Top Career Options for Commerce Students in India [2025]

By Nitin Gurmukhani

Updated on Aug 06, 2025 | 11 min read | 753.94K+ views

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Did You Know? India is expected to become the world’s fastest-growing major economy, growing at a rate of 6.8% in FY26. This massive economic growth is expected to give rise to emerging job roles.

Commerce is quite a popular subject choice for students due to its vast applicability in business and management roles. You can find advanced to high-paying roles in consulting and senior management. A vast range of career opportunities awaits you in this field.

The top career options for commerce students are management consulting, investment banking, financial analysis and planning, human resource management, tax consultancy, digital marketing, and more. But what exactly are those roles?

In this blog, we will look at the 30 best career options in commerce, so that you can know what job profiles are available and accordingly choose the right career paths. Read along to find leading career options in commerce as well as trending roles in 2025.

Want to secure a high-paying commerce career? Explore upGrad’s range of Management Courses and MBA Courses and choose a course that matches your needs!

What are the Top Career options in Commerce in 2025?

According to India’s Ministry of Education, over 14% of students choose commerce as their stream after Class 10. Commerce is one of the most flexible and rewarding in India and abroad due to the booming career opportunities in finance, business, law, and digital sectors,

Whether you are interested in Maths or not, but commerce stream still offer lot of career paths that are highly paid and future proof.

Looking forward to studying the top commerce courses to better your chances for a lucrative career? Check out our top courses from leading institutions:

Want to explore the highest-paying jobs in commerce? Watch this insightful video by upGrad and discover top career opportunities! 

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What are the best career options after 12th commerce?

If you are coming from a commerce background or are interested in working in this broader field, it is important to know what kind of jobs are available here and how much you can earn in these jobs.

Here’s a table with the top career options in commerce with annual salary:

Career Options

Average Annual Salary (INR)

Financial Planner

4.4 lakhs

Bank PO (Probationary Officer)

4.8 lakhs

Market Research Analyst

5 lakhs

Financial Analyst

5 lakhs

Tax Consultant

6 lakhs

Actuarial Analyst

7.8 lakhs

HR Manager

8 lakhs

Economist

16.2 lakhs

Investment Banker

20 lakhs

Management Consultant

23.6 lakhs

Source: Glassdoor & Ambition Box

What are high-salary courses and jobs for commerce students?

Many professional and degree courses can offer you high paying jobs in commerce field in india, especially if you have right skills and proper certifications. Some of the top fields in which you can gain success are finance, investment banking, international business, and technology.

Here are the top courses you can pursue for best career options in commerce:

Course / Qualification Annual Salary for Freshers  Annual Salary for Experienced Top Job Roles
Chartered Accountant (CA) INR 6–8 LPA INR 15-20LPA CA, Financial Auditor, Tax Consultant
Certified Financial Analyst (CFA) INR 7–12 LPA INR 26-50LPA Investment Banker, Portfolio Manager
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)  INR 2–5 LPA INR 9-12LPA Business Analyst, HR Executive, Marketing Manager
MBA  INR 3-7LPA INR 10-40LPA Manager, Consultant, Analyst
Law (BA LLB) INR 3–6 LPA INR 15-30LPA Corporate Lawyer, Legal Advisor

 

What are the best courses after 12th commerce for girls?

While all career paths are open to all genders any student can learn what they prefer according to their future goals. However there are some courses which are often more popular among female students due to personal interests, perceived flexibility, or better work-life balance.

Here are some of the Popular Courses for Girls After 12th Commerce:

Course

Career Options

B.Com (General/Hons.) Accountant, Tax Consultant
Law (B.Com + LLB) Legal Associate, Corporate Lawyer
Fashion Designing Fashion Designer, Brand Consultant
Digital Marketing Social Media Manager, SEO Executive
Hotel Management Event Manager, Guest Relations Manager

What are the Top Career Options in Commerce With or Without Maths?

