The main requirement to pursue studies in an MBA is a successful completion of a relevant degree, especially one that is business or management oriented; specific requirements may differ from one university to another. General Management Aptitude Test (GMAT) qualifications or any relevant work experience are also common considerations. GMAT is an entrance test globally recognized as an admission criteria for MBA institutes. Admission requirements for B.Com studies are based on qualifications of exams from recognized bodies for standards by universities in different countries. Secondary school and tertiary level qualifications are the most common requirements.
An MBA curriculum is designed to expose students to more advanced business subjects with more emphasis on technical management aspects, and it involves a lot of practical work and research through internship programs. A B.Com curriculum, on the other hand, is focused on learning general managerial skills through academic and practical business subjects at a lower level, which prepares students to further their studies.
MBA programs for full-time students often take about two years, with many subjects being taken within the first year of study and more focus to a specific subject in the second year. A B.Com for full-time students takes three to four years of study. Dual programs which allow students to take another degree together with the MBA may require up to five years of study.
An MBA program gives students an option to either take general business courses all through or to focus about 25 percent of their studies in a subject of specialization. Some common MBA concentration areas include accounting, finance, entrepreneurship, economics, marketing and organizational behavior. A B.Com does not allow for specialization but rather allows competence building in specific areas while generally undertaking both academic and practical business subjects relating to commerce and finance.