Intermediate in Commerce also abbreviated as I.Com is a two year intermediate program offered to students who would like to study a career in business, finance or accounting. It is among the most preferred options of students once they have enrolled in Pakistan. I.Com program provides a strong base on commercial courses including accounting, business mathematics, banking, and economics. It is the preliminary stage of those students that desire to further their higher education to disciplines such as B.Com, BBA, BS Accounting and Finance, or even professional qualifications such as CA and ACCA. As Pakistan is expanding its business and financial industry the I.Com program offers an ideal blend of theoretical and practical skills that equip students with a potential academic and professional development.
Admission and Eligibility Requirements
Students who have successfully pass their matriculation (Science or Arts group) with a recognized board are also allowed to apply to the Institute. Admissions usually open after matric results have been announced, usually between June and August every year. Colleges provide merit admission depending on the marks that the student has acquired during matriculation. The candidates have to complete admission form, attach the necessary documents like result cards and photographs as well as B-form and send the form through post within the due date. There are also a lot of colleges offering online admission as a convenience. To determine the aptitude of students in commerce-related courses, the private colleges usually hold interviews or short tests. Final admissions are made with the use of merit lists.
Subjects and Curriculum
Curriculum of I.Com program is designed by the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) and is the same across all major educational boards in Pakistan. The course is split into two stages I.Com Part I (First Year) and I.Com Part II (Second Year). The courses are a combination of both mandatory and professional courses in commerce. All these are compulsory subjects: English, Urdu, Pakistan Studies and Islamic Studies. Profession-specific courses are Principles of Accounting, Principles of Economics, Business Mathematics, Banking, and Commercial Geography. Such subjects make students learn how business works, how financial systems and the global trade affect the local markets. Business math and accounting make the students develop necessary analytical and numerical skills.
Scopes and Career Opportunities
An I.Com program also provides multiple opportunities to further education and employment. A majority of the learners pursue further studies taking either Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com), Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), or BS in Accounting and Finance. Others would choose professional qualifications like Chartered Accountancy (CA), Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), or Institute of Cost and Management Accountants (ICMA). The I.Com graduates are also capable of taking up work in banks, insurance firms, accounting firms or trade organizations as junior accountants, clerks or interns. Through further studies, they are capable of gaining highlevel jobs, in corporate finance or by owning their own businesses. The program assists the students to have a perspective of the real business operation and thus they can work in any industry.
Fee Structure and Duration
The I.Com program takes two years comprising of first and second year levels. The fee system in government and private colleges differs. The government institutions are cheaper and they cost between PKR 10,000 to PKR 25,000 annually. The annual fees of private colleges often range between PKR 50,000 and PKR 120,000 which is based on facilities and reputation. A lot of colleges have been providing scholarship and concessions of fees to excellent students or low income families. Books, examination fees, and uniform costs can also be added but can afford them by majority of the families.
Why Choose I.Com?
The I.Com program is the best in the eyes of students who are interested in knowing how businesses, markets and economies operate. It also provides the fundamental knowledge of commerce and finance to the learners which can be applied in the higher levels of education and in a real life. I.Com enhances analysis and decision-making capabilities as well that equips students with various professional and entrepreneurial activities. In addition to that, the current need of skilled business graduates has remained high in Pakistan and I.Com would be a good move to those who would want to secure a stable future and career development. It also develops confidence and professionalism, which are some of the qualities that one has to possess in order to succeed in the competitive world today.
Prospect and Future Research
Upon completing I.Com, students are allowed to graduate with numerous bachelor degree courses, including B.Com, BBA, BS Accounting and Finance, BS Economics and BS Commerce. Professionally-oriented individuals are able to enroll in CA, ACCA or ICMA to acquire global recognition. Graduates who want to work right away have an opportunity to work in banks, business companies and the government departments. With the economy of Pakistan in a continuous growth, graduates in commerce will still be needed in the field of financial management, accounting and business operations. All these areas are based on the I.Com program as one of the most flexible academic programs available upon completion of the matriculation period.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What is I.Com in Pakistan?
A: I.Com (Intermediate in commerce) is a two year course which offers basic knowledge in business, finance, and accounting after matriculation.
Q: How can I.Com be eligibly admitting in Pakistan?
A: The students who have completed Matric (Science or Arts) of a recognized board can apply to I.Com.
Q: What are the topics that I.Com teaches?
A: Core courses are Accounting, Business Math, Economics, Principles of Commerce, and Banking.
Q: What are the colleges in which I.Com is offered in Pakistan?
A: The Government College of Commerce Lahore, DJ science college Karachi, Punjab College and Superior College are the best colleges.
Q: What is the future of I.Com?
A: Students have an opportunity to continue education with I.Com further with B.Com, BBA, BS Accounting & Finance or begin a business and bank career after I.Com.