This blog intends to present the major differences between BBS (Bachelor of Business Studies) and BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration). BBS and BBA are the most preferred Bachelor level courses by Nepalese students from the courses offered by the Faculty of Management (FOM), Tribhuvan University (TU). These two can be differentiated on a various basis including the cost (fee structure), need for entrance test for admission, syllabus, grading system, mandatory internship and so on. BBS is a yearly-based course whereas BBA is a semester-based course and most students are found in a dilemma when choosing the best option for their academic journey that can meet their professional goals.
The main objective of the BBS course in Nepal offered by TU is to prepare students as competent managers for various organizations and organized activities. It aims for the student to be well-prepared for working in various dynamic environments and deliver their best by remaining in managerial positions. There are over 680 colleges that have been offering BBS programs. The best thing about it is there is need no to have an entrance exam for getting admission, however, there is a certain list to be eligible for getting admitted to the college. We can see BBS students exploring their career opportunities in banking sectors, Accountants, and Supervisors in various organizations whereas many students have turned to be successful entrepreneurs and introduced various ideas and business concepts in this competitive market.
On the other hand, the BBA program is another alternative to the BBS program. More than 45 colleges in Nepal are offering BBA programs affiliated with TU. The course aims to prepare students for handling managerial positions so that they can pursue their professional journey in business or public management. The course aims to prepare them for various domestic and global business organizations with modern impersonal skills by developing positive attitudes and enhancing KSA (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities).
Which is costly, BBA or BBS?
In terms of cost, BBA is costly compared to BBS. The fee structures of these courses differ according to the colleges. The public campuses offer them at a reasonable price whereas private colleges are found to charge high fee structures. On average, the BBS course can be completed with a total fee of Rs 60,000 to Rs 120,000. On the other hand, the total fee structure of BBA is above Rs 400,000 on average.
Is the syllabus of BBS and BBA the same? What subjects are there?
There are various similarities between the course structure and syllabus of both BBS and BBA. The common subjects include Financial Accounting, Business Communication, Cost and Management Accounting, Fundamentals of Financial Management, Business Economics, Macroeconomics, Business Statistics, Business Environment, Taxation and Auditing, Entrepreneurship, Business Research and many more.
Is there any difference in pass percentage?
Regarding pass percentage, BBA has a high number of students successfully passing their board exams. We can discover the high drop rate in BBS.
What job can I get after BBS or BBA?
BBS and BBA graduate can find their career in the same industry. They can go for various managerial positions in different organizations. They can also apply for jobs in financial institutions including commercial banks, and insurance companies as well as can apply for vacancies at stock brokerage offices. Management is universal in nature and almost every organization seeks potential and deserving managers. One can also apply for Public Service Commission if s/he is interested to have a career as a public servant.
Eligibility for BBS and BBA: Difference in the Admission procedure
There is a difference in admission procedures where students need to give CMAT (Central management Admission Test), an entrance test for being admitted to BBA courses. Students must have scored a minimum of D+ grade in each subject of classes 11 and 12 with a CGPA of 1.80 or more or must have obtained at least second division in the 10+2, PCL, or equivalent program. For CMAT, they need to prepare mainly in the following four sections- Verbal Ability, Quantitative Ability, Logical Reasoning and General Awareness. Scoring or obtaining pass marks cannot assure you have admission to your desired college as there are limited seats and students are selected on various grounds including their CMAT score, 10+2 score, SEE score and performance during the admission interview taken by the colleges.
On the other hand, there are no limited seats for BBS students, and they need not prepare for CMAT or other Entrance preparation tests. Students must have completed 10+2 or equivalent examinations with at least 1.8 CGPA or with second division (securing 45% and above) to apply for admission to the BBS program of Tribhuvan University. Also, students need to have obtained at least a D+ score in every subject in 10+2.
Which course is more practical, BBS or BBA?
BBA has proven to be more practical compared t BBS as a student need to go for an internship during their study for practical knowledge and also they need to regularly prepare for a presentation, research and practical examination.
What is the salary of BBS and BBA in Nepal?
BBS and BBA graduate can explore their career in banking and other public and private organizations. The salary ranges as per the organizations, appointed positions, and the skills which a candidate possesses. The fresher’s salary usually lies above Rs 12,000 in Nepal which increases according to their performance and as per the nature of the organizations.
Can BBS graduates go for MBA?
MBA is not only for BBA graduates as the course can be enrolled by BBS students. Similarly, BBA students can also join MBS for their higher studies. This shows the equivalency in the weight of BBA and BBS certificates in the market.
Are both professional courses?
As we are trying to present the difference between Bachelor of Business Studies and Bachelor of Business Administration, we like to inform you that both the courses are not professional. This point shows similarities between them. They are academic courses and don’t guarantee job and placement after graduation. One needs to struggle hard even after completing the degree.
What are other alternative courses?
Faculty of Management, Tribhuvan University has also offered other alternative courses like BBM (Bachelor of Business Management), and BPA (Bachelor of Public Administration).
Is BBA better than BBS?
Both the courses are best as per the way they are designed. BBS might be a great choice for many students whereas some can find BBA as the best option. It depends on what is best for you, cost-effective, pass percentage, drop rate, or teaching methodologies. We have presented the following table so that students can explore the differences briefly:
| Basis of Difference | BBS (Bachelor of Business Studies) | BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration) |
| Cost (Fee Structure) | Low | High |
| Pass Percentage | Low | High |
| Equivalency | Same | Same |
| Entrance Exam for Admission | Not Required | Required (CMAT) |
| Drop Rate | High | Low |
| Number of Seats | Unlimited | Limited |
| Internship | Not Mandatory | Mandatory |
| Theoretical or Practical | More Theoretical | Both Theoretical and Practical |
Learn more on BBS Vs. BBA through videos:
