The Commerce Entrance Exam 2026 is the gateway for admission to undergraduate, postgraduate and professional commerce programmes in Indian colleges and universities. Typically, students after Class 12 in the commerce stream sit for B.Com, B.Com (Hons.), BBA, BMS or professional foundation tests such as CA, CS and CMA. Moreover, leading universities like Delhi University, BHU and IPU run their own admission tests, while professional institutes such as ICAI, ICSI and ICMAI conduct their own entrance and qualifying examinations. This page lists every major commerce admission test in India along with eligibility, exam pattern, important details and preparation tips — see the full list of entrance exams in other streams too.
- Conducted by professional bodies (ICAI, ICSI, ICMAI), central & state universities, and private institutions.
- Cover admission to B.Com, B.Com (Hons.), BBA, BMS, M.Com, MBA and professional certifications like CA, CS, CMA, CFA, CFP.
- Typically test English, Quantitative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, General Awareness and basic Accountancy / Economics.
- Most exams are conducted in online / Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode with multiple-choice questions.
- Furthermore, final admission usually follows a merit list + counselling or interview round.
Quick Highlights – Commerce Admission
| Exams Listed | 15+ | Levels | Professional • National • University |
| Course Levels | UG / PG / Professional / PhD | Professional Bodies | ICAI, ICSI, ICMAI, IAI |
| UG Duration | 3 Years (B.Com) | Exam Mode | Online CBT (mostly) |
What is Commerce Entrance Exam 2026?
A commerce admission test is a competitive examination conducted to shortlist candidates for B.Com, B.Com (Hons.), BBA, BMS, M.Com, MBA and professional accounting / finance programmes. Generally, these tests fall into two broad categories. First, professional qualifying exams such as the CA Foundation by ICAI, the CS Foundation by ICSI and the CMA Foundation by ICMAI serve as gateways into chartered accountancy, company secretaryship and cost accountancy. Second, university admission tests such as IPU CET, BHU UET and NMIMS NPAT grant admission into B.Com and BBA degree programmes. Furthermore, the ACET conducted by the Institute of Actuaries of India opens up a parallel route into actuarial science.
Commerce Entrance Exam 2026 – Complete List
The complete list of commerce admission exams in India, grouped by type, is given below. In particular, click any exam name to see its full details — dates, application form, syllabus, admit card, answer key, result and counselling.
Professional & National Commerce Entrance Exam 2026
| Name of Exam | Full Form | Conducting Body |
|---|---|---|
| ICAI CA Exams | Chartered Accountancy — Foundation, Intermediate, Final | Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) |
| ICSI CS Exams | Company Secretary — CSEET, Executive, Professional | Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) |
| ICMAI CMA Exams | Cost & Management Accountant — Foundation, Intermediate, Final | Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI) |
| ACET | Actuarial Common Entrance Test | Institute of Actuaries of India (IAI) |
B.Com / BBA University Entrance Tests
In addition to the professional tests above, several central, state and private universities run their own admission test for B.Com, B.Com (Hons.) and BBA programmes. The most prominent ones are listed below.
| Name of Exam | University / Institute | Courses |
|---|---|---|
| IPU CET | Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Delhi | B.Com (H), BBA, BCA, etc. |
| NMIMS NPAT | NMIMS University | BBA, B.Com (H), BSc Finance, etc. |
| BHU UET | Banaras Hindu University | B.Com (H), BA, BSc |
| UPES Admission Test | University of Petroleum & Energy Studies, Dehradun | BBA, B.Com (H), MBA |
| Jain University JET | Jain (Deemed-to-be) University, Bengaluru | BBA, B.Com, MBA |
| Vels VEE | Vels Institute of Science, Technology & Advanced Studies | BBA, B.Com, MBA |
| PESSAT | PES University, Bengaluru | BBA, B.Com, MBA |
| DSAT | Dayananda Sagar University | BBA, B.Com, MBA |
| LPU NEST | Lovely Professional University | BBA, B.Com, MBA |
| AIMA UGAT | All India Management Association | BBA, BCA, B.Com |
| Sharda SUAT | Sharda University | BBA, B.Com, MBA |
| Patna Women’s College Entrance Exam | Patna Women’s College | B.Com, BBA, BA |
Top Exams for Commerce Admission in 2026
Of the exams listed above, the following are typically the most widely sought-after and competitive options for commerce aspirants in 2026.
