B.Com (Hons) vs Economics (Hons): Which is the Better Course?
B.Com (Hons) and Economics (Hons) are some of the most desired courses at the UG level. Confused between B.Com (Hons) vs Economics (Hons)? Read this article to find out which course is right for you.
Students who have completed their Class 12 often find themselves choosing between diverse academic courses that shape their future careers. B.Com (Hons) and Economics (Hons) courses are two very popular courses and sometimes it becomes difficult for students to choose one among B.Com (Hons) vs Economics (Hons). Both the courses are offered at the undergraduate level in the colleges of India for a 3-year duration. The demand for students who have completed their B.Com (Hons) or Economics (Hons) is increasing every day in the job market. Almost all colleges in India offer these two courses which may look similar and the sectors where they get jobs can also be the same. However, there are certain differences that aspirants should know before deciding on one of the B.Com (Hons) vs Economics (Hons) courses.
Various colleges in India offer the B.Com (Hons) course and Economics (Hons) course. Colleges/ universities such as Delhi University (DU) offer these two courses based on cutoff scores. Both these courses have their unique features and offer excellent career prospects. Students should also be aware of the fact that just by completing a B.Com (Hons) or an Economics (Hons) degree, it is not possible to get high-paying jobs. Those who have done higher education such as M.Com, MBA, MA (in Economics) or M.Sc (in Economics) have higher chances of getting into the top companies with a satisfactory pay package. The majority of students struggle with the question of B.Com (Hons) vs Economics (Hons), which is the better option for them. This article can assist you in making your decision to choose one in between B.Com (Hons) vs Economics (Hons).
Also Read:Know the Difference Between B.Com and B.Com (Hons.)
B.Com (Hons) vs Economics (Hons) Highlights
Students who are confused between B.Com (Hons) vs Economics (Hons), need to first check out the highlights below to understand which course is right for them. Both courses may look similar to the students, however, the major differences have been discussed below:
Features | B.Com (Hons) | Economics (Hons) |
Duration | 3 years | 3 years |
Course Type | Full-Time (Regular Course) | Full-Time (Regular Course) |
Course Level | Undergraduate | Undergraduate |
Course Fee | INR 20,000 to INR 2,00,000 | INR 25,000 to INR 3,00,000 |
Entrance Exams |
|
|
Specialisations |
| None |
About the Course | B.Com (Hons) course involves mostly theory subjects but it also has practical subjects and it imparts in-depth knowledge about accounting, finance and other commerce-related subjects. These make it more of a job-oriented course since the course has various specializations that are industry-oriented and in demand in the job market. | Economics (Hons) degree course involves only theoretical subjects along with numerical. The jobs offered to an Economics (Hons) graduate may not be high-paying. They have to further pursue a Master’s degree in the same stream to get good jobs in fields/ profiles like teachers, researchers, economists, policymakers, etc. |
Eligibility Criteria | Candidates who have studied commerce in their 10+2 will get an added advantage during admission. They must have also studied accountancy, business studies and English as core subjects in class 12th. These eligibility criteria, however, may differ from college to college. There are a lot of reputed institutes that admit candidates from all streams (Science/ Commerce) either through an entrance exam or on a merit basis. | Candidates from any stream are eligible to apply for the Economics (Hons.) degree course provided they have studied Mathematics in their 10+2. They should have secured a minimum aggregate percentage of 45% or above in class 12th or equivalent from a recognized school board. Candidates who have studied the economics subject in class 12th are preferred over other candidates for admission to this course. |
Salary Offered | B.Com (Hons) graduates get a starting average annual salary between INR 3,50,000 and INR 6,00,000. | Economics (Hons) graduates, especially after completing their post-graduation in the same field, get a handsome pay package between INR 4,00,000 and INR 7,00,000. |
While choosing either B.Com (Hons) vs Economics (Hons), you must carefully consider your preferences. If you are looking forward to a career in the accounting and taxation field then B.Com (Hons.) is the right programme for you. However, banking and finance aspirants will find Economics (Hons.) more productive.
