Table of Contents
Graduation is a significant milestone, but choosing the right professional course afterward can be overwhelming. Whether you are a science, commerce, or arts graduate, there are numerous career-enhancing courses to explore. In this guide, we provide a comprehensive list of the best professional courses after graduation, including top job-oriented courses, diploma programs, and short-term professional courses that can help you boost your career.
What is a Professional Course?
A professional course is a specialized program designed to provide industry-specific skills and knowledge that improve employability. These courses help graduates gain expertise in their respective fields, ensuring better job prospects and career advancement.
Top 10 Professional Courses After Graduation
| Course Name | Stream | Duration | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBA | Commerce/Science/Arts | 2 Years | ₹8-15 LPA |
| CA (Chartered Accountant) | Commerce | 3-5 Years | ₹10-20 LPA |
| CMA (Cost Management Accountant) | Commerce | 3-4 Years | ₹8-12 LPA |
| ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) | Commerce | 2-3 Years | ₹6-10 LPA |
| CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) | Commerce | 2.5 Years | ₹8-12 LPA |
| PGDM | Commerce/Science/Arts | 2 Years | ₹6-12 LPA |
| Digital Marketing Certification | All Streams | 6 Months – 1 Year | ₹4-8 LPA |
| Data Science & Analytics | Science/Commerce | 6 Months – 1 Year | ₹6-15 LPA |
| Event Management | Arts/Commerce | 1 Year | ₹4-10 LPA |
| Hotel Management | Arts/Commerce | 2 Years | ₹5-10 LPA |
List of Courses After Graduation
1. Master of Business Administration (MBA)
An MBA is one of the most sought-after professional courses after graduation, providing expertise in management, leadership, and business strategies. It is ideal for graduates looking to boost their career prospects in diverse fields such as finance, marketing, HR, and operations. An MBA enhances decision-making skills and offers excellent networking opportunities.
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline
Duration: 2 years
Career Options and Salary after MBA
| Career Options | Average Salary (INR per annum) |
|---|---|
| Marketing Manager | 8-12 LPA |
| Financial Analyst | 6-10 LPA |
| HR Manager | 7-11 LPA |
| Operations Manager | 8-12 LPA |
2. Chartered Accountancy (CA)
The CA course is a top professional course after BCom and other commerce-related degrees. It focuses on financial accounting, auditing, and taxation, making it a preferred choice for commerce graduates.
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree (Direct entry after BCom)
Duration: 3-5 years (depending on completion of all levels)
Career Options and Salary after CA
| Career Options | Average Salary (INR per annum) |
|---|---|
| Chartered Accountant | 8-20 LPA |
| Tax Consultant | 7-15 LPA |
| Auditor | 6-12 LPA |
| Financial Advisor | 7-14 LPA |
3. Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
CMA is a globally recognized professional course focusing on financial management and strategic planning. It is a great option for those interested in cost accounting and financial analysis.
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in commerce, finance, or business
Duration: 1-2 years
Career Options and Salary after CMA
| Career Options | Average Salary (INR per annum) |
|---|---|
| Cost Accountant | 6-12 LPA |
| Financial Controller | 10-20 LPA |
| Budget Analyst | 8-14 LPA |
4. Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
ACCA is an international accounting certification that provides expertise in taxation, audit, and financial management, making it one of the best professional courses after BCom.
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in commerce or finance
Duration: 2-3 years
Career Options and Salary after ACCA
| Career Options | Average Salary (INR per annum) |
|---|---|
| Financial Accountant | 7-15 LPA |
| Auditor | 6-12 LPA |
| Business Analyst | 8-14 LPA |
5. Company Secretary (CS)
The CS course is ideal for commerce graduates who wish to specialize in corporate governance, compliance, and legal aspects of businesses.
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree (Direct entry after BCom)
Duration: 3 years
Career Options and Salary after ACCA
| Career Options | Average Salary (INR per annum) |
|---|---|
| Company Secretary | 7-15 LPA |
| Compliance Officer | 6-12 LPA |
| Corporate Legal Advisor | 8-14 LPA |
6. Law (LLB)
LLB is a popular professional course for those interested in legal studies and advocacy. It opens doors to careers in corporate law, litigation, and judiciary services.
