MCom vs MBA: Which Degree is Right for Your Career

Vaishali Pandey
July 15, 2024

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MCom vs MBA: Which is Better?

Are you torn between making a choice between MCom and an MBA? An MCom deepens expertise in finance and accounting, which is ideal for specialised roles and academia. An MBA equips you with leadership skills for diverse industries. Which path will you choose to move your career forward?

Let’s dive deeper into the specifics of each program, starting with an overview of MCom and MBA.

What is MCom? 

M.Com (Master of Commerce) is a postgraduate degree focused on commerce, finance, accounting, and related subjects. It is designed for students who wish to deepen their knowledge in these areas and prepare for advanced roles in business and finance.

M.Com is suited for those looking to enhance their expertise in commerce and finance, pursue research, or prepare for professional qualifications and advanced career opportunities.

What is an MBA? 

MBA (Master of Business Administration) is a postgraduate degree designed to develop advanced management and leadership skills applicable across various industries and business functions. 

The program provides comprehensive knowledge of business practices and prepares individuals for managerial roles and entrepreneurial ventures.

MCom vs MBA: Major Differences

An MCom emphasises commerce-related disciplines, while an MBA offers broader management skills applicable across various industries.

Parameter MCom MBA
Full Form Master of Commerce Master of Business Administration
Duration 2 years 2 years
Level Postgraduate Postgraduate
Admission Merit or Entrance Exam Based Entrance Exam Based
Entrance Exams BHU PET, PU CET, AU CET, etc. CAT, MAT, XAT, CMAT, NMAT, ATMA, IIFT, IBSAT
Eligibility 50% aggregate in BCom or equivalent 50% in Graduation
Specialisations Accounting and Finance, Taxation, Marketing, etc. Finance, Marketing, Human Resources, Operations, etc.
Average Fees INR 10,000 – INR 25,000 per year INR 10,000 – INR 20 lakh per year
Average Salary INR 2-14 LPA INR 7-70 LPA
Top Colleges Hindu College, Delhi, Mithibai College of Arts, Mumbai, Christ University, Bangalore IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Calcutta, IIM Bangalore, IIM Lucknow, SPJIMR Mumbai, XLRI

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M.Com vs MBA: Reasons to Pursue the Course

Choosing between an M.Com and an MBA depends largely on your career goals, interests, and professional aspirations. Both degrees offer valuable skills and knowledge, but they cater to different needs and career paths.

Top Reasons to Pursue an M.Com Degree

1. Specialised Knowledge in Commerce

Provides advanced knowledge in areas like accounting, finance, economics, and business law. Offers opportunities to focus on specific fields such as taxation, banking, and financial management.

2. Career Advancement

Enhances qualifications for roles in accounting, finance, banking, and auditing. Prepares for managerial positions and specialised roles in various industries.

3. Preparation for Professional Certifications

 Complements preparation for professional exams like CA (Chartered Accountant), CMA (Cost Management Accountant), and CS (Company Secretary).

Top Reasons to Pursue an MBA Degree

1. Broad Business Knowledge

Provides a well-rounded education in key areas like finance, marketing, operations, and human resources. Often includes internships, projects, and case studies that offer hands-on experience and real-world problem-solving.

2. Entrepreneurial Skills

Equips you with the skills needed to start and manage your own business, including business strategy, financial planning, and market analysis.

3. Increased Earning Potential

Often leads to higher salary prospects and better compensation packages compared to those with only an undergraduate degree.

4. Global Perspective

Many MBA programs offer global study opportunities or international case studies, helping you understand global business practices and cultural nuances.

MCom vs MBA: Eligibility Criteria

Thinking of the next step and confused between an MCom and an MBA? Understanding the eligibility criteria is key to making a decision. Let’s get into the details to help you decide which one suits you and your career goals.

Criteria MCom MBA
Educational Qualification Bachelor's degree in Commerce (BCom) or BCom Honors from a recognised university Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognised university or institution
Minimum Marks Minimum aggregate of 50% or equivalent grade in the qualifying examination Minimum aggregate of 50% marks or equivalent GPA in the undergraduate degree
Entrance Exams Merit-based or entrance exams like DU MCom, Allahabad University PGAT, OUCET, JNUEE National-level entrance exams such as CAT, MAT, XAT, CMAT, NMAT, ATMA, IIFT, IBSAT

MCom vs MBA: Course Curriculum

Whether you want to dive into commerce with an MCom or broaden your managerial skills with an MBA, both have their own benefits and career growth opportunities. Knowing the focus areas and curriculum of MCom and MBA courses is key to making a decision.

