25 Best Courses and Career Options After 12th Commerce: What to Do Next?

Commerce professionals can make a career internationally after completing their 12th grade. There are various career opportunities in accounting, management, business, and finance. According to career counsellors, there are opportunities for commerce students in marketing, travel, and even law. 

Wondering about your academic or professional career after 12th commerce? Choosing the right career path can be a daunting task. This is why, this blog will explore the list of best courses after 12th commerce. It will also share the probable pay levels and the course length. 

Top 25 Course List After 12th for Commerce Students

Selecting the best course after completing your 12th commerce is a crucial decision. After all, pursuing the commerce stream offers you a wide range of opportunities. Here is the list of top courses for commerce students to help you discover the best career options:

1. Certified Management Accountant (CMA USA)

CMA USA is a global certification for management accounting and financial management. It helps you build skills in budgeting, decision-making, and financial analysis. This is one of the most popular career options after the 12th boards.

Duration: 1.5 to 2 years
Entry-level salary: ₹4-7 LPA
Experienced salary: ₹8-30 LPA

2. Certified Public Accountant (US CPA)

US CPA is an international licence for accounting professionals. It is ideal if you want to work in auditing, taxation, and finance across the world.

Duration: 1.5 to 2 years
Entry-level salary: ₹6-13.8 LPA
Experienced salary: ₹12-25 LPA

3. Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)

ACCA courses offer an international accounting qualification. They prepare you for roles in auditing, taxation, and financial consulting. If you are a commerce graduate, you can even get exemptions from exam papers.

Duration: 2-3 years
Entry-level salary: ₹3-7 LPA
Experienced salary: ₹6-20+ LPA

4. Enrolled Agent (EA - US Tax Expert)

EA is a professional certification offered by the IRS. Enrolled Agent courses focus on taxation and help you represent clients before tax authorities.

Duration: 6 months to 1 year
Entry-level salary: ₹3.5-6 LPA
Experienced salary: ₹8-25 LPA

5. Chartered Accountancy (CA - India)

CA is one of the most respected qualifications in India, and pursuing this course after 12th commerce is a popular choice. It prepares you for careers in accounting, auditing, taxation, and consultancy.

Duration: 4.5 to 5 years
Entry-level salary: ₹4.5-11.5 LPA
Experienced salary: ₹8 lakh-2 crore LPA

6. Company Secretary (CS)

CS professionals handle legal compliance, corporate governance, and company law. It is a great choice if you are interested in legal and corporate matters, and is a highly rewarding career option in commerce.

Duration: 3 to 4 years
Entry-level salary: ₹3-5.75 LPA
Experienced salary: ₹5.75-14.5 LPA

7. Cost and Management Accounting (CMA India)

CMA India focuses on cost control, pricing, and management accounting. It's suitable for those who want to work in a company's financial strategy, and is one of the top courses after 12.

Duration: 3-4 years
Entry-level salary: ₹4-5 LPA
Experienced salary: ₹6-15+ LPA

8. Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com)

Bachelor of Commerce offers a basic undergraduate degree in commerce. It covers subjects like accounting, finance, business law, and taxation.

Duration: 3 years
Entry-level salary: ₹3-6 LPA
Experienced salary: ₹5-18+ LPA

9. B.Com (Honours)

B.Com (Hons.) offers an in-depth study of subjects like accounting, economics, or finance. It is preferred by companies looking for specialists.

Duration: 3 years
Entry-level salary: ₹3-7 LPA
Experienced salary: ₹5-12 LPA

10. Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)

BBA builds strong foundations in business and management. It is a good starting point if you want a career in management or entrepreneurship, and one of the best options after 12th for commerce students.

Duration: 3 years
Entry-level salary: ₹2.5-4.5 LPA
Experienced salary: ₹6-25 LPA

11. Bachelor of Economics

This course focuses on economic theories, policies, and analysis. It suits students interested in banking, finance, and government roles.

Duration: 3 years
Entry-level salary: ₹2.5-5 LPA
Experienced salary: ₹5-38 LPA

12. Bachelor of Management Studies (BMS)

BMS teaches management, finance, marketing, and HR skills. It prepares you for leadership roles early on and is a good choice for those with lofty career aspirations.

Duration: 3 years
Entry-level salary: ₹3-6 LPA
Experienced salary: ₹6-30 LPA

13. Bachelor of Banking and Insurance (BBI)

BBI focuses on banking laws, insurance laws, and risk management. It is ideal if you are planning a career in banking or insurance.

Duration: 3 years
Entry-level salary: ₹2.5-5 LPA
Experienced salary: ₹5-20+ LPA

14. Bachelor of Accounting and Finance (BAF)

BAF teaches detailed accounting, auditing, taxation, and financial management. It is a great option if you want to become a finance specialist.

Duration: 3 years
Entry-level salary: ₹2-6 LPA
Experienced salary: ₹6-14 LPA

15. Bachelor of Financial Markets (BFM)

BFM focuses on stock markets, investments, and financial analysis. It suits students who want a career in commerce, trading or wealth management.

Duration: 3 years
Entry-level salary: ₹4-8 LPA
Experienced salary: ₹8-30 LPA

16. Bachelor of Business Analytics

This course combines business knowledge with data analytics. It prepares you for data-driven decision-making roles.

Duration: 3 years
Entry-level salary: ₹4-10 LPA
Experienced salary: ₹8-24 LPA

17. Bachelor's in International Business

This course prepares you for careers in global trade and multinational companies. It covers international marketing, finance, and laws.

Duration: 3 years
Entry-level salary: ₹4-9 LPA
Experienced salary: ₹16-50 LPA

18. Bachelor of Business Economics

Business economics mixes economics with business strategy. It suits students who want to work in policymaking, finance, or consultancy.

Duration: 3 years
Entry-level salary: ₹2-5.2 LPA

Experienced salary: ₹4-24 LPA

19. Diploma in Banking and Finance

This diploma offers a quick entry into banking and financial services. It is a good option if you want a job immediately after a short course in the commerce field.

Duration: 6 months to 1 year
Entry-level salary: ₹1.7-4 LPA
Experienced salary: ₹5-10+ LPA

20. Digital Marketing Certification Course

This course teaches SEO, social media, content marketing, and PPC ads. It opens up many career prospects in online marketing. It is one of the dynamic career options after 12th, if you had commerce without mathematics.

Duration: 6 months to 1 year
Entry-level salary: ₹1-7 LPA
Experienced salary: ₹2.4-60 LPA

21. Hotel Management

Hotel management is a dynamic career option for commerce students. It covers hospitality, tourism, and customer service. It's a good choice if you enjoy meeting people and organising events. This is one of the most popular commerce courses among students.

Duration: 3-4 years
Entry-level salary: ₹1.8-3.6 LPA
Experienced salary: ₹5.5-24+ LPA

22. Travel and Tourism Management

This course teaches you about the travel industry and tourism operations. It provides future career prospects in travel companies, airlines, and tour management.

Duration: 3 years
Entry-level salary: ₹2-5 LPA
Experienced salary: ₹4-15 LPA

23. Law (BA LLB or BBA LLB)

Consider pursuing a career in law if you have an interest in justice, rights, and regulations. It prepares you to work as a lawyer, legal advisor, or judge.

Duration: 5 years (Integrated Course)
Entry-level salary: ₹1-3 LPA
Experienced salary: ₹4-11 LPA

24. Event Management Course

This professional course covers planning, budgeting, and managing events like weddings, conferences, and concerts. It suits students who are organised and creative and is a promising career option.

Duration: 1-2 years
Entry-level salary: ₹1-7 LPA
Experienced salary: ₹7-22 LPA

25. Foreign Language Courses (French, German, etc.)

Learning a foreign language can provide career opportunities in translation, tourism, MNCs, and embassies. It is a flexible and rewarding career option available for students after 12th (commerce without maths).

Duration: 6 months to 2 years
Entry-level salary: ₹3-6 LPA
Experienced salary: ₹7-18 LPA

5 Best Job Options in the Commerce Sector to Explore

After completing 12th grade in the commerce stream, it is critical to choose a career path. Let’s look at the 5 best career options after the 12th for a successful career:

Financial Analyst – In-demand for CMA USA & ACCA professionals

In this role, you will assist companies in making more informed decisions by analyzing financial data. You are responsible for overseeing all aspects of financial reporting, especially those related to actuarial science and risk assessment. You can pursue this role after 12th in commerce by taking courses like CMA USA or ACCA.

Tax Consultant – Ideal for EA and CPA USA-certified candidates

You will advise both people and businesses on tax preparation and planning. It is an excellent fit if you want to advance your career in high-impact tax advisory roles.

Management Accountant – High-growth role after CMA USA

This presents one of the best career opportunities after 12th commerce in 2025. Financial planning, risk assessment, and budgeting will be your primary areas of study.

Public Accountant – Perfect fit for CPA USA holders

This is perfect for individuals with a commerce background. To become a public accountant, you typically need to study commerce with maths after your 10th grade. Consulting, auditing, and tax services will all fall under your purview.

Financial Controller – Often pursued by ACCA and CMA USA grads

As a financial controller, you are responsible for managing all aspects of the company's financial reporting.

Conclusion

Completing 12th commerce can lead to a range of career opportunities. The best courses after 12th commerce can help you land well-paying positions in international accounting and finance. Looking for professional advice on the best career options in accounting or finance? NorthStar Academy is the place for you. With our guidance, instruction, and mentoring, you may lay the groundwork for a prosperous future in the world of commerce. We also provide career guidance and help with a list of courses for students, such as CMA USA exam preparation.