Online BA vs Online BCom: Meaning, Eligibility, Specialization, Career Opportunities
Online BA vs Online BCom compares two popular online undergraduate degrees in 2025. The guide on Online BA vs Online BCom explains eligibility, specializations, jobs, and salary, helping students choose between humanities-focused BA and commerce-oriented BCom for better career growth.
Shruti Kumari3 Nov, 2025
Online BA vs Online BCom has always been a matter of confusion among students and aspirants while they try to select between these. Unlike the traditional belief of BA, in recent years the demand for both of these courses has increased drastically.
Many universities now offer this degree both online as well as offline. Among their most of the universities follow the UG’s guidelines and are recognized universities. As a result, more students are comparing Online BA vs Online BCom before making a decision. Therefore, today, here we are helping students make better decisions that cater to their interests.
Online BA vs Online BCom Overview
What is Online BA?
An Online BA (Bachelor of Arts) is a three-year undergraduate program delivered fully online. It focuses on arts, humanities, social sciences, languages, culture, and communication. Students can study subjects such as English, History, Political Science, Sociology, and media studies.
What is Online BCom?
An Online BCom (Bachelor of Commerce) is also a three-year program offered online. It emphasizes commerce, finance, economics, accounting, business studies, and related quantitative subjects.
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Online BA vs Online BCom Overview |
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Feature |
Online BA |
Online BCom |
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Core focus |
Humanities, arts, social sciences |
Commerce, business, accounting, finance |
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Skill emphasis |
Analytical thinking, writing, qualitative analysis |
Numerical skills, accounting, financial analysis |
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Subject breadth |
More flexibility, wide cross-disciplinary options |
More structured in commerce and economics fields |
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Career alignment |
Media, education, public service, creative sectors |
Banking, accounting, corporate finance, business operations |
Eligibility Criteria for Online BA and BCom
Candidates aspiring to enroll in any of these courses must understand the eligibility criteria. The eligibility criteria for Online BA and BCom to a large extent same, but there are certain distinctions. Below is the table that carries brief information about the eligibility for these courses:
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Eligibility Criteria for Online BA and BCom |
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Criteria |
Online BA |
Online BCom |
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Minimum education |
10+2 or equivalent (any stream) |
10+2 or equivalent (often commerce preferred) |
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Minimum marks |
Usually 45 % – 50 % aggregate |
Often 45 % – 50 % (some universities may ask for commerce background) |
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Recognised board |
Yes |
Yes |
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Subject restriction |
Typically no, any stream allowed |
Some institutions prefer candidates from commerce or maths |
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Age limit |
As per university (often none) |
As per university (often none) |
Note: One thing that every candidate must be aware is that in 2025, universities offering online degrees must be UGC-approved. UGC has approved 101 universities to run online and ODL programs.
Specializations in Online BA vs Online BCom
Both these courses provide a range of different courses around the Online BA vs Online BCom. Here is the table carrying brief information on the Specializations in Online BA vs Online BCom.
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Specializations in Online BA vs Online BCom |
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Discipline |
BA Specializations |
BCom Specializations |
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Language / Communication |
English, regional languages, media |
— |
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Social / Behavioural |
Sociology, political science |
— |
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Business / Commerce |
— |
Accounting, finance, business studies |
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Economics |
Sometimes as elective |
Core component |
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Applied commerce |
— |
Taxation, auditing, e-commerce |
Career Opportunities After Online BA
Pursuing an Online BA provides a range of career opportunities. It provides a space where students can build their excellence, unlike the traditional belief. Candidates can explore and pursue their desired field among many options.
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Career Opportunities After Online BA |
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Job Role |
Industry / Sector |
Key Skills Required |
Average Salary (Annual, 2025) |
Growth Potential |
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Content Writer / Editor |
Media, Digital Marketing, Publishing |
Writing, grammar, research, SEO basics |
₹2.5 – ₹4.5 LPA |
Can grow to Content Manager or Editor with 5+ years of experience |
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Journalist / Reporter |
Media, News, Broadcasting |
Reporting, communication, critical analysis |
₹3 – ₹6 LPA |
May advance to Senior Journalist or Anchor |
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Public Relations Executive |
Corporate Communications, PR Agencies |
Communication, presentation, event planning |
₹3 – ₹5.5 LPA |
Can rise to PR Manager or Brand Strategist |
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Digital Marketing Associate |
Advertising, Marketing, E-commerce |
SEO, social media, analytics |
₹3 – ₹5 LPA |
Growth into Digital Marketing Manager roles |
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Social Media Manager |
Media, Corporate, Start-ups |
Content planning, engagement, analytics |
₹3.5 – ₹6 LPA |
Can become Social Media Head or Brand Manager |
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Teacher / Academic Tutor |
Education, Coaching, NGOs |
Subject expertise, teaching skills |
₹2.5 – ₹4 LPA |
Growth through higher studies (MA, PhD) or EdTech roles |
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Policy Research Assistant |
NGOs, Think Tanks, Government |
Research, writing, data interpretation |
₹3 – ₹5 LPA |
Can move into Policy Analyst or Consultant positions |
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Civil Services Aspirant / Govt Jobs |
Public Sector |
General knowledge, reasoning, current affairs |
₹4 – ₹8 LPA (on selection) |
Long-term career in public administration |
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Human Resource Assistant |
Corporates, Start-ups |
Communication, organizational skills |
₹3 – ₹5 LPA |
Growth to HR Manager or Learning & Development Head |
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Translator / Language Specialist |
Publishing, Embassies, Media |
Language proficiency, cultural knowledge |
₹3 – ₹6 LPA |
Progress into Senior Translator or Interpreter roles |
Career Opportunities After Online BCom
Listed here are career opportunities that one can access after completing their Online BCom course. Some of the major and most seeked roles are in the field of finance, accounting, business, and more.
