Certificate in Business Skills (CBS): Admission 2024, Fees, Syllabus, Entrance Exam, Top Colleges, Career Scope

Updated on Oct 1, 2024 11:19 IST
Akansha Bisht

Akansha BishtContent Writer

The Certificate in Business Skills (CBS) program was introduced jointly by IGNOU, Rajiv Gandhi Foundation (RGF) and Commonwealth of Learning (COL) Canada, to enable NGOs and other agencies to develop business skills among the street children, unemployed youth, rural and urban disadvantaged sections and women, so that these groups can avail gainful self-employment opportunities.

IGNOU Certificate in Business Skills (CBS) course teaches students about business communication, entrepreneurship, basic computer knowledge, business organization, and accounting. The minimum duration of the CBS program is 6 months and the maximum is 2 years.

Students who have completed Class 12, irrespective of their streams, from a recognized board can opt for this course. This program is offered solely by IGNOU and the course fee is INR 3,200 for the full program plus a registration fee of INR 300.

Certificate in Business Skills (CBS) students can seek employment opportunities in fields like Hospitality, Finance, Entertainment, Economics, etc. Some popular job profiles for Certificate holders are Sales Associate, Customer Service Representative, Business Development Associate, Office Administrator, etc. The average salary of a Sales Associate is INR 3.2 LPA in India

Interested candidates can continue reading the article for more Certificate in Business Skills (CBS) course details.

Links relevant to the CBS course:

Top Certificate Courses & Certifications Online 2024

Certificate in Business Skills (CBS) Course Details: Highlights

This cutting-edge program provides individuals with the essential knowledge and practical skills necessary to excel in the ever-changing landscape of today's business world. To get a quick review of the course, look into the course highlights:

Parameters

Course Details

CBS Course Level

Certificate

CBS Mode of Study

Open Distance Learning

CBS Course Duration

6 Months to 2 Years

CBS Eligibility

Class 12 or its equivalent

CBS Admission process

Merit-based 

CBS Course Fees

INR 3,500

CBS Top Colleges

IGNOU

CBS Job Positions

Sales Associate, Customer Service Representative, Business Development Associate, Office Administrator, etc. 

CBS Average Salary

INR 3.2 LPA

CBS Top Recruiters

Reliance Retail, SBI, TCS, The Taj Group, etc

Note- The information is sourced from external sources and may vary.

CBS course Recommended Topics:

IGNOU launches new MBA programme

Q:   What is the future scope of CBS course?

A:

CBS is a vocational course aimed at enhancing the business knowledge of an individual. After completing the course, one may not get a job only based on CBS certification but it can help working professionals in negotiating better job roles and better pay. Apart from that, the CBS course can be immensely helpful to the self-employed and owners of small-scale businesses.

Q:   What are the benefits of pursuing the Certificate in Business Skills (CBS) course?

A:

Here are some of the salient features of the Certificate in Business Skills (CBS) program, that makes it worth pursuing:

  • Opportunity to interact with leading experts through teleconferencing.
  • Students can study at their own chosen place and are not required to attend regular classes.
  • Students can study at their own pace and convenience over a period regular of 6 months to 2 years.
  • Students are exposed to vocational/professional expertise.
  • Students have the opportunity to develop skills in computers.
  • Teaching is done through an innovative multi-medium.

What is a Certificate in Business Skills (CBS) Course?

The CBS Course, likely referring to the Certificate in Business Skills, can be summarised in these key points:

  • Focus: Develop business skills for various audiences.
  • Target Groups: Designed for unemployed youth, street children, rural/urban underprivileged sections, and women seeking self-employment opportunities.
  • Duration: Minimum 6 months, maximum 2 years.
  • Course Content: May cover topics like business communication, entrepreneurship, computer applications, business organisation, and preparatory courses in commerce. (Though specific content might vary depending on the institute offering the CBS course.)

CBS course Helpful Links:

Top 10 Distance MBA Institutes in India

Why Pursue the Certificate in Business Skills (CBS) Course?