About B.Com (Hons) vs Economics (Hons)
The B.Com (Hons) course is preferred by students who have completed their 10+2 in commerce. These students have detailed knowledge in areas like finance, accounting, taxation, management, and business law. This course prepares students with managerial skills by teaching them about commerce and accounting practices. Various specialisations are also offered in the B Com (Hons) course. It is a job-oriented degree, that provides career opportunities in the accounting and insurance industries. Leading firms like KPMG, Deloitte, E & Y, and PwC hire competent B.Com (Hons) graduates almost every year from reputed institutions through campus placements or personal job interviews. Students who have earned a B.Com (Hons) degree can also pursue advanced courses like CA course, CS course, MBA course, 3-year or 5-year LLB course, etc., which will lead to good career options.
On the other hand, the Economics (Hons) course prepares students for subjects such as macroeconomics, microeconomics, international economics, statistics, algebra, the history of Indian economics, etc. Compared to B.Com (Hons), Economics (Hons) majorly deals with a deeper understanding of the production of financial and non-financial resources, their efficient usage and the systematic assigning of funds to provide solutions for society.
B.Com (Hons) vs Economics (Hons) Eligibility Criteria
For easy decisions on B.Com (Hons) vs Economics (Hons) courses, get to know the differences in the eligibility criteria for both degree programmes.
B.Com (Hons) Eligibility Criteria
The general eligibility criteria for the B.Com (Hons) degree programme are as follows:
- Admission requirements for the B.Com (Hons) course vary by college. To get admitted to a recognised university, you must have at least a 50% overall score in the top four subjects of your class 12th exam. Candidates must be aware that each college may have different eligibility requirements.
- Institutions have different minimum aggregate percentage requirements for class 12th or its equivalent.
- Candidates must have studied accounting, economics, business studies, math, and English as a requirement for the B.Com (Hons.) degree course in class 12th.
- There is a 5% relaxation provided to reserved category candidates like the SC/ ST/ OBC/ PwD, etc.
- Candidates applying for the course must be citizens of India along with having valid proof of the same as part of the admission requirements.
- There’s no prescribed maximum age limit to apply for the B.Com (Hons) degree course, however, quite a few institutions do mention a prescribed age limit for admission to the concerned course.
Economics (Hons) Eligibility Criteria
The common eligibility criteria for the Economics (Hons) course are as follows:
- Candidates are eligible for admission to the BA Economics Hons programme if they received a qualifying exam (i.e. class 12th or equivalent aggregate score) aggregate score of at least 45% to 50%. Candidates must take the entrance exam to be eligible for the Economics (Hons.) degree course because admissions decisions may be made depending on the entrance exam score.
- The Economics (Hons.) course has no upper age limit.
- Candidates must be citizens of India along with valid government-issued ID proof of the same to submit during the admission process.
- Aspirants from any stream (Commerce/ Science/ Arts) with Maths as a compulsory subject can apply for the course if they meet the eligibility criteria set by their preferred college.
- Those who have studied Economics in class 12th are preferred during the admission process because their basic concepts of Economics are clear and they can follow through the degree course.
B.Com (Hons) vs Economics (Hons) Selection Process
Students who are confused about whether to choose B.Com (Hons) vs Economics (Hons), should understand the selection process. The detailed selection process for both courses is given below.
B.Com (Hons) Selection Process
B.Com (Hons) is a demanding course among students so check out how the colleges/ universities select the candidates:
- Admission to most of the colleges is made based on merit i.e. marks obtained in Class 12.
- This B.Com (Hons) programme has a very high cut-off percentage such as 92% to 98% in colleges like Delhi University and other top colleges.
- Some colleges conduct their entrance examinations to offer admission to the B.Com (Hons) course.
Economics (Hons) Selection Process
Students are offered admission to the Economics (Hons) course through merit-based or entrance exam-based.
- The colleges that accept admission through merit-based completely depend on the student’s performance in their Class 12 board examination.
- Although most of the colleges offer the Economics (Hons) course, still there are colleges in India that do not offer this course. So, to get admission into one of the best colleges, candidates either have to perform very well in their Class 12 boards or clear the entrance examinations.
