Top 7 Professional Degree Courses in India

Planning to pursue a professional degree courses in India right after the 12th? You’re not the only one. As the race for building a successful career intensifies, it is important to gain cutting-edge professional skills to get entry into any big industry or company. And for that, you need a professional degree by your side that can equip you with industry-specific knowledge and futuristic skills. While scrolling through various job opportunities on the internet or while speaking to your peers, you must have come across several career options lined up on your way. Some of them offer high compensation, while some of them offer global scope, and some have a high demand as well as growth opportunities. In between a sea of options, it can be difficult to decide which career stream is the right one for you.

That’s why we’re about to make the most difficult decision of your learning period, a seamless one. We are about to present you with the top professionals of 2025 you should certainly watch out for.

How to Choose Professional Courses in India

Therefore it is crucial to select the correct professional course, which can have a major effect on the variation of your life. Follow these steps to make the right decision:

1. Take the Interest and Strength Test: Discover your likes, strengths and interests. It will then assist you in picking a course that caters to both your human and professional ambitions. Talk to a career counsellor or someone in your chosen field about what interests you and what motivates you.

2. Research the Courses: Check the curriculum of courses you are interested in and see if the course you plan to take covers material compatible with your career goals. Find out how long the course is, and whether it runs in a format that fits with your lifestyle (part-time or full-time online/offline).

3. Evaluate the Institution: Make sure the institution offering the course is accredited by relevant authorities. The same goes for reputation—research what people are saying about the school, who you would be learning from and with, and student reviews.

4. Consider the Career Prospects: Check the placement record of the course and college. The higher the placement rate, the more you can look forward to prospects in career-building. Go for classes that offer real-world-oriented learning and networking opportunities.

5. Analyze the Costs: You can compare the fees of different courses concerning various institutions. Make sure they are worth the investment. Check for scholarships or grants and explore loan opportunities to try to keep the costs down.

6. Look at Additional Benefits: A few courses also have bonus certifications, which you can again add to your resume. Hands-on practice with internships and projects can be a big plus point of getting job impacts.

7. Read Reviews and Testimonials: Contact alumni or read reviews to know exactly how they have experienced. The best way to look for these ratings is from educational forums, websites etc.

8. Plan for the Future: To build a successful career, you must look for courses that help in achieving your long-term goals. Determine whether the course offers progress opportunities or pathways to higher studies.

Choosing a professional course in India When opting for a professional course in India, you must take into account your area of interest, the syllabus of the course, the reputation of the institution that offers it, employment opportunities after graduation, and so on. You should go through these steps to create a firm decision which is one of the basic pillars for pursuing a successful career.

Top Professional Courses To Pursue In 2025

1. Association of Chartered Certified Accountants(ACCA)

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants qualification is a wonderful way to start a career in accounting and finance because it is a globally recognized course with industry-relevant content. It consists of three levels and requires extensive practice and training to complete. Online coaching institutions like Zell Education can help you complete the course with flying colours.

Eligibility: 

Candidates must be at least 18 years old and pass a 10+2 examination with a minimum of 65% in Mathematics, Accounts, and English, as well as at least 50% in other subjects.

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Scope:

– Financial Accountant

– Management Accountant

– Corporate Treasurer

– Financial Controller

– Finance Manager

ACCA Salary

Source

2. Chartered Financial Analyst

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) is a position designated by the CFA Institute. Companies employ CFAs in large numbers at various positions for their specialised knowledge in finance. They are hired for various roles such as Portfolio Management, Consulting, and Risk Management, to name a few.  The field offers vast opportunities in the world of finance and necessitates a steep learning curve. If you have recently completed your graduation or are appearing for your final semester, you may be eligible to become a CFA. Interested? We highly recommend checking out our Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) course.

Eligibility: 

If you are in the final year of graduation, you can appear for the Chartered Financial Analyst level 1 examination. However, in certain cases, you may be eligible for CFA without graduation provided you have a minimum of 4 years of relevant work experience.

Scope:

• Portfolio Manager
• Equity Research Analyst
• Financial Analyst
• Investment Banker
• Risk Manager
• Financial Consultant
• Fund Manager

The Average Salary of CFA Professionals

Source

3. Financial Risk Manager (FRM)

A Financial Risk Manager is responsible for analysing and quantifying potential risks to the company’s assets and financial landscape. The certification of FRM is accredited by the Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP) after successfully passing two competitive examinations as well as gaining at least two years of experience in the field of Risk Management.

Eligibility:

An undergraduate in the final year of their degree can also apply for the FRM course. However, you need to clear your part 1 to appear for the part two examinations. Within the 5 years of your learning journey, you must also have 2 years of relevant work experience. 

