After your Class 10, the most crucial part is to choose the right subject as it will decide your future career. Both Science and Commerce are popular among students. Read this Shiksha article to learn about the advantages and disadvantages of choosing the Science or Commerce stream, the Career prospectus, the salary offered, and a detailed analysis of Science vs Commerce stream.
Also Read: Job Opportunities & Salary Offered After Completing BSc Degree
Choosing a stream between Science and Commerce is always very sceptical as it depends upon the candidate's interest and the cognitive skills their brain has acquired over the period of time. This article by Shiksha.com will cover the various aspects that candidates can check out the before choosing Science or Commerce stream as their career option, career options, salary and a comprehensive analysis of the Science vs Commerce stream.
Science Stream: Essential Skills Required
If you want to join Science Stream, there are various skill that is required such as the cognitive, analytical, and practical skills. See the essential skills needed:
Cognitive Skills:
- Critical Thinking
- Problem-Solving
- Creativity
- Curiosity
Analytical Skills:
Commerce Stream Overview
Commerce is concerned with business, trade, and economic activities. It involves the study of finance, marketing, management, accounting, and economics. Commerce students develop skills in financial analysis, negotiation, communication, and critical thinking. For those who are interested in business, enjoy interacting with people, and have a keen interest in financial matters, they can find this field interesting.
Commerce Stream: Essential Skills Required
Commerce stream students should have good interpersonal abilities and analytical thinking. See below some of the skills required for the students of Commerce Stream:
Analytical Skills:
- Numerical Ability
- Data Analysis
- Problem-Solving
Interpersonal Skills:
- Communication
- Negotiation
- Persuasion
- Teamwork
Also Read:
Business Acumen:
- Financial Literacy
- Market Awareness
- Entrepreneurial Spirit
Specific Skills for Different Commerce Fields:
- Marketing
- Finance
- Accounting
- Management
Also Read: 21 Best Courses After 12th for Commerce Students
Science vs Commerce: Comparison
Candidates can check out the brief comparison between Science vs Commerce here:
| Specification |
Science |
Commerce |
| Focus/ Subjects |
The study of the natural world encompasses disciplines like biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. |
The study of business, trade, and economic activities, including finance, marketing, management, and accounting. |
| Skill Set |
Analytical thinking, problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity, mathematical ability, and laboratory skills. |
Analytical thinking, numerical ability, problem-solving, interpersonal skills, communication, negotiation, and financial literacy. |
| Career Paths |
Research, technology, healthcare, engineering, teaching, and government. |
Business, finance, marketing, management, accounting, consulting, and entrepreneurship |
| Interest Areas |
Individuals with a curiosity about the natural world, a passion for discovery, and a strong aptitude for logical reasoning |
Individuals with a keen interest in business, finance, and economic affairs, along with a desire to interact with people and solve problems |
| Difficulty Level |
High to Moderate |
Moderately easy |
| Popular Courses |
MBBS, BTech, BSc, BE, BCA |
BCom, BBA, CA, CS, CFA |
| Fees |
More Expensive |
Less Expensive |
| Top Institutions |
IISc, IISER, NISER, IIT, NIT, BITS, TIFR |
IIM, SRCC, LSR, Hansraj College (DU) |
Science vs Commerce: Salary
Candidates can check out the salary comparison between the Science and Commerce streams from here:
| Feature |
Science |
Commerce |
| Salary Comparison |
Engineering
- Mechanical Engineer: ₹5-15 lakhs per annum
- Electrical Engineer: ₹5-15 lakhs per annum
- Civil Engineer: ₹4-12 lakhs per annum
- Software Engineer: ₹4-20 lakhs per annum
Healthcare
- Doctor: ₹10-30 lakhs per annum (varies widely depending on specialization and location)
- Nurse: ₹3-7 lakhs per annum
- Pharmacist: ₹3-6 lakhs per annum
Research and Development
- Scientist: ₹5-15 lakhs per annum (varies widely depending on specialization and experience)
- Researcher: ₹3-8 lakhs per annum
Technology
- Data Scientist: ₹8-20 lakhs per annum
- Software Developer: ₹4-15 lakhs per annum
- IT Consultant: ₹5-12 lakhs per annum
Other Science Fields
- Biologist: ₹3-8 lakhs per annum
- Chemist: ₹3-7 lakhs per annum
- Physicist: ₹4-10 lakhs per annum
Key Factors Affecting Salary:
- Experience: More experienced professionals generally earn higher salaries.
- Education: Advanced degrees, such as a Master's or PhD, can lead to higher earning potential.
- Industry: Salaries can vary significantly between different industries.
- Location: Salaries may be higher in certain regions or cities.
- Job Role: Specific job roles within a field can also impact salary.
|
Finance
- Investment Banker: ₹10-30 lakhs per annum
- Financial Analyst: ₹5-15 lakhs per annum
- Accountant: ₹3-8 lakhs per annum
Marketing
- Marketing Manager: ₹6-15 lakhs per annum
- Brand Manager: ₹5-10 lakhs per annum
- Sales Executive: ₹3-8 lakhs per annum
Management
- Business Analyst: ₹5-12 lakhs per annum
- Human Resource Manager: ₹4-10 lakhs per annum
- Project Manager: ₹5-15 lakhs per annum
Other Commerce Fields
- Economist: ₹5-10 lakhs per annum
- Consultant: ₹6-15 lakhs per annum
- Entrepreneur: Varies widely depending on the success of the business
Key Factors Affecting Salary:
- Experience: More experienced professionals generally earn higher salaries.