Curriculum MCom MBA
Core Subjects - Advanced Accounting
- Business Statistics
- Corporate Taxation
- Economics
- Financial Management
- Business Law
- Management Principles
- Marketing Management
- Financial Management
- Human Resource Management
- Operations Management
- Business Ethics
Specialisations Available - MCom Accounting and Finance
- MCom Taxation
- MCom Marketing
- MCom International Business
- MBA Finance
- MBA Marketing
- MBA Human Resources
- MBA Operations
Internships and Projects - Dissertation or Project related to specialisation
- Integrates theoretical knowledge with practical applications
- Practical learning through internships
- Case studies and live projects
- Hands-on experience in real-world business scenarios

Explore career options after an MBA.

Now, let's see which degree might be the best fit for you based on your undergraduate background and career goals.

MCom vs MBA: Which is a Better Fit for You?

Choosing between an MCom and an MBA depends on your undergraduate degree and career goals. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide.

Undergraduate Degree MCom MBA
B.Com Deepens expertise in commerce and accounting, preparing for financial analysis or corporate accounting roles. Broadens business skills, leading to leadership roles in finance, marketing, and management.
BA (Economics) Enhances financial management and economic policy expertise for roles in financial institutions or public agencies. Develops business acumen and leadership skills for managerial roles in finance, market analysis, or business development.
BSc (Statistics) Combines statistical and financial expertise for roles in data analysis or financial modelling. Enhances analytical and leadership skills for managerial roles in operations management or business analytics.
Bachelor of Finance (BFin) Specialises in finance, accounting, and economics, ideal for careers in financial analysis, reporting, or academia. Focuses on business management and leadership, preparing for roles in management, consulting, or entrepreneurship.
Bachelor of Accounting (BAcc) Provides specialised knowledge in accounting and finance, preparing for careers in financial management or auditing. Offers a broad foundation in business administration, ideal for leadership roles across various industries.
BBA Deepens understanding of finance and commerce for roles in accounting or financial analysis. Builds on business knowledge, equipping with leadership skills for senior management roles or entrepreneurship.

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MCom vs MBA: List of Top Colleges

Choosing the right institution is crucial for both MCom and MBA programs as it significantly impacts your learning experience and career prospects. 

Here’s a list of some of the top colleges for each course, helping you make an informed decision about where to pursue your studies.

Some Top Colleges for MCom

College Name Approx. Fee (INR)
Atma Ram Sanatan Dharma College 30,000
Shri Ram College of Commerce 50,000 (1st Year Fees)
Narsee Monjee College of Commerce & Economics 42,000
Loyola College, Chennai 50,000
Mithibai College of Arts, Mumbai 85,000-92,000

Some Top Colleges for MBA

College Name Approx. Fee (INR) NIRF Rank
Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad 25 lakhs 1
Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore 24.50 lakhs 2
Indian Institute of Management, Kozhikode 20.50 lakhs 3
Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta 25 lakhs 4
Department of Management Studies, IIT Delhi 11.20 lakhs 5

You might find this interesting: Top MBA Colleges in Mumbai 2024: Fees, Admission, Placements.

MCom vs MBA: Future Courses 

Both degrees open doors to advanced studies and professional qualifications, but the options available vary depending on your interests and career goals. 

Here’s a table highlighting some of the future courses you can opt for after pursuing your MCom or MBA.

Future Courses After MCom After MBA
Chartered Accountant
CFA
CMA
MBA
CS Course
Fellowship Programme in Management
Executive MBA
PhD in Management
Certified Management Accounting
Chartered Financial Analyst

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MCom vs MBA: Career Opportunities

Choosing between an MCom and an MBA can make a big difference in your career. Each degree opens up different career paths to different professional goals and skill sets. 

Here’s an overview of the options you can choose.

Career Opportunities From MCom From MBA
Financial Analyst
Accountant
Tax Consultant
Auditor
Investment Banker
Treasury Manager
Marketing Manager
Finance Manager
Human Resources Director
Operations Manager
Business Consultant
Entrepreneur

MCom vs MBA: Top Recruiters

Top employers value the unique skills that MCom and MBA graduates bring. Knowing which companies are looking for graduates from these programmes will help you make a decision on your career.

Here’s a list of the top recruiters for MCom and MBA graduates.