Your chosen subject combination in  your 12th class commerce stream, whether its with Maths or without decides the future of your career. There are lot of career options in commerce stream that are available to both maths and non maths students.

Here’s a detailed breakdown:

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What are the top career options in commerce with maths?

Students from the commerce with Maths background can pursue their career in finance, economics, analytics, and other number related fields. 

Top courses and careers with Maths:

Course Top Job Role Avg Annual Salary in India
B.Com (Hons) in Finance & Accounting Financial Analyst INR 6.4L
B.A. in Economics Economist INR 16.1L
B.Sc. in Statistics Data Scientist INR 15.5L
BBA in Business Analytics Business Intelligence Analyst INR 9.3L
Chartered Accountancy (CA) Chartered Accountant INR 11.4L

Sourced by: Ambition Box

What to do after 12th commerce without maths?

Students from the commerce without maths stream can explore careers in various professional and creative fields. These fields mainly focuses on management, communication, law, and organizational skills.

Some of the Popular non-maths courses are:

  • B.Com (General)
  • Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
  • Bachelor in Event Management
  • Bachelor of Mass Media (BMM)
  • Bachelor in Hotel Management

What are the Career options in commerce without maths?

After pursuing the courses which have you seen above, you have the access to several rewarding careers. 

Here are the top career options for without maths students in different fields:

Course Top Job Role Avg Annual Salary
BA LLB (Law) Corporate Lawyer INR 10L
Company Secretary (CS) Company Secretary INR 10.1L
BBA in Marketing Digital Marketer INR 5.4L
B.Des (Design) Fashion Designer INR 4.5L
Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) Commerce Teacher INR 3.2L

Sourced By: Ambition Box

How much can commerce graduates earn in entry-level jobs?

Commerce students can explore lot of career opportunities with good entry level salaries, especially in top field like marketing, accounting, finance and banking. 

Here are the top jobs in commerce with average entry-level salaries:

Job Role Average Entry-Level Salary (per annum)
Junior Accountant INR 2.8L
Financial Analyst INR 5.2L
Marketing Executive INR 2.7L
Banking Associate INR 3.4L
Tax Consultant INR 6L

Sourced By: Indeed and Ambitionbox

What are the Best Professional Courses to Pursue After Commerce?

If you are looking to pursue some professional courses after your commerce stream then you have various types of choices to pick the best course. These courses allow you to get high paying jobs across different industries. 

Which professional courses are best for commerce students?

Due to the various types of courses available for the commerce students, it is advisable to choose the best course which is aligned to your personal interest and future goals. These courses can help you develop specialized skills and create better career opportunities for your future.

Here are some top professional courses you can explore:

Top Courses Duration
Chartered Accountancy (CA) 5 years
Company Secretary (CS) 3 - 5 years
Cost and Management Accounting (CMA) 3 years
Certified Management Accountant (US CMA) 3 - 5 years
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) 3 - 5 years

What are the best professional courses after commerce (CFA, CFP, MBA, Actuary, Law, etc.)?

Some globally recognized professional courses after commerce include:

  • CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst):Students who want to start their career in investment banking and portfolio management can opt for this course.
  • CFP (Certified Financial Planner): If you are interested in financial advisory and wealth management go with this course.
  • MBA (Master of Business Administration): Students aiming for careers in management, marketing, HR, or finance.
  • Actuarial Science: Excellent for those good at statistics and risk analysis.
  • Law (LLB): Excellent for the students who are good at statistics and risk analysis.

What are the best certifications for commerce students to get a job?

Getting certified with the best course can help you to enhance your resume and it makes you a better candidate in the job market. These courses provide practical in demand skills that are highly valued by the employers.

Here are a few great options:

Also Read: Top Career-Oriented Courses for Commerce Students

What to study after 12th for top career options in Commerce? 

Choosing the right course is the first step in your commerce career journey. You have options to choose from, both academic and professional courses, depending on which career path you are inclined towards.

So, let’s start by comparing two of the most popular undergraduate courses B.Com and BBA for better understanding.