| Exam | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| CA – ICAI | India’s most prestigious professional accounting qualification. Three-stage exam (Foundation → Intermediate → Final) leading to chartered accountancy. |
| CS – ICSI | Professional route into corporate law, governance and secretarial practice. Begins with CSEET after Class 12. |
| CMA – ICMAI | Cost & management accountancy qualification valued in manufacturing, BFSI and consulting. |
| ACET | First step toward becoming an actuary — a high-demand career in insurance, pensions and risk. |
| IPU CET | Gateway to B.Com (H), BBA and BCA at IP University’s affiliated Delhi colleges. |
| NMIMS NPAT | Admission to BBA, B.Com (H), BSc Finance and other UG programmes at NMIMS campuses. |
Courses Offered Through These Exams
Commerce entrance exams open doors to a wide spectrum of degree, professional and doctoral programmes across accounting, finance, business administration and economics.
Undergraduate (UG) Courses
- Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com)
- Bachelor of Commerce — Honours / B.Com (H)
- Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
- Bachelor of Management Studies (BMS)
- Bachelor of Economics / B.A. Economics
- B.Com in Banking & Insurance, Accounting & Taxation, Financial Markets
Postgraduate (PG) Courses
- Master of Commerce (M.Com)
- Master of Business Administration (MBA / PGDM)
- Master of Economics (M.A. Economics)
- M.Sc. Finance / Banking & Finance
Professional Certifications
- Chartered Accountancy (CA) — ICAI
- Company Secretary (CS) — ICSI
- Cost & Management Accountant (CMA) — ICMAI
- Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) — CFA Institute, USA
- Actuarial Science (IAI / IFoA)
Doctoral (PhD) Programmes
- Ph.D. in Commerce / Accounting & Finance
- Ph.D. in Management / Business Administration
- Ph.D. in Economics
Eligibility Criteria for Commerce Entrance Exam 2026
Eligibility varies by exam level and conducting body. However, the general framework followed by most universities and professional bodies is summarised below.
| Level | Academic Qualification | Minimum Marks | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA / CS / CMA Foundation | 10+2 in any stream (commerce preferred) | 50% aggregate (general) / 45% (SC/ST) | Direct entry from graduation also allowed |
| ACET (Actuarial) | 10+2 with English & Mathematics | 85% in Mathematics + 55% English (typical) | Strong Maths background essential |
| B.Com / BBA | 10+2 in any stream | 45–50% aggregate | Mathematics required for some specialisations |
| M.Com / MBA | Bachelor’s degree in any discipline | 50% aggregate (45% for reserved) | Commerce graduates preferred for M.Com |
| Ph.D. in Commerce | Master’s degree in Commerce / Management / Economics | 55% (relaxation for reserved categories) | UGC NET / JRF often preferred |
Always confirm exam-specific eligibility on the official notification, since many universities additionally specify subject combinations and aggregate requirements.
Common Exam Pattern
Although the exact pattern varies, most commerce entrance exams share a common structure. Generally, candidates can expect the following.
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode | Online Computer-Based Test (CBT); some professional exams remain pen-and-paper |
| Duration | 2 to 3 hours (typical) |
| Type of Questions | Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs); some PG and professional exams include descriptive answers |
| Sections (university tests) | English, Quantitative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, General Awareness, Commerce / Accountancy |
| Sections (CA Foundation) | Principles of Accounting, Business Laws, Quantitative Aptitude, Business Economics |
| Marking | Generally +1 per correct; negative marking varies by exam (typically –0.25 to –1) |
| Medium | English (most exams); Hindi also available for some |
How to Prepare — Step-by-Step Plan
A structured 6 to 9 month plan is usually enough to crack most commerce admission tests, provided the basics of accounting, mathematics and English are strong. Follow these steps:
- First, read the latest official syllabus for your target exam (CA Foundation / CS CSEET / IPU CET / NMIMS NPAT, etc.) and map every topic systematically.
- Next, build strong fundamentals from NCERT Accountancy, Business Studies, Economics and Mathematics for Class 11 and 12.
- For professional exams, additionally refer to the official ICAI / ICSI / ICMAI study material — these are the most authoritative sources.
- Practise Quantitative Aptitude and Logical Reasoning daily; importantly, build speed through timed drills.
