Higher education offers two main choices after completion of a bachelor's degree in commerce, economics, or business studies degree: pursuing an MBA degree or going into the specialized field of M.Com. Many B.Com graduates are faced with the "MCom vs MBA" decision since both paths have benefits and opportunities that are different. MCom and MBA are both highly rewarding PG courses to have a successful career. MBA provides management knowledge whereas MCom provides financial knowledge. Although MCom is mainly for students who have completed BCom Students from all backgrounds can study an MBA.
The top Entrance Exams for MCom are CUET PG, IPU CET, etc., and for MBAs are CAT, MAT, CMAT, NMAT, etc. The average place placement for an MBA is higher as compared to MCom. Top job roles after the MBA are Project Manager, Hotel Manager, Business Development Manager, etc., and after MCom are Finance Manager, Account Administrator, Administrative Manager, etc.
Parameters |
MCom |
MBA |
Full Form |
Master of Commerce |
Master of Business Administration |
Duration |
2 years |
2 years |
Focus |
Advanced study in commerce, finance, accounting, and economics |
Broad business management skills, leadership, and strategic thinking. |
Approach |
Theoretical, in-depth study of commerce and finance subjects. |
Practical, case-study-based learning |
Level |
Post Graduate Level |
Post Graduate Level |
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 BCom Hons or equivalent from a recognized university. |
50% in Graduation |
Specializations |
MCom Accounting and Finance, MCom Taxation, MCom Marketing, etc. |
MBA Finance, MBA Marketing, MBA Human Resources, MBA Operations, etc. |
Core Subjects |
Financial accounting, business laws, taxation, corporate finance, and economics |
Marketing, finance, human resources, operations, strategy, and entrepreneurship |
Average Fees |
INR 5,000 to INR 40,000 |
INR 5,00,000 – INR 18,00,000 |
Top Colleges |
Hindu College, Delhi, Mithibai College of Arts, Mumbai, Christ University, Bangalore, and many more. |
IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Calcutta, IIM Bangalore, IIM Lucknow, SPJIMR Mumbai, XLRI, FMS Delhi, IIM Indore, IIM Kozhikode, etc. |
Roles |
Specialized roles such as Accountant, Financial Analyst, Auditor, Tax Consultant, and Lecturer |
Managerial and executive positions such as Marketing Manager, Financial Manager, HR Manager, Operations Manager, and Business Consultant |
Industries |
Primarily focused on finance and accounting firms, educational institutions, and research organizations. |
Diverse industries include corporate firms, banks, consulting firms, startups, and non-profits. |
Growth |
Steady career growth, often leading to senior positions in finance and accounting, or academic roles |
Fast-tracked career growth with opportunities for leadership positions and significant career advancement |
Skills gained |
Specialized knowledge in accounting, financial management, and commerce-related skills |
Leadership, strategic thinking, decision-making, communication, financial management & analytical skills |
Top jobs available |
Accountant, Auditor, Financial Analyst, Tax Consultant, Banking Professional |
CEO, CFO, Marketing Manager, Operations Manager, Business Analyst |
Top hiring companies |
Ernst & Young, Deloitte, PricewaterhouseCoopers, KPMG, HDFC Bank, Reliance Industries |
Tata Consultancy Services, Accenture, Infosys, ICICI Bank, Amazon, IBM |
Modes of learning available |
Full-time, part-time, online, distance Learning |
Full-time, part-time, online, distance, executive MBA |
MCom is a postgraduate academic degree that focuses on advanced studies in commerce, economics, and finance. It offers specialized knowledge in areas such as accounting, business law, and corporate governance. MCom programs often include research components and are suitable for those aspiring to roles like accountants, auditors, and financial analysts.
MBA is a postgraduate degree emphasizing diverse aspects of business and management. It equips students with strategic thinking, leadership skills, and a holistic understanding of marketing, finance, human resources, and operations. MBA graduates pursue roles in leadership and management across various industries.
The subjects in MCom and MBA are listed below.
MCom Subjects |
MBA Subjects |
Accounting and Managerial Decisions |
Accounting and Financial Management |
Computer Applications in Business |
Business Economics |
Corporate Legal Environment |
Corporate Finance |
E-Commerce |
Human Resource Management |
Financial Management |
Leadership and Entrepreneurship |
Managerial Economics |
Management of Change |
Statistical Analysis |
Management Theory and Practice |
Business Environment |
Managing for Sustainability |
Corporate Financial Accounting |
Research Methods |
Corporate Tax Planning |
- |
Economics of Global Trade and Finance |
- |
Management Concepts and Organization Behavior |
- |
Marketing Behaviour |
The following are the typical MBA and M. Com graduate income ranges:
The average salary for an MBA graduate is:
Designation |
Average Salary (INR) |
Marketing Manager |
INR 5.5LPA |
Regional Sales Manager |
INR 3.6LPA |
Operations Manager |
INR 5.4LPA |
Digital Marketing Analyst |
INR 5.1LPA |
The average salary for an M.Com graduate is:
Designation |
Average Salary (INR) |
Accountant |
INR 2.2LPA |
Finance Analyst |
INR 3.9LPA |
Finance Manager |
INR 3.9LPA |
Executive Assistant |
INR 3.1LPA |
Future Courses: MBA / MCA
Some of the future courses for MCom and MBA graduates are given below.
Future Courses after MCom |
Future Courses after MBA |
Chartered Accountant |
Fellowship Programme in Management |
CFA |
Executive MBA |
CMA |
PhD in Management |
MBA |
Certified Management Accounting |
CS Course |
Chartered Financial Analyst |
Ques: What is the primary difference between an MBA and an M.Com degree?
Ans: An MBA (Master of Business Administration) focuses on broad business management skills, leadership, and strategic thinking, while an M.Com (Master of Commerce) focuses on advanced studies in commerce, finance, accounting, and economics.
Ques: Which degree has better job prospects: MBA or M.Com?
Ans: Generally, an MBA offers broader job prospects with higher salaries in managerial and executive positions across various industries. An M.Com is more specialized and typically leads to roles in finance, accounting, and education.
Ques: What are the eligibility criteria for an MBA and an M.Com?
Ans: For an MBA, candidates usually need a graduation degree with at least 50% marks and may require entrance exam scores such as CAT, MAT, or GMAT. For an M.Com, candidates need a B.Com or equivalent degree with at least 50% marks.
Ques: What are the typical fees for MBA and M.Com programs?
Ans: MBA programs generally cost between INR 5,00,000 and INR 18,00,000, while M.Com programs are more affordable, with fees ranging from INR 5,000 to INR 40,000.
Ques: Can I pursue an MBA if I have a background in a field other than commerce?
Ans: Yes, students from any academic background can pursue an MBA, provided they meet the eligibility criteria and clear the entrance exams.
Ques: What are the top entrance exams for MBA and M.Com admissions?
Ans: For MBA: Common entrance exams include CAT, MAT, XAT, CMAT, NMAT, and ATMA.