The Department of Commerce at the University of Delhi, often shortened as DU Commerce, is one of India’s leading institutions for commerce and business studies. Established in 1967, the department is located at the Delhi School of Economics (DSE) campus and has carved a niche for itself in the domains of academic excellence, research, and industry interface. It is renowned for producing top-tier professionals, researchers, and entrepreneurs who contribute meaningfully to India’s and the global economy.
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Historical Background and Growth
The Department of Commerce began its journey as a postgraduate center to cater to the growing demand for advanced business education. Since then, it has grown to become a full-fledged department offering a wide range of academic programs and research opportunities.
Over the decades, the department has adapted to changing business environments and policy frameworks, ensuring that its curriculum and pedagogy remain relevant and forward-looking.
Academic Programs Offered
| Program | Duration | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| M.Com (Master of Commerce) | 2 Years | Advanced studies in accounting, finance, marketing |
| MIB (Master of International Business)* | 2 Years | Specialized course in international trade and business |
| MHROD (Master of Human Resource and Organisational Development)* | 2 Years | Focus on HR management and organizational behavior |
| Ph.D. in Commerce | Variable | Research-driven program in various commerce domains |
| Certificate Courses | 6 months–1 year | Short-term industry-relevant courses |
Note: MIB and MHROD have been merged into MBA (IB) and MBA (HRD), respectively.
Faculty and Research Excellence
The department is home to a highly qualified faculty with doctoral degrees from reputable Indian and international universities. Faculty members actively engage in research and consultancy projects and contribute to reputed journals and policy-making bodies.
Research Areas:
- Corporate Governance
- Financial Markets
- International Business
- E-commerce and Digital Marketing
- Organizational Behavior
- Sustainability and CSR
The Department publishes its peer-reviewed journal titled “Journal of Commerce and Business Studies”, which features original research and scholarly articles.
Industry Interface and Placements
A major strength of the Department of Commerce is its robust industry linkages. Through guest lectures, internships, live projects, and corporate seminars, students get hands-on exposure to real-world challenges.
| Year | Highest Package (INR) | Average Package (INR) | Top Recruiters |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022–2023 | 21 LPA | 9 LPA | Deloitte, EY, KPMG, ICICI Bank, Wipro |
| 2021–2022 | 18 LPA | 8 LPA | PwC, Infosys, HDFC Bank, ZS Associates |
| 2020–2021 | 16 LPA | 7.5 LPA | Genpact, Accenture, Tata Capital |
Students have also secured pre-placement offers (PPOs) and internships with reputed multinational firms.
Infrastructure and Facilities
The Department of Commerce is well-equipped with modern infrastructure to facilitate learning and research:
- Smart Classrooms with multimedia support
- Computer Labs with specialized accounting and business software
- Library Access with digital and physical resources
- Wi-Fi-enabled campus
- Seminar Halls for guest lectures and symposiums
- E-learning Platform for blended and remote learning
International Collaborations and Exchange Programs
The Department has collaborated with several international institutions to offer exchange programs, dual degrees, and collaborative research projects. Some notable partner institutions include:
| Institution | Country | Collaboration Type |
|---|---|---|
| University of Glasgow | UK | Student Exchange, Joint Research |
| University of California, Riverside | USA | Guest Faculty, Dual Credits |
| University of Melbourne | Australia | Research Papers, Conferences |
| Fudan University | China | Online Webinars, Workshops |
These collaborations aim to give students global exposure and cross-cultural understanding.
Admission Process
Admission to the postgraduate and doctoral programs is highly competitive and merit-based:
- M.Com: Admission based on CUET-PG or merit list from undergraduate performance.
- MBA (IB/HRD): Conducted through CAT scores, followed by GD-PI rounds.
- Ph.D.: Entrance exam followed by research proposal and interview.
Eligibility criteria vary slightly depending on the program, but a strong academic background in commerce or allied fields is generally required.
Events and Student Activities
The department hosts several academic and cultural events throughout the year. These include:
- Comquest: National-level business quiz
- Biz-onomics: Seminar series on economic and commercial trends
- Annual Fest – Convergence: Student-run business and cultural fest
- Guest Lectures: Talks by CEOs, economists, and industry leaders
These activities foster leadership, teamwork, and industry engagement among students.
Vision for the Future
The Department of Commerce envisions becoming a globally recognized center of excellence by:
- Strengthening digital pedagogy and analytics-based learning
- Expanding global collaborations and dual degree offerings
- Launching specialized centers for FinTech, ESG, and Entrepreneurship
- Promoting inclusive and interdisciplinary research
It is committed to producing responsible business leaders equipped to tackle 21st-century challenges.
Key Questions
Q1. What programs are offered by the Department of Commerce, DU?
It offers M.Com, MBA (IB), MBA (HRD), Ph.D., and certificate courses.
Q2. Is there a placement cell in the DU Commerce Department?
Yes, it has an active placement cell with top corporate recruiters.
Q3. How can I apply for the M.Com program at DU?
You can apply via CUET-PG or merit-based admission, depending on eligibility.
Q4. Are there international opportunities at DU Commerce?
Yes, students can participate in exchange programs and global conferences.