- Solve at least 10 years of previous question papers — patterns often repeat, especially in CA Foundation and CS CSEET.
- Furthermore, take weekly full-length mock tests on AglaSem Mock Test in CBT mode to build stamina and accuracy.
- Maintain a short formula and concept diary covering accounting standards, business laws and key economic indicators.
- Finally, in the last month, focus on revision and mock-test analysis rather than starting new topics.
Top Commerce Colleges in India
India has thousands of commerce colleges, but the following institutions are typically considered the most prestigious for B.Com, B.Com (Hons.) and BBA admission.
| Institute | Location | Known For |
|---|---|---|
| Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC) | Delhi | B.Com (H), B.A. Economics (H) |
| Hindu College | Delhi | B.Com (H), Economics |
| Lady Shri Ram College (LSR) | Delhi | B.Com (H), Economics — women’s college |
| Hansraj College | Delhi | B.Com (H), Economics |
| Kirori Mal College | Delhi | B.Com (H), Commerce, Economics |
| Christ University | Bengaluru | B.Com, BBA, Finance & Accountancy |
| Loyola College | Chennai | B.Com, BBA — Jesuit autonomous college |
| Madras Christian College (MCC) | Chennai | B.Com, B.Com Corporate Secretaryship |
| St. Joseph College of Commerce | Bengaluru | B.Com, BBA, Professional accounting |
| Mithibai College | Mumbai | B.Com, BAF, BBI, BFM |
| Narsee Monjee College of Commerce | Mumbai | B.Com, BMS, BBI, BAF |
| HR College of Commerce | Mumbai | B.Com, BBI, BFM |
Career Scope After Commerce Course
A commerce degree or professional qualification typically opens up roles across accounting, finance, banking, taxation, consulting and entrepreneurship. Notably, career options differ depending on whether you opted for Mathematics in Class 12.
Career Options with Mathematics
- Chartered Accountant (CA)
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) / Investment Banker
- Actuary (IAI / IFoA)
- B.Sc. Finance / Quantitative Finance
- Statistics, Data Analytics & Business Intelligence roles
Career Options without Mathematics
- Company Secretary (CS) — corporate law & governance
- BBA / MBA in Marketing, HR, Operations
- Banking & Insurance (B.Com BI / BMS)
- Mass Media, Journalism, Hospitality
- LL.B. and corporate-law specialisations
Top Job Profiles
- Accounting & audit — Chartered Accountant, Auditor, Tax Consultant, Management Accountant.
- Finance & banking — Investment Banker, Financial Analyst, Equity Research Analyst, Bank PO.
- Corporate & consulting — Business Consultant, Management Consultant, Finance Manager, Chief Financial Officer.
- Markets & capital — Stock Broker, Portfolio Manager, Venture Capitalist, Wealth Manager.
- Public sector & civil services — Indian Revenue Service (IRS), Indian Audit & Accounts Service (IAAS), UPSC, SSC, RBI.
- Academia & research — Assistant Professor, Researcher, Economist.
- ICAI ↗ — Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (for CA exams).
- ICSI ↗ — Institute of Company Secretaries of India (for CS exams).
- ICMAI ↗ — Institute of Cost Accountants of India (for CMA exams).
- Institute of Actuaries of India ↗ — for ACET.
- Respective university websites for IPU CET, BHU UET, NMIMS NPAT and other B.Com / BBA tests.
Commerce Entrance Exam 2026 – FAQs
It refers to the set of professional, university and admission tests conducted in India for entry into B.Com, BBA, M.Com, MBA, CA, CS, CMA, CFA and allied commerce programmes. The most important national-level tests are conducted by ICAI, ICSI, ICMAI and the Institute of Actuaries of India, while universities like IPU, BHU and NMIMS run their own admission exams.
It depends on your goal. If you want a professional accounting career, the CA Foundation by ICAI is generally considered the most prestigious route. Alternatively, for a B.Com (Hons.) or BBA degree, CUET (UG) is the gateway to Delhi University and other central universities, while IPU CET, NMIMS NPAT and BHU UET are strong university-specific options.
No, Mathematics is not always compulsory. Most commerce admission tests allow candidates from any 10+2 stream. However, certain pathways such as Actuarial Science (ACET), B.Sc. Finance, CFA and Economics (H) at top colleges strongly favour or require Mathematics in Class 12. CA Foundation also includes a Quantitative Aptitude paper.
