed a series of actuarial exams conducted by the Institute of Actuaries of India (IAI) or the Actuarial Society of India (ASI). The number of exams and their difficulty level varies depending on the track chosen by the candidate.
• Work Experience: To become a Fellow member of the IAI or ASI, the candidate must have a minimum of 3 years of work experience in actuarial science or related fields. However, work experience is not required to become an Associate member.
• Membership: The candidate must have applied for and obtained membership with the IAI or ASI.

Cost Accountant

Cost accountants are financial professionals who specialize in cost accounting, financial planning, and analysis. They work in various industries, including manufacturing, retail, and services, analyzing costs and financial data to help companies make informed business decisions. Becoming a cost accountant requires a combination of academic qualifications, professional certification, and relevant work experience. Cost accountants are highly valued for their expertise in cost analysis and management.

The average salary of a cost accountant in India is around INR 6 LPA.

How to become a cost accountant in India?

In order to become a cost accountant in India, students must take care of the following:

• Educational Qualification: The candidate must have completed a bachelor’s degree in Commerce, Science, or Engineering from a recognized institution.
• Cost Accountancy Course: The candidate must have registered with the Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICAI) for the Cost Accountancy Course, which consists of three stages: Foundation, Intermediate, and Final.
• Practical Training: After completing the Intermediate course, the candidate must have completed a 3-year practical training under a practicing Cost Accountant.
• Membership: The candidate must have applied for and obtained membership with the ICAI.

Company Secretary (CS)

Company Secretaries (CS) are professionals who ensure that companies comply with legal and regulatory requirements. They work in various industries, including finance, corporate law, and governance. CSs manage compliance, board meetings, and corporate filings, and provide guidance on legal and regulatory matters. Becoming a CS requires passing exams and gaining relevant work experience. CSs are highly valued for their expertise in corporate governance and compliance.

The average salary of a company secretary in India is around INR 6 LPA.

How to become a company secretary in India?

In order to become a company secretary in India, students must take care of the following:

• Educational Qualification: The candidate must have completed a bachelor’s degree in Commerce, Science, or Arts from a recognized institution.
• Company Secretary Course: The candidate must have registered with the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) for the Company Secretary Course, which consists of three stages: Foundation, Executive, and Professional.
• Practical Training: After completing the Executive course, the candidate must have completed a 15-month practical training under a practicing Company Secretary.
• Membership: The candidate must have applied for and obtained membership with the ICSI.

Personal Financial Advisor

Personal Financial Advisors are professionals who provide financial advice and services to individuals and families. They work in various industries, including finance, banking, and insurance, and help clients manage their finances, investments, and retirement plans. Personal Financial Advisors require strong communication skills, financial knowledge, and a commitment to ethical standards.

The average salary of a personal financial advisor in India is around INR 4.3 LPA.

How to become a personal financial advisor in India?

In order to become a personal financial advisor in India, students must take care of the following:

• Educational Qualification: A bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field can be beneficial. Additionally, pursuing a master’s degree in finance, business administration, or a related field can enhance the candidate’s knowledge and skills.
• Certification: Obtaining certifications such as the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) or the National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM) Series V-A: Mutual Fund Distributors Certification can demonstrate the candidate’s expertise and credibility in the field.
• Relevant Work Experience: Having work experience in the finance industry, such as in banking, investment management, or financial planning, can provide valuable insights and practical knowledge.

Research Analyst

Research analysts are professionals who conduct research on various industries, companies, and financial markets. They work in various industries, including finance, consulting, and market research, and provide insights and recommendations based on their research. Research analysts require strong analytical skills, financial knowledge, and expertise in research methodologies.

The average salary of a research analyst in India is around INR 4 LPA.

How to become a research analyst in India?

