Abhinav Vikas, a B.Com graduate from a reputed Tier-1 college in Pune, completed his degree with two internships at reputed firms. “I interned at Urban Company and Grant Thornton in Business Operations and Audit during college while also appearing for ACCA exams. But after graduation, I remained unemployed for a year. Recently, I accepted an internship in Financial Accounting with a multinational bank and hope to clear my remaining ACCA papers this year,” he says.
Contrast this with the experience of Prakhar Goyal, a final-year B.Com student from a Tier-3 college in Rajasthan. “There are no placements or internships offered by the college. As my degree nears completion, the only offer I’ve received is ₹10,000 per month from a CA firm for loan verification. Most opportunities here are similar,” he says.
Goyal now hopes to strengthen his profile through internships and certification courses in finance.
Their experiences reflect a broader trend in the commerce job market, highlighted by recent data published by the India Skills Report 2025 on the B.Com graduates. It showcases steady employability at 55%.
“Within the commerce stream, obtaining a B.Com degree is often the minimum requirement for getting a job. The economic slowdown in India has been a major factor in reduced hiring among companies,” the report noted.
Data from the All India Survey on Higher Education (2021–22) shows that B.Com remains the third most preferred undergraduate programme, with 43.4 lakh students enrolled nationwide, accounting for 13.1% of all undergraduate enrolments.
Revamp of the syllabus
The challenges faced by graduates have also prompted discussions about whether the B.Com curriculum adequately reflects industry needs.
“In college, most classes were theoretical and relied heavily on rote learning. We often solved hypothetical accounting problems that felt far removed from real-world practice,” says Rahul Vangara, who completed B.Com (Hons) from Osmania University in 2024.
However, academicians argue that the curriculum has evolved with changing industry demands. “In recent years, B.Com curriculum has been progressively updated to reflect emerging industry requirements. Courses related to Digital Finance, FinTech, GST practices, and accounting software are being incorporated either as core subjects, electives, or skill-based modules. Additionally, we encourage experiential learning through case studies and practical exposure to accounting and financial tools,” says Professor K. Nirmala, Dean and Chairperson of the Department of Commerce at Bangalore University.
Academics vs. industry expectations
A research paper published in 2025, titled “The Employability Crisis Among Commerce Graduates: Analysing the Impact of Limited Practical Knowledge and Market Saturation” highlights a growing mismatch between academic training and industry needs. The issue is particularly visible in states like Karnataka, where rapid economic development has not been matched by corresponding shifts in commerce education.
The study attributes the problem largely to the gap between theoretical instruction and practical industry requirements. Explaining industry expectations, Professor K. Nirmala, says, “The major gap often lies in practical exposure and applied skills. While students gain strong conceptual knowledge during their degree, employers expect proficiency in analytical tools, digital accounting systems, communication skills, and problem-solving abilities. Bridging this gap requires stronger collaboration between academia and industry through internships, workshops, and certification programs.”
She adds that universities increasingly encourage students to pursue certifications in areas such as financial analytics, taxation software, digital accounting tools and financial modelling. “These certifications complement classroom learning and enhance students’ employability,” she says.
Regional disparities
The problem becomes even more pronounced for students studying in smaller cities and towns.
Vishesh Kumar Pandey, a B.Com student, says he has been searching for internships for nearly a year. “My college is not located in a major city. I’ve looked for opportunities on platforms like Internshala and LinkedIn, but most internships in accounting and finance are concentrated in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. Relocating while studying isn’t possible for me,” he says.
He adds that many remote internships appear unreliable. “Some lack proper websites or company information, and a few even ask students to pay large amounts for the internship,” he says.
Professor Vijay Kumar Shrotryia, Head of the Department of Commerce at the University of Delhi, acknowledges the gap between metropolitan institutions and those in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. “There is a stark difference in terms of available infrastructure and faculty members. More teachers are required to roll out various electives and skill-based programmes. It can be difficult for smaller colleges to offer more options of such programmes at scale,” he says.
As a remedial measure, Professor Nirmala explains that Bangalore University supports affiliated colleges through standardised curriculum frameworks, faculty development programmes and training workshops. “Efforts are also being made to strengthen industry interaction, career guidance initiatives, and skill development programmes,” she says.
Placement trends
As students approach graduation, many are increasingly looking beyond traditional campus placements. “I’m in my third year and hope to secure a job after graduation. I plan to pursue CFA Level 1 along with certifications such as business analytics and internships to improve my chances of landing a job with a ₹10-lakh package,” says Vihaan Tripathi, a student at the University of Lucknow.
“Economic fluctuations have influenced hiring patterns in recent years, with recruiters becoming more selective and emphasizing practical skills and digital competence. Employers now look for graduates who possess not only academic knowledge but also technological proficiency, adaptability, and problem-solving capabilities,” says Professor Nirmala.
Changing preferences among students
As the job market evolves, student preferences are also beginning to shift. “While B.Com continues to be a foundational choice for many commerce students, we are witnessing a gradual shift toward specialised certifications and professional courses in areas such as data analytics, financial technology, and professional accounting qualifications,” says Professor Nirmala.
Delhi University: The outlier
However, some institutions appear to be bucking the trend. “The B.Com undergraduate degree remains one of the most sought-after courses at University of Delhi,” says Vijay Kumar Shrotryia, Senior Professor and Head of the Department of Commerce.
He attributes the sustained success of the degree to the regular revision and updating of the syllabus in alignment with the National Education Policy 2020 and changing industry needs. “Currently, we are working to incorporate amendments to Income Tax laws into the undergraduate syllabus, which will be available starting next academic year,” he says. He adds that the university offers various courses, including skill-enhancement courses, generic electives, and specialised papers aimed at strengthening students’ competencies and skill sets.
While the Statista report suggests that the economic slowdown in India has reduced hiring, Prof. Shrotryia notes that Delhi University has remained relatively resilient. “Compared to others, we were not badly hit. There might be a slight variation in the number of companies visiting colleges affiliated with Delhi University, but there hasn’t been a steep fall; rather, the nature of jobs has changed. For example, around ten years ago, there was no GST. Now, we see a surge in demand for roles related to tax compliance at different levels of operations, ” he explains.
He continues, “Most students who are not interested in pursuing higher studies get placed. Various companies, including the ‘Big Four,’ visit our campuses for placements. They usually hire for roles such as Accounts, Audit, or Tax Associates. Apart from that, students appear for government examinations or enter the banking and insurance sectors, where they are highly sought after. The exposure our students receive helps them secure jobs that match their abilities.”
On the impact of artificial intelligence on entry-level jobs, he remains optimistic. “It will not negatively impact jobs for commerce graduates. AI is largely handling repetitive tasks in the job market. We teach students various accounting software and are integrating AI into the syllabus so that students can adapt to emerging job demands,” he says.
Regarding the mismatch between academic learning and industry expectations, he says, “We experienced that earlier when the syllabus was more theoretical. But since the implementation of NEP, things have drastically changed. We introduced courses to enhance students’ skills—such as Financial Literacy, Digital Marketing, Business Analytics, and Business Communication—as part of the curriculum. In fact, we have a dedicated paper on GST.”
“It remains a promising and relevant course for commerce students. If students are looking for employment immediately after graduation, B.Com is an excellent choice. Furthermore, B.Com (Hons) is an especially strong option as it is a well-designed and holistic course,” he assures.
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