Scope: 

• Risk Analyst
• Risk Manager
• Credit Risk Analyst
• Market Risk Analyst
• Regulatory Risk Analyst

FRM Salary

Source

4. Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

If you’d like to move to the US and practice as a Chartered Accountant, you must get a US CPA degree issued by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Some Indian MNCs also prefer a CPA degree for some of their finance-based roles. As a CA holding a CPA degree, you will be working on tasks like Assurance Services, Forensic Accounting, Tax and Financial Planning, International Accounting, as well as Internal and External Auditing. The initial salary of a CPA ranges from INR 6-7 LPA. If this course interests you and you wish to receive the best coaching guidance, check out our Certified Public Accountant program details.

Eligibility

If you are appearing for the CPA exam, you must have already completed 120 credits. However, you will need 150 credit hours to become certified and get your full US CPA license which leaves a 30 credit gap that you need to fill. You have the option of getting two bachelor’s degrees or one bachelor’s degree and one master’s degree to fill the gap.

Scope

• Financial Controller
• Public Accountant
• Financial Manager
• Internal Auditor

CPA Salary

Source

5. MBA in Finance

MBA in Finance is one of the most renowned and reputed courses to opt for. MBA stands for Master of Business Administration. It is a 2-year course where students get specialised and cross-functional proficiency in financial management. This course helps them qualify for managerial positions and grow in their careers, which then leads to a satisfactory income. There are various subjects in which the students are trained in this course such as Principles of Accounting, Business Intelligence, Principles of Marketing Management, Strategic Management Tools and Frameworks for Decision Making, Managerial Economics and much more. 

Eligibility: 

Candidates are required to complete a Bachelor’s degree of a minimum 3 years duration in any discipline from a recognized university. Candidates should also qualify for any nationalised entrance examination such as CAT/MAT/GMAT/XAT/NMAT, etc.

Scope

• Financial Analyst
• Management Consultant
• Cash Manager
• Credit Managers
• Insurance Managers
• Accounting Manager

MBA Salary

Source

6. Certified Management Accounting (CMA)

The United States Institute for Management Associates (IMA) has their global certification for CMA – Certified Management Accountant. Aspirants from managerial backgrounds who wish to pursue a career in the finance domain attempt the CMA exam for their highly coveted credentials. Only the students/professionals who have completed their graduation can appear for this certification. With numerous people attempting this certification course, it becomes equally essential for students to have a competitive edge over other students. Zell Education’s CMA course gives you this edge as you prepare using our exclusive study material, mock tests, and preparatory classes. 

Eligibility: For the foundation level, the applicant must have completed their secondary education from a recognised board and also need to have any one of the following education qualifications:

• Passing mark sheet of class 12th
• National Diploma in Commerce
• Diploma in Rural Service Examination from a recognized board 

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Scope:

• Management Accountant
• Financial Risk Manager
• Internal Auditor
• Cost Accountant
• CFO

US CMA salary

Source 

7. Company Secretary

A Company Secretary (CS) is the most preferred course after 12th commerce due to the demand for these professionals in every industry and every field. A Company Secretary is the one who handles major responsibilities of maintaining documents, organising meetings, recording data, and ensuring the decisions made by the board of directors are well implemented. After completing this course most professionals receive exciting offers to work with dynamic CEOs, investors, and high-profile individuals.

Eligibility:

To register for the Foundation Level for the Company Secretary degree you need to pass your 10+2 exams. For the Executive level, the minimum eligibility is CSEET or Graduation/ foundation program.

Scope:

• Company Registrar
• Chief Administrative Officer
• Tax Management Officer
• Corporate Planner
• Corporate Policymaker
• Legal Advisor
• Principal Secretary

CS Salary

Source

BBA with ACCA

The Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) integration is a comprehensive program that blends business administration education with advanced accounting and finance training. This course equips students with a robust understanding of business management principles while simultaneously preparing them for the globally recognized ACCA qualification.

Eligibility

Educational Qualifications: Completion of 10+2 or equivalent with a minimum percentage as specified by the institution.

Subject Requirements: Preferably commerce stream students, though students from other streams may also apply.

Entrance Exams: Some institutions might require students to pass an entrance exam or have a good score in standardized tests like SAT or institution-specific exams.

Scope

Graduates of the BBA with ACCA program can pursue a variety of job profiles, including:

• Financial Analyst
• Management Accountant
• Internal Auditor
• Tax Consultant
• Financial Planner
• Corporate Treasurer
• Business Analyst

MBA with ACCA

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) with ACCA integration is designed for individuals aiming to elevate their careers in business and finance. This advanced program combines strategic business education with the rigorous accounting and financial standards of the ACCA qualification, producing highly skilled professionals ready for senior management roles.

Eligibility

Educational Qualifications: A bachelor’s degree in any discipline with a minimum percentage as required by the institution.

Work Experience: Some institutions prefer or require relevant work experience (typically 2-3 years).

Entrance Exams: Scores from GMAT, GRE, or institution-specific entrance exams.

