In today’s fast-paced world, making the best choice after completing your 12th grade can feel like a crash course in decision-making. The journey after high school is a crucial one, as it sets the foundation for your future career. The best courses after 12th are the ones that align with your interests, talents, and career aspirations.

In this article, we’ll explore a range of options and crash courses that can help you make the best choice for your post-12th education journey. So, let’s dive right in and discover the best courses and the crash courses that can shape your future!

Best Courses to Choose After 12th

We have categorized this article into 3 segments, i.e.,

• Choosing Science as a career.
• Choosing Commerce as a career.
• Choosing Arts as a career.

Which Course to choose after 12th?

There are ample courses available to pursue but one must consider these points before choosing the course. The points are listed below with reasons –

1. Interests and passion

You must select a path that corresponds to your interests and abilities. If you want to pursue a career in music or the arts, you should choose the best courses after 12th science that is to your artistic aspirations. 

2. Choosing the Right Course

Understand the course specifics – curriculum and teaching methods – thoroughly before making a selection. Reach out to graduates or seniors currently studying there to get a glimpse of how it is. 

3. Know your Potential

Now that you know what your passions are and how you can teach yourself to follow them, it is time to assess the potential of the career pathway you have selected.

Career Options After 12th

Here are some of the best career options to choose after the 12th

Science as a Career Option

There are several career options after 12th science available after 12th science, ranging from extensive research potential to increased innovation and technology. Below are some of the best career options after 12th science:  

1. Courses After 12th PCM
2. Courses After 12th PCB

To know more popular and unpopular courses to opt for after 12the h refer to the article refer to the link- “50+ course after 12th“

Courses After 12th PCM

Below is the List of Courses after Class 12th PCM:

• Bachelor in Technology/Engineering (Btech)
• Bachelor of Science – Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, IT, Animation & Multimedia
• NDA
• Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.)
• Commercial Pilot Training 

1. Bachelor in Technology/Engineering

There are more than 4200 colleges in India, including government and private colleges, that offer B.Tech degrees in subjects like Computer Science, Mechanical, Electronics, Tele-Communication, Metallurgy, AI & Machine Learning, Electrical, Civil, Information Technology, etc. Engineering can be one of the best career option after 12th as per the demands of the industries.

Here are some of the best Btech colleges in India:

Btech Admission Criteria 2023

Following are the most common and popular ways (exams) to get into Btech programs and Colleges.

• JEE Main 
• Maharashtra Common Entrance Test 
• Karnataka Common Entrance Test
• Birla Institute of Technology & Science Admission Test
• Central Universities Common Entrance Test
• Vellore Institute of Technology Engineering Entrance Exam
• West Bengal Joint Entrance Exam
• Gujarat Common Entrance Test
• Manipal Entrance Test
• SRM Joint Engineering Entrance Exam

To know more about the best profiles and salaries after Btech engineering, then refer to the article Software Engineer Salaries in India

2. Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)

The full form of BSc is Bachelor of Science. Students who are passionate about science and technology can opt for the course and can also get into the research field. Several specializations are offered in B. Sc like Agriculture, Mathematics, Botany, Animation, Computer Science, etc.

Here are some of the best B.S.C Colleges in India with their annual fees

Career opportunities offered after B.Sc(Bachlors of Science)

One can work in both science & non-science fields after completing B.Sc. The career growth opportunities and salary packages for science graduates are more than satisfactory. However, there is a great demand to pursue higher education (specialized postgraduation programs, M.Sc or MBA) to be more job-ready. You may also prepare for competitive exams to secure a government job.

Here is a list of the most common job profiles after B.Sc. 2023:

3. NDA

Defense services are among the most prestigious jobs. NDA opens doors to the Indian Army, the Indian Navy, and the Indian Air Force. If you have studied PCM at the 12th level, it can be a perfect opportunity to serve the nation. The Union Public Service Commission conducts the NDA entrance test twice a year.

Eligibility Criteria

• The age limit of applicants must be between 16.5 – 19.5 years. 
• Unmarried males and females can apply for the NDA entrance exams.

Qualifications Required to give NDA Exam

NDA Admission Process 2023

• Written examination and a 5-day SSB (Service Selection Board) interview.
• After you clear both tests, you will have to clear Medical tests for fitness.
• Training

NDA Course

The program lasts 3 years, and you would get a Bachelor’s Degree from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. Post that, you would need to choose your specialization. Below are the respective institutes you would join as cadets after completing your Bachelor’s degree.

