Commerce not worth the effort in India

[Lakshmi]

I regret picking commerce... now I feel like I wasted my potential. I was decent in academics and good at science – I know 10th science is nothing compared to 11th‑12th PCM – but you still have to put effort everywhere, whether you're learning a new subject like commerce or advancing in PCM.

Now I've cleared 12th and feel lost, no clear path. If I want to go into tech, I can't (I know I could do BCA but it's not valued like BTech, and to get the same 20% chances as BTech I'd need BCA + MCA, which takes 5‑6 years).

When I search for commerce routes, the only options I see are CA or MBA from tier‑1 schools. CFA alone is useless unless you pair it with an MBA. ACCA/CPA/CMA are just names in India and pay peanuts.

There's no clear path or opportunities in commerce... all the commerce jobs are taken by BTech grads because a BTech + MBA is valued higher than any commerce qualification, CA, or commerce career (don't believe me? check LinkedIn).

In India only the tech industry has really taken off, and because of outsourcing they offer high‑paying jobs early with low barriers. Finance here is weak and often needs an MBA plus another certificate besides CA to get a good salary.

Top finance jobs are often taken by BTech + MBA candidates, as that combo is valued more than any commerce degree or certificate.

I know the tech sector is saturated now, but they can still switch to finance if things go south, whereas commerce students are stuck with just one option and can't move into tech.

[Dilip]

Tech is just like any other field unless you're from a tier‑1 college. You have to work hard to stand out and build a solid resume. Since you mentioned tech a lot, I assume you have maths. You could go into quant finance, actuarial work, business analytics, data science (needs a master's – IITM now offers an online BSc in DS and Management), CA, investment banking, etc. Don't blame your stream; blame the lack of information.

[Benny]

C'mon, it's the same with everything. You won't reach the moon with a tier‑2/3 BTech. Yes, the university matters more in commerce, but that shouldn't stop you from grinding hard.

[Vikram]

Funny enough, I'm doing BTech from a tier‑2 college and feel the same – think science isn't worth the effort and wish I'd taken commerce...
Grass is always greener on the other side, bro.

[Sonal]

Grass is always greener on the other side.

[Ganesh]

Going through the same thing. Should've listened to my dad and done engineering, but nah, we had to follow the "follow your dreams" path.

[Balaji]

Dude, tech is going to be saturated in the coming years unless you're building neural networks from scratch or something. Want a clear path? Move into sales or marketing – those roles will always be needed, no matter how AI evolves. Tech sales is a solid choice.

You're wrong about ACCA/CA having no value. Most of my peers who cleared ACCA earn more than all my BTech friends. There are also paths like investment banking, consulting, etc., that pay 10x more than a software engineer. You lucked out with the commerce decision, my friend. Now stop crying and start working.

[Shobha]

Bro, nothing is worth the effort if you keep that mindset. The truth is, if you want a good career you have to work hard enough to outshine your peers. It's the same for science students too. So stop comparing and start grinding.

[Suraj]

Buddy, you have no idea how huge the finance domain is. If you keep only aiming for PE or investment banking as a fresher, you won't get it. As a BBA(Fin) student I've already done two internships and I'm in my second year at a decent firm. Google won't tell you what to do – you have to sit down, study finance seriously, and pick a niche you're good at.

You chose commerce without a plan and now blame the stream instead of your own lack of info. I was into wealth management, created a niche, and got internships right after clearing CFA Level 1. You're underestimating CFA – it's not a trash course. My seniors say a CFA holder is always preferred over a non‑CFA in finance. CFA isn't about a high cut‑off; it's about knowledge you can apply.

No one is waiting with a plate of goodies for a BTech guy in finance. You don't even need an MBA if you're in a decent tier‑2 college and put in the grind without being judgmental. I feel sorry for people like you – not because you're bad, but because lack of information misguides many and they end up resenting things that didn't work out.

[Aditya]

This sounds more like frustration from uncertainty than the reality of commerce itself. The paths aren't as linear as engineering, but that doesn't mean the opportunities aren't there.

[Aarohi]

This feels more like frustration than reality. Commerce isn't useless; it just doesn't hand you a straight‑line path like science does. If you expect a direct route – PCM → BTech → job – then commerce will feel "worthless".

Saying there are only 1‑2 options is wrong. CA and MBA are just the most visible ones. The rest need effort, direction, and real skill‑building, which is why people ignore them and then claim there's nothing there.

Tech does have an early advantage, but acting like engineers can do everything while commerce students are stuck is just coping. Both have limits.

You didn't "waste" your potential; you just didn't have a clear plan – that's the real issue, not the stream.