

BACHELOR-OF-COMMERCE in Office Management And Secretarial Practice at Besant Women's College


Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is Office Management and Secretarial Practice at Besant Women's College Dakshina Kannada?
This Office Management and Secretarial Practice program at Besant Women''''s College focuses on equipping students with essential administrative, communication, and organizational skills crucial for modern office environments. In the dynamic Indian business landscape, proficient office management is vital for operational efficiency and smooth functioning across all sectors. This specialization aims to develop versatile professionals capable of handling diverse administrative responsibilities with precision and professionalism, making them indispensable assets to any organization.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for individuals seeking to build a robust career in administrative support, executive assistance, or office coordination roles. It caters to fresh graduates aspiring for entry into corporate administration, legal offices, healthcare facilities, or educational institutions. Working professionals looking to enhance their secretarial expertise, improve organizational efficiency, or gain formal qualifications in office management will also find significant value, fostering career progression in the administrative domain.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect to secure roles such as office manager, executive assistant, personal secretary, administrative officer, or front-desk manager across various Indian industries. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 2.5 - 4.5 LPA, with experienced professionals earning INR 6 - 10 LPA or more, depending on industry and responsibility. Growth trajectories often lead to senior administrative positions, team leadership roles, or even independent administrative consulting, providing a stable and respected career path.

Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Build Strong Foundational Commerce Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Focus intently on core B.Com subjects like Financial Accounting, Principles of Management, and Business Economics. Understand the basic theories of business and finance which will form the backbone for administrative roles. Attend all classes, review concepts regularly, and clarify doubts promptly.
Tools & Resources
University textbooks, Online commerce tutorials (e.g., ICAI resources for foundational concepts), Peer study groups
Career Connection
A solid grasp of commerce fundamentals is essential for understanding business operations, financial reports, and strategic decisions in any office environment, enabling efficient administrative support.
Develop Essential Communication & IT Proficiency- (Semester 1-2)
Actively participate in English language classes to hone written and verbal communication. Simultaneously, master basic computer applications like MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Tally ERP. Seek additional certifications in these areas if possible.
Tools & Resources
Online typing tutors, Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certifications, Tally training institutes, College computer labs, Communication workshops
Career Connection
Exceptional communication and IT skills are non-negotiable for secretarial and office management roles, ensuring effective correspondence, data handling, and presentation creation.
Cultivate Organizational & Time Management Habits- (Semester 1-2)
Start developing personal organizational systems, whether digital or physical, to manage academic tasks and personal schedules. Practice effective time management techniques like setting deadlines, prioritizing tasks, and avoiding procrastination.
Tools & Resources
Google Calendar, Trello, Notion, Academic planners, Self-help books on productivity
Career Connection
These habits are directly transferable to managing office schedules, coordinating meetings, and prioritizing administrative tasks efficiently in a professional setting.
Intermediate Stage
Engage in Simulated Office Projects & Case Studies- (Semester 3-5)
Seek opportunities within the curriculum or college clubs to work on projects simulating real-world office scenarios. This could involve organizing college events, managing departmental records, or assisting faculty with administrative tasks. Focus on applying theoretical knowledge to practical situations.
Tools & Resources
College administrative departments, Student clubs, Online case study platforms related to office management, Project management software trials
Career Connection
Practical project experience demonstrates problem-solving abilities and readiness for diverse administrative challenges, making students more attractive to employers.
Pursue Relevant Internships & Shadowing Experiences- (Semester 4-5)
Actively look for short-term internships or shadowing opportunities in administrative departments of local businesses, NGOs, or corporate firms. Even unpaid opportunities provide invaluable exposure to office protocols, documentation, and stakeholder interaction.
Tools & Resources
College placement cell, LinkedIn, Local business directories, Networking events
Career Connection
Internships provide direct industry exposure, build professional networks, and are often critical for securing full-time employment in office management roles post-graduation.
Develop Soft Skills & Professional Etiquette- (Semester 3-5)
Focus on enhancing interpersonal skills, active listening, conflict resolution, and professional etiquette crucial for interacting with colleagues, clients, and superiors. Attend workshops on presentation skills, negotiation, and teamwork.
Tools & Resources
Communication skills workshops, Personality development programs, Mock interview sessions, Role-playing exercises
Career Connection
Strong soft skills are paramount for office managers and secretaries, enabling effective team collaboration, client relations, and handling sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
Advanced Stage
Master Advanced Administrative Tools & Techniques- (Semester 6)
Deepen expertise in advanced features of office software suites, digital record management systems, and specialized tools for scheduling, project tracking, or communication. Explore modern office technologies like virtual assistants or cloud collaboration platforms.
