Top 10 Undergraduate Programs in 2024: Exploring the Best Options Across Different Fields

An undergraduate degree plays a crucial role in determining your career path. It lays the perfect foundation for taking the first step to a rewarding and satisfying role in the profession of your choice. It therefore becomes inevitable to pick the right program that best aligns with your passion and the industry demands. However, the wide array of academic choices before students often makes it difficult to choose the perfect fit.

Picking the right course requires due consideration of several factors. These include your passion, strengths, job potential, and opportunity for future growth. This blog highlights the top 10 undergraduate courses in Science, Humanities, and Commerce to help you make an informed decision for your career.

Top 10 UG Degrees to Consider in 2024

Confused about which degree to opt for to pursue a Bachelor’s? We can help. Our expert team has curated the 10 best undergraduate programs that hold immense potential for lucrative career prospects ahead. Take a look:

1. Computer Science and Engineering (CSE)

The digital revolution has necessitated the need for a skilled workforce of CSE graduates, creating high demand for them in nearly every industry. A computer science program is designed to impart knowledge in 3 different information technologies, combining programming languages, software development, and data analysis. The program highlights are:

• Eligibility: Completion of class 12 + entrance examination
• Entrance Examinations: COMEDK, JEE Main, JEE Advanced
• Course Duration: 4 years
• Average salary (approx): INR 7 lakhs - INR 10 lakhs per annum
• Expected Job Roles: Software Engineer, Web Developer, Artificial Intelligence Expert
• Top Companies Hiring CSE Graduates: Accenture, HCL, Deloitte, TCS, Google, Cognizant

2. Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE)

ECE courses are considered the foundation for today’s technology, teaching students the behavior and effect of electrons, and enabling them to develop components, systems, and devices. The program equips students with varied skills such as designing circuits and communication systems, data communication networks, and incorporating microprocessors.

• Eligibility: Completion of class 12 + entrance examination
• Entrance Examinations: WBJEE, BITSAT, JEE Mains, MHT CET
• Course Duration: 4 years
• Average salary (approx): INR 10 lakhs per annum
• Expected Job Roles: Electronics Engineer, Telecommunications Engineer, Aerospace Engineer
• Top Companies Hiring ECE Graduates: BHEL, BEL, HPCL

3. Information Technology (IT)

The rapidly evolving digital landscape has created a huge demand for skilled IT engineers to ensure the functionality and efficient performance of computing systems and network resources. A BTech in IT helps gain knowledge of advanced concepts such as network analysis, computer security, and data management. These are also the basic requirements for a career in IT service management, network administration, and software development.

1. Eligibility: Completion of class 12 + entrance examination
2. Entrance Examinations: LPUNEST, GATE, JEE Main, JEE Advanced, MET
3. Course Duration: 4 years
4. Average salary (approx): INR 6 lakhs - INR 9 lakhs per annum
5. Expected Job Roles: Information Technology Consultant, Software Developer, Software Engineer, Project Manager
6. Top Companies Hiring IT Graduates: IBM, Accenture, Oracle, HP, Intel, Dell, Google, Microsoft, TCS

4. Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineering is a versatile and interactive field equipped with essential problem-solving tools for engineering challenges. Mechanical engineers oversee the design, development, and maintenance of mechanical systems. You can choose courses such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and robotics as part of the Mechanical Engineering degree program. It offers solid career growth in manufacturing, automotive engineering, and power generation.

• Eligibility: Completion of class 12 + entrance examination
• Entrance Examinations: TS EAMCET, MHT CET, JEE Main, WBJEE
• Course Duration: 4 years
• Average salary (approx): INR 2 lakhs - INR 7 lakhs per annum
• Expected Job Roles: Design Engineer, Purchase and Quality Control Executive, Mechanical Engineer, Assistant Mechanical Engineer
• Top Companies Hiring Mechanical Engineering Graduates: Hindustan Petroleum, Toshiba, BMW, Tata Motors, GE Global Research

5. Civil Engineering

Civil engineers play a crucial role in planning and executing successful construction projects. A BTech in Civil Engineering covers structural engineering, transportation engineering, and environmental engineering. It enables students to gain the required skills for construction, urban planning, and sustainable professions.

• Eligibility: Completion of class 12 + entrance examination
• Entrance Examinations: TS EAMCET, MHT CET, JEE Mains, WBJEE
• Course Duration: 4 years
• Average salary (approx): INR 3 lakhs - INR 7 lakhs per annum
• Expected Job Roles: Geotechnical Engineer, Construction Engineer, Structural Engineer, Site Engineer, Professor
• Top Companies Hiring Civil Engineering Graduates: Schlumberger, Indian Railways, Larsen and Toubro, Power Grid Corporation of India, Public Works Department

6. Business Administration (BBA)

For those aspiring to learn core management principles and establish a successful career in management, a BBA degree is the right choice. The course provides theoretical and practical knowledge of business management, marketing, finance, and other domains. BBA is among those undergraduate courses that prepare you for pursuing a career in management consulting, marketing, and entrepreneurship.

