Best Career Options After 12th: Science, Commerce & Arts

Career options after 12th are the top priority for thousands of students graduating from high schools and colleges every day. They already have many things to worry about, such as which university to attend and which course to take, when to start, how much the college and hostel fees will be, and many more things. It becomes even more challenging when you are unaware of the amazing job opportunities and mentorship waiting for you!

So, if you are a student who is going to graduate from the 12th standard very soon, you must be confused about which career option you should choose. We have come to your defense and provided you with plenty of career options after 12th. So, what are you waiting for? Continue to read and allay all your fears!

What to do after 12th?

When a student passes 12th, the first question that arises in their mind is, “What can I do after 12th?” To answer this question, you need to choose the right career option. Many options are available for students in the Science, Commerce, and Arts streams. Each stream has its own charm and offers different sets of opportunities.

Let’s explore the best career options after 12th in the Science, Commerce, and Arts stream one by one.

Career Options for Science Students

Science stream is one of the most popular streams students choose in Class 11 and allows students to pursue their favorite subjects and make a career in their area of interest.The stream is divided into three main subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) or Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB).

Students can either opt for 12th Science PCM or PCB subject combination. With this subject combination, students are offered a wide range of courses after class 12th. When choosing a successful career after 12th science, you will need to prepare to crack some challenging entrance examinations. Some of the popular career options for science students are:

Engineering

Engineering is one of the most popular courses among science students. After passing out of high school with good marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, students can pursue engineering in their preferred fields. The duration of an undergraduate engineering program is four years.

Some of the subfields in engineering include:

Read more about a range of career options after 12th PCM: Top 12 Career Options After 12th Science PCM for 2025

Medical

With Biology as an optional subject and good marks in Class 12th board exams, students can pursue a medical degree, i.e., MBBS course after class 12th. Additionally, they have to clear NEET PG to get admission to undergraduate courses. The duration of medical courses is 5 years, including a 1-year internship program.

Architecture

It is slowly becoming one of the top career options after 12th. The job of the architect is to plan the structures of buildings and design them to be safe and attractive. Students need to have taken PCM in 12th to be eligible for this course. They also need to clear a medical exam, JEE. The duration of the course is 4 years, after which they can apply for jobs in various fields in the architecture sector.

Read for more career opportunities after 12th PBC: Top 10 Career Options After Class 12th Science PCB for Success

More Career Options for Science Students

Apart from the above career after 12th, students can opt for several other courses and job fields. It is widely known that engineering, medical science, and architecture are conventional career options that students could potentially go for after they complete their 12th-standard studies. These courses allow them to study the core theoretical concepts of the subjects.

For more information on career options for 12th Science, read this article: An Overview Of The Career Options After 12th Science

But did you know there are career options after 12th standard that are a mix of the above-mentioned fields? They solve the dilemma of what to study after 12th. Let’s read about them!

Below is a list of career options where you can use the knowledge of technology as well science field. Take a look.

Career Options for 12th Commerce Students

Many who wonder what to study after 12th take Commerce. The world of careers in commerce is constantly growing and evolving. It encompasses a wide range of careers. After the 12th standard, students can choose several options.

Some of the best career options after 12th standard in commerce are:

Best job after 12th? You can explore Company Secretary as one option. Becoming a Company Secretary (CS) involves a professional course, and typically, students pursue this after completing their 12th grade. Becoming a Company Secretary after 12th is a viable career path for those interested in corporate governance, legal compliance, and company law. 

Career opportunities after 12th: Commerce with Maths

Commerce with Mathematics or Statistics is a popular combination among students. It opens up avenues in fields like Actuarial Science, Financial Management, Chartered Accountants, Cost Accounting Records, Cost Auditing, etc. There are many career prospects with handsome salaries. For instance, they can work in International banks and multinational banks.

Career opportunities after 12th: Commerce without Maths

Students who opt for 12th Commerce without Maths may pursue CA (Chartered Accountancy) or CS (Company Secretaryship), an MBA, BBA, or another related list of courses.

Career opportunities after 12th: Commerce with Economics

Commerce with Economics offers excellent opportunities in BA Economics Honours, MA Economics, and subjects like International Trade and Business Administration.

Students can also explore opportunities in Mass Communication, Hotel Management, and Travel & Tourism after doing commerce at the graduate level.

The time duration for each of these exams is different. Courses like BA in Economics or a Bachelor of Commerce degree after 12th take 3 years to complete. However, becoming a Chartered Accountant may take at least 5 years or more.

Want to read more about career options after 12th in commerce, read this: Overview Of Some Exciting Career Options In Commerce After 12th

Choosing commerce as a career option after 12th also allows going for interesting professional fields. Several of those who study commerce in the 12th standard take Mass Communication and Journalism courses. On the other hand, those who have an inclination toward more serious professions can make a career in law. They can specialize in business law and offer legal services to corporate organizations.

You can take the following career paths if you study law with a commerce degree:

Many different fields open up for students after completing their 12th standard in the Commerce stream. However, it is always better to make an informed choice rather than go with what everyone else is doing.

Career Options for Class 12 Arts Stream

Most people and parents think that science is the only stream after the 10th, which can lead to offering great career options. On the other hand, there are limited options for Arts students. Even students are forced to ask, "What can I do after 12th?". But it is not true as there are so many options that one can pursue in Arts after 12th. There is some misconception regarding the scope of careers in the Arts field. However, in reality, there are many career opportunities in the Arts stream, and students can choose from different courses after 12th grade.

