Each year, many students who have completed their Plus Two in commerce along with some professionals in Kerala find themselves in the same predicament: colleges are few, time is ticking away for jobs, and getting a conventional BCom degree through the traditional path just isn’t possible. Then comes the possibility of a UGC approved online BCom degree in Kerala, which might work well if done the right way. But with so many universities coming out with “online BCom” programs, selecting a credible and useful one has become more complicated than ever.
This guide covers everything you need to know about choosing a UGC approved online BCom degree in Kerala.
What Does “UGC Approved” Actually Mean for an Online BCom Degree?
Let’s begin with a clarification of the term itself. UGC stands for the University Grants Commission, which is the apex body regulating higher education in India. UGC-DEB is a specific wing within this institution that approves online and distance education courses. By UGC-DEB approved online BCom degree, we mean that:
- The degree is considered equivalent to an ordinary on-campus Bachelor of Commerce degree.
- It is eligible for government jobs, competitive exams, further studies such as MCom/MBA, and private-sector jobs.
- The university that offers the course satisfies UGC’s academic and infrastructural requirements for conducting online courses.
All these points apply to not all the “online degrees” promoted online as many of these are conducted by unrecognized universities or via distance learning that is not eligible for full-time employment. This is the exact reason why verification of UGC status is the very first thing that one should do before joining any UGC approved online BCom degree in Kerala.
Why More Students in Kerala Are Choosing an Online BCom Degree
Kerala has one of the highest Plus Two pass percentages in India, but the number of seats available for a degree is not keeping up with this trend. Thousands of eligible students are forced to stay out of a degree program in the stream of their choice. On the other hand, working people can’t pursue a course without taking a break from earning.
Online BCom degree courses address both of these issues because they allow you to:
- Study in the comfort of your home or office in your own time through pre-recorded lectures or live sessions.
- Cut down on costs for accommodation, transportation, and other expenses.
- Maintain a job or internship while pursuing your degree.
- Have access to the same curriculum that a regular BCom course offers such as accounting, taxation, business law, economics, and finance.
For commerce students in Kerala, a UGC-approved online BCom degree in Kerala is the way forward.
How to Choose a UGC Approved Online BCom Degree in Kerala: Step-by-Step
While looking for the best course is not just about selecting the cheapest one, nor the first search result on Google, below is an outlined process that you can follow for selection.
1. Confirm UGC-DEB Approval First
To begin with, make sure the university offers an online program which is recognized by the University Grants Commission – Distance Education Bureau, for the ongoing academic session. Though a university may have recognition for its regular courses, it is still necessary to confirm that the specific online BCom program offered by that university has been approved.
2. Look into NAAC Certification
In addition to UGC certification, consider getting information about the NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council) grades awarded to the universities offering UGC approved online BCom courses.
3. Compare the Curriculum and Specializations
Not all BCom courses are made the same way, despite having the same name. Check the curriculum, and see which subjects Financial Accounting, Cost Accounting, Business Statistics, Taxation, and Business Law are a must. Apart from the essential subjects, specializations like Banking & Finance, E-Commerce, Data Analytics, or Digital Marketing have become common for universities offering BCom courses. So, you can choose a course that offers you an updated curriculum.
4. Evaluate the Learning Platform and Flexibility
The effectiveness of the online BCom course largely depends on its platform. There are certain questions you should be asking before registering for a course:
- Are the courses live, recorded, or a combination of both?
- Is there an LMS platform where you can access course material and assignments and resolve your queries?
- How are the exams held, and who proctors them?
- What happens if you lag in a particular module?
It is only the format that makes an online BCom degree truly feasible for the working professional.
5. Check Fee Structure and Hidden Costs
Always make sure to consider the total cost of the course rather than per-semester fee structure. Also, inquire about the examination fees, study material fees, and other expenses. Generally, universities that provide a UGC approved online BCom degree in Kerala have an open fee structure along with EMI and instalment options.
6. Look at Placement Support and Career Outcomes
Although campus recruitment doesn’t happen in the case of online courses, there are some universities which provide career services such as resume building and job portal access. It will be best to check the career service facilities, especially if your aim is to change the career.
7. Read Reviews and Talk to Current Students
Real reviews by students about how much help the university provides regarding the studies and how responsive the counselling agency turns out to be once you become a student are important.
Common Mistakes Students Make When Choosing an Online BCom Program
- Assuming that any “online degree” would be a UGC approved one. It is important to check the status yourself.
- Selecting the program depending on the fee only. At times, even when opting for an affordable program with poor accreditation, a student may incur additional costs.
- Neglecting the NAAC rating of the university. The reputation of your program depends largely on this factor among others.
- Not researching about the examination and evaluation process. It may prove to be inconsistent and confusing.
- Missing out on counseling. In the absence of good counseling, a student selects a specialization or university which fails to fulfill his/her career objectives.
Avoiding these mistakes is sometimes the key to success for a UGC approved online BCom degree in Kerala.
How Enlinea Education Helps You Choose the Right UGC Approved Online BCom Degree in Kerala
Enlinea Education is an organization that is situated in Calicut, Kerala, and helps students and professionals in Kerala choose the correct path towards higher education for 8+ years now. Instead of suggesting just one university, we refer you to the best NAAC Accredited Universities in India providing UGC approved online UG and PG courses, including Online BCom courses designed to suit your needs.
Typically, some things that our counselling service will include are as follows:
- Personalized counselling in order to choose the best suited university and specialization for your interests.
- Clear understanding about UGC approval, NAAC grade and legitimacy of the program.
- Guidance throughout the whole admission process until enrollment.
- LMS, Assignment and Exam support during the course period.
- Career guidance after you graduate from the university.
If you are still comparing the universities and aren’t sure whether the program suits your profile or not, then you better have a chat with us before paying anything to any university.
Conclusion
Selecting a UGC approved online BCom program from Kerala can be much easier once you know the key things to consider. Make sure the course is UGC-DEB approved, check NAAC accreditation of the university, and compare curriculum and specialization options offered. The degree is a serious commitment to your career and future opportunities, so it should be chosen wisely.
For a personalized consultation regarding the best UGC approved online BCom program in Kerala for you, feel free to contact Enlinea Education – we’ll make it easy to compare courses and universities, verify their accreditation and help you apply successfully.
FAQs
What is meant by UGC approved online BCom degree?
A UGC approved online BCom is offered by universities approved by UGC’s Distance Education Bureau (UGC-DEB) for their online courses. Thus, such an online BCom holds equal value as regular BCom as far as employment, further studies and even government recruitment exams are concerned.
2. Is online BCom degree considered valid for government jobs in Kerala?
Yes, only if the university and program are approved by UGC-DEB. Online BCom degree approved by the University Grants Commission in Kerala will be considered equivalent to normal degree, thus considered valid for government jobs, PSC examinations and further studies.
3. How do I find out whether a university’s online BCom degree program is UGC approved?
Please check the website of UGC-DEB for latest list of approved universities/programmes. Remember that even if the university offers normal programme approved by the UGC, it may not be entitled for the same course online.
4. Can I join an MBA program after graduating with an online BCom degree?
Yes. An online BCom degree approved by UGC can be used for admission in all post-graduate courses including MBA, MCom etc., as it has the same equivalence as normal Bachelor of Commerce degree.
5. How much time it takes to complete an online BCom degree?
An online BCom degree generally involves 3 years of study divided into six semesters, similar to normal Bachelor of Commerce degree.