What’s the difference between B.Com and BBA?

A B.Com (Bachelor of Commerce) course usually focuses on subjects like accounting, taxation, and finance. Whereas in the BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration) course, students are more concentrated on subjects like business management, marketing, and operations..

Here’s a comparison for B.Com vs BBA in more detailed way:

Aspect

B.Com (Bachelor of Commerce)

BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration)

Focus Area Accounting, Finance, Taxation Business Management, Marketing, Operations
Ideal For Careers in Finance, Banking, CA, CS, CMA Future MBA students, Business/Management roles
Course Approach Theoretical and analytical Practical and managerial
Career Path Accountant, Financial Analyst, CA, CS Business Manager, Marketing Executive, Entrepreneur
Further Studies M.Com, CA, CS, CMA MBA, PGDM, International Business

Which is better: CA, CS, or CMA?

If you're confused between CA, CS, and CMA courses and finding difficulties to choose the best course for yourself, the first thing you need to understand is how each course aligns with different career goals in commerce.

Here's a quick overview to help you decide:

  • CA (Chartered Accountant): Best for careers in auditing, taxation, and financial reporting.
  • CS (Company Secretary): Great for the students interested in corporate laws, governance, and compliance.
  • CMA (Cost and Management Accountant): For students who want their careers in cost control, budgeting, and internal financial strategy.

Which B.Com specializations lead to high-paying jobs?

Choosing the right specialization in your B.Com degree according to your future goals can boost your career and growth opportunities. 

Here are a few top-paying B.Com specializations:

B.Com Specialization Top Job Role Avg. Annual Salary (INR)
Accounting and Finance Financial Analyst / Auditor INR 6.4LPA
Banking and Insurance Bank Officer / Risk Analyst INR 8 LPA
Economics Economic Analyst / Policy Advisor INR 4.1 LPA
Investment Management Portfolio Manager / Wealth Advisor INR 12.9 LPA
International Business Export-Import Manager INR 7.4 LPA

Sourced ByAmbition Box

How to become a Chartered Accountant (CA) after B.Com degree?

After completing your B.Com degree, you can take the direct entry to the CA program, which allows you to skip the basic level.

Here’s how to become a CA after B.Com in easy steps:

  • Step 1: Register for the CA Intermediate course.
  • Step 2: Complete 4 weeks of ICITSS training.
  • Step 3: Clear the CA Intermediate exam.
  • Step 4: Begin your 3-year articleship training under a certified CA.
  • Step 5: Register for the CA Final course during your articleship.
  • Step 6: Complete your articleship and clear the CA Final exam.
  • Step 7: Apply for membership with ICAI to become a Chartered Accountant.

What are the Top Governmental Career Options in Commerce?

Students from the commerce field have a wide range of job opportunities in public sector. There are so many governmental roles from financial institutions to regulatory bodies that are aligned with commerce fields such as accounting, economics, and business management.

Some of the most demanded government jobs for commerce students are:

  • Banking jobs (SBI PO, IBPS PO/Clerk) 
  • Indian Economic Services (IES)
  • Income Tax Officer
  • Accounts Officer 
  • RBI Grade B Officer 

Are there commerce-specific job roles in government sectors?

Yes, commerce students are eligible for many job roles which are specifically aligned with their education background, such as:

  • Audit and Accounts Departments (CAG, CGA)
  • Taxation and Revenue Departments
  • Public Sector Units (PSUs) hiring for finance, accounts, and HR roles
  • Government Insurance Companies (LIC, GIC) for administrative and finance-related jobs.
  • Ministry of Finance jobs by clearing competitive exams

Which government exams are best suited for commerce students?

Students who are from commerce backgrounds aiming to start their career with a government job need to give some governmental exams which are conducted at the central or state level. These exams generally assess your knowledge in areas like general awareness, reasoning, quantitative aptitude, and commerce-related subjects.