Here are some reasons why pursuing the Certificate in Business Skills (CBS) program from IGNOU has many benefits: 

  • Self-Employment: The program helps people develop business skills so they can gain employment. 
  • Flexibility: Students can study at their own pace and convenience, over six months to two years. 
  • Multimedia Learning: The program uses multimedia learning materials and innovative teaching methods. 
  • Expert Support: Students can interact with experts through teleconferencing and receive strong student support services. 
  • Location Independence: Students can study from their preferred location, which is especially helpful for those in remote areas. 
  • Affordable: IGNOU courses are generally less expensive than full-time courses at other universities. 
  • Recognized Degrees: IGNOU degrees are recognized in India and around the world, and are at par with degrees from other Indian universities. 

Q:   What is the value of Certificate in Business Skills (CBS)?

A:

The Certificate in Business Skills (CBS) from the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is designed to equip learners with fundamental business skills that are essential in various professional environments. Here is what the value of this program is:

  • Skill Development: The CBS provides practical skills that are applicable in many business contexts, enhancing employability.
  • Recognition: As a program from IGNOU, it holds value in India and is recognized by many employers, especially in fields related to business and management.
  • Foundation for Further Education: Completing this certificate can serve as a stepping stone for further studies in business or management, such as a diploma or degree program.

Certificate in Business Skills CBS Eligibility Criteria

CBS or Certificate in Business Skills from IGNOU program is intended to provide students with basic business communication, entrepreneurship, basic computer knowledge, etc. The objective of this program is to motivate self-employment, and that's why there are no strict eligibility criteria to get admission to the CBS course.

  • Any candidate, who has completed their Class 10 or equivalent from a recognized body can opt for this course.

CBS course-related topics you might be interested in:

Fine Arts Course After Class 10th: Eligibility, Fees, Jobs

Q:   Can I pursue Certificate in Business Skills after 10th?

A:

No, the basic eligibility criteria to pursue a Certificate in Business Skills (CBS) program is to pass Class 12 or its equivalent from a recognized body. With a Class 10 score, you can explore other After 10th Diploma/certification courses.

Certificate in Business Skills (CBS) Syllabus

The IGNOU Certificate in Business Skills syllabus is designed to offer the know-how and practical skills necessary to excel in the ever-changing landscape of today's business world. Here's an overview of Certificate in Business Skills syllabus for candidates' reference:

Paper I (Business Organization)
UNIT I: Basic Concepts and Forms of Business  UNIT II: Organization
UNIT III: Financing in Business UNIT IV: Marketing
UNIT V: Business Services UNIT VI: Government and Business
Pap II (Preparatory Course in Commerce)
UNIT I: Basic Concept in Accounting UNIT II: Books of Account - 1
UNIT III: Books of Account - 2 UNIT IV: Final Account - 1
UNIT V: Final Account - 2 -
Paper III (Business Communication and Entrepreneurship)
UNIT I: Communication Skills for Business - 1 UNIT II: Communication Skills for Business - 2
UNIT III: Entrepreneurship and Small Business - 1 UNIT V: Entrepreneurship and Small Business - 2
UNIT V: Entrepreneurship and Small Business - 3 -
Paper IV (Laboratory Course)
UNIT I: Install Your Operating System UNIT II: Install Your Operating System
UNIT III: Spreadsheet -
Lab Course - 2
UNIT I: Presentation Tool UNIT II: Databases
UNIT III: Internet and Its Applications UNIT V: Web Page Design
UNIT V: Java Programming Lab -

Note: This information is sourced from external sites and may vary.

Links relevant to the CBS course:

What is an Open University?

Q:   Which books should I buy for Certificate in Business Skills (CBS) program?

A:

ECO1 (Business Organization), PCO1 (Management Theory), and BCOA1 (Business Communication and Entrepreneurship) modules offer concise and accessible notes to help you grasp fundamental concepts and practical applications in business management.

These books have the targeted information to help you understand key business principles, case studies, management techniques, and strategic decision-making crucial for examinations.

CBS Careers, Scope, Job Profiles, Salary, and Recruiters

A CBS equips you with a versatile skillset applicable across numerous industries. The CBS program strengthens your resume, making you a more attractive candidate. Employers seek individuals with strong communication, computer proficiency, and business acumen and CBS can lead to career advancement and higher earning potential.

Job Title

Description

Average Annual Salary (INR)

Sales Associate

Works directly with customers to promote and sell products or services. 

2-4 LPA 

Customer Service Representative

Provides support to customers through various channels (phone, email, chat). 

2-3.5 LPA 

Business Development Associate

Identifies and develops new business opportunities for the company. 

3-5 LPA 

Marketing Assistant

Supports marketing activities like social media management, content creation, and market research.

