Department of Commerce

About the department

The department is committed to quality education that builds a strong foundation in commerce, finance and management. Through classroom teaching, career guidance, workshops, industry interaction and co-curricular activities, it prepares students for higher education, professional courses, entrepreneurship and employment, and contributes actively to the college's IQAC and student development programmes.

History of the department

Earlier, commerce was taught only at the pre-university level, and after PUC students either moved to the B.A. course or went far away to study commerce. Students and parents expected the college to start a B.Com. degree, and the college lived up to their expectations. With the commercialisation of agriculture and the growth of the corporate sector, subjects such as cost accounting, banking, management, financial accounting, secretarial practice, taxation, auditing, marketing, computer applications and personnel management became vital, and B.Com. graduates found growing opportunities.

Sri S. R. Nagaraj, M.Com., headed the department from its inception. From a business family, he brought practical knowledge to his teaching and nurtured the department with dedication; he was also a good sportsman. Sri Seetaram Bhatta T., M.Com., the second member, had a flair for intellectual life, gave talks on All India Radio and loved classical music. Sri Gangadhar V. Shetty, M.Com., disciplined and devoted, served as NSS Officer and conducted three special camps. Sri M. S. Vinayaka, M.Com., sincere and hard-working, also served as NSS Officer.

Sri Lohit Naik, Miss Anasuya and Sri Manjunath M. worked as guest faculty in 2018-19. In 2019 two Assistant Professors, V. Kirankumar and Chetana M. Hegde, were appointed. Temporary faculty including Lohit Naik, Mamata G. T. (an alumna, appointed guest lecturer in 2021-22), Chaitra Naik and Hajeera Sheikh contributed to the department's progress. In 2025 Madhura Naik, also an alumna, was appointed as a part-time guest lecturer.

• Sri S. R. Nagaraj: joined 8 July 1977, retired 31 March 2012
• Sri G. V. Shetty: joined 3 October 1980, retired 30 April 2016
• Sri Vinayaka M. S.: joined 29 January 1992, retired 30 April 2021

Vision and mission

Vision: To emerge as a centre of excellence in commerce education by nurturing competent, ethical and industry-ready graduates who contribute to society and the economy.

• To impart quality commerce education through effective teaching-learning practices.
• To enhance employability and entrepreneurial skills through career-oriented and skill-based programmes.
• To promote ethical values, social responsibility and lifelong learning.
• To contribute to institutional quality through active involvement in IQAC initiatives.

Programme outcomes

On completing the programme, students will be able to:

• Demonstrate sound knowledge of commerce, accounting, finance and business management.
• Apply theoretical concepts to practical business and financial situations.
• Use accounting and analytical tools for financial reporting and decision-making.
• Communicate effectively in professional and academic settings.
• Identify career opportunities and pursue higher education or professional courses.
• Show ethical values, social responsibility and professionalism.
• Develop an entrepreneurial mindset and problem-solving abilities.

Objectives

• Quality commerce education aligned with the university curriculum and current industry trends.
• Career guidance and placement-oriented programmes with industry experts, professional bodies and training institutions.
• Encouraging students towards professional courses such as CA, CS, CMA, Tally, SAP and other certifications.
• Workshops, seminars and webinars to build analytical, communication and presentation skills.
• Exposure to digital tools, accounting software, financial analysis and project-based learning.
• Research orientation through training in data analysis, financial reporting and interpretation.
• Systematic documentation, outcome-based planning and continuous quality improvement for IQAC.
• Community engagement and social awareness through outreach and extension activities.

Highlights

• Regular career awareness sessions on CA, CS, CMA, Tally, SAP and emerging career options.
• An active role in the Career Guidance & Placement Cell, including job drives and skill-development programmes.
• Skill-enhancement programmes in financial analysis, project preparation and professional communication.
• Cash prizes for all students, of any department, who score 100 marks in the annual examination.
• Books lent from the department library to students in need.
• Guidance on employment opportunities shared in class and over WhatsApp.
• Encouragement for sports and extracurricular activities.

Curriculum and learning resources

• The university curriculum is followed; CBCS was introduced, followed by the NEP in 2021.
• Central library with 3,971 books and a department library with 150 books.
• E-learning resources such as e-PG Pathshala, YouTube and other online tools.
• Teaching combines chalk-and-talk, classroom question-and-answer sessions, group discussions, discussion of previous years' question papers and regular assignments.