So, you have limited time? May be you have a semester break or may be you are waiting for the placements week to start. And you are confused as to what are the best 3 months extra courses for commerce students? So, I have some good news for you! I have curated the best list which is relevant in today’s industry.
Why Short-Term and Certificate Courses Matter for Commerce Students
Let me discuss firstly, what is the prime reason for the importance of these courses and skills. Which is necessary to understand and then have the conviction on how industry is changing rapidly.
Growth in BFSI
- According to a report by KPMG, the Indian banking sector has experienced remarkable growth. With double-digit expansion exceeding 15% in each of the last five years .
- Furthermore, only 58.7% of households in India are currently part of the formal banking network. Which indicates significant growth potential and demand for financial services
So, what these two data points are suggesting in a nutshell is the growth of the financial services sector for sure.
No More One Time Learning
A decade back to be safe, it was still fine to learn and then work all your life. If you actually plot the growth of technology accross 100 years. Probably you and me are at the exponential stage. Which means in simple terms;
- 1 Year Today =10 Years in the year 2000
- 3 Years today= 30 Years in the year 2000
Which means it’s practically impossible for a 3 year course to actually keep up with the change. Because by the time you would complete the last 2 years, you would be 6 years back.
In fact there is a theory called as Moore’s law, in which it suggests the concept of
Skill Relevancy Half-life
The concept of skill half-life—how quickly skills become outdated—has shortened dramatically. In 2019, Deloitte estimated the half-life of technical skills to be just 2.5 to 5 years.
This means that within three years, a large part of what was learned in a degree program could be outdated.
The Tortoise & Hare Race
- A study by Gallup and Strada Education Network (2018) found that more than half (51%) of higher education administrators admit their institution struggles to keep their curriculum Updated.
- This lag is more pronounced in technical fields where new technologies and methodologies emerge rapidly. But universities are often slow to introduce them into their courses due to long approval cycles.
Best Short-Term and Certificate Courses for Commerce Students
Now, hopefully you understand why such short term skills are required. Because just like any software requires regular bug fixxes and updates. Similarly these short term certification programs are symbolic to such software updates
Anders Liu-Lindberg, COO of the Business Partnering Institute:
“The need for innovation has eventually arrived in the finance industry, and most players are finally stepping up their game to stay relevant in the upcoming years. Those who adapt to changing circumstances will prevail.” This statement reinforces the idea that continuous learning is essential in the ever-evolving finance sector .
Curated List of Short-Term Courses for Commerce Students
Job-Oriented Courses for Commerce Graduates
Here is a comprehensive list of short term courses for bcom students with brief details and estimated costs:
Financial Modeling and Valuation
• Description: This course teaches students how to create financial models to forecast business performance and value companies. It covers advanced Excel techniques and in-depth financial statement analysis. This would also qualify as one of the best Short term courses along with BCom to develop valuable skills for placements in finance.
- • Duration: 3-6 months
- • Cost: ₹15,000 – ₹50,000 (varies by provider)
- • Recommended Providers: MentorMeCareers, Coursera,
Tally ERP 9
Description: Tally ERP 9 is a popular accounting software used by businesses for managing financial transactions and accounting records. This course is ideal for students looking to specialize in accounting software.
- • Duration: 1-3 months
- • Cost: ₹5,000 – ₹10,000
- • Recommended Providers: NIIT, Udemy, Tally Academy
Business Analytics
• Description: This course equips students with skills to analyze data and use statistical techniques to inform business decisions. It covers tools like Excel, R, Python, and Tableau.
- • Duration: 3-6 months
- • Cost: ₹25,000 – ₹80,000
- • Recommended Providers: Coursera, Simplilearn, EdX
Digital Marketing
• Description: With businesses shifting online, digital marketing skills are in demand. This course covers SEO, SEM, social media marketing, and content strategy.
- • Duration: 3-6 months
- • Cost: ₹10,000 – ₹50,000
- • Recommended Providers: Google Digital Garage, Udemy
Advanced Excel
• Description: Mastery of Excel is essential for commerce students, particularly for data analysis and financial modeling. This course focuses on functions, pivot tables, and macros.
