The Humanities & Commerce Blueprint
'Arts has no scope' and 'Commerce students only do CA'. Here are the two major misconceptions in the education system in India. In fact, the C-Suite of corporate leadership, policy making, law and the media is dominated by Arts and Commerce graduates.
This guide is your career decision accelerator. We will trace out your interests, compare the intricate network of entrance exams such as CUET, IPMAT and CLAT and help you choose a career that is a very interesting and rewarding one.
What career fits your interests?
- Business analysis, finance and markets are my passion. In Commerce you are meant to be. Target B.Com (Hons), BMS, BBA, Economics (Hons) or professional qualifications such as CA/CFA.
- I would like to learn about human behavior and society. You're in the right department: Social Sciences. Choose a course from the disciplines of psychology, sociology, political science or public policy.
- I am good at arguing, reading and solving problems. You belong in Law. The course is aimed at a 5-year integrated BBA LLB / BA LLB program.
- I am very creative and like to express myself to the masses. Choose the course you want to pursue either Journalism, Mass Communication, Fine Arts or Hotel Management.
2. Comparison of Major Entrance Exams
| Exam Name | What it unlocks | Difficulty | Target Institutes |
|---|---|---|---|
| CUET UG | BA, B.Com, BBA, BMS, BFA | Moderate and highly competitive | Delhi Univ, BHU, JNU, Central Universities |
| CLAT | 5 Year Integrated Law (BA/BBA LLB) | High (Focus on reading & logic) | National Law Universities (NLUs) |
| IPMAT | 5-Year Integrated MBA | Very High (Quant & Verbal) | Institute of Management Studies (IMD), Indore; Institute of Management Ranchi (IMR); Rohtak Institute of Management (RIM) |
| NCHM JEE | B.Sc in Hospitality & Hotel Admin | Moderate | IHMs-India |
3.1 Eligibility & 3.2 Subject Combinations
The worst thing for Commerce and Arts students is Mathematics eligibility.
- In Top Universities like Delhi University, Mathematics (Hons) & BMS students must opt for Maths in their Class 12.
- CUET Subject Mapping: In the CUET exam, you will have to take exams from the subjects you studied in Class 12. Please note that during the counselling process, subjects that you did not study will not be accepted as they are deemed as "easy".
- Law & Management (CLAT and IPMAT): Stream neutral. It can be easily topped by any Science, Commerce or Arts student.
Professional Certifications (The Commerce Superpower)
The B. in the Commerce field can be interpreted as a Bachelor of Commerce.Com degree alone will not fetch you a high salary. There's only real money in professional global certifications:
- CA (Chartered Accountant) / CS (Company Secretary): Very reputable Indian qualifications having tremendous statutory powers and good job security.
- CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst): CFA is the world standard when it comes to Investment Banking and Portfolio Management. Very high income potential.
- ACCA / CMA: International Accounting qualifications, ideal for anyone who wants to pursue a career with a multinational or wish to relocate overseas, particularly to the UK/Canada.
6. Student Interactions & Concerns
An integrated MBA from IIM (via IPMAT) offers a starting salary of ₹15 - 25 Lakhs per annum. The investment banking CFAs earn the income of more than ₹ 30 Lakhs in a year within a few years.
Law: The top NLU students at Tier-1 corporate law firms (like Khaitan and SAM) are paid ₹14-18 Lakhs per annum. Litigation (court practice) begins slowly and there is no limit to income after it begins.
Psycology graduates often go into the Arts & Humanities for jobs as a Clinical Psychologist or HR consultant and then go on to gain a Master's/PhD. The Economics and Public Policy graduates are in greater demand with data-science companies and at think tanks and the UN.
7. Improving Your Writing Skills
- Making the assumption that arts students are not going to have high paying corporate jobs. Humanities graduates dominate Corporate Communications, HR and Policy Advisory.
- Giving no importance to the marks obtained in the Class 12 Board exams. The days of merit-based admissions have come to an end. The only thing that matters to the Central Universities now is CUET Score.
- Not knowing the particular requirements for the chosen university before filling in CUET form.
Your Career Begins Now
Whether you are aiming for a corporate law firm, an investment bank, or a public policy think-tank, a professional resume is how you get your foot in the door.
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