B.Com and B.Com (Hons.) may look the same but there are some major differences such as the specialisations, salary structure, etc. Get to know the difference between B.Com and B.Com (Hons.) in this article.
- Difference between B.Com and B.Com (Hons.) Highlights
- B.Com and B.Com (Hons.) Eligibility Criteria
- B.Com and B.Com (Hons.) Specialisations
- Entrance Exams for B.Com and B.Com (Hons)
- B.Com and B.Com (Hons.) Syllabus
- B.Com and B.Com (Hons.) Colleges in India
- B.Com and B.Com (Hons.) Career Opportunities
- B.Com and B.Com (Hons.): Which is better?
- Faqs
B.Com and B.Com (Hons.) are two very popular courses among students who have studied commerce in their 10+2. Students who want to know the difference between B.Com and B.Com (Hons.) should understand that B.Com has value in the job market if the candidate has completed his/ her M.Com or MBA whereas, B.Com (Hons.) being a specialization course, offers better job opportunities and good packages than B.Com. B.Com (Hons.) is valued more by experts in the industry. The ‘Hons’ term indicates that a greater emphasis has been placed on the study, specialization and other important aspects. The normal B.Com course provides an overview of commerce-related subjects and a few specialised programmes.
The B.Com course and B.Com (Hons.) course are 3-year undergraduate courses with almost the same course structure. As these two courses are based on Commerce, the learning method is a bit different and B.Com (Hons.) imparts more knowledge on the marketing and financial aspects. While studying B.Com, candidates can get theoretical knowledge on finance, accounting, business and marketing but with a B.Com (Hons) degree, people can get knowledge only in one subject that will be beneficial for employment. If you are someone looking for attractive packages after completing your degree, then it is advisable to study B.Com (Hons) as B.Com degree holders get less paid. The aspirants are advised to know the difference between B.Com and B.Com (Hons.) and then choose their preferred course among the two. Students can know the difference between B.Com and B.Com (Hons.) if they go through this article.
Difference between B.Com and B.Com (Hons.) Highlights
Students thinking of studying either one of the courses between B.Com and B.Com (Hons.) can follow the table below to know the difference between B.Com and B.Com (Hons.) courses.
| Features | B.Com | B.Com (Hons.) |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 3 years | 3 years |
| Curriculum | B.Com is basically an overview of all the subjects in the field of commerce. The subjects taught are the same as B.Com (Hons.). However, students pursuing B.Com will not be able to do a specialisation in a specific subject during their UG degree. | Although most of the subjects taught are the same, the major difference is that you can specialize in a specific subject or field through the B.Com (Hons.) course. Students can choose to do a specialisation (such as Accounting or Economics) during their course. |
| Objective of Course | The B Com course aims to make the student acquainted with different aspects of the commerce stream. Students pursuing the course will learn how business and trading is done. | B.Com (Hons.) is a business-oriented course that develops the business skills of the students and provides in-depth knowledge of commerce. Students pursuing this course will have an advantage if they want to pursue Chartered Accountancy side-by-side. |
| Admission Criteria/ Cut-offs | Admission is done based on merit that is the marks scored by the candidates in their class 12 board results. The cut-offs for this course are relatively less than the cut-off for B.Com (Hons.) courses. | The admission criterion is the same as the B.Com course. The cut-off for the B.Com (Hons.) course is very high, especially at prestigious colleges like SRCC, Ramjas College, Hans Raj College, etc which are under Delhi University. |
| Jobs and Salary | Although there are several job options after pursuing B.Com, salary packages are not as attractive as those offered to B.Com (Hons.) graduates. Freshers can expect salary packages up to INR 14,000 to 20,000 per month. | Salary packages after pursuing B.Com (Hons.) are quite good as the programme has good demand in the industry. Graduates can expect an entry-level package of INR 25,000 to 45,000 per month. Salaries may vary depending on the college/university from where you have studied. |
Also Read: 5 Reasons to Do MBA After B.Com - Advantages, Career Opportunities
B.Com and B.Com (Hons.) Eligibility Criteria
Before selecting one course among B.Com and B.Com (Hons.), students should be aware of the eligibility criteria for both courses. Get to know the difference between B.Com and B.Com (Hons.) as per their eligibility requirements.