• Indian Army – Indian Military Academy, Dehradun
• Indian Air Force  – Air Force Academy, Hyderabad 
• Indian Navy – Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala 

Also, read about the NDA interview experience here – NDA/SSB Interview experience

4. Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.)

It is a full-time 5-year program. This course is focused on using technology and engineering for the professional practice of architecture. The course contains planning, designing, and constructing architectural structures using appropriate techniques.

B.Arch Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must complete at least 10+2 from a recognized board with 50% aggregate marks.

B.Arch Entrance Exam

Below are the top entrance exams for admission to B. Arch in India.

• National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NAAT)
• JEE Main Architecture Aptitude Test (AAT)
• JEE Advanced AAT  
• Uttar Pradesh State Entrance Examination (UPSEE)
• Indraprastha University Common Entrance Test (IPU CET)

Top B.Arch Colleges in India

5. Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) training program

This course offers 200 hours of flying training this 8-10 months course offers dual/ solo, general flying, circuit & landing sorties.

CPL Eligibility Criteria

The candidate must have cleared 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics as the main subjects. S/he must be 17 years of age.

Top Commercial Pilot Training Institutes

• Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Akademi (IGRUA)
• Bombay Flying Club
• Madhya Pradesh Flying Club (MPFC)
• National Flying Training Institute (NFTI)
• Ahmedabad Aviation & Aeronautics Ltd. ( AAA)
• Rajiv Gandhi Academy of Aviation Technology
• Government Flying Training School

Commercial Pilot Salaries

• The average starting salary of a commercial pilot in India is  ₹ 1 Lakhs.
• They can earn up to ₹ 83.7 Lakhs with experience.

Courses After 12th PCB

Here are List of Courses after Class 12th PCB.

• MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery)
• Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS)
• B.Pharma 
• Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
• Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT)

1. MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery)

An MBBS degree is an undergraduate-level course for Aspirants who need to satisfy their fantasy about turning into a specialist doctor. Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), is an expert degree in clinical science. An individual holding an MBBS degree turns into an affirmed clinical specialist.

MBBS Eligibility Criteria

Must complete 12th with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English (PCBE) with at least 50% marks for the General category and 40% for the reserved category from a recognized board. The minimum age criteria are 17 years. 

Top MBBS Colleges in India

Doctor’s Salaries in India are ₹ 0.5 Lakhs to ₹ 12.0 Lakhs, with an average annual salary of ₹ 6.0 Lakhs.

2. Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS)

A BAMS doctor is a practitioner of Ayurveda, a traditional system of medicine that originated in India. BAMS stands for Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery, which is a 5.5-year undergraduate degree program that combines the study of modern Medicine and traditional Ayurvedic practices.

BAMS Eligibility Criteria 2023

Must have passed 12th with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English (PCBE) with a minimum of 50% marks from a recognized board. The minimum age criteria are 17 years. 

BAMS Entrance Exam

• National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate) (NEET-UG)
• Kerala Engineering Architecture Medical (KEAM)
• Indraprastha University Common Entrance Test (IU CET) 
• Bharati Vidyapeeth University Common Entrance Test (BVP CET) 

Top BAMS Colleges in India

• Pankajakasthuri Ayurveda Medical College
• National Institute Of Ayurveda
• Institute of Medical Sciences Banaras Hindu University
• Jayoti Vidyapeeth Women’s University
• Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences
• Ayurvedic and Unani Tibbia College
• Maharashtra University of Health Sciences

3. B.Pharma (Bachelor of Pharmacy)

Bachelor of Pharmacy or B. Pharma is a 4 years undergraduate degree that teaches students about drug synthesis, dosage formulation, analysis of the chemical nature, and preclinical testing of new drugs. Apart from the technical aspects of pharmacy, B Pharmacy also talks about the marketing of pharmaceutical products and patenting of new drugs

B. Pharma Eligibility Criteria

To seek admission in B.Pharma, you must have passed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics/Biology with a minimum of 50% marks. Students with a three-year Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharm) are also eligible for admission to B.Pharma.

Top B.Pharma Colleges in India

B. Pharma Salary in India

4. Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)

BSc or Bachelor of Science is a 3-year undergraduate academic degree offered in the Science stream. Candidates who have successfully passed their 10+2 are eligible to apply for the BSc program in top colleges in India. A BSc degree can be studied in both Honors and General courses. The difference is that BSc Hons involves a combination of elective and foundation courses whereas BSc General deals with basic knowledge about BSc

• Zoology
• Botany
• Biochemistry
• Nutrition
• Microbiology
• Biotechnology
• Ecology 
• Biophysics
• Forensic Science

5. Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT)

Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) is a 4-year degree program followed by 6 months of rotatory internship in the field of rehabilitative medicine. The course focuses on employing physical forces like heat, pressure, electricity, etc. to assist the body in healing itself. Students who want to pursue a career as a physiotherapist should do this course.