Scope

Graduates of the MBA with ACCA program can explore a wide range of job profiles, such as:

• Financial Manager
• Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
• Management Consultant
• Corporate Controller
• Finance Director
• Investment Banker
• Senior Financial Analyst

CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants)

CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants) is a leading global qualification for management accountants, focusing on accounting for business. The CIMA program equips professionals with the skills needed to manage and deliver value within an organization, covering financial and management accounting, strategy, and risk management.

Eligibility

Educational Qualifications: Open to all graduates, though students with a background in business, finance, or accounting may find it easier to meet the prerequisites.

Professional Experience: No specific work experience is required, but relevant experience may be beneficial.

Entry Routes: Various entry levels depending on prior qualifications and experience, such as direct entry for graduates or exemptions for those with relevant qualifications.

Scope

CIMA-qualified professionals can pursue various job profiles, including:

• Management Accountant
• Business Analyst
• Financial Controller
• Cost Accountant
• Risk Manager
• Financial Consultant
• Strategic Planner

CIMA Salary

Admission Procedure for Professional Courses in India

Navigating the admission process for professional courses in India can be streamlined by following these key steps:

Research and Shortlist Courses and Institutions

Identify Interests: Determine which professional course aligns with your career goals and interests.

Shortlist Institutions: Research and create a list of reputable institutions offering your chosen course.

Check Eligibility Criteria

Academic Requirements: Ensure you meet the minimum educational qualifications required for the course.

Entrance Exams: Find out if the course requires any entrance exams, such as CAT, JEE, NEET, or GATE.

Prepare for Entrance Exams

Study Material: Gather the necessary study materials and resources.

Coaching Classes: Consider enrolling in coaching classes if needed.

Mock Tests: Take mock tests to assess your preparation and improve your performance.

Application Process

Application Forms: Fill out application forms for your shortlisted institutions. This can usually be done online through the institution’s official website.

Documents Required: Prepare necessary documents, such as academic transcripts, identification proofs, and passport-sized photographs.

Application Fee: Pay the required application fee, if applicable.

Entrance Exam and Results

Exam Schedule: Keep track of exam dates and ensure you have your admit card ready.

Results: Check the results on the official website and note the score required for admission.

Counseling and Interviews

Counselling Sessions: Participate in counselling sessions if required by the institution.

Interviews: Prepare for and attend personal interviews or group discussions as part of the selection process.

Admission Confirmation

Offer Letter: If selected, you will receive an offer letter from the institution.

Fee Payment: Pay the admission fee to confirm your seat.

Document Verification: Submit all required documents for verification.

Enrollment

Orientation: Attend orientation sessions and complete the enrollment process.

Commencement of Classes: Begin your classes as per the academic calendar.

Advantages of Doing Professional Courses in India

Choosing to pursue professional courses in India comes with numerous benefits:

Quality Education

Reputed Institutions: India is home to many prestigious institutions like IITs, IIMs, AIIMS, and more, known for their high educational standards.

Expert Faculty: Learn from experienced and highly qualified professors and industry experts.

Affordable Fees

Cost-Effective: Compared to many other countries, professional courses in India are more affordable.

Financial Aid: Availability of scholarships, grants, and educational loans to support your studies.

Diverse Course Options

Wide Range of Disciplines: Choose from a vast array of professional courses in engineering, medicine, law, management, arts, and more.

Specialisations: Opportunity to specialise in niche areas within your chosen field.

Global Recognition

Accredited Programs: Many Indian institutions offer programs that are globally recognised and accredited.

International Collaboration: Access to exchange programs and collaborations with international universities.

Strong Industry Connections

Internship Opportunities: Gain practical experience through internships with leading companies and organisations.

Placement Assistance: Dedicated placement cells in institutions help secure job placements in top companies.

Cultural Diversity

Multicultural Environment: Study in a culturally diverse environment that enriches your learning experience.

Networking: Build a strong network of peers from various backgrounds and regions.

Technological Advancements

Modern Facilities: Access to state-of-the-art laboratories, libraries, and research centres.

Innovation and Research: Engage in innovative projects and research initiatives.

Pursuing professional courses in India offers quality education, affordability, diverse options, global recognition, industry connections, cultural diversity, and technological advancements. These advantages make India a favorable destination for students aspiring to excel in their chosen professions.

FAQ’s on Professional Degree Courses in India:

Which is the best professional course?

The best professional course depends on your career goals, interests, and industry demand.

Which degree has more value?

Degrees in technology, business administration, and healthcare typically have high value due to their broad applicability and demand.

Which course is best for future 2025?

Courses in data science, artificial intelligence, and sustainable energy are projected to be highly valuable in 2025.

Which degree has the highest scope?

Degrees in computer science and business administration generally have the highest scope due to their versatility and job market demand.

Partham Barot is an ACCA-certified professional. showcasing his expertise in finance and accountancy. he’s revolutionising education by focusing on practical, real-world skills. Partham’s achievements underscore his commitment to elevating educational standards and empowering the next generation of professionals.