B.Com Eligibility Criteria | B.Com (Hons) Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
Aspirants need to complete their class 12th from a recognised board of education in any stream. | Students from any stream Arts, Commerce or Science, can apply for this course. |
Students should try to achieve 50% or above in their 10+2 level so that they can get admitted to various colleges in India. | A minimum of 50% aggregate score or above in 10+2 in the top four subjects from an accredited institution is required for this course. |
Admission to this course does not have a specific age limit which means people from any age group, regardless of gender or community background, are accepted. | There is no lower or upper age limit to study BCom (Hons). |
Colleges mostly look into the percentage received by the candidate in their 12th board and select based on their academic performance. | The colleges and universities in India either admit candidates based on their merit or the entrance exam score. The entrance exams are conducted centrally like CUET or universities like Christ University conduct their own entrance tests for admission into BCom (Hons) courses. |
B.Com and B.Com (Hons.) Specialisations
The BCom course has a few majors focusing on the commerce stream strictly while the B Com (Hons) course has diverse specialisations. The specialisations are job-oriented and develop the skills and expertise of the candidates in a particular field. Candidates should choose any of the specialisations to enhance their job opportunities. However, not all colleges in India provide all the specialisation courses. Find out the difference between B.Com and B.Com (Hons.) below:
B.Com | B.Com (Hons.) |
|---|---|
Accounting and Finance | Accounting |
Banking and Insurance | Finance |
Taxation | Marketing |
Marketing | Human Resource Management (HRM) |
Human Resource Management | International Business |
Entrepreneurship | Banking and Insurance |
E-Commerce | Taxation |
- | Entrepreneurship |
- | Financial Markets |
- | Business Analytics |
Other B.Com (Hons.) specialisations that are offered by various colleges and universities include the following:
- B Com (Hons) Economics
- B Com (Hons) Investment Management
- Bachelor of Financial Markets
- B Com (Hons) Computer Applications
- B Com (Hons) Statistics
- B Com (Hons) Information Technology
- B Com (Hons) Tourism and Travel Management
- B Com (Hons) Banking and Finance
- B Com (Hons) Advanced Accountancy
- B Com (Hons) Banking and Insurance
- B Com (Hons) Business Economics
- B Com (Hons) E-Commerce
- B.Com (Hons) Foreign Trade Management
Entrance Exams for B.Com and B.Com (Hons)
Admission to these courses is based on merit or entrance exam. The syllabus of the entrance exams is based on Class 11 and 12 subjects and there is tough competition. The colleges/ universities will release the merit list with the names of the candidates who have cleared the entrance tests. Students who want to know the difference between B.Com and B.Com (Hons.) should be aware of the entrance exams that are common for both courses.
Entrance Exam Name | Registration Date | Exam Date |
|---|---|---|
February 27, 2024 - March 26, 2024 | May 15 - 31, 2024 | |
December 13, 2023 - April 12, 2024 | SET A - May 5, 2024 SET B - May 11, 2024 | |
Christ University Entrance Exam (CUET) | December 8, 2023 - March 30, 2024 (first session) and May 4, 2024 (for 2nd session) | April 7, 2024 (first session exam) and May 11, 2024 (for 2nd session) |
January 4, 2024 - June 9, 2024 | June 16, 2024 | |
Jamia Millia Islamia Entrance Exam | February 20, 2024 - March 30, 2024 | April 25, 2024 onwards |
December 6, 2023 - May 20, 2024 | January 1 - May 25, 2024 | |
October 20, 2023 - April 14, 2024 (for students outside Bangalore) and April 22, 2024 (Bangalore-based campuses) | April 20, 2024 - May 12, 2024 |
B.Com and B.Com (Hons.) Syllabus
The B.Com and B.Com (Hons.) courses are undergraduate degree programmes for 3 years and divided into 6 semesters. Those who want to know the difference between B.Com and B.Com (Hons.)