2.5-4 LPA 

Office Administrator

Provides administrative support in an office setting. 

2-3 LPA 

Note- The above salary has been taken from external sources, and hence may vary.

CBS course-related links students find helpful:

List of IGNOU Courses in Distance Education

CBS Top Recruiters

Various industries like retail, banking and finance, telecom, IT, hospitality, etc, look forward to recruiting CBS graduates. Moreover, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) across various sectors often look for individuals with foundational business skills to support their administrative, sales, and marketing functions.

Here are the sectors and companies that  heavily rely on individuals with Certificate in Business Skills (CBS) qualifications:

Top Recruiters

Reliance Retail

Aditya Birla Retail

Amazon

HDFC Bank

SBI

ICICI Bank

TCS

Infosys

The Taj Group

ITC Hotels

Airtel

Vodafone Idea

Note: The information is sourced from external sites and may vary.

Links helpful for the CBS course:

What is the Career Scope after Graduation from IGNOU?

Q:   What are the job prospects after Certificate in Business Skills (CBS)?

A:

While CBS can enhance your resume, whether you will get a job after completing it depends on several factors:

  • Job Market: The demand for business skills varies by industry and location. Having a certificate may improve your chances, but it is not a guarantee of employment.
  • Experience: Employers often look for practical experience alongside educational qualifications. Internships or work experience can significantly boost your employability.
  • Networking: Building professional connections and networking can also play a crucial role in securing a job.
  • Additional Skills: Complementing the certificate with other skills (e.g., technical skills, soft skills) can make you more attractive to potential employers.

In summary, while the Certificate in Business Skills can provide beneficial skills and improve job prospects.

Q:   Which are the top recruiting sectors for Certificate in Business Skills (CBS) graduates?

A:

The Certificate in Business Skills (CBS) program is designed to help disadvantaged groups, such as street children, unemployed youth, and women, develop business skills so they can find self-employment. After this course, you can go for industries like:

  • Retail,
  • Banking and Finance,
  • Telecom,
  • IT,
  • Hospitality,
  • Small and medium enterprises (SMEs), etc.

Certificate in Business Skills (CBS) Course FAQs

Candidates can refer to this section for Certificate in Business Skills (CBS) Course FAQs.

Q:   Are IGNOU certificate courses worth pursuing?

A:

Here are some advantages of pursuing a certification from IGNOU:

  • Flexible Learning: IGNOU offers distance learning, which allows you to study at your own pace and schedule, making it accessible for working professionals and students.
  • Affordability: The courses are generally affordable compared to traditional universities, making them a cost-effective option for many learners.
  • Recognized Credentials: IGNOU is a recognized university in India, and its courses can add value to your resume, especially if you are looking to enhance your qualifications.
  • Diverse Course Options: It offers a wide range of certificate courses in various fields, including arts, science, commerce, and professional studies, which can cater to different interests and career paths.
  • Skill Development: Many certificate courses focus on practical skills and knowledge that can enhance your employability or help you in your current job.

Popular CBS Colleges in India

Following are the most popular CBS Colleges in India. Learn more about these CBS colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
1 Course
24.2 L
25 LPA
2 L - 10 L
3.75 - 7.25 LPA

Banking, Finance & Insurance Applications open. Apply Now

90 K
5.0
4 Courses
540 - 27.5 K
5.5 LPA
75 K - 4.28 L
3.8
Ranked #3 Private University in India. Placement with Fortune 500 Companies
6.75 L
4.9

Popular Private CBS Colleges in India

2 Courses
10.85 L
5.0
75 K - 4.28 L
3.8
Ranked #3 Private University in India. Placement with Fortune 500 Companies
5 Courses
3.1 L - 20.77 L
15 LPA
5 Courses
6.4 L - 12 L

Banking, Finance & Insurance Applications open. Apply Now

99 K - 1.2 L
2 Courses
11.55 L
3.9
Ranked 4th in North India Pvt B-Schools. Highest CTC 16L. Placements-ICICI,Deloitte,S&P Global
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Student Forum

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Answered 2 months ago

While CBS can enhance your resume, whether you will get a job after completing it depends on several factors:

  • Job Market: The demand for business skills varies by industry and location. Having a certificate may improve your chances, but it is not a guarantee of employment.
  • Experience: Employers often

...more

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

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