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Career Opportunities After Online BCom |
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Job Role |
Industry / Sector |
Key Skills Required |
Average Salary (Annual, 2025) |
Growth Potential |
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Accountant / Accounts Executive |
Finance, Corporate, Start-ups |
Tally, Excel, and accounting principles |
₹3 – ₹5 LPA |
Can grow into Senior Accountant or Accounts Manager |
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Financial Analyst |
Banking, Investment, Consulting |
Financial modelling, MS Excel, analytics |
₹4 – ₹7 LPA |
Can move to Senior Analyst or Finance Manager |
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Auditor / Internal Auditor |
Audit Firms, Corporations |
Accounting, auditing standards, compliance |
₹3.5 – ₹6 LPA |
Potential to become Audit Head or Compliance Manager |
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Tax Consultant / Associate |
Taxation, Finance, Consulting |
Tax laws, accounting, and compliance |
₹3.5 – ₹6 LPA |
Growth into Senior Tax Advisor or Consultant |
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Banking Executive / Operations Officer |
Banking, NBFCs |
Banking operations, customer service |
₹3 – ₹6 LPA |
Can become Branch Manager or Banking Specialist |
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Business Analyst |
Corporate, E-commerce, Consulting |
Data analysis, business processes, Excel |
₹4 – ₹8 LPA |
Promotion to Project or Product Manager roles |
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Investment Banker (Entry-level) |
Finance, Investment Firms |
Finance knowledge, analytics, communication |
₹6 – ₹10 LPA |
Can reach Associate / VP roles with experience |
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Entrepreneur / Business Owner |
Start-ups, MSMEs |
Business strategy, finance, leadership |
Variable (₹3 LPA +) |
Unlimited growth with business success |
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Corporate Sales Executive |
FMCG, Insurance, Banking |
Sales, negotiation, and relationship management |
₹3 – ₹5 LPA |
Advancement to Sales or Territory Manager |
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Data Entry / Operations Coordinator |
Corporations, BPO, ITES |
Accuracy, MS Office, time management |
₹2.5 – ₹4 LPA |
Can move into Process Analyst roles with training |
Online BA vs Online BCom Salary
To understand Online BA vs Online BCom more clearly, here is a comparison of salary expectations for typical roles. Note that actual salary depends on city, industry, skills, experience, and additional credentials.
| Online BA vs Online BCom Salary | ||
| Role | Online BA Typical Salary (Annual) | Online BCom Typical Salary (Annual) |
| Entry-level content writer/editor | ₹2.5 – ₹4.5 lakh | — |
| Junior PR / communications executive | ₹3 – ₹5 lakh | — |
| Entry-level accountant/auditor | — | ₹3.5 – ₹6 lakh |
| Financial analyst (junior) | — | ₹4 – ₹7 lakh |
| Tax consultant/associate | — | ₹3.5 – ₹6 lakh |
| Business analyst/operations (junior) | ₹3 – ₹6 lakh | ₹4 – ₹8 lakh |
Which is Better Online BA or Online BCom?
There is no one fixed answer. The better path depends on your interests, strengths, and career goals. Here are factors to guide your choice:
Interest & Strengths
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If you enjoy reading, writing, humanities, social issues, languages, and critical thinking, Online BA may suit you.
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If you like numbers, accounting, business, finance, economics, data, an Online BCom may be better.
Career Goal
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For roles in media, journalism, public service, teaching, pand olicy, BA may open more direct routes.
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For roles in finance, accounting, banking, and corporate business, BCom gives a more direct foundation.
Flexibility & Later Options
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BA may allow you to switch fields more easily (from journalism to PR to content).
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BCom may limit flexibility if you don’t like numbers, but it gives a strong foundation for the commerce sector.
Further Studies & Certifications
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BA opens MA, MPhil, journalism, and social sciences.
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BCom opens MCom, MBA, CA, CFA, CS, and finance options.
Online BA vs Online BCom FAQs
Is an online BA or BCom degree recognized for jobs and higher study?
Can a student from a science or non-commerce background take an online BCom?
Can I switch from online BA to BCom later (or vice versa)?
Does online mode affect the validity of the degree?
Which degree gives a better salary, online BA or online BCom?
