BFM versus BBI: Which Course to Choose?

Learn the difference between BFM and BBI. Make the right call, MANAGE your career and INSURE your future. 

Bachelor of Financial Markets (BFM) is a 3-year management undergraduate programme spread across 6 semesters i.e. 2 semesters per year. This course was started by the University of Mumbai in the year 2008-2009. BFM is a finance-oriented course, which focuses on core finance concepts, the stock market, and valuation. The course offers theoretical and practical knowledge of planning, organizing, monitoring, directing and controlling the capital resources of an organization in the most efficient way. It also focuses on deep analysis and study of financial markets, trading basics, and regulation, market forces (demand and supply), which are an essential part of finance in any organization. Candidates who pursue the course are provided training with presentations, interactions with industry professionals, projects, practical sessions, etc. They are equipped to understand the risks, money, economics as well as the legalities of a financial market. 

BBI/B. Com (B&I) i.e. Bachelor of Banking & Insurance/ Bachelor of Commerce in Banking & Insurance is a full-time undergraduate programme spread over 3 years, with each year being divided into 2 semesters. The course covers 38 subjects and 2 projects on banking and insurance of 100 Marks each, which are to be submitted in the final year. It provides in-depth training in the areas of banking, insurance law, insurance regulations, accounting, and finance. BBI also covers various subjects of commerce and communication skills.

Difference between BFM and BBI syllabi: 

BFM is a specialization which is not a very common choice with students but has proven to be quite effective in terms of employment because of there being only a limited set of people with the required qualifications. BBI, on the other hand, has become a lot more common in the last couple of years with people wanting to work in the lucrative banking and insurance industries. BFM focuses primarily on financial markets while the core subjects of BBI are built around the disciplines of banking and insurance. 

BFM: 

To be eligible for admission to BBI, the candidate must have passed the Higher Secondary School Certificate (10+2) examination conducted by different Divisional Boards of Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education or its equivalent and secured not less than 50% marks in aggregate at first attempt (This may vary depending on the college the applicant is applying to.)

BBI:

To be eligible for admission to BBI, the candidate must have passed the Higher Secondary School Certificate (10+2) examination conducted by different Divisional Boards of Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education or its equivalent and secured not less than 45% marks in aggregate at first attempt (40% in the case of reserved category students). 

What should I choose? 

Well…career choices aren’t binary especially when it comes to taking advice. Look at sources to deduce what every decision will bring with it but don’t look at sources for a direct answer, frame the answers which fit your cookie-cutter the best. 

Remember: Do not become a round peg if the hole is circular, look for a peg which is meant for you. Be the square you are and look for a hole that fits you. 

• BFM is a course which is for students who are basically interested in stock markets and trading. While BBI is for students who are primarily interested in the banking and insurance sector. There are an ample number of career paths in both fields. BFM students can look at Financial Management, Portfolio Management, Trading, Stock Broking as a profession. On the other hand, BBI students can explore various jobs in the banking and insurance industries like Risk Management, Insurance Broker, Bank Manager, etc.  Re-insurance is another great field that BBI students can look at for possible job prospects. To know more about Re-Insurance, CLICK HERE.
  
• Another major difference between the two is in the sternness with Attendance that colleges have. With a management course like BFM, the attendance is a bit more flexible but with a self-financing course like BBI, there is no space for reconsideration or giving a leeway with attendance. BBI students, therefore, need to have a higher percentage of attendance than their counterparts in the BFM course.
  
• Introspect, analyze and make an informed decision. As someone who is looking at a career in fields pertaining to business, I’d suggest a classic business decision-making tactic— ‘Do a SWOT Analysis.’ If you don’t know what that is, don’t fret. SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. List down your Strengths and Weaknesses, look at the Opportunities and Threats in both BFM and BBI and then tally them with your Strengths and Weaknesses. You’ll realize where it is that your skillset will serve better. 

Tip: Look for answers within.