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B.Com (Hons) vs Economics (Hons): Which is the Better Course?

Aindrila
AindrilaUpdated On: August 08, 2023 10:07 am IST

B.Com (Hons.) and Economics (Hons.) are some of the most desired courses at UG level. Both the courses have their own importance in the industry as they are different specializations. Find out the difference between the two courses below.

B.Com (Hons) vs Economics (Hons): Which is the Better Course?

After completing class 12th, B.Com honours and Economics (Hons.) are both highly sought-after courses. Both the courses are at the undergraduate level in the colleges of India for a 3-year duration. Every year, institutions like Delhi University (DU) and others experience significant cut-offs for these programmes. Numerous commerce candidates are drawn to both of the above-mentioned courses in the field of commerce.

A B.Com (Hons.) in commerce gives students detailed knowledge in areas like finance, accounting, taxation, management, and law, among others. Basically, B.Com (Hons.) places a focus on business abilities and equips students with managerial skills by teaching them about commerce and accounting practices. Because the B.Com (Hons.) is a job-oriented degree, it provides career opportunities in the accounting and insurance industries. Leading firms like KPMG, Deloitte, E & Y, and PwC hire competent B.Com (Hons.) graduates almost every year from reputed institutions through campus placements or personal job interviews. Students who have earned a B.Com (Hons.) degree can pursue advanced courses like CA, CS, MBA, 3-year or 5-year LLB, etc., which can lead to even more profitable careers.

Economics (Hons.) undergraduate degrees offer subject specialization. The course's syllabus does not involve accounting subjects; instead, it includes topics like macroeconomics, microeconomics, international economics, statistics, algebra, the history of Indian economics, etc. Comparatively speaking, B.Com (Hons.) which covers and aids in gaining in-depth and practical information about commerce subjects, Economics (Hons.) is more of a theoretical course. Economists instead concentrate on the more significant implications of business rather than how one particular company operates or could be improved.

The demand for Economic (Hons.) degrees is rising in both the public and private sectors nowadays. You can find employment at banks, financial institutions, consulting firms, etc., with an economics (Hons.) degree. The majority of students choose post-graduation options because it provides access to careers in research-based employment, policymaking, and/ or college teaching at both private and public institutions. Students who complete a master's degree in economics (Hons.) typically hold more senior roles and hence earn greater salaries. You can work in Indian economic services if you have an MA in Economics (IES).

The majority of students struggle with the question of whether B.Com (Hons.) or Economics (Hons.) is preferable because these two courses are identical. Which course will give them the most opportunities for a career? Higher compensation? And a tonne of other queries. This article can assist you in making your decision to choose between B.Com (Hons.) and Economics (Hons.).

Also Read:Know the Difference Between B.Com and B.Com (Hons.)

B.Com (Hons) vs Economics (Hons)

There are quite a few differences between the two courses despite some similarities and in the table below we have provided some of the major distinctions between the two commerce courses.

Features

B.Com (Hons.)

Economics (Hons.)

Duration

3 years

3 years

Course Type

Full-Time (Regular Course)

Full-Time (Regular Course)

Course Level

Undergraduate

Undergraduate

Course Fee

INR 20,000 to INR 2,00,000

INR 25,000 to INR 3,00,000

Entrance Exams

Specialisations

None

Syllabus

Business Organization & Management

Financial Accounting 

Microeconomics - I

Business Law

Business Statistics

Fundamental of Computer & Information

Microeconomics - II

Corporate Accounting

Cost Accounting

Human Resource Management

Indian Economy-Performance and Policies

Management Accounting

Financial Management, etc.

Economics (Hons.) degree course does not involve accounting related subjects in its syllabus but include subjects like:

Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, International economics, Statistics

Algebra

The history of Indian economics, etc.

Return On Investment 

B.Com honours course involves both theory and practical subjects and it imparts an in-depth knowledge about accounting, finance, and other commerce related subjects which makes it more of a job-oriented course since it also entails various specializations that are industry-oriented and in-demand in the job market.

Economics (Hons.) degree course involves only theoretical subjects along with numericals. When compared to B.Com honours, an Economics (Hons.) degree is not much job-oriented, however, this degree has its own job market and Economics (Hons.) graduates can further pursue a Master’s degree in the same stream to get good jobs in fields/ profiles like teacher, research, economists, policymaker, etc.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must have studied math and economics along with accountancy, business studies, and English as core subjects in class 12th. This eligibility criteria, however, may differ from college to college. There are a lot of reputed institutes that admit candidates from all streams (Science/ Commerce/ Arts) either through an entrance exam or on merit basis

Candidates from any stream are eligible to apply for the Economics (Hons.) degree course if they have secured a minimum aggregate percentage of 45% or above in class 12th or equivalent from a recognized school board. 