• Eligibility: Completion of class 12 in any stream with an aggregate of 50% or higher
• Entrance Examinations: AIMA UGAT, IPU CET, CUET, SET, NPAT
• Course Duration: 3 years
• Average salary (approx): INR 3 lakhs - INR 10 lakhs per annum
• Expected Job Roles: Marketing Executive, Sales Executive, HR Executive, Marketing Manager, R&D Manager
• Top Companies Hiring BBA Graduates: Microsoft, IBM, TCS, Deloitte, ITC

7. Biotechnology (B.Sc)

The field of biotechnology combines the principles of chemistry, biology, and engineering to solve various problems in the domains of healthcare, agriculture, and the environment. A BSc in Biotechnology covers genetic engineering, cell biology, bioinformatics, and much more. This multidisciplinary field can open up multiple career avenues in research, pharmaceutical, and environmental-based jobs.

• Eligibility: Completion of class 12 in the Science stream with PCB and a minimum of 55-60%
• Entrance Examinations: ICAR AIEEA, CUET
• Course Duration: 3 years (BSc Honours)
  • 4 years (BSc Honours+Research)
• Average salary (approx): INR 3.6 lakhs per annum
• Expected Job Roles: Epidemiologist, Biochemist, Lab Technician
• Top Companies Hiring B.Sc Biotechnology Graduates: Cipla, Siemens Healthcare, Stryker, Ranbaxy, Johnson & Johnson, Philips Healthcare

8. Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com)

When it comes to pursuing a career in accounting, finance, and taxation, B.Com is the preferred choice for most students. They study financial accounting, auditing, taxation, corporate law, and macroeconomics, among other core areas in this undergraduate course. Upon course completion, graduates are eligible to apply for rewarding job roles in corporate firms, financial institutions, consulting firms, government agencies, and non-profit organizations, or choose to pursue postgraduate studies such as M.Com or MBA.

• Eligibility: 10+2 in Accountancy/Commerce
• Entrance Examinations: IPU CET, CUET
• Course Duration: 3 years
• Average salary (approx): INR 1 lakh - INR 9 lakhs per annum
• Expected Job Roles: Accountant, Account Manager, Financial Analyst, Tax Consultant
• Top Companies Hiring B.Com Graduates: HDFC, PNB, LIC, ICICI, SBI, RBI, KPMG

9. Law (LLB)

A BA in LLB prepares students with knowledge of legal principles, jurisprudence, and the legal system necessary to practice law. The course typically covers constitutional, criminal, civil, contract, and administrative law. Graduates can establish careers in litigation, corporate law, and criminal justice.

• Eligibility: Completion of class 12 with at least 55 percentile
• Entrance Examinations: BHU Undergraduate Entrance Test, DU LLB Entrance Exam, Telangana State Law Common Entrance Test
• Course Duration: 3 years
• Average salary (approx): INR 3 lakhs - INR 6 lakhs per annum
• Expected Job Roles: Legal Advisor, Judge, Legal Consultant, Legal Manager, Advocate, Solicitor, Law Officer
• Top Companies Hiring LLB Graduates: Law firms, public and private sector banks, Legal Process Outsourcing (LPOs), Bar Council of India

10. Journalism and Mass Communication

Journalism and Mass Communication focus on the production, distribution, and analysis of information through various multimedia channels. This course also guides you through multiple electronic and print media channels. The degree covers print journalism, broadcast journalism, and digital media so graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills for a career in reporting, editing, and content creation.

• Eligibility: Completion of class 12 with an aggregate of 50%
• Entrance Examinations: FTII JET, JMI, AIMCET, SAT India, IIMC
• Course Duration: 3 years
• Average salary (approx): INR 4 lakhs - INR 5 lakhs per annum
• Expected Job Roles: Copywriter, Screenwriter, Advertising Agent, Event Manager
• Top Companies Hiring Journalism and Mass Comm Graduates: India Today Group, All India Radio, Zee Network, Outlook, etc.

Conclusion

Before deciding to pursue any course, it is important to research it thoroughly and learn about the potential possibilities in terms of the earning potential that the concerned industry offers. With an array of programs to choose from, picking the one that is best suited to your needs can be overwhelming. Take into account your interests, strengths, and goals when making a choice. Also check the faculty’s expertise, course curriculum, and reviews from the alumni of your chosen university or college.

Amity University offers a variety of online undergraduate courses that can help you achieve your desired academic goals. Explore the university’s website to view the courses offered, curriculum, immersion programs, and campus life.

Our Online UG Programmes:

• Bachelors of Art (BA)
• Bachelors of Commerce (B.Com)
• Bachelors of Computer Applications (BCA)
• Bachelor Of Business Administration (BBA)