BPT Eligibility Criteria

To enroll in BPT programs, you need to secure a minimum of 50% marks in 10+12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology from a recognized board. There is no specified national-level entrance exam for BPT Admissions. 

BPT Salary in India

The average Salary offered to Physiotherapists in India is ₹ 0.3 Lakhs to ₹ 5.0 Lakhs, with an average annual salary of ₹ 2.6 Lakhs. 

Courses After 12th Commerce

In this rapidly evolving business era, there is a great demand for business administration. A range of courses are available at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, and the career options are immense. Here, we will see the top career options for students who opt for commerce as their career option. Some of the options are listed below.

List of Courses after Class 12th Commerce

1. Bachelor of Commerce (B. Com)
2. Bachelor of Accounting and Finance (BAF)
3. Chartered Accountancy 

Here is the detailed discussion for Commerce as a career option:

1. Bachelor of Commerce (B. Com)

BCom is a three-year undergraduate degree focusing on commerce, economics, business law, accountancy, taxation, and financing. BCom is the foundation upon which subsequent studies can be constructed. BCom is a UGC-recognized UG program available in Distance, Online, Full Time, and Integrated formats. Students with a commerce background in class 12 usually go for BCom during UG Admission.

B.Com Eligibility Criteria

• B.Com courses usually require 50% marks in 12th or equivalent from a recognized board.

2. Bachelor of Accounting and Finance (BAF) :

Bachelor of Accounting and Finance (BAF) or popularly known as B Com Accounting and Finance is a three-year undergraduate course that offers in-depth knowledge in accounting and financial subjects by different means such as classroom teachings, seminars, projects, practical training, industrial visits, conferences, expert talks, etc. The course helps aspirants to acquire knowledge in the field of accounting, taxation, auditing, risk management, financial accounting, taxation, managerial economics, business law, and business communications. 

BAF Eligibility Criteria

The applicant should have passed their 12th with science or commerce with a minimum of 50% marks. There is no specified national-level entrance exam for BAF. However, some colleges do conduct entrance tests for admissions.

Top BAF Colleges in India

Here is a list of some of the best BAF colleges in India:

3. Chartered Accountancy 

Chartered Accountancy is a professional practice of accounting, auditing, taxation, and financial assessment for an individual or an organization. Chartered Accountant is a designation given to an accounting professional who has received certification from a statutory body that he/she is qualified to take care of the matters related to accounting and taxation of a business enterprise. Chartered Accountancy includes filing tax returns, auditing financial statements and business practices, registration of the business organization with the government, maintaining records of investments, preparing and reviewing financial reports and documents, etc. A professionally trained Chartered Accountant is also qualified to offer advisory services to clients which include companies and individuals.

Chartered Accountancy Eligibility Criteria

Completed 12th with a registered Board of Studies for four months study period after CA registration. You will only be able to appear for the Foundation examination after you fulfill both criteria.

ICAI CA Exam

The 3 levels of the ICAI Exam are as follows:

• The CA Foundation Examination 
• The CA Intermediate (Integrated Professional Competence or IPC) Examination
• The CA Final Examination

Courses After 12th Arts

Arts students can opt for the subject of their interest and create a successful career out of courses after 12th arts with a high salary. You just have to find the right skill to emphasize and the right course while strengthening your resume with the right certifications and internship opportunities, eventually helping you to bag exciting work opportunities and high-paying jobs after choosing Arts as a career option.

Below are the List of Courses after Class 12th Arts. 

• Integrated Law (B.A + L.L.B) Course
• Bachelor of Retail Management (BRM)
• Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
• Bachelor of Hotel Management (BHM)
• Bachelor of Fashion Designing (BFD)
• Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
• Bachelor of Arts (BA)
• Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication (BJMC)
• Bachelor of Event Management (BEM)

1. Integrated Law (B.A + L.L.B) Course

Integrated LLB is a five-year professional integrated course focusing on the study of graduation along with the in-depth study of law & legislature. INTEGRATED LLB is a The 5-year program that is divided into 10 semesters. The minimum qualification required for this course is 12th class completed.

There are various job opportunities exist for Law graduates. The time spent during this course is made interesting by constantly organizing the case studies and mock court drills alongside theoretical lectures. To equip the students with expert knowledge and a unique perspective on it is the objective of this course. This course makes students unable to think critically in a creative way and come up with innovative ideas to tackle the aforesaid legal issues.

