What is an Online M.Com?
An online M.Com (Master of Commerce) is a two-year postgraduate degree in accounting, finance, taxation and business, taught online over four semesters. It goes deeper into commerce subjects than a B.Com and is more academic and finance-focused than an MBA.
It suits commerce graduates working in accounts, audit, tax, banking or finance who want a master's degree for promotion, and people preparing for teaching, research or competitive exams where an M.Com is asked for.
The university must be entitled by UGC-DEB to offer the online M.Com for your session. An online M.Com from an entitled university is to be treated as equivalent to one earned on campus.
Expect 8 to 12 hours of study a week, with case studies, accounting problems and a project or dissertation in the final year at many universities.
Key highlights
Quick read
- Two years, four semesters; most universities allow up to four years
- For B.Com graduates, and at many universities BBA, BBM or other graduates with commerce subjects
- Advanced accounting, corporate finance, taxation, auditing and business law
- Specialise in accounting and finance, taxation, banking or international finance where offered
- Online, remotely proctored exams at most universities
- Equivalent to a campus M.Com when the university is UGC-DEB entitled
Online M.Com from top universities
- Parul University
Vadodara, Gujarat
UGCNAACNIRF
Total fee ₹66,000
- Lovely Professional University
Phagwara, Punjab
UGC-DEBNAACAICTE
Total fee ₹1,00,000
- Manipal University Jaipur
Jaipur, Rajasthan
UGCNAACNIRF
Total fee ₹1,08,000
- Amity University, Noida (Uttar Pradesh)
Noida, Uttar Pradesh
UGCNAACNIRF
Total fee ₹1,14,000
- JAIN (Deemed-to-be University)
Bengaluru, Karnataka
UGCNAACAICTE
Total fee ₹1,25,000
Validity and approvals
| Approval | What it means for you |
|---|---|
| UGC-DEB entitlement | The one that matters most. Under the UGC (Open and Distance Learning Programmes and Online Programmes) Regulations, 2020, a university may run an online degree only if the UGC's Distance Education Bureau lists it, for that programme, for your admission session. Check the university and the programme on deb.ugc.ac.in before you pay. |
| Equivalence with a regular degree | The 2020 Regulations say a degree earned online from an entitled university is to be treated as equivalent to the same degree earned on campus. Some employers, exam boards and foreign bodies apply their own rules, so check them if you have a specific job or exam in mind. |
| NAAC grade | The National Assessment and Accreditation Council grades a university's overall quality. A strong NAAC score is also one of the routes by which a university becomes eligible to offer online programmes. |
| NIRF rank | The Ministry of Education's annual National Institutional Ranking Framework. A rank shows how the university as a whole compares; it is not a ranking of its online programme. |
| AIU membership | Membership of the Association of Indian Universities helps when another university or an employer abroad assesses your degree, for example for admission to a higher degree. |
| WES and other foreign evaluations | If you may study or work abroad later, ask World Education Services (or the evaluator your destination uses) whether it evaluates online degrees from your chosen university. Several universities say theirs are accepted; confirm with the evaluator before you rely on it. |
Online vs regular M.Com
| Factor | Online | Regular (on campus) |
|---|---|---|
| Where and when you study | From home, around your job; recorded lectures plus scheduled live sessions | On campus, on the college timetable |
| Total cost | Usually lower; no hostel or relocation costs | Higher tuition at many institutes, plus living costs |
| Can you keep working? | Yes, most learners do | Usually not for a full-time programme |
| Exams | Online, with remote proctoring at most universities | In-person exams at the institute |
| Networking and campus life | Online forums, live classes and occasional meet-ups | Daily contact with classmates, clubs and campus events |
| Placements | Career support and job portals; campus-style placement is limited | Campus placement for many M.Com programmes |
| Recognition | Equivalent to the regular degree if the university is UGC-DEB entitled | Recognised if the university is UGC-recognised |
Is an Online M.Com right for you?Tell us your job and goals; a counsellor will compare universities and fees for you.
Online M.Com subjects and syllabus
Our summary of the common core across the online M.Com programmes on this site and typical UGC-model M.Com curricula. Subject names differ by university.
Semester 1
- Management Concepts and Organisational Behaviour
- Advanced Financial Accounting
- Managerial Economics
- Business Statistics
- Business Environment
Semester 2
- Corporate Financial Accounting
- Financial Management
- Marketing Management
- Research Methodology
- Income Tax Law and Practice
Semester 3
- Cost and Management Accounting
- Corporate Tax Planning
- Auditing and Assurance
- Two specialisation electives
Semester 4
- Strategic Management
- Indirect Taxes (GST)
- Specialisation elective
- Project or dissertation
Eligibility
A B.Com, or a related bachelor's degree accepted by the university (such as BBA, BBM or BAF), usually with 45% to 50% marks.