Top Recruiters MCom MBA
Big Four Accounting Firms Deloitte, KPMG, PwC, EY Ernst & Young, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Deloitte, KPMG
Banking Sector Axis Bank, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank ICICI Bank, State Bank of India, HDFC Bank
IT and Consulting TCS, Infosys, Accenture Accenture, IBM, Capgemini
FMCG Hindustan Unilever, Nestle, Procter & Gamble Procter & Gamble, Unilever, Nestle
Healthcare Apollo Hospitals, Fortis Healthcare Apollo Hospitals, Cipla, Pfizer
E-commerce Amazon, Flipkart, Alibaba Amazon, Flipkart, Alibaba
Manufacturing Tata Steel, Larsen & Toubro, Reliance Industries Tata Group, Larsen & Toubro, Reliance Industries
Telecom Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea Bharti Airtel, Vodafone Idea

MCom vs MBA: Salary

Average salaries offer a glimpse into earning potential across different stages of one's career journey. Whether you're embarking on a career with an MCom or MBA, navigating through entry-level positions to senior management roles involves understanding these defining parameters. 

Here's a comparison of median salaries for MCom and MBA graduates across different career levels:

Level Average Salary MCom (INR) Average Salary MBA (INR)
0-3 years Fresher 2.3 LPA 4 LPA
4-9 years Mid-level 3 LPA 8 LPA
10-20 years Top Level 14.1 LPA 15 LPA

Are you ready to make the right choice? Deciding between an MCom and an MBA depends on your career goals and academic interests. An MCom provides specialised knowledge in commerce and finance, while an MBA offers versatile management skills for leadership roles across industries.

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FAQs About MCom vs MBA: Which is Better?

Can I pursue an MBA after completing an MCom? 

Yes, many universities allow MCom graduates to pursue an MBA, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.

Is work experience required for admission to MBA programs? 

Work experience requirements vary by program, but many top MBA programs prefer candidates with prior work experience.

What are the key entrance exams for MCom admissions?

Entrance exams for MCom admissions include BHU PET, PU CET, and AU CET, among others.

Can a B.Sc graduate pursue an MCom? 

Yes, graduates with a B.Sc degree can pursue an MCom if they meet the eligibility criteria set by the university.

Which degree offers a better salary: MCom vs MBA? 

On average, MBA graduates tend to have higher starting salaries compared to MCom graduates.

MCom or MBA, which is better in the curriculum? State a difference. 

MBA programs are based on business management and leadership skills, whereas MCom programs talk about commerce, accounting, and finance subjects.

What are the career opportunities for MCom graduates in India? 

MCom graduates can pursue careers in accounting, finance, banking, auditing, taxation, and academia.

What are the advantages of pursuing an MBA after B.Com? 

Pursuing an MBA after B.Com can lead to enhanced career opportunities, higher salaries, and deeper insights into business management.

Is MCom better than MBA?

There is no right or wrong answer to is MCom better than MBA because choosing between an MCom and an MBA depends on your career goals and professional aspirations. An MCom is ideal for those seeking specialised knowledge in commerce, finance, and accounting. On the other hand, an MBA offers a broader business education, equipping graduates with managerial and leadership skills suited for diverse industries and higher-level executive roles.

What is the average starting salary for MCom graduates in India? 

The average starting salary for MCom graduates in India varies but is generally competitive in the finance and accounting sectors.

Compare MCom vs MBA Salary.

The average Salary of MCom graduates is INR 2-14 LPA, while that of MBA graduates is INR 7-70 LPA.

How long does it typically take to complete an MBA and MCom program? 

Both MBA and MCom programs usually take about two years to complete full-time.

What is the scope of research opportunities after completing an MCom? 

MCom graduates can pursue research opportunities in fields related to commerce, economics, and finance.

MCom vs MBA, which is better for scholarship opportunities? 

Scholarship opportunities vary by institution and program, but both MCom and MBA students can explore scholarship options based on merit and need.

Can an MBA degree help in start my own business? 

Yes, an MBA degree equips students with entrepreneurial skills, knowledge of business strategies, and networking opportunities crucial for starting a business.

What industries hire the most MCom graduates? 

Industries such as banking, finance, insurance, auditing firms, and educational institutions often hire MCom graduates.

What are the benefits of pursuing an MBA from a top-ranked institution? 

Benefits include access to a strong alum network, better job placements, higher starting salaries, and prestige in the business world.

Can I switch careers with an MBA degree? 

Yes, an MBA degree provides flexibility and prepares graduates for diverse career paths, including switching industries or roles.

What is the impact of an MBA or MCom on long-term career growth? 

Both degrees can significantly enhance long-term career prospects by opening doors to leadership roles, higher salaries, and global opportunities.

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