Tools & Resources
Advanced certification courses in MS Office, Tally Prime, Zoho Suite, Google Workspace expert training, Online tutorials for administrative software
Career Connection
Proficiency in advanced tools makes graduates highly efficient, capable of streamlining office operations and adopting new technologies, which is a key requirement in digitally transforming Indian workplaces.
Focus on Placement Preparation & Networking- (Semester 6)
Tailor your resume and cover letter specifically for office management, executive assistant, or administrative roles. Participate in mock interviews, group discussions, and aptitude tests. Network with professionals in administrative roles through online platforms and college alumni events.
Tools & Resources
College placement cell, Career counseling services, LinkedIn, Industry conferences, Alumni network
Career Connection
Effective placement preparation significantly increases chances of securing desirable administrative roles and building a strong foundation for long-term career growth in the Indian corporate sector.
Undertake a Capstone Project or Dissertation- (Semester 6)
Work on a comprehensive project or dissertation related to office efficiency, records management, or administrative problem-solving within an organization. This allows for in-depth research and application of acquired knowledge to a specific industry challenge.
Tools & Resources
Academic supervisors, Industry mentors, Research databases, Survey tools
Career Connection
A well-executed capstone project showcases analytical skills, problem-solving capabilities, and dedication to the field, serving as a powerful portfolio piece during job applications and interviews.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- Pass in 10+2 (PUC) or equivalent examination in Commerce, Science, or Arts stream, as per Mangalore University regulations.
Duration: 6 semesters / 3 years
Credits: 140 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 20%, External: 80%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| L 1.1 | Language I (e.g., Kannada/Sanskrit/Hindi/Malayalam/Tamil/Telugu/Additional English) | Compulsory Language | 4 | Grammar and Usage, Prose and Poetry, Communication Skills, Cultural Context, Language Comprehension |
| L 1.2 | Language II (English) | Compulsory Language | 4 | Basic English Grammar, Reading Comprehension, Business Vocabulary, Paragraph Writing, Introduction to Communication |
| B.C 1.1 | Financial Accounting I | Core | 4 | Accounting Concepts & Conventions, Journal, Ledger, Trial Balance, Final Accounts of Sole Trader, Consignment Accounts, Joint Venture Accounts |
| B.C 1.2 | Principles of Management | Core | 4 | Management Concepts & Functions, Planning and Decision Making, Organizing and Staffing, Directing and Motivation, Controlling and Coordination |
| B.C 1.3 | Business Economics I | Core | 4 | Nature & Scope of Business Economics, Demand Analysis and Forecasting, Supply Analysis, Production & Cost Analysis, Market Structures |
| B.C 1.4 | Quantitative Techniques I | Core | 4 | Matrices and Determinants, Commercial Arithmetic (Ratio, Proportion), Percentage and Average, Simple and Compound Interest, Annuity and Installments |
| B.C 1.5 | Indian Constitution / Human Rights & Environmental Studies | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Basic Features of Indian Constitution, Fundamental Rights and Duties, Human Rights Concepts, Environmental Pollution, Sustainable Development |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| L 2.1 | Language I (e.g., Kannada/Sanskrit/Hindi/Malayalam/Tamil/Telugu/Additional English) | Compulsory Language | 4 | Advanced Grammar, Literary Appreciation, Essay Writing, Translation Skills, Oral Communication |
| L 2.2 | Language II (English) | Compulsory Language | 4 | Advanced English Grammar, Report Writing, Presentation Skills, Business Correspondence, Reading for Specific Purposes |
| B.C 2.1 | Financial Accounting II | Core | 4 | Hire Purchase & Instalment Systems, Departmental Accounts, Branch Accounts (Excluding Foreign Branches), Voyage Accounts, Dissolution of Partnership Firm |
| B.C 2.2 | Business Statistics | Core | 4 | Measures of Central Tendency, Measures of Dispersion, Skewness and Kurtosis, Correlation Analysis, Regression Analysis |
| B.C 2.3 | Business Economics II | Core | 4 | Macro Economics Overview, National Income Accounting, Consumption & Investment Functions, Monetary & Fiscal Policies, Business Cycles and Inflation |
| B.C 2.4 | Quantitative Techniques II | Core | 4 | Differential Calculus (Concepts, Applications), Integral Calculus (Concepts, Applications), Linear Programming (Graphical Method), Probability Theory, Set Theory |
| B.C 2.5 | Computer Fundamentals & Operating System / Indian Constitution / Human Rights & Environmental Studies | Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course | 2 | Computer Hardware & Software, Operating System Concepts, MS Word & PowerPoint Basics, Internet & Email, Data Security |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| L 3.1 | Language I (e.g., Kannada/Sanskrit/Hindi/Malayalam/Tamil/Telugu/Additional English) | Compulsory Language | 4 | Literature and Critical Analysis, Creative Writing, Public Speaking, Language for Specific Purposes, Intercultural Communication |