Candidates who have studied the economics subject in class 12th are preferred over other candidates for admission to this course.

Top Colleges Offering the Course

University of Delhi (DU)

NMIMS, Mumbai

Osmania University

University of Lucknow

University of Mumbai

GGSIP University

Banaras Hindu University (BHU)

University of Calcutta


Lady Shri Ram College for Women

Loyola College

Christ University

Miranda House College

Presidency College, Chennai

Madras Christian College

Hindu College

Salary Offered

B.Com honors graduates get a decent starting average annual remuneration between INR 3,50,000 and INR 6,00,000

Economics (Hons.) graduates, especially after completing their post graduation from the same field, get a handsome pay package between INR 4,00,000 and INR 7,00,000.

While choosing either of the courses mentioned above, you must consider your preferences carefully. If you are looking forward to a career in the accounting and taxation field then B.Com (Hons.) is the right programme for you. However, banking and finance aspirants will find Economics (Hons.) more productive.

B.Com (Hons) vs Economics (Hons): Eligibility Criteria

Before starting the application process to their preferred college, candidates are advised to visit the official website of their chosen institution to check the precise eligibility requirements and if they are meeting the eligibility criteria set forth by the institution for admission to either B.Com (Hons.) or Economics (Hons.) degree course.

Let’s check the eligibility criteria for both B.Com honours and Economics (Hons.) degree courses to get to know the differences of the eligibility criteria for both the degree programmes.

B.Com Honours Eligibility Criteria

The general eligibility criteria for the B.Com (Hons.) degree programme are as follows:
  • Admission requirements for the Bachelor of Commerce (Honors) degree vary by college. For a B.Com (Hons.) degree from a recognised university, you must have at least a 50% overall score in the top four subjects of your class 12th exam. Candidates must be aware that each college may have different eligibility requirements.
  • Candidates must have passed class 12th or equivalent from a recognised school board in India.
  • Institutions have different minimum aggregate percentage requirements for class 12th or its equivalent.
  • Candidates must have studied accounting, economics, business studies, math, and English as a requirement for B.Com (Hons.) degree course in class 12th.
  • There is a 5% relaxation provided to reserved category candidates like the SC/ ST/ OBC/ PwD, etc.
  • Candidates applying for the course must be citizens of India along with having a valid proof of the same as part of the admission requirements.
  • There’s no prescribed maximum age limit to apply for the B.Com (Hons.) degree course, however, quite a few institutions do mention a prescribed age limit for admission to the concerned course.
Economics (Hons.) Eligibility Criteria

The common eligibility criteria for the Economics (Hons.) degree programme are as follows:
  • Candidates are eligible for admission to the BA Economics Hons programme if they received a qualifying exam (i.e. class 12th or equivalent aggregate score) aggregate score of at least 45% to 50%. Candidates must take the entrance exam to be eligible for the Economics (Hons.) degree course because admissions decisions may be made depending on the entrance exam score. 
  • The Economics (Hons.) course has no upper age limit. 
  • Candidates must be a citizen of India along with having a valid government issued ID proof of the same to submit during the admission process.
  • Candidates from any stream (Commerce/ Science/ Arts) can apply for the course if they are meeting the eligibility criteria set forth by their preferred institution.
  • Candidates who have studied Economics in class 12th are preferred during the admission process for this course because they already have their basic concepts cleared which make it easy for them to follow through the degree course.

B.Com (Hons) vs Economics (Hons): Selection Process

To take admission to both B.Com (Hons) and Economics (Hons) courses, students must have completed their 10+2 board examination. The detailed selection process for both courses is given below.

B.Com (Hons) Selection Process 

B.Com (Hons) is a top-rated course among students so check out how the colleges/universities select the candidates:

  • Admission to most of the colleges is made on the basis of merit i.e marks obtained in Class XII. 
  • This B.Com (Hons) programme has a very high cut-off percentage such as 92% to 98% in colleges like Delhi University and other top colleges.
  • Some colleges conduct their own entrance examinations to offer admission to the B.Com (Hons) programme. 

Economics (Hons) Selection Process

Students are offered admission to the Economics (Hons) course either through merit-based or entrance examinations. 

  • The colleges that accept admission through merit-based completely depend on the student’s performance in their Class 12 board examination. 
  • Although most of the colleges offer the Economics (Hons) course, still there are colleges in India that do not offer this course. So, to get admission into one of the best colleges, candidates either have to perform very well in their Class 12 boards or clear the entrance examinations. 