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline
Duration: 3 years
Career Options and Salary after LLB
| Career Options | Average Salary (INR per annum) |
|---|---|
| Corporate Lawyer | 8-20 LPA |
| Legal Advisor | 7-15 LPA |
| Judge (After Judiciary Exam) | 10-25 LPA |
7. Digital Marketing Certification
A digital marketing course equips candidates with skills in SEO, PPC, social media, and content marketing. It is ideal for those looking for job-oriented courses after graduation.
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in any field
Duration: 3-6 months
Career Options and Salary after Digital Marketing
| Career Options | Average Salary (INR per annum) |
|---|---|
| Digital Marketing Manager | 6-12 LPA |
| SEO Specialist | 5-10 LPA |
| Social Media Strategist | 6-11 LPA |
8. Event Management Certification
Event management is one of the top professional courses after graduation, focusing on planning and organizing events, conferences, and weddings.
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in any field
Duration: 6 months – 1 year
Career Options and Salary after Event Management Certification
| Career Options | Average Salary (INR per annum) |
|---|---|
| Event Manager | 5-12 LPA |
| Wedding Planner | 6-15 LPA |
| Conference Coordinator | 5-10 LPA |
9. Human Resource Management Certification
HR courses are ideal for those interested in recruitment, training, and employee relations. This is one of the best professional courses after graduation in arts and commerce.
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in any field
Duration: 6 months – 1 year
Career Options and Salary after Human Resource Management Certification
| Career Options | Average Salary (INR per annum) |
|---|---|
| HR Manager | 7-12 LPA |
| Talent Acquisition Specialist | 6-10 LPA |
| Employee Relations Manager | 7-11 LPA |
10. Teaching Certification (B.Ed)
B.Ed is a professional teacher course after graduation that prepares candidates for teaching careers in schools and colleges.
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in any field
Duration: 2 years
Career Options and Salary after B.Ed
| Career Options | Average Salary (INR per annum) |
|---|---|
| School Teacher | 3-7 LPA |
| Lecturer | 5-10 LPA |
| Education Consultant | 6-12 LPA |
11. Data Science Certification
Data Science is a high-demand field, offering opportunities in analytics, AI, and machine learning. It is an excellent job-oriented course after graduation.
Eligibility: Bachelor’s degree in science, engineering, or commerce
Duration: 6 months – 1 year
Career Options and Salary after Data Science Certification
| Career Options | Average Salary (INR per annum) |
|---|---|
| Data Analyst | 7-15 LPA |
| Machine Learning Engineer | 10-20 LPA |
| AI Specialist | 12-25 LPA |
How to Choose the Right Course After Graduation?
Selecting the right professional course depends on multiple factors:
- Your Interest & Skills – Choose a field that aligns with your strengths.
- Industry Demand – Research market trends and job prospects.
- Course Duration – Short-term or long-term, based on career urgency.
- Salary & Growth Opportunities – Consider future earnings and growth scope.
Conclusion
Pursuing the best professional courses after graduation opens doors to high-paying jobs and career growth. Whether it’s an MBA, CA, ACCA, or a short-term job-oriented course, choosing the right path can significantly boost your employability. Explore various options, align them with your interests, and take the next step toward a successful career.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top professional courses after graduation?
MBA, CA, ACCA, CFA, Data Science, Digital Marketing, and Event Management are some of the best professional courses after graduation.
Which course is best after graduation in commerce?
After BCom, the best professional courses include CA, CMA, ACCA, MBA Finance, and PGDM.
Which course is best for a high salary after graduation?
CA, MBA, CFA, Data Science, and IT Fintech courses offer high-paying jobs.
Can I do short-term courses after graduation?
Yes, you can opt for 6-month courses after graduation, such as Digital Marketing, Data Analytics, and Event Management, to enhance your skills and employability.