- • Duration: 1-2 months
- • Cost: ₹3,000 – ₹10,000
- • Recommended Providers: Udemy, Excel Pristine
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) USA
• Description: The CPA qualification is ideal for students aiming for international accounting roles. It covers auditing, financial reporting, taxation, and regulation.
- • Duration: 6 months – 1 year
- • Cost: ₹2,00,000 – ₹3,00,000
- • Recommended Providers: AICPA, Becker
Stock Market and Trading Certification
- • Description: This course introduces students to stock markets, fundamental analysis, technical analysis, and trading strategies.
- • Duration: 1-3 months
- • Cost: ₹10,000 – ₹30,000
- • Recommended Providers: NSE Academy, Coursera, Zerodha Varsity
GST (Goods and Services Tax) Practitioner
- • Description: This course provides detailed knowledge about India’s GST law and filing procedures, making it ideal for aspiring tax consultants.
- • Duration: 1-2 months
- • Cost: ₹7,000 – ₹15,000
- • Recommended Providers: ICAI (Institute of Chartered Accountants of India), CAclubIndia
Since CFP can be pursued before completing graduation here it would also make it one of Short term courses after 12th commerce to be considered.
Diploma in Banking and Finance
• Description: This course offers a foundational understanding of banking and financial services. It includes modules on banking laws, credit risk management, and financial accounting.
- • Duration: 6 months
- • Cost: ₹20,000 – ₹50,000
- • Recommended Providers: Indian Institute of Banking & Finance (IIBF)
- These courses are designed to boost the employability of commerce students and help them gain skills that are relevant to the fast-changing financial landscape.
Relevant Best Certificate Courses For Commerce Students
Compared to the previous list, this list specifically focusss on best short term courses after b com. Which means recognised certifications from recognised bodies.
Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Certification
Description: AML certification is essential for professionals working in financial services, particularly in roles related to compliance and risk management.
Duration: 2-3 months
Cost: ₹15,000 – ₹30,000
Recommended Providers: ACAMS,
Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
Description: The CFP program is internationally recognized and focuses on personal financial planning, retirement, insurance, tax planning, and estate planning.
Duration: 6-12 months
Cost: ₹50,000 – ₹1,50,000
Recommended Providers: FPSB (Financial Planning Standards Board),
Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Level 1
Description: The CFA program is a globally recognized certification for finance professionals. The Level 1 course covers topics such as ethical standards, portfolio management, and financial reporting.
- • Duration: 6 months to 1 year
- • Cost: ₹60,000 – ₹1,00,000 (depending on early or standard registration fees)
- • Recommended Providers: CFA Institute, Kaplan Schweser
. Certified Management Accountant (CMA) USA
• Description: The CMA commerce certification courses focuses on management accounting and financial management. This course prepares students for strategic financial planning, control, and decision-making.
- • Duration: 6-12 months
- • Cost: ₹50,000 – ₹1,50,000
- • Recommended Providers: IMA (Institute of Management Accountants), Wiley
CMA us has a great scope and relatively easier than more difficult alternatives in management accounting. I would definitely recommend candidates who like forecasting and analysis to consider this as one Best Short term courses after BCom to be shortlisted.
Investment Banking Certification
- • Description: Ideal for students aspiring to work in corporate finance or M&A, this course covers financial analysis, valuation, and deal structuring.
- • Duration: 3-6 months
- • Cost: ₹40,000 – ₹1,00,000
- • Recommended Providers: MentorMeCareers, Coursera,
SAP FICO
• Description: SAP FICO is widely used for financial reporting and controlling in large organizations. This course helps students learn the SAP framework for managing financial transactions.
- • Duration: 2-4 months
- • Cost: ₹30,000 – ₹60,000
- • Recommended Providers: Udemy
Online Courses: Flexible Learning Options for Commerce Students
Finding a new skill to learn has been made simple for commerce students with the existence of distance learning opportunities offered today. At the same time, with the emergence of some good level of online systems, students can study various subjects in order to improve themselves and advance their career without leaving the comfort of their homes. Such courses provide the students with ease and one is able to manage work, studies, or any other activities seamlessly.
