FRM vs B.Com: Course Details, Job Roles & Salary Insights

Choosing the right career path after completing a B.Com degree can be challenging. With so many finance career options available, one common dilemma is whether to pursue Financial Risk Management (FRM) or stick with traditional roles available to B.Com graduates.

Both paths offer promising career prospects, but they cater to different career goals. While B.Com provides a strong foundation in accounting and finance, FRM certification equips professionals with specialized skills in financial risk management, making them valuable assets in financial institutions, investment banking, and risk assessment.

So, which one should you choose? Let’s explore the key differences between B.Com vs FRM, their job roles, salary insights, and long-term growth opportunities.

B.Com and Its Career Opportunities

A B.Com degree is one of the most popular undergraduate courses for students interested in accounting principles, taxation, corporate finance, and management roles. It lays the groundwork for careers in financial accounting, consulting firms, and regulatory compliance.

Job Roles Available for B.Com Graduates

After completing B.Com, graduates can explore job roles such as:

Accountant – Managing financial accounting and compliance.
Tax Consultant – Assisting in taxation and regulatory adherence.
Financial Analyst – Evaluating equity investments, fixed income, and valuation models.
Audit Associate – Ensuring adherence to accounting and finance policies.
Investment Banking Analyst – Working with valuation, portfolio management, and derivative trading.

Salary Prospects After Completing B.Com

The first job salary for B.Com graduates varies based on experience, location, and employer. Typically:

 Entry-level roles: ₹3-5 LPA
 Mid-level positions: ₹6-10 LPA
 Advanced roles (with certifications like CPA, CFA, or CMA Certification): ₹12+ LPA

While a B.Com offers a solid start, additional finance certification can significantly enhance earning potential and job prospects.

FRM Certification and Career Growth

FRM (Financial Risk Management) is a globally recognized professional certification offered by GARP (Global Association of Risk Professionals). It is a game-changer for those who want to pursue a career in risk management, credit risk, market risk, and operational risk.

Job Roles and Industries for FRM Professionals

Those who have successfully cleared FRM can work in:

Investment Banks – Managing risk assessment and financial market analysis.
Hedge Funds & Asset Management – Focusing on valuation, alternative investments, and fixed income.
Corporate Finance – Overseeing risk and compliance strategies.
Regulatory Bodies – Ensuring regulatory compliance and financial stability.
Consulting Firms – Providing financial advisory on risk models.

Salary Insights for FRM-Certified Experts

FRM certification can lead to higher salary packages due to the demand for risk professionals.

 Entry-level roles: ₹6-8 LPA
 Mid-level roles (Risk Analysts, Credit Risk Managers): ₹10-20 LPA
 Senior positions (Chief Risk Officer, Risk Manager): ₹25+ LPA

The FRM exam has two parts:

FRM Part 1 focuses on quantitative methods, financial accounting, and valuation models, while

 FRM Part 2 covers market risk, credit risk, and operational risk.

Key Differences Between B.Com and FRM

Criteria	B.Com	FRM
Duration	3 Years	1-2 Years
Scope	General accountancy, taxation, and finance	Specialization in risk management and financial markets
Job Roles	Accountant, Financial Analyst, Tax Consultant	Risk Manager, Quantitative Analyst, Risk Analyst
Salary	₹3-10 LPA	₹6-25 LPA
Global Recognition	India-centric	Globally recognized (IIMs, investment banks, and hedge funds prefer FRM)
Higher Earning Potential	Moderate	High, especially in investment banking & financial risk management

If you are aiming for a highly respected and highly valued career in risk assessment and decision support, FRM certification is worth considering.

Importance of Professional Certification in Finance

A B.Com degree provides a broad foundation, but adding a finance certification such as FRM, CMA USA, CFA, or CPA can significantly enhance your career prospects.

FRM-Financial Risk Management – Ideal for those focusing on financial risk.
CFA and FRM – Best for valuation and investment banking roles.
CMA USA Certification – Recommended for management accounting and financial management.
US CPA – Perfect for accountancy and taxation professionals.

If you want to pursue a rewarding career in financial institutions, risk management, or quantitative analysis, choosing the right professional certification is crucial.

Which Path is Better for Long-Term Career Growth?

If your goal is to build a strong finance career with opportunities in investment banking, consulting firms, and financial institutions, FRM certification offers higher earning potential and global career options.

However, if you prefer a broader business background and plan to explore multiple areas like accountancy, taxation, or corporate finance, B.Com is a solid starting point.

For those considering higher education, an MBA degree can also be a valuable asset for career advancement.

Conclusion

If you're looking for expert guidance on FRM exam preparation or other finance certification courses, NorthStar Academy offers top-tier coaching to help you clear your exams on the first attempt. With structured study plans, expert faculty, and comprehensive study material, we ensure that our students are well-prepared to tackle competitive finance career options.

Whether you’re aiming for FRM, CFA, CMA USA, or US CPA courses, we provide tailored mentorship to help you enhance your career and achieve your professional goals.