| L 3.2 | Language II (English) | Compulsory Language | 4 | Advanced Business English, Official Correspondence, Meeting Minutes, Resume Writing & Interview Skills, Public Relations Communication |
| B.C 3.1 | Corporate Accounting I | Core | 4 | Issue & Forfeiture of Shares, Issue & Redemption of Debentures, Final Accounts of Companies, Underwriting of Shares, Bonus Shares & Right Shares |
| B.C 3.2 | Company Law | Core | 4 | Types of Companies & Formation, Memorandum & Articles of Association, Share Capital & Debentures, Company Meetings & Resolutions, Company Administration & Management |
| B.C 3.3 | Marketing Management | Core | 4 | Marketing Concepts & Environment, Market Segmentation & Targeting, Product Life Cycle & Pricing Strategies, Distribution Channels, Promotion Mix (Advertising, Sales Promotion) |
| B.C 3.4 | Banking Operations | Core | 4 | Types of Banks & Functions, RBI and Monetary Policy, E-banking & Mobile Banking, Financial Inclusion Initiatives, Credit Creation & Money Market |
| B.C 3.5 | Computer Application for Business I (Practical) | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | MS Excel (Functions, Charts), Tally ERP 9 (Company Creation, Ledgers), Vouchers & Reports in Tally, Basic Data Entry, Financial Statement Generation |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| L 4.1 | Language I (e.g., Kannada/Sanskrit/Hindi/Malayalam/Tamil/Telugu/Additional English) | Compulsory Language | 4 | Advanced Literary Studies, Critical Discourse Analysis, Professional Writing, Interpreting and Summarizing, Language in Media |
| L 4.2 | Language II (English) | Compulsory Language | 4 | Advanced Communication Strategies, Negotiation Skills, Conflict Resolution, Cross-Cultural Communication, Business Ethics & Communication |
| B.C 4.1 | Corporate Accounting II | Core | 4 | Amalgamation & Absorption of Companies, External Reconstruction, Valuation of Goodwill & Shares, Accounting for Holding Companies, Liquidation of Companies |
| B.C 4.2 | Entrepreneurship Development | Core | 4 | Concept & Nature of Entrepreneurship, Theories of Entrepreneurship, Business Idea Generation, Project Formulation & Appraisal, Institutional Support to Entrepreneurs (SIDBI, KVIC) |
| B.C 4.3 | Cost Accounting | Core | 4 | Cost Concepts & Classification, Cost Sheet Preparation, Material Costing & Control, Labour Costing & Control, Overhead Costing & Absorption |
| B.C 4.4 | Financial Management | Core | 4 | Introduction to Financial Management, Sources of Finance, Cost of Capital, Capital Budgeting Decisions, Working Capital Management |
| B.C 4.5 | Computer Application for Business II (Practical) | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Advanced Tally Features, GST Accounting in Tally, Introduction to Database Management Systems, SQL Queries Basics, Data Protection and Security |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B.C 5.1 | Advanced Corporate Accounting | Core | 4 | Accounting for Banking Companies, Accounting for Insurance Companies, Mutual Funds Accounting, Investment Accounting, Human Resource Accounting |
| B.C 5.2 | Income Tax I | Core | 4 | Basic Concepts of Income Tax, Residential Status & Tax Incidence, Income from Salary, Income from House Property, Deductions under Section 80C to 80U |
| B.C 5.3 A | Specialization Elective I - Paper A | Elective (General B.Com, specific specialization not found) | 4 | |
| B.C 5.3 B | Specialization Elective I - Paper B | Elective (General B.Com, specific specialization not found) | 4 | |
| B.C 5.4 | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) - I | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Practical Tally ERP 9 Applications, E-filing of Tax Returns (Basic), Computerized Accounting Practices, Spreadsheet for Business Analysis, Digital Literacy for Commerce |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B.C 6.1 | Management Accounting | Core | 4 | Financial Statement Analysis, Ratio Analysis, Fund Flow Statement, Cash Flow Statement, Budgetary Control & Standard Costing |
| B.C 6.2 | Income Tax II | Core | 4 | Income from Business or Profession, Capital Gains, Income from Other Sources, Clubbing of Income & Set-off of Losses, Assessment of Individuals & Firms |
| B.C 6.3 A | Specialization Elective II - Paper A | Elective (General B.Com, specific specialization not found) | 4 | |
| B.C 6.3 B | Specialization Elective II - Paper B | Elective (General B.Com, specific specialization not found) | 4 | |
| B.C 6.4 | Skill Enhancement Course (SEC) - II | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Advanced Tally Prime Features, GST Software Applications, Basics of Data Analytics using Excel, Cloud Computing for Business, Cyber Security in Commerce |