B.Com (Hons) vs Economics (Hons) Syllabus
Both B.Com (Hons) and Economics (Hons) are UG-level courses, so the courses are offered in colleges in India for 3 years. Each year, students have to appear for 2 semesters, which means 6 semesters in total. If you are confused between B.Com (Hons) vs Economics (Hons), find the syllabus below:
B.Com (Hons) | Economics (Hons) |
1st Year | |
Financial Accounting | Evolution and Definition of Economics |
Cost Accounting | Economies of Scale |
Business Mathematics | Nature & Scope of Economics |
Business Economics | Methods of Economics Analysis |
Business Communication | Concept of Revenue |
Business Laws | Accounting, Opportunity, Total Fixed and Variable Costs |
Corporate Laws | Utility Demand, Supply |
Corporate Accounting | Market Equilibrium |
Entrepreneurship | Cardinal (Marshal) and Ordinal Utility |
Finance for Non-Finance Executives | Monopolistic Competition |
2nd Year | |
Financial Management | Banking and Insurance |
Human Resource Management | Health, Nutrition, Education, Knowledge and Skills |
Business Statistics | Demographic Features |
Fundamentals of Marketing | Population, Size, Sex, Rural-Urban Classification |
Investing in Stock Markets | Rural Credit |
Income Tax Law & Practice | Agricultural Situation in Economy |
Management Principles and Applications | Agricultural Marketing |
Insurance & Risk Management | Cropping Pattern |
Project Management and Techniques | Land Use Pattern |
E-Filling of Returns | Mechanization |
Cyber Crimes and Laws | Recent National Population Policy |
Business Research Methods & Analytics | Agro-Climatic Zones |
Computer Applications in Business | Production and Productivity of Main Corps |
Leadership and Team Development | Planning in India- Objectives, Types, Strategy |
Business Mathematics | Analysis of Current Five- Year Plan |
3rd Year | |
Principles of Marketing | Macro Variables- Stock and Flow |
Corporate Tax Planning | Public Finance and Public Economics |
Financial Markets, Institutions, and Services | Concept of National Income- GDP, GNP |
Financial Management | Principles of Public Expenditure |
Management Accounting | Keynesian Theory of Employment |
Organizational Behaviour | Classical Theory of Employment |
Advertising and Personal Selling | Effective Demand |
Business Statistics | Simple Investment |
Entrepreneurship Development | Fiscal Deficit |
Auditing and Corporate Governance | Factors Affecting Capital Formation |
Financial Reporting & Analysis | Aggregate Demand and Supply Functions |
International Business | Public Finance in India |
Fundamentals of Investment | Principle of Maximum Social Advantage |
Project Management & Techniques | Marginal Efficiency of Capital |
Compensation Management | Cash Transaction and Cash Balance Approaches |
Industrial Relations and Labour Laws | Deficit Financing and Deficit Budget |
Banking and Insurance | Inflation, Deflation, and Recession |
B.Com (Hons) vs Economics (Hons) Areas of Employment
Candidates who are confused which one course they should choose among B.Com (Hons) vs Economics (Hons), need to know the employment areas where they can get jobs. Read the table below:
B.Com (Hons) - Job Sectors | Economic (Hons) - Job Sectors |
Banking & Non-Banking Institutions | Finance and Banking Sector |
Finance | Trade Markets |
Management | Import and Export Industry |
Accounts | Agriculture |
Operations | Government Economics Department / Public Service Commission |
Sale & Excise Departments | Agriculture Sector |
Law | Commerce Sector |
Taxation | - |
Import- Export | - |
B.Com (Hons) vs Economics (Hons) Career Options
There are quite a lot of career options available for students who have completed their B.Com (Hons) and Economics (Hons). The students who are perplexed in choosing between B.Com (Hons) vs Economics (Hons), can follow the table provided below to understand the jobs available for them after graduation. Initially, the fresh graduates of B.Com (Hons) and Economics (Hons) will get less paid but with experience their salary will increase. The salary of the candidates will also depend on their skill sets. To choose between B.Com (Hons) vs Economics (Hons), get to understand the salary structure of different career choices.