- B.Com or an equivalent commerce degree from a recognised university
- Many universities also accept BBA, BBM, BAF or BMS; some accept any graduate
- Usually 45% to 50% aggregate marks, with relaxation for reserved categories
- No entrance exam at most universities
Duration and mode
| Programme length | 2 years (4 semesters) |
|---|---|
| Maximum time allowed | Usually 4 years |
| Credits | Around 80 credits, depending on the university |
| Mode | Online lectures, e-books, case studies, assignments and a project |
| Exams | End-of-semester exams, mostly online with remote proctoring |
| Weekly study time | Plan for 8 to 12 hours a week |
Online M.Com fees by university
Total programme fees range from ₹66,000 to ₹1,25,000 across the 5 universities we compare. These are list prices from the universities' websites (October 2026), before scholarships or offers.
| University | Duration | Total fee | Per semester | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parul University OnlineVadodara, Gujarat | 2 years (4 semesters) | ₹66,000 | ₹16,500 | Details |
| LPU OnlinePhagwara, Punjab | 2 years (4 semesters) | ₹1,00,000 | ₹25,000 | Details |
| Online ManipalJaipur, Rajasthan | 24 months (4 semesters) | ₹1,08,000 | – | Details |
| Amity University OnlineNoida, Uttar Pradesh | 2 years (4 semesters) | ₹1,14,000 | – | Details |
| Jain OnlineBengaluru, Karnataka | 2 years | ₹1,25,000 | – | Details |
Admission procedure
- Check the university and the online M.Com on deb.ugc.ac.in for your session
- Apply on the university's official portal
- Upload mark sheets, degree certificate, ID and photo
- Pay the first-semester fee to the university's own account
- Get access to the learning platform
Top Online M.Com specialisations
- Accounting and FinanceAdvanced financial reporting, Ind AS, corporate finance and financial analysis. The most common M.Com track.2 universities offer it →
- TaxationDirect and indirect taxes in depth, tax planning and compliance. Useful for people working in tax, audit or as practising consultants.Ask which universities offer it →
- International Finance and AccountingGlobal accounting standards, foreign exchange and international financial management, sometimes aligned with ACCA papers.1 university offer it →
- Financial TechnologyDigital payments, banking technology and financial analytics, for commerce graduates heading into fintech and banking.1 university offer it →
Career scope and salary
| Role | Typical salary |
|---|---|
| Financial Analyst | Average base pay about ₹5.7 lakh a year; middle 80% earn ₹2.7 lakh–₹10 lakh (PayScale India, updated July 2026) |
| Tax Consultant | Average base pay about ₹6.9 lakh a year; middle 80% earn ₹3.2 lakh–₹10 lakh (PayScale India, updated June 2026; small sample of 72 profiles) |
| Accountant | Average base pay about ₹3.1 lakh a year; middle 80% earn ₹1.5 lakh–₹6.2 lakh (PayScale India, updated June 2026) |
| Relationship Manager (banking) | Average base pay about ₹4.5 lakh a year; middle 80% earn ₹2.5 lakh–₹10 lakh (PayScale India, updated July 2026) |
| Commerce lecturer (after NET or SET) | Pay in colleges follows UGC and state pay scales; private institutions set their own. |
Is it worth it?
- Worth it if you work in accounts, tax or finance and your employer values a master's degree, or if you plan to teach commerce (you will also need UGC-NET or a state SET).
- If your goal is a management role, compare it with an online MBA in finance, which covers broader management skills.
- An M.Com doesn't replace professional qualifications such as CA, CMA or ACCA, but it can sit well alongside them.
Online M.Com: FAQs
Can I do an online M.Com without a B.Com?
Many universities accept BBA, BBM or similar degrees, and some accept any graduate. Check the eligibility on the university's page.
Is an online M.Com valid for UGC-NET and lecturer jobs?
An online degree from a UGC-DEB entitled university is to be treated as equivalent to the regular degree under the UGC's 2020 Regulations. Check the specific exam notification for any extra conditions.
M.Com or MBA in finance?
An M.Com goes deeper into accounting, tax and commerce theory; an MBA in finance is broader and more managerial. Choose by the job you want next.
How much time does it need?
Plan for 8 to 12 hours a week, plus extra time for the final project.
Can I do it alongside CA or CMA?
Many students do. Check the exam calendar of both so that your semester exams don't clash with your professional exams.
Is there an entrance exam?
Most universities admit on your graduation marks without an entrance test.
Sources
- UGC Distance Education Bureau: list of entitled universities and programmes (opens in a new tab)
- University Grants Commission (opens in a new tab)
- NAAC: accreditation status of institutions (opens in a new tab)
- NIRF rankings (Ministry of Education) (opens in a new tab)
- PayScale India: salary data by job (read October 2026) (opens in a new tab)