Many students who complete their graduation often find themselves confused about their next step. Should they pursue a master's degree like M.Com or focus on a professional course like B.Ed? What if they want to pursue both? Can it be done at the same time? In this blog, we'll explore whether it's possible to do M.Com and B.Ed together, UGC and NCTE guidelines, eligibility requirements, career scope, and practical advice for students.
Let's help you make a wise decision about your education and career.
Courses: M.Com and B.Ed
Before we explore the possibility of pursuing both degrees together, it's essential to know what each course offers and how they support different career goals.
M.Com (Master of Commerce) is a two-year postgraduate program aimed at students from a commerce background who want to specialize in finance or academics. The course curriculum generally covers:
- Accounting and Financial Management
- Business Economics and Taxation
- Corporate Laws and Business Studies
- Advanced Commerce Concepts
This degree is ideal for students planning to build careers in banking, corporate finance, teaching, or research.
B.Ed (Bachelor of Education), on the other hand, is a professional course for those aiming to become teachers in schools. It trains students in both the theory and practical aspects of teaching. The core focus areas include:
- Teaching Methodologies
- Classroom Management Techniques
- Child Development and Educational Psychology
- Lesson Planning and Evaluation Skills
The B.Ed degree is essential for applying to government or private school teaching jobs, especially for TGT and PGT positions.
By understanding what each program offers, students can make an informed decision about pursuing an M.Com and B.Ed together, depending on their career path.
Can You Do M.Com and B.Ed Together?
The answer is: Yes, you can – but with conditions.
According to the University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines, students can pursue two degrees simultaneously. Still, only one can be in a regular mode, and the other must be in distance or online mode.
So, you can do:
- M.Com in regular mode + B.Ed in distance mode or
- B.Ed in regular mode + M.Com in distance mode
But not both in regular mode at the same time.
🔍 UGC Rule: Students can pursue two degrees simultaneously, provided one is through distance/online learning, and the other is in regular mode.
Eligibility Criteria for M.Com and B.Ed
Let's look at eligibility for both courses to see if you qualify.
For M.Com
- You must have a Bachelor's degree in Commerce (B.Com or equivalent).
- The minimum marks required vary from 45% to 50%, depending on the university.
- Admission is based on merit or entrance exams, depending on the institution.
For B.Ed
- You must have a graduation degree (B.A, B.Sc, B.Com or equivalent).
- A minimum of 50% marks in graduation is usually required.
- Some universities conduct entrance exams for B.Ed admissions.
Benefits of Doing M.Com and B.Ed Together
Doing both courses together can save time and open up wider career options. Here's how:
1. Dual Career Opportunities
You can apply for teaching positions at schools (B.Ed) and colleges (M.Com) or even take government exams for both sectors.
2. Better Academic Qualification
A master's degree and a professional teaching qualification boost your resume and increase your chances of selection.
3. Cost and Time Efficient
Completing both degrees in two years (instead of four) saves money and time, especially when one of the courses is taken via distance learning.
4. Eligibility for PGT and Lecturer Jobs
After clearing the NET or TET exams, you can apply for Post Graduate Teacher (PGT) positions in schools and assistant professor roles in colleges.
How to Manage M.Com and B.Ed Together?
Balancing two courses may seem challenging, but with the proper planning, it's possible.
- Choose One Course in Distance Mode
You can opt for a B.Ed or M.Com through a recognized distance education university like IGNOU, MDU, or DU SOL.
- Create a Study Schedule
Plan your time so that you can attend regular classes for one course and study the other during your free time.
- Keep Exam Dates in Mind
Make sure the exam schedules of both universities don't clash. If one is in online mode, this can be managed.
- Use Online Resources
Use e-learning platforms and mobile apps for easy study material, mock tests, and notes for both courses.
Important Tip: Choose Recognized Universities
While pursuing B.Ed or M.Com in distance mode, make sure the university is:
- UGC-DEB approved
- NCTE approved (for B.Ed)
- Known for quality education and student support
Some top universities offering distance education:
- IGNOU
- MDU Rohtak
- Kurukshetra University
- Annamalai University
- Lovely Professional University (LPU)
What About Job Prospects After Completing Both?
Pursuing an M.Com and B.Ed can significantly boost your career options in education and the corporate world. This unique combination allows you to apply for various roles depending on your interest—teaching, working in the private sector, or preparing for competitive exams.
Here's how the job scope looks after completing both degrees:
Teaching Jobs
If you're passionate about education, this combination opens the door to several teaching roles:
- Primary or Secondary School Teacher (with a B.Ed degree)
- PGT (Post Graduate Teacher) for Commerce in higher secondary schools
- Lecturer or Assistant Professor in Commerce, especially after clearing UGC NET
Private Sector Jobs
M.Com also helps you build a strong base in Commerce, which is helpful in many private sector roles such as:
- Accountant or Financial Analyst
- Tax Consultant
- Finance Executive in companies or startups
- Banking and Insurance Roles
Competitive Exams
After completing both degrees, you become eligible for many government exams, including:
- SSC (Staff Selection Commission)
- UGC NET for lectureship
- TET (Teacher Eligibility Test) for school-level teaching
- UPSC and State PSCs for administrative or commerce-related positions
If you wish to expand your career further, consider pursuing a Correspondence MBA later. It allows you to gain business and management skills without leaving your job or teaching role.
UGC and NCTE Guidelines You Must Know
To pursue M.Com and B.Ed together, you must meet the following official criteria:
- One course must be taken either by distance or online.
- UGC must recognize the university, and B.Ed courses must be approved by NCTE.
- You cannot attend two regular courses at the same time.
Common Student Queries
Can I do B.Ed and M.Com in regular mode together?
As per UGC guidelines, you cannot do two regular degree programs simultaneously.
Which one should be in distance mode?
That depends on your career goals. If you want to be a school teacher, do B.Ed in regular mode. If you're more interested in finance and academics, choose M.Com as a regular.
Is doing an M.Com and B.Ed together valuable?
Absolutely. It saves time, enhances your qualifications, and increases your job options in education and commerce.
Final Thoughts
Pursuing M.Com and B.Ed together is a smart option for students who want to keep their career paths flexible. Whether your goal is to become a PGT teacher, apply for lecturer posts, or prepare for competitive exams, having both degrees will definitely strengthen your profile and open more opportunities.
It’s important to follow the UGC guidelines, enroll in recognized universities, and manage your time effectively since handling two courses requires discipline. For those considering further studies, the option of doing B.Ed and MA together is also available and can be a great combination, especially if you want to explore teaching and academic research.
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