- Education: Advanced degrees, such as an MBA, can lead to higher earning potential.
- Industry: Salaries can vary significantly between different industries.
- Location: Salaries may be higher in certain regions or cities.
- Job Role: Specific job roles within a field can also impact salary.
|
Also Read: Advantages of a B.Com Degree
Science vs Commerce: Career Scope
Candidates can check out the career scope of both the science and commerce streams from here:
| Feature |
Science Stream |
Commerce Stream |
| Career Scope |
The science stream offers a wide range of career opportunities, spanning various fields and industries. Here are some popular career paths for those who choose the science stream: Engineering
- Mechanical Engineer
- Electrical Engineer
- Civil Engineer
- Software Engineer
- Chemical Engineer
- Aerospace Engineer
- Biomedical Engineer
Healthcare
- Doctor
- Nurse
- Pharmacist
- Dentist
- Veterinarian
- Medical Researcher
- Laboratory Technician
Research and Development
- Scientist (various fields like biology, chemistry, physics, etc.)
- Researcher
- Research Associate
Technology
- Data Scientist
- Software Developer
- IT Consultant
- Network Engineer
- Cybersecurity Analyst
Other Science Fields
- Biologist
- Chemist
- Physicist
- Geologist
- Environmental Scientist
- Astronomer
- Oceanographer
|
The commerce stream offers a diverse range of career opportunities, spanning various fields and industries. Here are some popular career paths for those who choose the commerce stream: Finance
- Investment Banker
- Financial Analyst
- Accountant
- Chartered Accountant (CA)
- Financial Planner
- Actuary
Marketing
- Marketing Manager
- Brand Manager
- Advertising Executive
- Market Research Analyst
- Sales Manager
Management
- Business Analyst
- Human Resource Manager
- Operations Manager
- Project Manager
- Entrepreneur
Other Commerce Fields
- Economist
- Consultant
- Business Development Manager
- Public Relations Specialist
- Event Planner
|
Science vs Commerce: Courses after 12
Candidates who are interested in pursuing their graduate degree in science or commerce domain can check out the list of entrance exam here:
| Feature |
Science |
Commerce |
| Entrance Exam After 12 |
Engineering
- JEE Main/JEE Advanced: Students who pass their class 12 from the science stream from a recognised board.
- BITSAT: Physics, Maths, Chemistry. Min 75 per cent marks in class 12 and 60 per cent marks in each subject from a recognized board. Nationality is not a restriction.
- COMED-K: Students who pass their class 12 from a recognized board and should have passed PUC. Minimum 40 per cent marks in Mathematics, Chemistry, and Physics for SC/ST/OBC categories and minimum 45 per cent marks for other categories.
- IPU-CET: Minimum 55 per cent marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics in 10+2. English is an additional subject; the candidate must pass these subjects as well.
- AMU Entrance Exam: Students who pass their class 12 from a recognized board with a minimum of 50 per cent marks in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and English. Candidates with a diploma in engineering can also apply with 50 per cent minimum marks.
Medical
- NEET: Candidates who studied Biology/Biotechnology as additional subjects along with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and English, were also be eligible to appear for the exam.
- AIIMS BSc Nursing: Students must pass their class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as their main subjects from a recognised board. Candidates should be medically fit.
BSc
- CUET UG: Students must pass their class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as their main subjects from a recognised board. Candidates should be medically fit.
- IISER Entrance Exam: The candidates must have passed the Class XII or equivalent level examination in 2022/ 2023 or 2024 from any board recognized by the Council of Boards of School Education in India COBSE. Candidates must have taken at least three subjects among Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Physics during their Class XII (or equivalent) examination.
- RIE CEE (BSc BEd): Candidates who scored 50 per cent marks in the 12th standard with minimum 50 per cent marks (General category) and 45 per cent (SC/ST/PH) marks from a recognized board. Students who passed their class 12 with PCM.
- NEST: The candidates who have cleared the 12th Standard examination or equivalent in 2022, 2023 or those who will be appearing for the 12th Standard examination or equivalent in 2024, irrespective of category and age, will be eligible for admission to the Integrated M.Sc. programme of NISER/CEBS in 2024.
|
List of Popular Courses:
Entrance Exam:
- ICWAI: Candidates passing class 12 or equivalent examination and Foundation course of CMA are eligible for CMA Intermediate course.
- ICSI: Now CSEET will be a mandatory qualifying test for all categories of students for registration to the Executive Programme except a few exempted categories.
- ICAI: Candidates who have passed Class 12 or equivalent examination from the Central or State Board of Education before the examination are eligible.
- CA Intermediate: Candidates who have passed CA Foundation examination or equivalent examination are eligible to register for CA Intermediate course.
- SAT: The minimum eligibility criteria for appearing in the SAT exam is a Class 12 pass or equivalent from a recognised board or university.
- CUET UG
- SNUCEE: Candidates who have completed/appeared for the 12th standard board exam in Commerce/Arts/Science stream are eligible to apply for the SNUCEE exam.
- ICSI CSEET: Now CSEET will be a mandatory qualifying test for all categories of students for registration to the Executive Programme except a few exempted categories.
- CFA
|
University-wise BCom/BCom Hons cut-offs
Check the table below for university-wise admission cut-offs for BCOM/BCom Hons courses. The table below includes all top central and state universities of India.