B.Com | B.Com (Hons.) |
|---|---|
Semester 1 | |
Financial Accounting | Financial Accounting |
Environmental Studies | Business Organization |
English Language | Business Mathematics |
Business Organisation and Management | Business Communication |
- | Microeconomics |
- | Computer Applications in Business |
Semester 2 | |
Language: English/ Hindi/ Modern Indian Language | Corporate Accounting |
Business Law | Macroeconomics |
Hindi/ Modern Indian Language | Business Law |
Business Mathematics and Statistics | Environmental Studies |
- | Cost & Management Accounting |
- | Indian Financial System |
Semester 3 | |
Income Tax Law and Practice | Income Tax |
Hindi/ Modern Indian Language | Indian Economy |
Computer Applications in Business | Business Statistics |
Company Law | Financial Management |
- | Company Law |
- | Marketing Management |
Semester 4 | |
Corporate Accounting | Entrepreneurship |
Cost Accounting | Fundamentals of Digital Marketing |
E-Commerce | Human Resource Management |
Business Communication (English/ Hindi) | Corporate Governance & Business Ethics |
- | Specialization paper 1 (Marketing/Finance/HR) |
Semester 5 | |
Principles of Microeconomics | Goods & Services Tax |
Principles of Marketing | Auditing |
Indirect Tax Law | Business Research Methods |
Human Resource Management | Specialization paper 2 |
Fundamentals of Financial Management | Specialization paper 3 |
Entrepreneurship | Project Work |
Auditing and Corporate Governance | - |
Semester 6 | |
Fundamentals of Investment | Strategic Management |
Banking and Insurance | Specialization paper 4 |
International Business | Specialization paper 5 |
Corporate Tax Planning | Specialization paper 6 |
Computerised Accounting System | Internship + Viva |
Office Management and Secretarial Practice | - |
Management Accounting | - |
Consumer Protection | - |
Personal Selling and Salesmanship | - |
Indian Economy | - |
B.Com and B.Com (Hons.) Colleges in India
Students can find out the colleges in India for B Com and BCom (Hons.) courses in the table below. Those who want to find out the difference between B.Com and B.Com (Hons.) can check out the colleges to understand.
B.Com | B.Com (Hons.) |
|---|---|
Presidency College, Chennai | Loyola College, Chennai |
Atma Ram Sanatan Dharm College, New Delhi | St Joseph's College, Tiruchirappalli |
Kirori Mal College, Delhi | Rajagiri College of Social Sciences, Ernakulam |
St Xavier's College, Palayamkottai | |
V.O. Chidambaram College | St Joseph's College, Devagiri |
Daulat Ram College | |
St. Xavier`s College, Kolkata | Women's Christian College, Chennai |
PSGR Krishnammal College for Women | Hindu College, Delhi |
Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham | |
Manipal Academy of Higher Education | |
Madras Christian College, Chennai | |
Stella Maris College | Sri Venkateswara College, Delhi |
Loyola College | Deshbandhu College, New Delhi |
Poornima University, Jaipur | Acharya Narendra Dev College, New Delhi |
Narsee Monjee College of Commerce and Economics | |
Hemchandracharya North, Gujarat University | Fergusson College |
Gujarat University | Symbiosis College of Arts and Commerce |
Bangalore Institute of Management Studies, Karnataka | Christ University |
Amity University | Presidency College |
Also Read:Top Universities in India for B.Com Admissions 2024- Fees, Entrance Exam, Colleges
B.Com and B.Com (Hons.) Career Opportunities
B.Com and B.Com (Hons.) graduates will get a plethora of job opportunities in India and overseas as the demand for commerce graduates is increasing with each passing year, however, candidates must note that only a B Com regular degree will not land them a decent job. Commerce graduates are encouraged to opt for specialized distance courses like the CA course, CS course, CFA course, CPA, etc. either while pursuing their B Com regular or honours degree or immediately after graduating.
Top B.Com Career Opportunities and Salary
Students must pursue post-graduation in finance, accounting, or commerce after earning their regular BCom degree. A few of the top job opportunities include accountant, banker, insurance manager, etc with a starting average salary of 2 LPA to 6 LPA.