BA LLB Eligibility Criteria

The applicant must have secured an aggregate minimum of 50% or above in 12th grade or equivalent.

To know top BA LLB colleges in India refer to the article – Top BA LLB colleges in India.

2. Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)

A Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) is a bachelor’s degree that helps you establish a fundamental understanding of business and how various aspects of it apply to the real world. It’s a well-rounded degree currently in high demand because it’s so versatile

Top Colleges for BBA programs in India

3. Bachelor of Hotel Management (BHM)

BHM or Bachelor of Hotel Management course is a 3-year undergraduate degree in hospitality management. A few of the colleges and institutes also offer this course for 4 years like WelcomGroup Graduate School of Hotel Management, Army Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology, and others.

Top Colleges for BHM programs in India

• Welcomgroup Graduate School Of Hotel Administration (WGSHA), Manipal
• Army Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology, Bangalore
• MS Ramaiah College of Hotel Management, Bangalore 
• Acharya Institute of Management and Sciences, Bangalore 
• Christ University, Bangalore 
• International School Of Hospitality And Tourism (ISHT), Kolkata

BHM Salary in India

4. Bachelor of Fashion Designing (BFD)

Bachelor of Fashion Design or Bachelor of Fashion Designing is an undergraduate Fashion Designing course. Fashion design is the art of using fabrics, colors, and ornamentation to craft different fashion items like clothing, textiles, jewelry, footwear, and other accessories. The Bachelor in Fashion Designing course involves imparting technical and professional knowledge of various aspects of the Fashion World like fashion drawing, costume design, fashion history, sewing, concepts, trends, business communication, etc. The Bachelor in Fashion Design course also provides the students with the skill of imagination, visual sensibility, artistic talent, global vision of design, creativity, and market trends.

Here are the top Fashion Design Job Profiles and Average Salaries

5. Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)

BFA or Bachelor of Fine Arts is an undergraduate degree course that deals with the study of Visual or Performing Arts. The course is sometimes also referred to as Bachelor of Visual Arts (BVA) in which the study of Visual Arts includes subjects such as painting, sculpture, photography, literature, animation, etc. On the other hand, the study of Performing Arts involves subjects such as dance, theatre, and music. A Bachelor of Fine Arts degree often requires an area of specialization to be chosen by the candidate as per his/her interest.

Here are the Top BFA Colleges in India

• International Institute of Fine Arts
• Sir JJInstitute of Applied Art, Mumbai
• Abhinav Kala Mahavidyalaya
• Jamia Millia Islamia University
• University of Delhi
• VNSGU Surat 
• College of Art Delhi University
• Alliance School of Liberal Arts, Bangalore

Learn More about UI & UX DesignerSalaries and worklife – UI & UX Designer Salary in India

6. Bachelor of Arts (BA)

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) is the most common undergraduate degree offered by universities and colleges worldwide.

B.A. degrees are mainly awarded to students following a program in the Liberal Arts (e.g. Humanities, Social Sciences). Traditional universities such as Cambridge and Oxford award the Bachelor of Arts degree to all their subjects, including the scientific ones. The study duration of a B.A. degree is three to four years. In the UK, a three-year Bachelor’s is also referred to as a Basic or Minors Bachelor’s, whereas a four-year Bachelor’s is referred to as Honours Bachelor’s: e.g. Criminology and Law (Hons).

Top BA Colleges in India

• Hindu College, University of Delhi
• Miranda House, University of Delhi
• Lady Shri Ram College for Women, University of Delhi
• Hansraj College, University of Delhi
• Loyola College, Chennai
• Madras Christian College 
• Mithibai College of Arts, Mumbai

BA Salary in India

Below are some of the popular job profiles that you can pursue after a BA:

Learn More about Business Analyst Salaries and worklife – Businees Analyst Salary in India

7. Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication (BJMC)

Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication (BJMC) course is a three-year undergraduate program that focuses on mass media communication, media journalism, media concerns, and media research, among other things. The BJMC program is an undergraduate journalism and media degree. The course is divided into six semesters. Applicants must have at least a 50% grade point average in their 10+2 or equivalent from a recognized university/board. In some situations, candidates for BJMC admission may be required to take an entrance examination. 

