Commerce Subjects in Class 12: Complete List with Brief Syllabus

The Commerce stream is quite a popular choice among Indian students after Class 10. Moreover, Commerce subjects in Class 12, including Finance, Accounting, Economics, and Business Studies, offer a pathway to diverse and lucrative career opportunities in finance, banking, and business management.

Through this blog, we aim to bring a comprehensive guide of a list of Commerce subjects in Class 12, as well as an overview of the topics prescribed by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). So, without further ado, let’s get started!

What is Commerce Stream?

Commerce is a vast stream that aims to study the essentials of business operations and trade activities and encompasses different disciplines focusing on a specific area, like Economics, Accounting, and Business Studies, amongst others. It is generally opted for by those students who are interested in exploring the intricacies of how an economy functions or how businesses are managed.

Commerce subjects in Class 11 and 12 mainly encompass a combination of core and elective disciplines that explore the varied facets of commercial and industrial activities. Further, the Commerce stream offers lucrative careers in Commerce such as finance, banking, and education sectors, and is the gateway to major professional courses like Chartered Accountant, Company Secretary, Chartered Financial Analyst, etc.

Also Read: Highest Salary Jobs for Commerce Students

List of Core Commerce Subjects in Class 12

The major commerce subjects in Class 12 comprise Economics, Business Studies, English, and Accountancy, with an option to pick a fifth subject. While many go for Maths, others pick one from Fine Arts, Physical Education, language studies, or Computer-related disciplines. 

Whether one goes for commerce with Maths or not, there are varied career options available for candidates. Given below is the list of topics covered under commerce subjects in the Class 12th syllabus:

List of Commerce Subjects in Class 12	Type
Accountancy	Mandatory
Business Studies	Mandatory
English	Mandatory
Economics	Mandatory
Mathematics	Optional
Informatics Practices	Optional
Psychology	Optional
Physical Education	Optional

Core Commerce Subjects in Class 12th

Now that you are familiar with the basic details pertaining to the commerce subjects in class 12th, let us understand the syllabus of the compulsory subjects in detail.

Accountancy Subject for Class 12

Accountancy is a core mandatory Commerce subject in class 12, which provides a core understanding of financial statements, designing accounting databases, accounting processes, Accounting Standards, Statements and Analysis, maintaining a record of business transactions, etc.

The Accountancy class 12 curriculum contains two books: Accounting for Partnership Firms and Companies, and Financial Statement Analysis. Here is a list of essential topics covered under this subject: 

• Part A: Accounting for Partnership Firms and Companies: The units covered in this book include Partnership Fundamentals: Definition, features, nature, Partnership Deed, Fixed vs. Fluctuating Capital Accounts, Profit and Loss Appropriation Account, Goodwill (valuation, AS 26). Reconstitution of Partnership: Change in Profit-Sharing Ratio (sacrificing/gaining ratio, revaluation), Admission of a Partner (goodwill, capital adjustments), Retirement and Death of a Partner (profit share, revaluation). Dissolution of Partnership Firm: Meaning, partnership vs. firm, settlement of accounts (Realization Account, Capital Accounts). Accounting for Companies: Share Capital (issue, forfeiture, reissue, ESOP, Schedule III disclosure), Debentures (issue, redemption, discount write-off).
• Part B: Financial Statement Analysis: Chapters covered in this book include the Financial Statements of a Company (Profit and Loss, Balance Sheet per Schedule III), Financial Statement Analysis: Tools for Analysis (Comparative Statements, Common-Size Statements). Accounting Ratios: Liquidity, Solvency, Activity, Profitability), Cash Flow Statement: Meaning, objectives, benefits, cash and cash equivalents. (Indirect Method, AS 3).
• OR
• Computerized Accounting: Application in generating accounting information (Bank Reconciliation, ratio analysis), data entry, validation, and preparation of financial statements using software.
• Marks: Theory (80), Project Work (20).

Also Read: Economics Project for Class 12

Class 12 Business Studies Subject

Business Studies delves deep understanding of how different kinds of businesses work, the business environment, and trade on economic, political, and social factors, as well as analytical and critical thinking towards the market.

There are two books in the Business Studies class 12th curriculum: Principles and Functions of Management and Business Finance and Marketing. Given below is a list of topics covered under this Commerce subject in class 12:

• Principles and Functions of Management: The units covered in this book are Nature and Significance of Management: Concept, objectives, and importance. Planning: Process, types. Organizing: Structure, delegation. Staffing: Recruitment, selection, training. Directing: Leadership, motivation, communication. Controlling: Process, techniques.
• Business Finance and Marketing: Financial Management: Objectives, financial planning, capital structure. Financial Markets: Money market, capital market, stock exchange. Marketing: Marketing mix, product, price, place, promotion. Consumer Protection: Rights, responsibilities, redressal mechanisms.
• Marks: Theory (80), Project Work (20).