Here’s a table highlighting the top government exams for commerce students:

Exam Name Top Job Roles
UPSC Civil Services IAS, IRS, IES (Policy-making & administrative roles)
SSC CGL Income Tax Officer, Auditor, Customs Inspector
RBI Grade B Central Banker, Finance Policy Analyst
IBPS/SBI PO Bank Officer, Branch Manager
UGC NET (Commerce) Assistant Professor, Commerce Researcher

What are the Emerging Career Options in Commerce?

As India has now become the 4th largest economy in the world, there are various emerging opportunities, especially in the commerce field. With developing industries and more technology-driven roles, new-age career options like digital marketing, fintech, and data analytics are increasing among commerce graduates.

Is data analytics or fintech a good career after commerce?

Data analytics and fintech are one of the most highly paying and demanding career options in commerce. Commerce background professionals helps companies or businesses to understand and analyze data in more better and efficient way. 

Due to increasing demand in both the fields, there are huge job opportunities open for the people with high salaries and growth opportunities.

Below are some of the top Fintech & Data Analytics Jobs for Commerce Students: 

Job Role

Average Annual Salary (INR)

Data Analyst INR 6.8L
Business Analyst INR 10.2L
Fintech Product Manager INR 25.6L
Risk Analyst INR 8L

Is digital marketing a good career for commerce students?

Digital marketing is a great career option for commerce students with creative and business knowledge. Digital marketing is constantly increasing in India which results in creating strong demand for employees and long-term career growth.

Top Digital Marketing Jobs for Commerce Students:

Job Role

Average Annual Salary (INR)

SEO Specialist INR 4.9L
Social Media Manager INR 5.6L
Content Marketer INR 7.6L
PPC Analyst INR 5.1L
Digital Marketing Manager INR 12L

Sourced By: Ambition Box

What are the Top Banking & Finance Careers for Commerce Graduates? 

Banking and finance careers are the most aimed jobs by commerce graduates. Jobs in banking and finance offer long term job stability, career growth and excellent salaries for the employees in both government and private sectors.

Some of the top jobs in banking and finance sectors are mentioned in the table:

Job Role Avg Annual Salary (INR)
Bank Probationary Officer INR 8.5L
Credit Analyst INR 9.1L
Investment Banker INR 21.1L
Financial Analyst INR 6.4L
Relationship Manager INR 5.3L

Sourced By: Ambition Box

How to prepare for finance job roles after B.Com?

To create a successful career in the finance field after B.Com, students should focus on gaining certifications, doing internships to get real time experience of work, and learn industry knowledge.

Here are some essential steps to prepare for finance job roles after B.Com:

  • Strengthen your basics in accounting and economics
  • Gain finance certifications (e.g., financial modeling, Excel)
  • Do proper Internships with banks or finance firms
  • Stay updated with financial news and latest market trends
  • Enhance soft skills like communication and analytical thinking

What Are the Best Competitive Exams & Further Study Options for Commerce Students?

After completing a commerce degree, many students decide to give different competitive exams or pursue further education to enhance their career opportunities. There are various job options available for students who are aiming for a government job, prestigious certification, or a postgraduate degree that are aligned with your passion and future goals. 

What are the competitive exams for commerce students?

Commerce students can give various exams to secure job roles in government, banking, finance, and insurance. 

Here are some popular competitive exams for commerce students:

Exam Category Popular Exams
Government Job Exams SSC CGL, SSC CHSL, RRB NTPC, State PSCs
Bank Exams IBPS PO, IBPS Clerk, SBI PO, RBI Assistant
Insurance & Finance Exams LIC AAO, NIACL AO, SEBI Grade A, NABARD Grade A
Chartered/Professional Exams CA, CS, CMA, CFA, CFP

Which are the best postgraduate options after commerce?

To develop specialized skills and improve in career opportunities, students can pursue higher education after completing their graduation.