Job Profiles | Job Description | Starting Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
Accountant | It is one of the best and most popular job roles as every business needs accountants because they are necessary. | INR 2 LPA - INR 3.5 LPA |
Stock Broker | A stockbroker is a financial expert who places trades for clients in the market. A stockbroker may also be referred to as an investment advisor or a registered representative (RR). | INR 3 LPA - INR 6.5 LPA |
Import-Export Manager | An export-import manager is a must for all businesses that deal with the export and import of goods. An Export and Import Manager's primary duty is to anticipate the flow of commodities between the home country and other nations. | INR 4 LPA - 8 LPA |
Tax Consultant | A tax consultant or advisor's main responsibility is to assist individuals and organizations in filing their taxes. They know tax law, tax observance, and tax strategy. | INR 3 LPA - 4.5 LPA |
Auditor | An auditor plays a crucial role in a business because they essentially keep an eye on the financial accounts and accounting ledgers of various businesses. The financial accounts of organizations are examined by auditors to make sure they are accurate and legal. | INR 4.4 LPA - 6 LPA |
Banker | A banker is a specialist who offers clients financial guidance and suggestions for better money management. | INR 2.7 LPA - 4.5 LPA |
Top B.Com (Hons.) Career Opportunities and Salary
B.Com (Hons.) graduates can get an average starting salary package of INR 2.8 LPA to 8 LPA. Some notable job profiles that offer lucrative salary packages are Chartered Accountant, Finance Consultant, Risk Analyst, Cost and Work Accountant, etc.
Job Profiles | Job Description | Starting Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
Finance Consultant | A financial consultant plans a company's financial destiny. They essentially discuss the lucrative investments and other advantageous planning procedures needed in a business. | INR 5 LPA - 8 LPA |
Marketing Manager | A marketing manager is a person who is in charge of an organization's or a product's marketing. He or she might be in charge of several different goods or programmes, or just one and choose the best time to launch a new product or service. | INR 2.8 LPA - 8 LPA |
Cost and Work Accountant | The responsibility of the cost and work accountant is to gather, assess, and analyze all financial data from all perspectives before providing the management with an interpretation of the results. | INR 3 LPA - INR 8.8 LPA |
Insurance Consultant | An insurance consultant assists individuals or organisations to assess their needs and have insurance plans for sudden risks. | INR 2.3 LPA - 4.5 LPA |
Business Manager | A business manager makes an effort to maintain the business's productivity, efficiency, and organization at all times by establishing operating plans, carrying out performance evaluations, and monitoring all daily activities. | INR 3 LPA - 5 LPA |
Chartered Accountant | Chartered Accountants offer financial services to a wide range of customers, including big businesses, the government, and even private citizens. An organization's financial records, tax obligations, and finances are managed by a licensed chartered accountant. | INR 6 LPA - 7 LPA |
Risk Analyst | Risk analysts are experts who assist the technical aspect of a company's all-encompassing risk management strategy. Analysts gather and assess risk data, then share their conclusions with managers who utilize them to choose amongst potential solutions. | INR 4 LPA - 8 LPA |
B.Com and B.Com (Hons.): Which is better?
The B.Com and B.Com (Hons.) courses may look the same from the outside but there are some differences that students have already understood by now. Both these courses are 3-year undergraduate degree programmes in the field of commerce. The BCom course focuses on the knowledge of commerce as a whole while the BCom (Hons) course focuses on in-depth knowledge of different specialisations of the programme. Another major difference between these two courses in commerce is how they are taught, the BCom (Hons.) curriculum imparts more professional depth and employable skills than the regular B Com course.
The BCom course aims to make students job-ready within the fields of banking, accounting, finance and insurance. A B.Com degree offers students adequate information needed to acquire a generalized understanding of all areas in the Commerce stream. BCom (Hons) is a business-oriented degree that creates the business skills of students and also offers detailed knowledge in the field of Commerce. When you complete a B.Com (Hons) degree, you can gain specialized knowledge in your chosen area of interest which can eventually develop your professional competency. From the BCom course, students get an overview of all the commerce-related topics like accounting, banking, economics, finance, etc. On the other hand, the B.Com (Hons) degree course provides detailed specialized knowledge in the subject of study, enhancing professional and marketable abilities. Accountancy, economics, finance, and other fields of commerce could be the specialization area with a B Com (Hons) degree course. Therefore, BCom (Hons.) is unquestionably superior for more detailed study in the commerce stream.
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