In India, commerce as an educational stream is first opted at intermediate level i.e. at 10+2 level or after class 10th. At under graduate level, one can either study a bunch of subject to earn a B.Com. General degree or can opt for a particular subject as major to earn a B.Com. Hons. For example, if a candidate chooses to study Accountancy as major at Bachelors level then B.Com. (Hons.) in Accountancy is awarded. The student who makes outstanding performance in the final examination is awarded with distinction.

As part of post graduate studies, a candidate chooses to do specialization from the subjects that he / she have studied as part of Under Graduate studies; Commerce, / Accountancy, Business, / Finance etc . Master of Arts (MA) is awarded in the relevant subject. Thereafter one can go for research studies viz.  M.Phil. and Ph.D. 

Honorary doctorate degrees are awarded for outstanding contributions in particular fields of study or work.

Availability of professional courses in commerce makes it quite separate from conventional disciplines like literature and music. The knowledge of commerce also helps students who want to pursue management studies at a later stage (after graduation).

There are quite good numbers of Universities / Institutions / Departments across the globe offering programs in Commerce through dedicated departments of Commerce. The number of universities offering traditional programs in commerce in India is more than 300. A number of Apex Organizations both in India and Overseas are also involved in providing education and training in commerce at various levels like Certificate, Diploma, and Degree etc. The qualification earned from a professional organization makes a person eligible to practice the profession.

The universities and professional bodies conduct entrance examinations / qualifying examinations like, Under Graduate Entrance Test (UGET), Post Graduate Entrance Test (PGET) etc for admission. However, in some cases direct admissions are also offered to students on the basis of marks obtained in the last qualifying examination.

Some universities / institutes / colleges / departments conduct written test, interview, group discussions etc for admission. The admission criterion varies largely depending on the institute / department profile, course popularity, marketability, and the number of applicants etc.

The Indian Universities / Institutions and Colleges offers admission into different B.Com and M.Com degree programs, or research programs etc according to guidelines laid by the University Grants Commission (UGC), Ministry of Commerce and Industry and Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) of Government of India.