B.Com (Hons) vs Economics (Hons): Syllabus

As both B.Com (Hons) and Economics (Hons) are UG level programmes, the duration of the courses are for 3 years that are further subdivided into 6 semesters. Get the detailed syllabus for both subjects from the table below. 

B.Com (Hons)

Economics (Hons)

1st Year

Financial Accounting

Evolution and Definition of Economics

Cost Accounting

Economies of Scale

Business Mathematics

Nature & Scope of Economics

Business Economics

Methods of Economics Analysis

Business Communication

Concept of Revenue

Business Laws

Accounting, Opportunity, Total Fixed and Variable Costs

Corporate Laws

Utility Demand, Supply

Corporate Accounting

Market Equilibrium

Entrepreneurship

Cardinal (Marshal) and Ordinal Utility

Finance for Non-Finance Executives

Monopolistic Competition

2nd Year

Financial Management

Banking and Insurance

Human Resource Management

Health, Nutrition, Education, Knowledge and Skills

Business Statistics

Demographic Features

Taxation

Fundamentals of Marketing

Population, Size, Sex, Rural-Urban Classification

Investing in Stock Markets

Rural Credit

Income Tax Law & Practice

Agricultural Situation in Economy

Management Principles and Applications

Agricultural Marketing

Insurance & Risk Management

Cropping Pattern

Project Management and Techniques

Land Use Pattern

E-Filling of Returns

Mechanization

Cyber Crimes and Laws

Recent National Population Policy

Business Research Methods & Analytics

Agro-Climatic Zones

Computer Applications in Business

Production and Productivity of Main Corps

Leadership and Team Development

Planning in India- Objectives, Types, Strategy

Business Mathematics

Analysis of Current Five- Year Plan

3rd Year

Principles of Marketing

Macro Variables- Stock and Flow

Corporate Tax Planning

Public Finance and Public Economics

Financial Markets, Institutions, and Services

Concept of National Income- GDP, GNP

Financial Management

Principles of Public Expenditure

Management Accounting

Keynesian Theory of Employment

Organizational Behaviour

Classical Theory of Employment

Advertising and Personal Selling

Effective Demand

Business Statistics

Simple Investment

Entrepreneurship Development

Fiscal Deficit

Auditing and Corporate Governance

Factors Affecting Capital Formation

Financial Reporting & Analysis

Aggregate Demand and Supply Functions

International Business

Public Finance in India

Fundamentals of Investment

Principle of Maximum Social Advantage

Project Management & Techniques

Marginal Efficiency of Capital

Compensation Management

Cash Transaction and Cash Balance Approaches

Industrial Relations and Labour Laws

Deficit Financing and Deficit Budget

Banking and Insurance

Inflation, Deflation, and Recession

B.Com (Hons) vs Economics (Hons): Areas of Employment

Candidates are pursuing B.Com (Hons) and Economic (Hons) courses to build a lucrative and stable career for themselves. The different employment sectors where candidates can get jobs are given below:

B.Com (Hons) - Job Sectors

Economic (Hons) - Job Sectors

Banking & Non-Banking Institutions

Finance and Banking Sector

Finance

Trade Markets

Management

Import and Export Industry

Accounts

Agriculture

Operations

Government Economics Department / Public Service Commission

Sale & Excise Departments

Agriculture Sector

Law

Commerce Sector

Taxation

-

Import- Export

-

B.Com (Hons) vs Economics (Hons): Career Options

A lot of career options are available for students after they have completed their graduation in B.Com (Hons) or Economic (Hons). 

B.Com (Hons)

Economic (Hons)

Tax Consultant

Economists

Sales Analyst

Sales Executive

Auditor 

Budget Analyst

Financial Analyst

Investment Analyst

Insurance Consultant

Operations Manager

Payroll Administrator/ Specialists

Personal Financial Consultant

Stock Broker

Corporate and Financial Analyst

Financial Examiner

Marketing Manager

Export-Import Manager

Credit Manager

Credit Analyst

Investment Banker

Business Analyst

Market Research Analyst

Accountant

Auditor

Finance Consultant

-

Business Consultant

-

Banker

-

B.Com (Hons) vs Economics (Hons): Salary

Initially the fresh graduates will get less paid but with experience, B.Com (Hons) and Economics (Hons) graduates salary will increase. 