Yes. In fact, doing CA / CS / CMA in parallel with B.Com is a very popular and effective strategy. The B.Com degree gives you a recognised academic qualification, while the professional certification opens up high-paying career opportunities. Many candidates clear all three over the course of their graduation.
B.Com is more theory-heavy and focuses on accounting, taxation, economics and law, which makes it ideal for students aiming at CA, CS, CMA or higher academic studies. BBA, in contrast, is management-oriented and emphasises marketing, HR, finance and operations, with stronger case-study and internship components — generally a preferred lead-in to MBA.
Delhi University, BHU, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Allahabad University, Hyderabad University and most other central universities accept CUET (UG) scores for B.Com (H), B.A. Economics and related programmes. Additionally, many state and private universities now also accept CUET scores for commerce admission.
CA Foundation is generally considered moderately difficult. Although the syllabus is conceptually based on Class 12 commerce, the application-oriented questions and time pressure require disciplined practice. The overall pass percentage typically hovers between 25 and 35 per cent, so consistent revision and mock testing are crucial.
The official websites are icai.org for CA (Institute of Chartered Accountants of India), icsi.edu for CS (Institute of Company Secretaries of India) and icmai.in for CMA (Institute of Cost Accountants of India). All notifications, application links, admit cards, answer keys and results are released on these official portals.
This page is a comprehensive reference for the commerce entrance exam 2026 ecosystem in India — covering professional, national and university-level admission tests, course options, eligibility, exam pattern, preparation strategy and career outcomes. For real-time notifications, always cross-check with the official ICAI, ICSI, ICMAI or respective university websites linked above.
Can I give paper of CPT in 12th class
Hi,
Yes, you can pursue foundation course.
I just passed 12 but my percentage is 50 and in 10 I got 74 so tell me what should I do
Hi,
You should do some course of your choice.
Cma usa course fee with exam
In your center
Can I give commerce entrances if I am a science student
Hi,
Yes, you can give commerce entrance.
When do I fill ca entrance form after 12th commerce or in 12th commerce?
once when you recieve your ADMIT CARD of 12th board exam you can aplly for the couse with that as the institute is strict that a candidate cannot appear for the exam before passing 12. so you can apply with admit card in the beginning and after the publishing of result you can submit your marksheet with the ICAI
What we can do after 12th and can we do BCA in commerce
I am a good student and get 10 cgpa in class 10th and 89% in class 12th but now I am very confuse what should I do. I am from commerce stream pls suggest something
You should Pursue course which you like but if you want to do mentally and physically hard then I should recommend you to pursue CA.
A well prestigious course.
Or if you want then contact me.
Sir I want to appear in November CA Foundation exam 2019. Can I still fill the form and appear in the exam?
Hi,
Is it important to give entrance for b.com in du for admission
Hey Kajal,
Not necessary, every entrance exam has its own set of criteria. if you want to know detail about a particular entrance exam, then let us know in the comment section.
if i opt basic maths for CBSE 10th Board Exam can i writ CPT
you can leena . all the best!
Hii
I am 1st year degree student and i wanted to write government exams and i dont have any idea of it so can u please help me out of it
After 10 what should i do in commerce field n my subject in 11 is commerce computer
SIR I’M PURSUING MBA IN FINANCE CAN I TAKE THIS AND I WANT ALSO JOIN LIKE THIS EXAMS BECAUSE I WANT TO DO SOMETHING DIFFERENTLY 9982023311
Can I write B.Com online exam
What is the benefit of eco honours ?
Hi Priyanshi,
All the courses have some or the other benefit. However, the most important thing while choosing a subject is interest. If you are interested in it, you will make it big. Eco Honours is a very good course for those who are interested in understating how the economy and related aspects of it work. After doing this course you can opt for jobs in banking, stock markets, consultancy firms, even go for government jobs, or be an economist. The biggest national level examination for economics is Indian Economic Services (IES). It is conducted by UPSC and is of IAS level.
Some of the best colleges to pursue Eco Hons are – LSR, SRCC, DSE, Miranda, Hindu, etc. I hope this answer was satisfactory for you. If you still have any query, feel free to ask. All the best.