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Science vs Commerce – Which is better? Career Scope, Jobs Salary

Last Updated : 29 Jan, 2024
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Science and Commerce are two different education streams or fields, from which students have to choose after completing their primary education. Both these fields have different career scopes and require different eligibility conditions. In general, there are three different streams that students have to select in their Class 11th and 12th and the stream cannot be changed. These streams are Science, Commerce, and Humanities or Arts. Science and Commerce are the most popular, as most of the parents in India want their children to choose any one of them. The subjects, skills, and career opportunities in the Science and Commerce streams are completely different. The only common thing in these streams is the language option, which is English at a higher level. According to CBSE, more than 50% of students in their Class 11th choose Science as their first preference, followed by Commerce and Humanities.

In this article, we will give you a brief about Science vs Commerce and which is better for you.

Science vs Commerce: Highlights

Particulars

Science

Commerce

Subjects

Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology, Computer Science, Geography

Accounts, Economics, Mathematics, Business Studies

Skills Required

Compilation, analysis and Critically Evaluation of Information

Communication, Leadership, Problem Solving, Taxation, Business Interest

Career Opportunities

Scientist, Doctor, Engineer, Pharmacist, Aeronautical Engineer, Geologist, Astrophysicist

Chartered Accountant (CA), Company Secretary, Investment Banker, Personal Financial Advisor

Degrees

BTech, BSc, BE, MBBS, BDS

BCom, BBA, Business Studies, Hotel Management, Stockbroking

Top Institutions

IIT, NIT, IIT, BHU, Delhi University

IIM, SRCC, LSR, Hansraj College (DU)

Science VS Commerce: Key Differences

Science and Commerce are two different fields of education, where individuals are offered career scopes and job opportunities in different fields. Science involves the scientific study of theories, models, experiments and physical situations. Commerce, on the other hand, involves financial, economic, organisational and technological elements included in the global marketplace, which are related to the business world. Students planning to pursue any of these fields must keep themselves updated about all the important developments taking place in their spheres of education.

Science VS Commerce: Subjects

At a basic level, Science includes subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Geology. Commerce includes Business Studies, Accounts and Economics. Maths and English are the only common subjects in both these fields. However, as the level of education increases, the names and details of these above-listed subjects also increase. The table below highlights the most popular subjects included in Science and Commerce.

Level of Education

Science

Commerce

11th and 12th

Physics, Chemistry and Biology

Business Studies, Accounts, EconomicsUndergraduate

Undergraduation

Zoology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Nursing, BSc Mathematics

Financial Accounting, Business Law, Taxation, Business Statistics, Business Management, Corporate Accounting

Postgraduation

Applied Psychology, Applied Statistics, Functional Analysis, Differential Geometry

Production Accounting, Entrepreneurship, MBA

Science VS Commerce: Salary

Science and commerce both offer a wide range of high-paying positions. Thus, in order to compare the salaries of science and commerce, you need to be aware of the highest paying positions in each of these academic fields.

Among the high-paying positions in commerce are those of investment banker, digital marketing manager, company secretary, human resource manager, and chartered accountant. The annual compensation in the commerce stream varies based on the job title and employer, but it typically ranges from 5 to 20 lakhs INR.

Among the many high-paying fields in the Science stream are computer science, engineering and technology, psychology, and medical sciences. The science stream pays between 3 and 5 lakh INR a year, with even more if you choose to work in fields like research, IT, or medicine.

Science VS Commerce: Career

Is science tougher than commerce? Choosing between the two most popular study streams in India, science and commerce, can be difficult. You can, however, determine where your true interests lie by examining the scope of Science vs. Commerce and making your selections accordingly.

Scope of Science

There are many different career options in the Science stream, depending on your degree’s specialisation. Among the top professions in the Science field are:

  • Medicine
  • Nursing
  • Engineering: Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Robotics, etc.
  • Information Technology
  • Forensic Science
  • Biotechnology
  • Pharmacology
  • Architecture

Science and commerce fields are bound to have different salary prospects depending on the job profile and the company you work for, but because of their vast application, you can anticipate high-paying careers in the public and government sectors.

Scope of Commerce

Regarding commerce, you have the option of pursuing a career in academia or research as well as professional roles in the corporate sector, particularly in business and management. The top paying positions in commerce are listed below:

  • Chartered Accountant (CA)
  • Company Secretary (CS)
  • Managerial roles
  • Business Analyst
  • Market Research
  • Financial Manager
  • Entrepreneur
  • Investment Banker
  • Business Development
  • Corporate Communication

Science VS Commerce: Skills Required

Pursuing any level of education in any field requires us to possess a specific type of skills. For example, students planning to pursue an an MBA in their postgraduation must have skills like communication, strategic thinking, adaptability, time management, etc. In schools, students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities so that the graph of their non-academic skills increases.

Skills Required in Science

Here are 10 popular skills that Science students must develop to excel in their academicss.

  • Observation
  • Prediction
  • Calculation
  • Critical Evaluation
  • Measurement
  • Research Skills
  • Creativity and Curiosity
  • Technical Proficiency
  • Patience
  • Data Analysis

Skills Required in Commerce

Here are 10 popular skills that Commerce students must develop to excel in their academics.