B.Com (Hons) | Economics (Hons) | ||
B.Com (Hons) Jobs | B.Com (Hons) Salary | Economics (Hons) Jobs | Economics (Hons) Salary |
Tax Consultant | INR 5 LPA | Economic Analyst | INR 4 - 10 LPA |
Sales Analyst | INR 7 LPA | Market Research Analyst | INR 4 - 8 LPA |
Auditor | INR 4.6 LPA | Policy Analyst | INR 4.5 - 12 LPA |
Financial Analyst | INR 10 LPA | Researcher | INR 3 - 8 LPA |
Insurance Consultant | INR 3 LPA | Business Consultant | INR 5 -15 LPA |
Payroll Administrator/ Specialist | INR 6 LPA | Investment Banker | INR 4.5 LPA |
INR 3.95 LPA | Financial Planner | INR 3.5 LPA | |
INR 7 LPA | - | - | |
INR 2.5 LPA | - | - | |
Accountant | INR 2.5 LPA | - | - |
Business Consultant | INR 8 LPA | - | - |
Banker | INR 3.7 LPA | - | - |
Also Read:Best Career Options After B.Com: Eligibility, Salary, Top Colleges
B.Com (Hons) vs Economics (Hons) Top Colleges
Those wondering about B.Com (Hons) vs Economics (Hons) courses and the top colleges in India, need to read below to find out the details of the colleges that offer B.Com (Hons) and Economics (Hons).
B.Com (Hons) Colleges
The students who are interested to know more about the B.Com (Hons) colleges in India can follow the table below:
Name of College | Course Offered | Admission Process | Annual Course Fees |
B Com (Hons) | English Language Test + Personal Interview | INR 1,00,000 | |
B Com (Hons) | Merit-Based | INR 91,000 | |
B Com (Hons) | Entrance Based | INR 1,30,000 | |
B Com (Hons), B Com (Hons) Financial Markets | Merit-Based | INR 35,000 INR 60,000 | |
B Com (Hons) | Written test+ GD/PI | INR 1,25,000 | |
B Com (Hons) | Merit-Based | INR 58,000 | |
B Com (Hons) | MRNAT entrance exams + GD/PI | INR 1,36,000 | |
B Com (Hons) | Merit-Based | INR 76,000 | |
B Com (Hons) | Entrance Test + GD/PI | INR 60,000 | |
B Com (Hons) | SU Entrance Test | INR 94,600 |
Economics (Hons) Colleges
The list below provides the names of the top Economics (Hons) colleges in India:
Colleges | Courses | Annual Fee |
BA (Hons.) in Economics with Royal Economics Society, UK + Association of Certified Chartered Economists, UK | NA | |
BA (Hons.) Economics | INR 30,000 | |
BA Economics | INR 12,000 | |
BA (Hons.) Economics | INR 47,000 | |
BA Economics | INR 33,000 | |
Jagan Institute of Management Studies (JIMS), Rohini Sector 5, Delhi | BA (Hons.) Economics | INR 1.08 Lakhs |
B.Sc in Economics (With Banking), BA With (Hons.) in Economics | INR 27,500 - INR 34,800 | |
Economics (Hons.) | NA | |
BA (Hons.) Economics | INR 86,000 | |
BA (Hons.) Economics | INR 30,000 |
For more information on B.Com (Hons) vs Economics (Hons) courses, visit CollegeDekho. If you are interested in pursuing either of the courses, i.e. B.Com (Hons) or Economics (Hons) courses in India, then you must fill out the Common Application Form available on our website, so that our counsellors can help you take admission to the course and college of your choice!
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FAQs
What are the eligibility criteria for studying B.Com (Hons) vs Economics (Hons)?
The eligibility criteria may seem the same for B.Com (Hons) vs Economics (Hons). Aspirants should have completed their Class 12th from a recognised board of education with a minimum of 50% marks. Students who have studied commerce in their Classes 11 and 12 will be given preference during admission while students who want to study Economics (Hons) should check with the colleges as some colleges require candidates to have Economics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects in their Class 12.
What are some of the entrance exams conducted for B.Com (Hons) and Economics (Hons) admission?
