In the ever-changing nature of the learning environment, students are finding more career paths that may not correspond to their first academic streams. One question which often comes is: Is it possible for a student of commerce to do a B.Tech? Although it may appear unusual, the chance will rely upon a number of academic and institutional aspects. This article explores a wide range of options, eligibility and pathways for commerce students that expect to undertake Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) degree.
Traditional B.Tech Eligibility criteria – Understanding it.
In traditional sense, B.Tech is a professional undergraduate course in engineering which has been a paper of strong roots in science subjects especially physics, chemistry and mathematics (PCM). Only very few universities and technical institutions of India that are not even the prestigious ones like Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and National Institutes of Technology (NITs) accept the candidates who have studied other subjects except PCM in their 10+2 level for B.Tech programs.
This requirement is a major stumbling block for commerce students that have not taken science subjects at the high school level. Hence, direct admission to traditional B. Tech courses may not be possible unless the student has taken mathematics as his/her additional subject, and meets the institutional criteria.
But is there an exception to the rule?
Though not popularly the case, there are specialised branches and institutions of the B.Tech programs that can be flexible on accepting even the science stream stream students. New streams such as B.Tech Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, or Information Technology also can often compromise in eligibility, especially in private or deemed universities. Some colleges give admission to students with a commerce background in tech-oriented courses without the inclusion of core engineering modules.
Furthermore, among the popular models of education there come interdisciplinary ones. Certain institutions are starting to see the substance behind different academic backgrounds, especially if we are talking about areas which mix technology and business. For instance, B.Tech programs that offer a specialization in Financial Technology (FinTech), Business Analytics or E-Commerce Technology might accept students from Commerce with conditions that a particular student would have a background in math or application of computers to support them.
Other formularies for students of commerce with technology interest
Even though, the standard B.Tech mode might not be accessible for majority of the commerce students, there are various alternative academic options for them which can help them earn an entry into the technology field.
One of them is to earn a Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) and then get a MCA or even an M.Tech. The said BCA programs are focused on establishing basic knowledge on the sphere of software development, programming, and computer systems – they may be a suitable choice for commerce students who want to build a career in technology.
Another course of action is to follow professional certifications and diploma courses in such fields as data analytics, web development, blockchain technology, or software engineering. These credentials in combination with real life experience and projects can at times be used as a substitute to a formal B.Tech degree.
Interdisciplinary skills are becoming increasingly important.
In the contemporary business environment where there is a mixing of technology and commerce, there is an emerging call for professionals who are well informed on the two realms. Examples of such areas would be Financial Technology, Digital Marketing, Cybersecurity in finance, and E-Commerce Management that are the ideal examples of a technical knowledge support for commerce background.
This synergy is the reason why commerce students who upskill in technology are very valuable in the job market. Absent a conventional B.Tech title, they can work in tech-oriented jobs if they gain sufficient technical skills through other pursuits of an academic or a practical nature.
Can Commerce Students try for an engineering entrance examination?
However, the criterion for engineering entrance tests such as JEE- Main and JEE -Advanced is very strict and requires the candidates to have passed their 10+2 with PCM subjects. This implies that commerce students without mathematics and science cannot qualify for these national level examinations.
But at times there are different requirements for state and private university entrance exams. Commerce students should properly confirm with the institutions or entrance examination boards to know the requirements. Some of the private engineering colleges might have their own entrance tests or have a reservation of seats on a management quota basis where the requirements may be slightly lenient, especially if the candidate had taken up bridging courses or other studies in related fields.
Of the significance of career counseling and academic planning.
For all those commerce students who have a keen interest in technology and who desire to pursue a B.Tech degree, the services of career counseling come to the fore. If you know the academic options available, the entrance exam requirements and some of the available bridge courses you can make informed decisions.
Even early academic planning in high school could also provide more options. For instance, commerce students who take mathematics or computer science as elective subject may enhance ones chances in tech-based programs. Thus, if you are studying in high school, the inclusion of technical subjects into you learning program can immensely contribute to your future prospects as an engineer or a scientist.
Significance of online studies and certificates
The contemporary digital world has increasingly obliterated the boundaries existing between various academic streams. Online platforms for education are full of technology-oriented courses and a lot (or even some) of them are recognized by employers, even by universities.
Numerous students of commerce can use such platforms as Coursera, edX, Udemy, etc. to obtain the required knowledge in programming languages, software development, artificial intelligence and so on. Some of the certificates offered are in partnership with the top universities and could be used in awarding of academic credits depending on institute involved.
Such certifications have the potential of enhancing your resume and your technical expertise to both prospective employers or admission committees which will boost your cause for entry to the tech world even without a conventional B.Tech degree.
Final Thoughts on the Chances of the Commerce Students undertaking B.Tech
Therefore, is a student of commerce capable of doing B. Tech? Technically, the traditional path might not be a direct one since there are eligibility requirements depending on high school subjects. However, the changing educational ecosystem is opening new doors for the students from various backgrounds when it comes to penetrating into the world of technology.
Although core branches like Mechanical, Civil or Electrical Engineering may still be closed, technology-based fields such as Computer Applications, Data Science, or E-Commerce Technology are being more and more open to commerce background students who are taking active measures to acquire the requisite qualification and skills.
In the world that’s changing so rapidly and cross disciplinary knowledge is very much valued a commerce student with deep interest in technology should not be deterred. Instead they should consider other options for academic, online learning, certifications, or emerging tech programs that fit into their personal interest and career goals.