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.

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) 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) 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) 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:

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.

Top Economics (Hons.) Colleges in India

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

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!