If you have a BCom, the two master’s degrees you will hear about most are the MCom and the MBA. Both are two-year postgraduate degrees, both can be studied online, and both are respected. But they lead in different directions. This guide helps you choose.
The short answer
- Choose an MCom if you want to go deeper into accounts, tax, finance or teaching, or you are preparing for exams such as UGC-NET.
- Choose an MBA if you want to manage people, teams or a business, or you want to move into marketing, HR or general management.
What you study
MCom
An online MCom builds directly on your BCom. You study advanced financial and corporate accounting, cost and management accounting, taxation, financial management, auditing, statistics and research methodology, usually with a project or dissertation.
MBA
An online MBA is broader. The first year covers management, marketing, finance, people and operations. In the second year you specialise, for example in Finance, Marketing, HR or Business Analytics. See our guide to online MBA specialisations.
Who each one suits
An MCom suits you if
- You enjoy accounting, tax and finance and want to specialise further
- You work in accounts, audit or banking and want a deeper qualification
- You want to teach commerce in a college (you will also need UGC-NET or a state eligibility test)
- You are interested in research
An MBA suits you if
- You want to lead a team or move into management
- You want to switch to marketing, HR, operations or analytics
- You plan to run or grow a business
- You want a degree that is widely understood across industries
Career paths
After an MCom: accountant, tax consultant, auditor, financial analyst, banking officer, accounts manager, and commerce lecturer with UGC-NET or SET.
After an MBA: business analyst, marketing manager, HR manager, financial analyst, operations manager and business development manager, depending on your specialisation.
If finance is your goal, both can work: an MCom gives deeper accounting knowledge, while an MBA in Finance adds management skills.
Eligibility
- MCom: usually a BCom, BBA or a related degree.
- MBA: any graduation, so it is also open to graduates from other streams.
Some universities set minimum marks. Your counsellor will check your eligibility for each university.
Can you do both?
Yes, and some people do: an MCom for subject depth and an MBA later for management. But for most working professionals, one well-chosen master’s degree is enough. Pick the one that matches the job you want next.
Where to study
Both are offered online by several UGC-DEB approved universities. Through NeoSkill, you can study either one from several UGC-DEB approved universities. Every program includes free Finishing School, a personal mentor and printed study kits. Compare them on our online PG courses page, check your scholarship, or talk to a counsellor.
Frequently asked questions
Is an MBA better paid than an MCom?
It depends on the role, the employer and your experience more than on the degree. Management roles often pay more over time, but a strong finance or accounts profile with an MCom can do just as well.
Which is easier to study online while working?
Both are designed for working learners. An MCom may feel more familiar if you have a BCom, while an MBA covers more new subjects in the first year.