Master the number business

Completing school and stepping into college is a turning point in every student’s life. The possibilities are broader and more exciting than before for students of the Commerce stream. Commerce is no longer just about accountancy and finance. It is the language of global business, technology-driven markets, and innovative enterprises.While traditional degrees like BCom and MBA continue to hold value, the demands of the modern workplace are evolving fast. Employers now seek professionals who are tech-savvy, creative, analytical, and able to navigate real-world business challenges with confidence. Multidisciplinary approach, integration of technology and practical skills in commerce education directly reflect the transformative vision and key tenets of NEP 2020 for higher education. This NEP evolution aims to create a more relevant and future-ready generation of commerce professionals, aligning with the policy’s emphasis on holistic development and skill-based learning.

What to Look for in a Good Institution

• Choosing the right programme depends on a student’s personal interests, abilities, and long-term goals. It is equally important to choose institutions that go beyond the classroom. In India, many colleges and universities offer internship opportunities, live industry projects, startup incubators, and collaborations with companies. These experiences expose students to real-world challenges and help them develop critical thinking, teamwork, communication, and digital skills — all of which are valued by employers.
• However, students and parents must research thoroughly before selecting a programme. Not all institutions have up-to-date curricula, experienced faculty, or access to modern digital infrastructure.
• In such cases, students can take advantage of online learning platforms, webinars, and workshops to fill these gaps.
• The future belongs to those who are open to learning, willing to adapt, and ready to combine classroom knowledge with practical experience. With the right course, institution and mindset, today’s commerce graduates can become the economic leaders, innovators, and changemakers of tomorrow.

Short-Term Courses

• In addition to full-time degrees, students can also enhance their employability by enrolling in short-term diplomas and certificate programmes in trending areas such as Data Science for Business, Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing and UI/UX Design.
• These programmes are often flexible and can be completed alongside a degree or after graduation. They equip students with specific, job-ready skills and make them more competitive in a competitive job market. For those exploring freelancing or remote work, such certifications can be an added advantage.

A Solid Foundation

The most common course after Class XII is the Bachelor of Commerce (BCom). It provides a solid academic foundation in subjects like accounting, taxation, economics, finance, and business law. This course is especially useful for students aiming for careers in chartered accountancy, banking, auditing, or corporate finance.

Another popular choice is the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), which emphasises management, entrepreneurship, marketing, and organisational leadership. BBA is an ideal option for students interested in starting or managing businesses or pursuing leadership roles in corporate sectors.

Bachelor of Finance: It is an undergraduate programme that provides knowledge in financial management and investment analysis. It is a three-year course and provides an in-depth understanding of financial analysis, risk management and portfolio management.

BBA MBA integrated in Banking: This is a five-year integrated course that provides knowledge of the banking laws, processes and its application to business along with the knowledge of business administration.

Adding Skills That Matter

The existing job market requires more than theoretical knowledge. To stand out, students need practical experience, digital skills, and an understanding of emerging business trends. That’s why many institutions are now offering specialised UG courses designed to meet the needs of the modern economy.

A BBA in Digital Marketing prepares students for a career in online branding, content creation, and social media strategy.

A BBA in Business Analytics is ideal for students who are good with numbers and want to assume data-driven decision-making roles. Students fascinated by online banking, digital transactions, and financial technologies can opt for a BBA in Fintech, while those interested in global trade, warehousing, and logistics can pursue a BBA in E-commerce or Supply Chain Management.

Bachelor of Foreign Trade (BFT): This is an undergraduate course focusing on the movement of services, goods, and capital across international territories and borders.

The Power of Specialisation

There is now a shift towards specialised MBAs that focus on fields like Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Business, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Global Business Strategy and Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). These courses cater to students who want to lead multinational companies, start their ventures, or contribute to ethical and sustainable business practices.

The integration of AI, data analytics and digital transformation into business education is no longer optional — it’s essential for anyone who wants to succeed in the evolving corporate world.

The writer is the Chancellor, DAV University,

Jalandhar and a Padma Shri

Regions Best

GGSD College, Chandigarh

Estd: 1973 | Website: www.ggdsd.ac.in

Ranking: All India 70th Rank in NIRF. Re-accredited with ‘A ’ Grade by NAAC and accorded the status of

'A College with Potential for Excellence' by UGC.

University Business School, PU

Estd: 1995 | Website: https://ubs.puchd.ac.in/

UBS has consistently been among the top Business Schools of India. A number of top business associates of top companies in India, visit the college to participate in the placement process.

USB, Chandigarh University, Gharaun

Estd: 2016 | Website: www.cuchd.in

Ranking: 36th in NIRF-2024 (overall). 18th in Business &

Management Studies in QS subject wise ranking 2024.

Chitkara Business School, Rajpura

Estd: 2011 | Website: https://www.chitkara.edu.in/cbs/

UG department offers BBA, BCom and BA (Hons.) in Economics and several specialisations

University College of Business Studies, Shimla

Estd: 1996 | Website: https://hpuniv.ac.in/

Accredited with ‘A’ grade by NAAC, the BBA and BCA programmes of the institute are designed to prepare corporate leaders who can solve cross-functional and multidimensional problems of the business world.

Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar

Estd: 2005 | Website: https://www.lpu.in/

Ranking: 38th in NIRF, 5th in Times Higher Education (by subject).

Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS), Chandigarh

Estd: 2021| Website: www.nmimschandigarh.org/

The institute’s School of Commerce offers BBA, BCom and BSc Finance courses

Multani Mal Modi College, Patiala

Estd: 1967 | Website: www.modicollege.com

Chandigarh institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology, Chandigarh

Estd: 1973| Website: https://cihmct.co.in/

Government Bikram College of Commerce, Patiala

Estd: 1945 | Website: www.gbcpatiala.org

DAV College, Amritsar

Estd: 1955 | Website: www.davcollegeasr.org

Govt College for Girls, Ludhiana

Estd: 1943 | Website: gcgldh.org/

GGSSDGS Khalsa College, Patiala

Estd: 1960 | Website: www.khalsacollegepatiala.org

DAV College, Jalandhar

Estd: 1918 | Website: www.davjalandhar.com

Govt Post Graduate College, Hisar

Estd: 1950 | Website: www.gchisar.com

GVM Girls College, Sonepat

Estd: 1987 | Website: www.gvmgc.in

DAV PG College, Karnal

Estd: 1974 | Website: https://davcollegekarnal.ac.in/

Asian Group of Colleges, Patiala

Estd: 2010 | Website: www.asianedu.org

Govt. S. P. M. R. College of Commerce, Jammu

Estd: 1955 | Website: www.spmrcollege.org

(Based on inputs from The Tribune sources)

2024 NIRF Top 10

1Shri Ram College of Commerce, New Delhi

2Hindu College, New Delhi

3Lady Shri Ram College For Women, New Delhi

4Hansraj College, New Delhi

5Loyola College, Chennai

6St. Xavier's College, Kolkata

7Kirori Mal College, New Delhi

8Madras Christian College, Chennai

9Ramjas College, New Delhi

10M S Ramaiah College of Arts, Science, and Commerce, Bengaluru