Some of the best PG options include:

  • MBA (Finance, Marketing, HR, International Business)
  • M.Com (Master of Commerce)
  • PGDM (Post Graduate Diploma in Management)
  • Master’s in Economics
  • LLB (for law-related careers)
  • CPA or ACCA (for international accounting careers)

Can commerce students pursue civil services like UPSC?

Commerce students can appear for the UPSC Civil Services Exam. Subjects like economics or accountancy can be chosen as optional in the Mains exam. 

Some of the top civil services jobs for commerce students are mentioned below:

  • IAS (Indian Administrative Service)
  • IPS (Indian Police Service)
  • IFS (Indian Foreign Service)
  • IRS (Indian Revenue Service)

Boost Your Commerce Career with upGrad

To keep up with the growing demands of the market, you must stand out with the skills that recruiters look for in commerce graduates. Whether you want to stick to traditionally commerce-oriented roles or explore trending careers, you need to make sure that you have the skills and knowledge that can help you succeed in this field.

At upGrad, we aim to help you figure out what additional skills and courses can help you land high-paying jobs or climb towards senior roles in your line of work. We provide you with a range of learning opportunities that are suited to fit your learning style and needs.

Here are some of our top programs to boost your career in the commerce stream:

You can also check our range of Free Management Courses and explore beginner-friendly courses to get you started!

Want to get expert advice on choosing the right career in commerce? Book a free 1:1 counseling session with us, and our counselors will help you make the right decision.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which commerce job has the highest salary?

The highway salary jobs in commerce are those of a Management Consultant, Investment Banker, Actuarial Analyst, Financial Analyst, as well as Tax Consultant. These are common career options in commerce and are often desired by many students due to their high-paying nature.

2. Which commerce course is best for salary?

Some of the best commerce courses for getting a good salary are B.Com, CA, CFA, and BBA. And if you’re looking to get into higher education and better your chances of higher salary, you can go for courses like MBA which offers a series of specializations.

3. What is the salary of a CA?

A fresher CA in India can earn a salary of around 6 to 8 lakhs. However, as they gain more experience and expertise in their role, they can earn more than 20 lakhs. CA salary also depends on the type of accounting firm or organization an employee works in

4. Which job gives 1 lakh per month in commerce?

Various jobs can pay 1 lakh or more in the commerce field. However, these are usually upper management roles or ones that require intense study and pursuit, such as senior manager, investment banker, etc.

5. Which course is high in salary after 12th?

After salary, many commerce students opt for studying CA, which, although it requires years of dedicated study, offers great return value as the job of a CA is quite high-paying.

6. What is the highest package in commerce?

The highest package in commerce is in top-profile roles like investment banker, consultant, financial advisor, portfolio manager, or even economists who hold a doctorate and are in research roles.

7. Can I get a job after 12th in commerce?

You can get a job after 12th commerce but your options will be very limited to fresher and lesser paying roles. But if you pursue some additional courses or specailzation, you can better your earning potential.

8. How to earn 1 lakh per month after 12th commerce?

Earning 1 lakh right after 12th commerce is a bit challenging as entry-level roles do not offer this salary. However, if you towards an entrepreneurial route and want to launch your own business, you could achieve this salary figure if your business succeeds.

9. Which job is best for a commerce student?

Finding out which job is best for commerce students depends on their personal interests and inclinations. However, some popular roles are in finance, banking, sales, as well as management.

10. Is a B.Com enough to get a job?

With B.Com you can get some good job options, given that you complement your undergraduate degree with useful internships and additional skills. However, if you want to ensure better-paying roles, you can go for master’s or MBA courses.

11. Is hotel management a good career for commerce students?

Yes, hotel management  is one of the best career options in commerce. You can work in various areas such as hospitality, tourism, event planning, and customer service. With the growing travel and tourism industry, the demand for these professionals is very high.

Nitin Gurmukhani

64 articles published

Nitin Gurmukhani is a seasoned professional specializing in Digital Marketing Professional with experience in Performance Marketing (Google Ads, Facebook Ads, Linkedin Ads, Youtube Ads), SEO (Search E...

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