B.Com (Hons) vs Economics (Hons) are difficult for students to decide. Admission to a few colleges in India for both courses is conducted through entrance exams. Some of the popular B.Com entrance exams are CUET exam, IPU CET exam, NMIMS NPAT exam, AMU Entrance exam, Lucknow University Entrance exam, AIMA UGAT exam, JUET exam, SRMHCAT exam, UPES DAT exam, BHU UET exam and SUAT exam. For Economics (Hons), students have to appear for are CUET exam, DUET and JUET.
What is the syllabus taught in B.Com (Hons) and Economics (Hons) courses?
The subjects taught in the B.Com (Hons) course are Financial Accounting, Cost Accounting, Business Mathematics, Business Economics, Business Communication, Business Laws, Corporate Laws, Corporate Accounting, Entrepreneurship, etc. While in the Economics (Hons) course students get to study the Evolution and Definition of Economics, Economies of Scale, Nature & Scope of Economics, Methods of Economics Analysis, Concept of Revenue, Accounting, Opportunity, Total Fixed and Variable Costs, Utility Demand, Supply, Market Equilibrium, Cardinal (Marshal) and Ordinal Utility, Monopolistic Competition, etc.
Which colleges will be better to study Economics (Hons)?
Economics (Hons) is offered in lots of colleges in India. However, candidates having good scores will want to be admitted to the best colleges. Some of the best Economics (Hons) colleges are LSR Delhi, Loyola College, Miranda House, Hindu College, Madras Christian, Fergusson College, Ramjas College, JHC Mumbai, DIT University Dehradun, Kanya Maha Vidyalaya (KMV) Jalandhar, Kingston College of Science (KCS), Kolkata, etc.
In which sectors can Economics (Hons) graduates work?
The sectors in which Economics (Hons) graduates can find jobs are the Finance and Banking Sector, Trade Markets, Import and Export Industry, Agriculture, Government Economics Department / Public Service Commission and Commerce Sector. Economics (Hons) graduates can choose from a variety of career options available to them.
What are the higher study options for students who have complete their Economics (Hons) course?
With a Master’s degree, the chances of getting a high-paying job will increase for students who have completed their Economics (Hons) degree. Students who pursue higher education will develop their skills and increase their chances of getting into a well-paid job. The higher study options available are MA in Economics, MBA, PGDM, Journalism Courses and LL.B.
Which colleges are good for studying the B.Com (Hons)?
The best B.Com (Hons) colleges offer good infrastructure, updated pedagogy, rankings, and much more. Some of the best colleges where candidates can study B.Com (Hons) are Shri Ram College of Commerce, DU, Hansraj College, DU, Narsee Monjee College of Commerce & Economics, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj University, Christ University, Mount Carmel College, Lady Shri Ram College for Women, DU, Hindu College, DU, St. Xaviers College, Bhawanipur Education Society College, Goenka College, Kolkata, etc.
What subjects are taught in Economics (Hons) course?
Both B.Com (Hons) and Economics (Hons) are 3-year courses. The subjects taught in the Economics (Hons) course are Micro and Macro Economics, Economic Statistics, Economic Theory, Mathematical Methods of Economics, Language Subjects, History of Economics, Economy and Society, Development of Economics in India, Economic Development of India, Financial Markets, Foreign Economics Theory, Financial Economics, etc.
What subjects can a B.Com (Hons) graduate study in their 3-year study program?
There are some important subjects in B.Com (Hons) that students get to study in their 3-year course. The subjects that students have to study are Accounts, Maths/ Computer, Computer Applications & IT, General Awareness, Income Tax Laws, Banking & Insurance, Financial Markets & Institutions, Elements of Company Law, Managerial Communication, Business Tax Procedure & Management, Business Data Processing (Theory), etc.
In which sectors do B.Com (Hons) and Economics (Hons) graduates get jobs?
Those wondering about B.Com (Hons) vs Economics (Hons), which one will help you get good jobs need to know that B.Com students can work as Sales Analysts, Financial Analysts, Credit Analysts, Business Analysts, Accountants, etc. Economics graduates can work as Economists, Budget Analysts, Investment Analysts, Operations Managers, Personal Financial Consultants, Corporate and Financial Analysts, Marketing Managers, Credit Managers, Investment Bankers, Market Research Analysts, etc.