Symbiosis College of Arts and Commerce B.Com Review By Navneet Karnani

Symbiosis College of Arts & Commerce is one of the oldest and well-known educational institutions in Pune. Although it was granted autonomous status by the UGC, it continues to be affiliated to Savitribai Phule Pune University. It has received several accreditations and accolades over the years from various reputed institutions. The admission process was fairly simple and was based on merit basis, not through an entrance examination. The cut-off scores range between 82-89% usually and multiple merit-lists are put up during the process of admission. My scores from XII grade were more than the cut-off score, and further the admission was done easily. The college also provides choices of optional subjects, which should be selected during admission.

Along with traditional education, students here are given practical knowledge in the form of seminars, workshops, conferences, and field visits. From my experience, the college not only delivers quality education, but also helps in shaping a good personality. The campus is impactful in broadening one’s perspective. It offers endless possibilities for someone who aims at achieving better results in life. The college helped me in understanding the real world whereabouts and prepared me well to work in the corporate world. It is just the right place to get good at academics and also explore beyond it.

The institution has a well-designed curriculum, on par with international standards in my opinion. My three- year course of Bachelor of Commerce included subjects well-distributed across the period, which does not feel like a burden, while also being able to learn and comprehend well. The subjects include accountancy, economics, mathematics or computer, English and general awareness in the first year of study. Although the college follows Pune University syllabus, there is additional syllabus designed to expand students’ knowledge and provide modern, updated knowledge. The college arranged guest lectures from experts from around the world to enhance our knowledge about the ongoing and important aspects of the sector.

I was reluctant regarding the curriculum at first, the institution made me develop interest and learn better. The assignments have often helped me to open myself up to the real world and understand practical applications of the subjects. The college ended at 11 am, thus it was possible for me to involve in internship or study some other course. SCAC also offers diploma in Liberal Arts, and this can be pursued for those who intend to expand their horizon. The popularity of Symbiosis can be gauged with the number of NRI’s that join the college every year. Symbiosis is famous not just in India but overseas as well.

Symbiosis College of Arts & Commerce has some of the highly experienced faculty in the state. There are 10 departments involved in Bachelors of Commerce program. The faculty is knowledgeable and guide students well in case of queries. They are supportive to take up workshops and internships to enhance exposure to students.

Most lecturers have completed their Ph.D and are very resourceful and provide interesting interactions. However, if you are lethargic and lack interest in academics, you will be left behind. This campus is meant for those who want to work hard and the faculty is helpful for such students. It is best suited for those willing to work to their maximum potential and the faculty help in developing and maximizing the possibilities to achieve excellence.

The college has great reputation in the industry and attracts some of the top employers for campus placements. For those who strive hard, the placements are well-rewarding. The college offers placement training to prepare students for recruitment process. The average salary package for placements in Symbiosis College of Arts, Commerce and Computer Science is about Rs. 3.5 lakhs per annum. Ernst & Young, Deloitte, KPMG, Northern Trust, and Federal Bank are some of the prominent employers that recruit in this campus.

The college has built a strong alumni network that helps us in placements. Students are also encouraged to take up several internships over the period of 3 years.

Hostel facilities are limited in this institution with two each for boys and girls. The hostels are situated closer to the college and provide good food and facilities to stay. It is mostly given out to NRI students and international students. The fee for hostels is not expensive and it includes mess fee. There are also a lot of PG accommodation facilities around the campus, which can be preferred.

Security is tight at the hostel and there are restrictions of timings as well. Students are not allowed to leave the hostel post 9 pm.

This institution has an old, small campus but it presents itself well. The college is situated in a prime spot and is easily accessible. The classrooms are small, but are abundant for average strength of class. The infrastructure does not limit the normal functioning of the college. Even the library is small, but it has all necessary textbooks and reference books related to academics. There is also a reading room that helps in getting peaceful study time. It is equipped with well-maintained modern facilities including Wi-Fi, gymnasium, mess, and IT labs.

The college canteen offers variety of food with good taste, while also being economical. While four Symbiosis institutions share the campus, the schedules are meticulously planned to never make it feel congested. There is an NCC canteen nearby the college, which most students including me, preferred. Smart classes in the form of audio-visual aids were used to improve learning experience for us.

The institution not only accommodates students from various states from India, but also from different countries. The motto of the college is ‘Whole world being one family’ and it is exemplified by the diverse campus. It has a welcoming environment that helps students to grow personally every day. In my opinion, the smaller campus makes it possible to interact with many students from different departments. There is no discrimination of any sort between students from different years and departments. There is no limit to pursue excellence in this college.

It is great to take part in the annual college fest and other intercollegiate competitions as there is a joyous atmosphere. For extra-curricular activities, there are clubs and cells for drama, debate, art, NSS, and skill development. The campus hosts various activities to support entrepreneurship among students. The campus groomed us in a way I cannot imagine any other college would.