Economics Subject for Class 12

Economics can be defined as the study of the economy, nations, and international markets. This Commerce subject in class 12 is broadly divided into two parts, Macro and Micro. In class 12 Economics, students have two books- Introductory Microeconomics and Introductory Microeconomics. Below we have enlisted several topics included under both Economics books:

• Introductory Microeconomics: Topics covered in this book are Introduction to Microeconomics, Consumer Equilibrium and Demand, Producer Behavior and Supply, and Forms of Market and Price Determination.
• Introductory Macroeconomics: Units covered in class 12 Macroeconomics include Introduction to Macroeconomics, National Income and Related Aggregates, Money and Banking, Determination of Income and Employment, Government Budget and the Economy, and Balance of Payments.

English (Core) Subject for Class 12

English is a mandatory subject in every stream, be it Science, Commerce, or Humanities. Students learn and sharpen their listening, speaking, and writing skills in the language through this subject. Key components include:

• Reading Comprehension: Analysis of unseen passages (Factual, discursive, and literary passages, note-making, summarizing)
• Literature: Flamingo (Prose and Poetry): Themes, character sketches, critical analysis. Vistas (Supplementary Reader): Short stories, thematic understanding.
• Writing Skills: Short compositions (notices, posters), long compositions (articles, reports, speeches), letter writing (job applications, formal/informal letters).

Elective Subjects in Class 12 Commerce

In addition to the core Commerce subjects in Class 12, students must continue with the elective subjects they generally selected in Class 11. These optional subjects enable students to customize their learning experience based on their interests and future aspirations. Here is a list of some frequently available elective subjects for 12th-grade Commerce students:

• Informatics Practices
• Mathematics
• Physical Education
• Home Science 
• Psychology 
• Language Studies (Hindi, French, German)
• Fine Arts

Mathematics Subject for Class 12

Though optional, Class 12 Mathematics remains a popular choice among Commerce subjects in Class 12. When studied alongside Economics, it significantly broadens career prospects across various industries, i.e., finance, data analysis, actuarial science, and more. Below is an overview of the Class 12 Mathematics syllabus:

• Relations and Functions
• Algebra (matrices, determinants).
• Calculus (differentiation, integration).
• Vectors and Three-Dimensional Geometry
• Linear programming.
• Probability and statistics.

Physical Education Subject for Class 12

Physical Education is one of the most opted elective subjects in both classes 11th and 12th. This Elective subject in class 12 covers Planning, Yoga & Lifestyle, Sports for Children With Special Needs, Nutrition, and Children & Women in Sports are the 5 major modules covered under this course. Moreover, the curriculum builds a foundation for pursuing a career in Physical Education!

Fine Arts Subject for Class 12

Under the Fine Arts subject in class 12th, one can choose any module between Graphics, Commercial Art, Sculpture, or Painting. The syllabus of Fine Arts, as a Commerce subject in Class 12, is well-structured and lays the foundation for starting a career in any of the aforementioned fields.

Informatics Practices

Informatics Practices focuses on computer applications and data management, ideal for students interested in technology-driven business roles. Key topics include:

• Database management using SQL.
• Python programming for data analysis.
• Networking and cybersecurity basics.

Other Electives in Commerce Subject

Other elective options in the Commerce subject in Class 12 include:

• Psychology: Study of human behaviour and mental processes, useful for HR and marketing roles.
• Language Studies: Hindi, French, or other languages for cultural and professional versatility.
• Home Science: It covers nutrition, human development, fabric, resource management, and communication.

Also Read: Toughest Courses in the World: 19+ Hardest Courses 2025

Career After 12th Commerce

An array of career paths can be explored by those who qualify for the Class 12th examinations with a commerce background. Having studied a Commerce subject in class 12 opens doors to vocational courses, honours courses, and professional courses, along with government exams, which are open for students belonging to this field.

Here are some of the popular courses you can pursue after completing class 12th from Commerce:

• Bachelor of Commerce (BCom)
• Bachelor of Management Studies (BMS)
• Bachelor of Business Studies (BBS)
• Bachelor’s in Business Administration (BBA)
• Chartered Accountancy (CA)
• Chartered Financial Analyst Program (CFA)
• Company Secretary Program (CS)
• Master of Commerce (M.Com)
• Master in Business Administration (MBA); Business, Operations; Finance;  Marketing; Banking; HR

Studying Commerce in Class 12 equips students with essential skills for thriving in the dynamic world of business and finance. By mastering the core Commerce subjects in class 12, like Accountancy, Business Studies, and Economics, and choosing electives aligned with their interests, students can build a strong foundation for rewarding careers.

FAQs

Relatable Reads

How to Reduce Education Loan Interest Rates?	7 Insider Tips to Make Your Study Abroad Application Unforgettable
8+ Best Duolingo Writing Tips	ICICI Bank Exchange Rate for Your Study Abroad Journey
Top 5 Time Management Tips for the PTE Listening Section	Government Education Loans to Study Abroad

Thus, we hope this blog has helped in enlisting Commerce Subjects in Class 12. If you are looking for professional courses after the 12th commerce stream but are not sure where to study, don’t worry. Just reach out to our experts at Leverage Edu who will help you find a suitable course and university that aligns with your interests!