Is Data Engineering a Suitable Course for Commerce Students After 12?

Many students, especially those from a commerce background, often wonder about the feasibility of pursuing data-related courses after their 12th grade. Traditionally, engineering courses in India are accessible to students who have completed their 12th grade with science subjects, particularly Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM). However, with the rise of data-driven industries, the question of whether a commerce student can pursue a career in data engineering has gained significant traction.

The Path to Engineering After 12th Commerce

To clarify, you cannot directly apply for engineering courses after 12th Commerce. The prerequisites for engineering courses typically require you to have completed your 12th grade with science subjects and to have appeared in engineering entrance exams such as the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) or Common Entrance Test (CET) conducted by your respective state's education board.

If you are keen on entering the IT field and want to pursue a degree-oriented course, you might consider taking a Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) followed by a Master of Computer Applications (MCA). While MCA is considered equivalent to a Bachelor of Engineering (BE) in Computer Science, this route would take a total of 6 years after your 12th grade, making BCA and MCA an extended yet feasible option for students with non-science backgrounds.

Bachelor of Science in IT and Master of Science in IT

Another viable option for students with a background in commerce might be to pursue Bachelor of Science in IT (BSc IT) followed by a Master of Science in IT (MSc IT). These courses take 3 and 5 years, respectively, and could provide a solid foundation in data sciences. Both degrees are becoming increasingly popular among students who are interested in the IT and data fields.

Data Engineering Courses for Commerce Students

However, if you are truly interested in pursuing a career in data engineering, you need to consider another aspect: the prerequisites for data-related courses. Typically, these courses require a strong foundation in mathematics and statistics. If a commerce student has not pursued these subjects in their 12th grade, they might find it challenging to secure admission into professional data courses.

According to my research, most undergraduate courses in data analytics are geared towards science stream students. Many universities offer Bachelor of Technology (BTech) in Data Science, which is primarily designed for students with a background in science. This makes it difficult for commerce students to find an entry point into data science courses at the undergraduate level.

On the other hand, postgraduate diploma courses in data sciences are often more flexible in their requirements. These courses are more adaptable and may welcome students with non-science backgrounds. They focus more on the application of data analytics rather than the theoretical underpinnings that might be more challenging for students without a strong math and stats background in their early education.

Given the current landscape, commerce students looking to enter the data engineering field might need to consider additional measures, such as self-study in essential statistics and mathematics, taking preparatory courses, or seeking guidance from educational counselors. This could help them meet the academic requirements needed to enter more advanced data science courses.

Conclusion

While there are challenges for commerce students seeking to pursue data engineering, there are still pathways available. BSc IT and MSc IT, as well as various postgraduate courses, can provide a suitable foundation. With the right approach and supplementary studies, commerce students can indeed make a successful transition into the data field and carve out a rewarding career in IT.

References

For further reading, you may want to explore online resources, university catalogs, and educational platforms that provide detailed information on data science courses. Additionally, consulting with educational counselors and industry experts can also provide valuable insights and guidance.