Best Online Courses for Commerce Students
There is a lot of interest amongst the prospective commerce students, who are looking into numerous online programs to further their studies in any particular field such as accounting, finance, and marketing or pursue data analytics. The best online courses can be found in MOOCs such as Coursera, edX, and Udemy. This is a review comparing three popular elearning sites on their pricing, course length, and areas of specialization.
Coursera
• Overview: Coursera has worked closely with leading higher education institutions and companies to develop courses and certificates which are professionally oriented. Its curriculum includes mid-length training courses and full academic programs with a preferable focus.
Popular Courses:
- • Financial Markets (Yale University)
- • Business Analytics (University of Pennsylvania)
- • Excel Skills for Business (Macquarie University)
- • Timeframe: 4 weeks to 10 months
- • Fees: Free for audit, for certification courses fee ranges from Rs 3000 to 10000 per course.
- • Most Suitable For: Whom, an aspiring student, wishes to enroll and pursue professional education with special degrees offered by only recognized universities.
- • Platform Strength: Earning accredited certificates and flexibility of farm work and work on quality from leading academic institutions.
edX
Overview: edX has a plethora of university level courses on business, finance, economics, etc which are designed in conjunction with top universities such as Harvard, MIT and Wharton.
Popular Courses:
- • MicroMasters in Business Management (IIM Bangalore)
- • Corporate Finance (Columbia University)
- • Data Science for Business (Harvard University)
- • Timeframe: 4 weeks to 8 months
- • Fees: Free for audit, paid certificate range from Rs 7000 – Rs 25000.
- • Most Suitable For: Commerce students who wish to pursue niche areas of specialization like finance, management and now data science with certification from top notch schools.
- • Platform Strength: Highly recognised certification and academic rigor.
Udemy
• Overview: It is a virtual marketplace that allows one to register both as a buyer and as an instructor and has cost effective and flexible courses with a very practical focus compared to other platforms.
Popular Courses:
- • Financial Management and Investment Analysis By Udemy Experts
- • Principles of Accounting and Bookkeeping (Udemy)
- • Basic Digital Marketing Course
- • Period of Time: 1 week to 3 months
- • Course Fee: The prices are affordable as most courses cost around ₹500 when there are sales.
- • Good For: Short duration programs concentrating a lot on practice rather than theory for very reasonable charges.
- • Strength of the Platform: Healthily priced courses with a wide range, and all materials provided are within reach forever.
Online Courses After 12th Commerce
It is a very welcoming fact that for students who will be completing 12th grade in commerce, they are able to undertake career focused courses on online platforms even before they enroll for any higher education. For example, among the best online courses after 12th commerce encompass the following:
- • Accounting and Finance Fundamentals: This is an introductory level course that incorporates basic accounting principles and is most appropriate for students who seek careers like CA or work in corporate finance. Offered on places such as Coursera and Udemy.
- • Digital Marketing Basics: A free online course offered by Google digital garage that teaches students the basic skills of marketing using the internet which is a great asset in the current world of business.
- • Introduction to Data: There is a course on this subject which is found on Coursera and edX that makes it easy for students to learn about data analytics which is becoming important even to commerce students who are entering into financial or business fields.
- Comparison of Platforms: Cost, Course Duration, and Strengths
Platform Cost Range Duration Best courses for Commerce Students Strengths
Coursera Rs.3,000-12,000 per course 4 weeks to 6 months Financial Markets, Business Analytics, Excel Skills University partnerships, accredited certificates and flexible schedule coursera. org edX Rs.7000-25000 per course 4 weeks to 8 months MicroMasters, Corporate Finance, Data Science Prestigious institutions with rigorous academic content athiopia.org We could not find any review for Udemy as there are no reviewers for the courses listed on the site. Udemy Rs.500-5000 per course