  • Communication Skills
  • Leadership Skills
  • Problem-solving Skills
  • Accounting
  • Business Interest
  • Share Market
  • Investment
  • Taxation
  • Financial Analysis
  • Law

Why Choose Science?

The study of examining natural phenomena through observations and experiments is known as science. Science is the ideal career path for you if you’re curious about how the world works. Science includes intellectual disciplines that require close observation, such as physics, chemistry, and biology. There are many different opportunities available to you worldwide if you pursue a career in science.

Benefits of Studying Science

  • Candidates who major in science are more employable because of its more practical foundation.
  • One of the most popular careers today is engineering, which a student can only choose if they have a solid foundation in science.
  • A STEM degree places you in a position where you can make a direct contribution to society.
  • Only experts with superior scientific and technological knowledge can address and mitigate the effects of the changing climate and environmental changes.

Why Choose Commerce?

After class 10, students often choose to major in commerce because it provides access to a wide range of professional courses and opportunities. Is science harder to understand than commerce? is a question you may be asking yourself. The answer is that if you truly enjoy maths and have an interest in business and the economy, a career in commerce may be the best fit for you. Accounts, business, economics, and finance are among the subjects covered in commerce, and these subjects can help you explore a wide range of career opportunities in various fields.

Benefits of Studying Commerce

  • Candidates with skills and knowledge can benefit from a career in commerce in addition to high salaries.
  • Following a tenth grade education in commerce, career options are plentiful.
  • Gaining insight into markets and customers can assist you in starting your own company.
  • Easy employment opportunities without studying for hours, like in Science.
  • There are plenty of career options in commerce without maths if you dislike maths and want to drop it from your education at a higher level!
  • Following a commerce 12th grade, computer courses are also an option.
  • Gain the opportunity to double your assets through stocks, funds, and shares.

Science VS Commerce: Courses After 12th

After completing Class 12th from a recognised institution, students are offered admission in specific courses. After completing Class 12th in Science, students are offered courses like BSc, MBBS, BTech, BE, etc. Commerce students are eligible for courses like BBA, BCom, Bachelor of Economics, LLB, etc. The table below highlights some of the most popular Science and Commerce courses after Class 12th.

Level of Education

Science

Commerce

Undergraduate

MBBA, BTech, BE, BSc, BOT (Occupational Therapy), Bachelor of Veterinary Science, Bachelor of Pharmacy, Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery (BHMS), Bachelor of Dental Surgery, etc.

Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), LLB, BCom LLB, Business Studies, Management Studies, Journalism and Mass Communication, Chartered Accountancy, Company Secretary, Bachelor of Hotel Management.

Postgraduate

MSc in Biochemistry, Electronics, Mathematics, MSc in Artificial Intelligence, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Food Science, Microbiology, Biochemist, MSc Zoology.

MCom, MBA, Master of Technology Management, Master of International Affairs, Finance and Control, Marketing Technology

Top Science and Commerce Universities/ Institutions

To have a secure and better career, students must pursue their higher education from reputed colleges or universities. There are several benefits of studying at top institutions as they offer quality education from reliable and factual sources, and they have an experienced teaching faculty who are determined to produce the finest brains, who will lead the country to new heights.

Top Science Institutions in India

  • The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)
  • The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Bangalore
  • The Indian Institute of Information Technology (IT)
  • Hindu College (DU)
  • Christ University
  • Madras Christian College
  • Indian Institute of Science

Top Commerce Institutions in India

  • Lady Shree Ram College of Commerce for Women (DU)
  • Shree Ram College of Commerce
  • Loyola College, Chennai
  • St. Joseph’s College of Commerce
  • SVKM’s Narsee Monjee College of Commerce and Economics

This was all about Science vs Commerce and their key differences. We hope we were able to provide you with all the information you were looking for. For more information on such informative topics for your school and high studies, reach out to GeeksforGeeks.

Science vs Commerce: Which is the best stream for you- FAQs

Is Science better than Commerce?

Science and Commerce and two different streams with different subjects and career fields. Science is better than Commerce or vise a versa depends on you and your interest. What career goals you have for yourself and how skilled you are in your field will determine which is better for you.

What are the career options in Science?

For Science students, the top career options are Data Analyst, Data Scientist, Geologist, Astrophysicst, Engineer, Information Technology, Research Scientist, Doctor, Biologist, Physicst, Pharmacist, etc.

What are the career options in Commerce?

For Commerce students, the top career options are Chartered Accountant, Business Expert, Financial Accountant, Company Secretary, Personal Financial Advisor, Entreprenuer, Investment Banker, etc.

Can I switch from Science to Commerce?

Class 11th or 12th students can switch their stream from Science to Commerce or Commerce to Science, but it will be difficult to understand the concepts, as they have already invested their time in the other subjects. A lot of schools have stream switching windows, mostly for Science students in Class 11th, where they are given the option to choose either Commerce or Arts. However, switching streams in College will be a tough nut to crack, as you are already adapted to a particular field.

How much percentage is required in Class 10th to study Science in 11th and 12th?

To pursue Science in Class 11th and 12th, students must score at least 80 per cent or equivalent CGPA in their Class 10th. Moreover, schools have their own stream allotment procedure, where students the minimum Class 10th score required for Science stream can vary.



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