B.Com (Hons): Salary

The salary of B.Com (Hons) graduates will vary depending on their experience and skill set. Given below is the salary structure of B.Com (Hons) graduates:

B.Com (Hons) Jobs

B.Com (Hons) Salary

Tax Consultant

INR 5,00,000 LPA

Sales Analyst

INR 7,00,000 LPA

Auditor

INR 4,60,000 LPA

Financial Analyst

INR 10,00,000 LPA

Insurance Consultant

INR 3,00,000 LPA

Payroll Administrator/ Specialist

INR 6,00,000 LPA

Stock Broker

INR 3,95,000 LPA

Financial Examiner

INR 7,00,000 LPA

Export-Import Manager

INR 2,50,000 LPA

Credit Analyst

INR 9,50,000 LPA

Business Analyst

INR 9,00,000 LPA

Accountant

INR 2,50,000 LPA

Finance Consultant

INR 10,00,000 LPA

Business Consultant

INR 8,00,000 LPA

Banker

INR 3,70,000 LPA

Economics (Hons): Salary

The initial salary of candidates who have just completed their Economics (Hons) degree will get something around INR 2,50,000 to 4,50,000 LPA. But, with experience, the salary of the candidates will then range between 6,00,000 to 15,00,000 per annum. 

Also Read:Best Career Options After B.Com- Eligibility, Salary, Top Colleges

Top B Com (Hons) Colleges in India

Check out this list of top B Com Colleges in India, along with the courses on offer and their respective course fees.

Name of College

Course Offered

Admission Process

Annual Course Fees

Amity University Jaipur

B Com (Hons)

English Language Test + Personal Interview

₹1,00,000/-

CT University Ludhiana

B Com (Hons)

Merit-Based

₹91,000/-

GITAM University Vishakapatnam

B Com (Hons)

Entrance Based

₹1,30,000/-

Invertis University Bareilly

B Com (Hons), B Com (Hons) Financial Markets

Merit-Based

₹35,000/-

₹60,000/-

Jagannath Institute of Management Studies New Delhi

B Com (Hons)

Written test+ GD/PI

₹1,25,000/-

Lal Bahadur Shastri Group of Institutions Lucknow

B Com (Hons)

Merit-Based

₹58,000/-

Manav Rachna University Faridabad

B Com (Hons)

MRNAT entrance exams + GD/PI

₹1,36,000/-

Maharishi Markandeshwar Ambala

B Com (Hons)

Merit-Based

₹76,000/-

Noida International University Greater Noida

B Com (Hons)

Entrance Test + GD/PI

₹60,000/-

Shoolini University Solan

B Com (Hons)

SU Entrance Test

₹94,600/-

Top Economics (Hons.) Colleges in India

The list below provides the names of the top Economics (Hons) colleges in India:

Colleges

Courses

Annual Fee

Jain University (JU Bangalore), Bengaluru

BA (Hons.) in Economics with Royal Economics Society, UK + Association of Certified Chartered Economists, UK

NA

The ICFAI University (ICFAI), Raipur

BA (Hons.) Economics

INR 30,000

Glocal University (GU), Saharanpur

BA Economics

INR 12,000

Chandigarh Group of Colleges (CGC), Jhanjeri, Mohali

BA (Hons.) Economics

INR 47,000

Kingston College of Science (KCS), Kolkata

BA Economics

INR 33,000

Jagan Institute of Management Studies (JIMS), Rohini Sector 5, Delhi

BA (Hons.) Economics

INR 1.08 Lacs 

Kanya Maha Vidyalaya (KMV), Jalandhar

B.Sc in Economics (With Banking), BA With (Hons.) in Economics, MA Economics

INR 27,500 - INR 34,800 

Talentedge (TALENTEDGE), Gurgaon

Economics (Hons.)

NA

DIT University, Dehradun

BA (Hons.) Economics, MA Economics

INR 1.03 L, INR 86,000

Mangalayatan University (MU), Aligarh

BA (Hons.) Economics, MA Economics

INR 30,000, INR 31,000

Set your priorities right, consult your teachers and analyse your skills before choosing your undergraduate programme. For more information on undergraduate programmes, visit CollegeDekho. If you are interested in pursuing either of the courses, i.e. B.Com (Hons) or Economics (Hons) courses in India, then you must fill out the Common Application Form available on our website, so that our counsellors can help you take admission to the course and college of your choice!

FAQs

What are some of the entrance exams conducted for B.Com (Hons) admission?

Admission to the B.Com (Hons) programme is based on merit mostly while some colleges/ universities conduct entrance exams to admit students into the course. Some of the popular B.Com entrance exams are CUET Exam, IPU CET Exam, NMIMS NPAT Exam, AMU Entrance Exam, Lucknow University Entrance Exam, AIMA UGAT Exam, JUET Exam, SRMHCAT Exam, UPES DAT Exam, BHU UET Exam and SUAT Exam. 