In order to become a research analyst in India, students must take care of the following:

• Educational Qualification: A master’s or a doctoral degree in a relevant field, such as Economics, Finance, or Business Administration, can be beneficial. Additionally, having a strong understanding of research methods and data analysis can be useful in this field.
• Work Experience: Having work experience in the research industry, such as in academia, research institutions, or think tanks, can provide valuable insights and practical knowledge. Demonstrating proficiency in research methodologies and publication records can also be beneficial.
• Communication Skills: Effective communication and interpersonal skills are crucial for Research Advisors to present and discuss research findings with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders.
• Analytical Skills: Strong analytical and critical thinking skills can help Research Advisors identify research gaps, formulate research questions, and analyze data.

Product Manager

Product Managers are professionals who are responsible for the development and management of a company’s products or services. They work in various industries, including technology, retail, and finance, and are involved in every aspect of the product development cycle, from ideation to launch. Product Managers require strong communication skills, market research expertise, and a deep understanding of customer needs.

The average salary of a product manager in India is around INR 18 LPA.

How to become a product manager in India?

In order to become a product manager in India, students must take care of the following:

• Educational Qualification: The candidate must have completed a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as Business Administration, Marketing, Engineering, or Computer Science from a recognized institution.
• Work Experience: Having work experience in a relevant industry, such as product development, marketing, or software engineering, can be beneficial. Demonstrating proficiency in product management methodologies and a track record of successful product launches can also be advantageous.
• Technical Skills: Having a strong understanding of technology and software development can help Product Managers to communicate effectively with engineering teams and stakeholders.
• Analytical Skills: Having strong analytical and problem-solving skills can help Product Managers to identify customer needs, analyze market trends, and make data-driven decisions.
• Communication Skills: Effective communication and interpersonal skills are crucial for Product Managers to build and maintain relationships with customers, colleagues, and stakeholders.

Auditor

Auditors are professionals who review financial records and statements to ensure compliance with accounting standards and regulatory requirements. They work in various industries, including accounting, finance, and consulting, and help companies improve their financial reporting and internal controls. Auditors require strong analytical skills, financial knowledge, and attention to detail.

The average salary of an auditor in India is around INR 5 LPA.

How to become an auditor in India?

In order to become an auditor in India, students must take care of the following:

• Educational Qualification: The candidate must have completed a bachelor’s degree in Commerce, Accounting, Finance, or a related field from a recognized institution.
• Professional Certification: The candidate must have obtained a certification from a recognized professional body, such as the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) or the Institute of Cost and Works Accountants of India (ICWAI).
• Work Experience: Having relevant work experience in accounting, finance, or audit can be beneficial. The specific work experience requirements may vary depending on the certification and the employer.
• Continuing Education: The candidate must keep up with the latest developments and regulations in the field by completing continuing education courses and attending seminars and conferences.

To know about the various other high-paying jobs refer to our commerce stream jobs blog post!

Conclusion

The commerce stream offers a wide range of educational and career opportunities for those interested in pursuing a career in finance, accounting, economics, or business management. The curriculum of the commerce stream includes subjects such as accounting, economics, business studies, and mathematics, providing students with a solid foundation in these areas. A commerce degree, whether at the undergraduate or postgraduate level, can lead to a variety of careers in the financial, corporate, and government sectors. Some popular career options in the commerce stream include chartered accountancy, investment banking, cost accounting, and financial analysis, among others.

Hope we would have been able to provide you with all the information that you need regarding the commerce stream. Still, got questions? Why don’t you connect with our industry experts? Yes, you read it right! You can get your queries resolved in just 60 seconds from our Career counselors. So, what are you waiting for? Download the iDreamCareer app now! 

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Also, Read

1. Best Courses after 12th Commerce
2. Top Courses After 12th Arts
3. List of Popular Job-Oriented Courses After 12th
4. Career Options After 12th
5. BCA After 12th Commerce
6. What After 12th?
7. CS Courses
8. Professional Courses After 12th
9. Business Courses After 12th
10. Courses Without Maths After 12th

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