Diploma in Accounting is usually an undergraduate-level diploma programme that can be taken up by Intermediate students who want to make a career in the domain of accounting and related fields. However, some institutions may offer it to graduate students in an advanced form. It is a one-year course in most of the institutions, but the duration may be shorter or longer, depending on the coverage of the course and the institution’s offerings.
The Diploma in Accounting course is available as a full-time programme, part-time – classroom programme, online programme, and even distance learning and correspondence programme in a few institutions. The course fee may range from less than INR 1 lakh to above INR 5 lakhs, depending on the institution, course structure, and course reputation. Students pursuing the Accounting Diploma learn about various aspects of accounting and the communication of a business entity’s financial information.
Several private and public institutions recognised by AICTE, UGC or AIU offer the diploma course in accounting. While some institutions offer the course full-time, others may have flexible options too. Out of several different colleges and universities, some provide high-quality education in the area of accounting. Following is a list of a few of these institutes and their course duration for the Diploma in Accounting programme:
Whether it is an undergraduate Diploma in Accounting or a postgraduate diploma, it is important for candidates to ensure that they have the required skills to do well in the domain of accounting and finance. Here are some essential qualities and skills they should have in order to excel in the course:
By pursuing a specialised accounting diploma course, students can open several academic and professional career options for themselves. They are honed in various domains, such as business accounting, advanced accounting, inventory or trading account management, insurance, and banking and finance. Though they can go for the higher education after completing the Diploma in Accounting course, they can work in organisations in all sectors.
Students can find suitable job positions and occupy the roles of accounts assistant, business analyst, financial analyst, executive assistant, and corporate analyst. There are also job roles like investments analyst, investment advisor, equity research analyst, market analyst, risk analyst, securities analyst, and operations executive. While there is no dearth of jobs in almost all types of firms after completing the Diploma in Accounting programme, students can raise their job prospects manifold by pursuing further courses in accounting or finance.
For instance, they may take up a course like B.Com, M.Com, BBA, or BBM. They may also do the CA or CS course to become a chartered accountant or company secretary respectively. Some students may even prefer to start their own accounting practice as a consultant or advisor to other business entities, especially financial firms. Thus, options are endless for students to explore a career path after considering their personal, educational and professional goals.
If the diploma course in accounting is offered at the undergraduate level, then candidates must have passed 10+2 with a minimum marks percentage as set by the specific institution to which they are applying. If the course is offered at the postgraduate level, the candidate must have done graduation, preferably in the Commerce stream, with a minimum marks percentage as set by the specific institution to which they are applying.
The criterion of minimum marks percentage and stream may vary by institution and candidate category. While most institutions may select candidates based on merit, a few may have their own entrance tests for admission of eligible candidates. Thus, it is critical for applicants to check every single criterion of the eligibility before applying to an institution of their choice in order to pursue the Diploma in Accounting course.
The Diploma in Accounting programme is a specialised course in itself. Students gain a substantial knowledge in the domain of accounting and finance after completing this course. However, some institutions may offer knowledge in the specialised areas under this particular programme. For instance, you may come across a specialisation in company secretary, advanced accounting, or accounting and finance. Still, in most cases, a specialisation may be available only under diploma programmes that are being offered at the postgraduate level for graduate students.