What are some of the best colleges for studying B.Com (Hons)?

The best B.Com (Hons) colleges offer good infrastructure, updated pedagogy, rankings, and much more. Some of the best colleges where candidates can study B.Com (Hons) are:

  • Shri Ram College of Commerce, DU
  • Hansraj College, DU
  • Narsee Monjee College of Commerce & Economics
  • Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj University
  • Christ University
  • Mount Carmel College
  • Lady Shri Ram College for Women, DU
  • Hindu College, DU
  • St. Xaviers College
  • Bhawanipur Education Society College
  • Goenka College

What are the eligibility criteria for studying B.Com (Hons) and Economics (Hons)?

Candidates must complete their Class 12th from a recognised board of education with a minimum of 50% marks. Students who have studied Commerce in their 10+2 will be given preference during admission while students who want to study Economics (Hons) should check with the colleges as some colleges require candidates have Economics as a compulsory subject in their Class 12. Before applying for any of the programmes it is very important for the candidates to know the eligibility criteria for each course. 

What kinds of jobs are offered to the B.Com (Hons) students?

After completing a degree in B.Com (Hons), students are offered lucrative job opportunities. The salary of fresh graduates is less compared to the experienced ones. Some of the jobs offered to the B.Com (Hons) students are Tax Consultant, Sales Analyst, Auditor, Financial Analyst, Insurance Consultant, Payroll Administrator/Specialist, Stock Broker, Financial Examiner, Export-Import Manager, Credit Analyst, Business Analyst, Accountant, Finance Consultant, Business Consultant or Banker. 

What are some of the best colleges for studying Economics (Hons)?

Economics (Hons) is offered in lots of colleges in India. But, candidates having good scores will obviously want to take admission to the best colleges. Some of the best Economics (Hons) colleges are LSR Delhi, Loyola College, Miranda House, Hindu College, Madras Christian, Fergusson College, Ramjas College, JHC Mumbai, DIT University Dehradun, Kanya Maha Vidyalaya (KMV) Jalandhar, Kingston College of Science (KCS), Kolkata, etc.

In which sectors and what types of jobs do Economics (Hons) graduates get?

The sectors in which Economics (Hons) graduates can find jobs are Finance and Banking Sector, Trade Markets, Import and Export Industry, Agriculture, Government Economics Department / Public Service Commission and Commerce Sector. Economics (Hons) graduates can choose from a variety of career options available to them. The various career options available are Economist, Sales Executive, Budget Analyst, Marketing Manager, Operations Manager, Investment Analyst, Personal Financial Consultant, Corporate and Financial Analyst, etc. 

After completing Economics (Hons) course, can candidates do higher education?

Yes, higher education is possible after completing the Economics (Hons) degree. With a Master’s degree, the chances of getting a high-paying job will increase. Pursuing higher education is one of the best ways to not only improve the candidate’s skills but also widen their horizon for different career paths, better job profiles and packages as well. Higher education pursued by the students are:

  • MA in Economics
  • MBA
  • PGDM
  • Journalism Courses
  • LL.B

What subjects are taught in Economics (Hons) course?

Economics (Hons) is a 3-year programme consisting of 6 semesters. The subjects taught in  Economics (Hons) programme are Micro and Macro Economics, Economic Statistics, Economic Theory, Mathematical Methods of Economics, Language Subjects, History of Economics, Economy and Society, Development of Economics in India, Economic Development of India, Financial Markets, Foreign Economics Theory, Financial Economics, etc. 

 

What subjects can a B.Com (Hons) graduate study in their 3-year study program?

The subjects play a vital role in the B.Com (Hons) graduate program. In the 3-year graduate degree, B.Com (Hons) graduates study subjects such as:

  • Accounts
  • Maths/ Computer
  • Computer Applications & IT
  • General Awareness I
  • Income Tax Laws
  • Banking & Insurance
  • Financial Markets & Institutions
  • Elements of Company Law-II
  • Managerial Communication
  • Business Tax Procedure & Management
  • Business Data Processing-I (Theory)

In which sectors do B.Com (Hons) graduates get jobs?

A B.Com (Hons) graduate has a wide range of jobs available for them once they complete their degree. They are also in high demand in the Corporate sector whereas, some graduates think of pursuing MBA, CA or CS after completing their graduation. B.Com (Hons) graduates can get jobs in sectors like Banking & Non-Banking Institutions, Accounts, Law, Finance, Operations, Taxation, Management, Sales & Excise Departments and Export-Import. They can also work as a Sales Analyst, Financial Analyst, Credit Analyst, Business Analyst, Accountant, etc. 

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