Vadodara: The faculty of commerce at Maharaja Sayajirao University (MSU) is set to bring computer education into its BCom curriculum under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, marking a major shift towards technology-driven commerce education.From the current academic year, first-year BCom students will study computer basics and advanced computer, with one computer-related paper in each semester. Students will subsequently receive training in tally, computerised accounting, financial data analytics and online income-tax and GST filing.The initiative aims to prepare commerce graduates for the changing requirements of business and industry while equipping them with skills needed for employment, professional practice and entrepreneurship.“Computer literacy, accounting software, financial data analysis and online tax compliance have become essential skills”, said Prof Pragnesh Shah, dean of the faculty of commerce. He added that the faculty is integrating these skills into the curriculum while strengthening laboratory infrastructure to make students industry-ready.The move is significant for the faculty, which traces its origins to the erstwhile College of Commerce and Economics and was formally established in 1949. Despite producing generations of BCom and MCom graduates, computer-based subjects had not previously been a regular part of the curriculum.At the MCom level, around 70 students are currently being trained in tally and financial data analytics without any additional fee. The faculty will also facilitate job placements for final-year MCom students this year.The expansion is supported by a major infrastructure upgrade. A computer laboratory equipped with 200 computers is ready, while procurement of another 525 computers is nearing completion. The faculty plans to establish computer laboratories in each of its buildings so that students can receive practical computer training alongside classroom instruction.The initiative is expected to strengthen the employability of MSU commerce graduates by combining traditional commerce education with practical digital and financial technology skills.
