Making the Choice: Commerce or Science

One of the most prominent questions that pop up when a student completes the tenth grade is: "Which stream should to choose: Commerce or Science?"

The choice between these two academic pathways is not merely a selection of subjects but a life-changing decision that will lead them to distinct realms of career pursuits in the future. Peer pressure, family influence, and preconceived beliefs often prevent them from choosing the right path. Today, in this blog, we shall explore the relevance of each stream, its differences, what it has to offer, its curriculum, duration, and future opportunities. Read on!

Commerce vs. Science: An Overview

Parameters	Commerce	Science
Subject Combinations	The core subjects in a commerce curriculum include Accountancy, Business Studies, Economics (Macro and Micro), English or any other medium of language. The optional subjects in the commerce curriculum include Mathematics or Statistics and Informatics Practices (IP). Besides these subjects, the curriculum might also consist of additional subjects such as Home Science, Physical Education (PE) and any other languages like Hindi, Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, Marathi, and others.	The core subjects in a science curriculum is divided into two sub-categories i.e., PCB and PCM. The former consists of Physics, Chemistry and Biology, while the latter consists of Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. English or the medium of education remains mandatory in this stream. The optional subjects in the Science curriculum may consist of Computer Science, Geoscience/ Geography and Economics. Besides these subjects, there are some additional subjects in the curriculum such as Home Science, Physical Education (PE) and other languages like Hindi, Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, Marathi, and others.
Aimed for	A career in banking, finance, management, or business.	A career in medicine, engineering, scientific research or any other technical field.
Change of Stream	Commerce students can shift their stream to Humanities and pursue a career in it.	Science students can easily shift their stream to Humanities or Commerce and pursue a career in it.
Future Courses to Pursue	Undergraduate courses like Bachelor in Commerce (B.Com) in specialised streams like Accounting, Finance, Business Studies, Bachelors in Business Administration (BBA), and others.	Undergraduate courses like Bachelor in Technology (B.Tech), Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), and Bachelor in Science (B.Sc) in specialised streams like Zoology, Botany, Biotechnology, and others.

Commerce vs. Science: Duration

The duration of the commerce and science stream after 10th grade typically spans two years, which are widely known as 11th grade and 12th grade. These two years are part of the higher secondary education stage.

Commerce vs. Science: Curriculum

Commerce curriculum: The commerce curriculum consists of five subject combinations namely ABMS, ABES, ABEM, ABECs, and ABSCs. ABMS stands for accounts, business studies, mathematics, and statistics, whereas ABES stands for accounts, business studies, economics, and statistics. On the other hand, ABEM stands for accounts, business studies, economics, and mathematics, ABECs for accounts, business studies, economics, computer science and ABSCs for accounts, business studies, statistics, computer Science.

Science curriculum: The science curriculum consists of three subject combinations such as PCMB, PCMC and PCME. PCMB stands for Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology, whereas PCMC stands for Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Computer Science, and PCME for Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Electronics.

Commerce vs. Science: Career Opportunities

The commerce and science streams are the most coveted areas of study among Indian students. While the commerce stream is more inclined towards the banking, finance, and corporate sectors, the science stream focuses on the medical and technical areas of study. Let’s see some of the prospective career opportunities after you pursue graduation in the science and commerce field of study:

Career Opportunities after Commerce

Chartered Accountants provide financial advice, audit financial records, and ensure compliance with tax regulations and accounting standards. Financial Analysts are responsible for analysing financial data and market trends to guide investment decisions for effective financial planning. Investment Bankers advise clients on financial strategies, mergers, acquisitions, and capital raising within an investment bank's corporate finance division. Product Analysts evaluate market trends and customer needs to develop, refine, and manage products, thereby ensuring they meet customer expectations and business goals. Marketing Executives plan and execute marketing campaigns, strategies, and initiatives to promote products or services and increase brand awareness and customer engagement. 

Career Opportunities after Science

Medical Officers oversee daily operations, serve as clinical advisors, and diagnose any problems that may arise in patients. Mechanical Engineer designs and oversees the development of mechanical systems and devices by applying principles of physics and materials science. Chemical Engineers design and optimise chemical processes for the production of various products. Biotechnologists utilise biological techniques to research, develop, and improve processes, and products in the fields of medicine, agriculture, and industry.

Way Forward

In conclusion, both fields of study Commerce and science open up many career opportunities for a student.  Students must analyse their inner potential and align their areas of interest to make the final decision. Additionally, they can get guidance from their parents, teachers, or seniors to make a sound decision!