Various courses being offered in this field:

BCom (Bachelor of Commerce): A three (3) year undergraduate degree in Business offered by most of the universities in India and overseas which is open to students from all streams and more preferably for students from commerce stream. There are many specialisations in B.Com. It is generally a regular course. Private study and distance education options are also available. Candidates who wish to pursue higher studies and career in accounting, finance and commerce may study B.Com as a first step. B.Com (Hons) is another related option which is an advanced 6 semester B.Com course, where students are required to complete additionally two interdisciplinary elective subjects in diverse disciplines [Humanities / Sciences] during the first two years and to undertake research work in the third year.

MCom (Master of Commerce): This is a two year postgraduate degree in business related subjects offered by all popular universities. They conduct 2 yearly exams or 4 semester exams and award the certificates. Students will specialise in core subjects related to commerce, finance and accounts, along with optional subjects like economics, banking, corporate taxes, business laws, auditing, business management, actuarial studies, human resource, marketing, entrepreneurship, etc. by delving deeper into the functioning of the economy, capital, revenue, trade, taxes, etc.This programme is well received in the industry for years which  serve the needs of managerial cadre in business and industry. This course also serves the needs of academics as well and prepares students for research and to become teachers and Lecturers in business related subjects.

CA (Chartered Accountant): This is a professional course which is being offered by the Institute of Chartered Accountant of India (ICAI), a statutory body set up by an act of parliament of India in 1949. This is a highly respected and most rewarding career in the field of Commerce, Finance and Accounts. A person can become CA by passing prescribed examinations along with few IT related courses and by undergoing three years of practical training. Chartered Accountants always hold key and managerial positions in medium to large scale organisations in India and Overseas. CAs have various options, either be a highly paid employee or be an independent consultant / advisor or be an independent auditor.

CMA (Cost and Management Accountant – earlier known as CWA): This is a professional course which is being offered by the Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of India (ICMAI), a statutory body set up by an act of parliament of India. This is a highly respected and most rewarding career in the Cost and Management Accounting field. One can become CMA by passing prescribed examinations and by undergoing 15 months of practical training. All industrial units need a CMA, which will be one of the key positions. One has the option to be a highly paid employee of a company or to be an independent cost accountant or cost auditor.

CS (Company Secretary): This is a professional course which is being offered by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI), a statutory body set up by an act of parliament of India. This is a highly respected and most rewarding career in Indian Commercial and Corporate Law field. One can become CS by passing prescribed examinations and by undergoing 21months training along with IT skill assessment. All medium to large companies in India need a CS in their key positions. One can be a highly paid employee in the managerial position in a company or be an independent company secretary.

IIM (Indian Institute of Management): There are 20 IIM in various states which are prestigious and most highly ranked institutes of importance in India, which offer various post graduate courses. They offer two-year Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGP), Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) and Master in Business Administration (MBA). Some IIMs also offer a one-year post-graduate diploma programme for graduates with work experience.

BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration): A 3 year undergraduate course in Business Management which is open to students from all the three streams (Science, Arts and Commerce). This is available in both regular and distance education.

MBA (Master of Business Administration): One of the most popular postgraduate programmes in India and abroad. One can study this two (2) year course (4 semesters) after passing BBA or B.Com or any other degree from Science, Commerce and Humanities as per the prerequisite of the universities offering it. MBA is a gateway to plenty of opportunities in the corporate world. One can pursue MBA in various modes, such as, Regular, Online and Distance-Education. 

Actuarial Science: A very high level course offered by most of the developed and developing countries. In India, it is monitored by the Institute of Actuaries of India. Actuaries analyze numerical information to assess risk. Aspiring actuaries need to have a strong understanding of mathematics and business, and they should complete an undergraduate degree with mathematics, statistics, finance, economics or business to join this course. 

Foreign Degrees: There are many overseas institutes giving professional degrees in the field of Commerce, Finance and Accounts. Few important among them are given below;

ACCA (The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants): One of the world’s leading and fast growing international accountancy organisations HQ in the UK, having 110 offices and centres in 52 countries. India is one among that. 98 Global accountancy partnership and 323 approved learning partners. ACCA is a professional accountancy qualification that benefits from global recognition. Can Join after +2. The course takes between one to three years to complete, depending on your current qualifications. It’s structured so that Full Time students must choose to study either four, five or six ACCA papers each academic year, and a minimum of two papers each semester. Part Time students do not need to undertake any minimum number of papers, as they can take just one singular paper. Both computer based exams(CBE) and paper-based exam methods are there. Once you qualify, ACCA membership opens doors to a successful career in accounting or finance and immediately increases your earning potential. It is highly rated in the fields of banking, management, Audit, consulting and having a cutting edge while competing for senior roles in organisations.

CPA (Certified Public Accountant): This is a professional course in the field of Finance, Accounts, Audit and Taxation which is being offered by various countries through the designated Institutes, which gives license to CPA degree holders to provide accounting and auditing services to the public in those countries conducting this course. This degree is similar to Chartered Accountant. CPA offered by the USA is most popular among students of various countries. CPA is a designation given by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) to individuals that pass the Uniform CPA Examination and meet the education and experience requirements. To Join this course you have to pass bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance, or accounting. When an Indian CA competes in the international job market, CPA is the main and tough competitor for vacancies in Auditing, Accounting & consulting firms and industrial and business units.

Australian CPA and Canadian CPA are also famous. In Australia CPA is Certified Practicing Accountant. In Canada CPA which is Chartered Professional Accountant.

CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants): This is a professional course in the field of management accountancy and related subjects offered by this UK based professional Institute. They offer a standard scheme of qualifying examinations called CMA for prospective members which is highly valued and this degree is the competitor for Indian CMA in the International Job Market.