The Department of B.Com. Vocational at St. John’s College was established in 1997 with the introduction of two specializations – Foreign Trade Practices and Procedures and Advertising, Sales Promotion and Salesmanship – with the objective of providing commerce education integrated with professional and skill-based training. The department was founded under the leadership of Dr. K. K. Bansal and Dr. Indra Kumar, who served as the first coordinators of B.Com. Vocational Foreign Trade and Sales respectively.

In 2005, the specialization in Principles and Practices of Insurance was introduced under the leadership of Dr. Arjun Das, further strengthening the department’s professional and industry-oriented approach. Over the years, the department has been guided by eminent academicians including Dr. P. N. Asthana, Dr. C. M. Jain, and Dr. P. A. Joy, Dr. Sanjeev Sharma whose valuable contributions have played a significant role in its academic growth and reputation.

The programme presently offers three vocational specializations:

1. Foreign Trade Practices and Procedures
2. Advertising, Sales Promotion and Salesmanship
3. Principles and Practices of Insurance

The primary objective of introducing these vocational courses was not merely to award a degree, but to develop graduates equipped with practical understanding, professional competence, communication skills, and industry-oriented knowledge along with a strong academic foundation in commerce. The programme focuses on developing professional competence in the areas of international trade, insurance operations, marketing, advertising, and sales management. Equal importance is given to practical learning, analytical ability, communication skills, personality development, and career-oriented education to prepare students for the evolving demands of the corporate world.

Over the years, the department has successfully prepared students for careers in banking, insurance, marketing, corporate services, international business, marketing, and entrepreneurship by equipping them with both academic knowledge and professional expertise.