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@article{208198,
        author = {Dr. Suresha C and Manju S and Dr.Anthony Samson},
        title = {Choosing a Career Path: A Study of Student Perceptions Towards B.A., B.Com. and B.Sc. Programmes in Karnataka},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {13},
        number = {4},
        pages = {933-941},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=208198},
        abstract = {The transition from Pre-University (PU) education to undergraduate education represents a critical stage in the academic and career development of students. Traditionally, Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com.) and Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) programmes have been among the major undergraduate pathways available to students after completing PU education in Karnataka. However, the higher education environment has undergone substantial transformation due to technological advancement, changing labour-market requirements, digitalisation and increasing awareness of employability. Consequently, students and their parents increasingly evaluate undergraduate programmes in terms of practical skills, professional relevance, placement opportunities and employment outcomes. The present study examines the changing perception surrounding traditional degree programmes vis-à-vis job-oriented programmes among students making higher education choices after PU education, with special reference to B.A., B.Com. and B.Sc. programmes in Karnataka. The study is descriptive and analytical in nature and is based exclusively on secondary data obtained from policy documents, government reports, higher education statistics, employability-related publications and relevant academic literature. The analysis indicates that job-oriented programmes are increasingly perceived as attractive because of their specialised curriculum, practical exposure, technological relevance, internship opportunities and perceived connection with employment. At the same time, traditional degree programmes continue to play an important role in developing disciplinary knowledge, analytical ability, communication skills, scientific temperament and the foundation required for higher education, research and several career pathways. The study argues that the issue should not be viewed as a simple competition between traditional and job-oriented education. Instead, the changing perception of students reflects a growing demand for relevance, practical competence and visible career pathways. The study concludes that B.A., B.Com. and B.Sc. programmes can retain and strengthen their relevance through the integration of skill development, internships, digital competence, entrepreneurship, industry interaction and multidisciplinary learning. The implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 provides an important opportunity to bridge the perceived divide between academic education and employability-oriented learning.},
        keywords = {Student Perception, Traditional Degree Programmes, Job-Oriented Programmes, B.A., B.Com., B.Sc., Employability, Higher Education, PU Education and Karnataka.},
        month = {September},
        }