Top Journalism & Mass Communication Colleges

• IIMC, Delhi  
• Indian Institute of Journalism and New Media, Bangalore  
• Manipal School of Communication, Manipal  
• Xavier Institute of Communications, Mumbai
• Indian Institute Of Journalism And New Media, Bangalore
• Symbiosis Institute Of Media And Communication, Pune
• Lady Shri Ram College For Women, New Delhi
• Christ College, Bangalore 

BJMC Salary in India

8. Bachelor of Event Management (BEM)

Bachelor of Event Management is the process of planning project management to design and establishment of small and large-scale personal or organizational activities such as concerts, conventions, ceremonies, and weddings. While planning and organizing an event, it is important to determine the targeted audience, establish the theme according to the event, organize the arrangements, and give invites to the event to be scheduled. Subsequently, at the master’s level, applicants can pursue elaborate programs in the field of event management specialization.

 Top Event Management Colleges in India

• National Academy of Event Management and Development (NAEMD), Mumbai
• Tritya Institute of Event Management
• National Institute of Event Management (NIEM), New Delhi
• SAGE University, Indore
• EMDI Institute of Media and Communication, New Delhi
• Indian School of Media (ISM), Mumbai
• National Academy of Media and Events (NAME), Kolkata

BEM Salary in India

Since event planning and management are booming, job opportunities are immense in the field of event management. You can work with event planning firms or become an entrepreneur after gaining certain work experience. 

9. Bachelor of Retail Management (BRM)

Bachelor (Hons) in Retail Management (BRM) is a three-year career-focused industry-developed program by the Department of Business Management and Law at MSU’s Faculty of Business Management and Professional Studies (FBMP). The retail industry involves many aspects from supply chain to buying and brand management, logistics to law, and management to marketing. The environment in this industry is constantly evolving, due to advances in technology, requiring individuals with sound managerial skills and retail industry knowledge. Through this program, you will acquire broad-based business skills with specific retail expertise. Your lecturers are industry professionals and the learning opportunities and experiences at Management and Science University will further enhance your knowledge thus developing your trade and life skills. The internship at the end of the program will facilitate you in creating strong industry networking and expose you to an array of real-world retail experiences.

BRM Eligibility Criteria

Here are the eligibility criteria for pursuing BRM in India.

• 2.0 CGPA
• TWO (2) C’s at STPM level
• A Full Pass in TWO (2) A-levels
• An MSU Foundation Certificate with minimum enate. 

Top BRM Colleges in India

• Prin LN Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research 
• Indian Institute of Social Welfare and Business Management 
• ITM Business School 
• BK School of Business Management, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad
• Amity University, Noida
• Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University
• Indira Gandhi National Open University 

BRM Salary in India

Factors to consider while choosing a Course after the 12th

Some factors to consider while choosing a course after 12th are as follows:

• Know Your Interests.
• Choose The Right Course.
• Know The Prospects.
• Income.
• FAQs About Study Career Path.
• Ideal Career Test.

List of Professional Courses after 12th

A professional course is an educational course that is aimed at developing the knowledge, skills, and training of the student.

Here are the list of top 5 professional courses which are highly demanded in the industry :

1. Journalism and Mass Communication

2. Teaching

There are many teaching courses available in India, top 5 are as follows –

• BA B.Ed. Integrated Course
• B.Sc and B.Ed Integrated Course
• D.El.Ed
• B.P.Ed
• B.Ed

3. Management Course

Management is a multidisciplinary discipline that focuses on a wide range of fields such as economics, business, finances, marketing, and involves the study of basic practices of administration. All the management courses focus on enhancing the planning, execution, analysis, directing and supervising skills of the students. It involves an in-depth study of the establishment of businesses or companies and all the functional levels like finance, administration, human resources, production, marketing and sales. 

4. Chartered Accountancy

It is a highly professional prestigious field which in in very high demand , but the quantity is quite low. This fields involves tasks such as auditing, financial functions, taxation etc.

Best courses after 12th – FAQs

1. What to do after 12th?

B.Tech, B.E, B.Sc, MBBS and BDS are the most popular courses after 12th science. B.Com, BBA and several other commerce courses are available for students. B.A. is the most popular course among arts stream students. Apart from these, several UG courses after Class 12 are available for all stream students.

2. What should I study after 12th with high salary?

There are over 100 high salary courses after class 12 science but also, in addition, plenty of scope. Some of the highest paying courses after 12th class science are – Engineering, Architecture, Pilot, Biomedical science, Pharmacy, Nutrition and Dietetics, Product design, B.Sc. Law; Statistics, etc

3. Which has more scope in future?

Big data is the future, and jobs like Big data Engineers, Data scientists and ML engineers rank amongst the top emerging jobs in India.

4. Which subject is demand in future?

In-demand professional courses that can boost career prospects and make them future-proof include digital marketing and communication, machine learning, SEO, ethical hacking, and data science.