One can pursue bachelor's as well as postgraduate courses after 12th Arts. Some of the popular courses that students from the Arts background can take include Literature, Language Studies, Political Science, Sociology, Public Administration, History, etc.

Courses after 12th arts with high salary and potential: 

While salary potential depends on various factors, including skills, experience, and industry demand, some courses after 12th arts that have the potential for high salaries include:

• Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA): Provides a foundation in business management, leading to opportunities in marketing, finance, and human resources.
• Bachelor of Hotel Management (BHM): Offers a career in the hospitality industry with roles in hotel management, event planning, and food service.
• Bachelor of Fashion Design (B.FD): Explores the world of fashion design, leading to careers in design houses, retail, and the fashion industry.
• Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA): Provides opportunities in fields like visual arts, sculpture, and multimedia, with potential careers in galleries, advertising, and design.
• Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication (BJMC): Opens doors to careers in journalism, advertising, public relations, and media, with the potential for high-paying roles.
• Bachelor of Economics (B.Econ): Focuses on economic principles and analysis, leading to roles in finance, consulting, and policy analysis.
• Bachelor of Event Management: Involves planning and executing events, leading to opportunities in event management companies, hotels, and corporate sectors.
• Bachelor of Animation and Multimedia: Offers careers in animation, graphic design, and multimedia production, with opportunities in the entertainment and advertising industries.
• Bachelor of Social Work (BSW): Opens doors to social work positions in NGOs, government agencies, and international organizations.
• Bachelor of Foreign Languages: Specializing in languages such as French, Spanish, or German can lead to careers in translation, interpretation, and international business.

The interesting thing about Arts and Humanities courses is that students from all three streams - Science, Commerce, and Arts are eligible to apply. So, if you are confused and are worried about "what to do after class 12?" you can always bank on Arts! Art courses are open to almost all students. Rather, some of the Arts courses are highly sought after as they promise creative careers.

A career in languages and literature is a popular path that art students opt for. It helps students to get better at creative writing and public speaking. Several students who study literature go on to take careers in content writing, publishing, and translation services.

On the other hand, Studying history and political science equips students to understand how political and social systems operate and function. It helps them become better policymakers and administrators. Thus, they can join civil services and public administration services. They can also have promising careers in diplomacy, where they can help the country strengthen international relations.

Sociology is also one of the best degrees after 12th in contemporary times because it allows young graduates to serve civil society. After studying sociology, they can start working as a social worker for NGOs or organizations that work for the betterment of society. It includes mental health clinics, old age homes, orphanages, correction homes, etc. It provides a fulfilling career for those who want to have a meaningful and satisfying career.

Arts also allow you to take psychology and take a very different career path. Today, there is a heightened awareness of mental illnesses. Psychologists also help people to understand and deal with problems they encounter in their daily lives. In this way, Arts help those who want to pursue this career.

Read this for some exciting careers in Arts: What Are The Top Career Options In Arts?

Arts is a confluence of all three streams in yet another way. To become a teacher, you have to have a degree in Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.). After finishing their graduation from different courses, many students go for the professional courses of B.Ed., which allows them to become teachers. This shows that Arts degrees offer tremendous flexibility to students.

Some popular courses in Arts also include:

So, here were the career options after 12th in the three streams of Science, Commerce, and Arts. We hope you are more aware of the options you can avail of. However, if you still have doubts, read the next section, where we provide you with tips to help you make more informed decisions.

How to choose the right career? - Tips

Career and education go hand in hand. Hence, students need to decide their career field from the beginning of class 12th grade onwards. Promising career options are those where you can apply your strengths and skills in the best possible way according to your interests and aptitude. Go through these tips and understand how you can make the best career choices.

Understand your interests

The first step in making an informed career choice is to become aware of your potential, interests, and what motivates you. There are several tests available that can help you understand yourself better.

You can also consult a counselor or your teachers for guidance on this matter. Sometimes, discussing career options with a mentor helps us to understand what different courses and career paths can offer us. It is done by helping you in doing a career assessment. In this regard, the experienced and accomplished mentors at Unstop can provide good career advice. They are industry experts who can help you align your dreams with a perfect course.

Know your potential

Before you take a plunge into choosing a career, you should assess yourself. You should be aware of your strengths and weaknesses. For this, you can take a piece of paper and list your strengths and weaknesses. It gives a fair idea of which courses you can take. For instance, if you have excellent communication skills, presentation skills, and negotiation skills, then you have a career in management or marketing.

Choose the right course

The second step is to choose a field that interests you and explore it further by conducting research and talking to professionals working in the area. So, while you are choosing a course that aligns with your professional interests, you should check the details of the course. You can go through their curriculum, syllabus, teaching methods, etc. You can also look for the alumni members of a particular institution or people who studied the same course. It will give you an idea of how the course helps shape your career path.

Set a Goal

Another crucial step is identifying your short-term and long-term goals. This will help you decide whether the career you have selected will offer growth, development, and job satisfaction opportunities.

So, these were some of the best career options after 12th. Hope this article helped you clarify your doubts and answered your question, "What to do after 12th?". If you want to read more such articles, stay tuned to Unstop. It is a one-stop for all your career-related queries. We offer you all the help you need to make your dream career come true.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the best career options available after completing 12th grade?

After completing 12th grade, there are several career options available that can lead to a successful and fulfilling future. Some popular choices include pursuing a degree in engineering, medicine, law, business administration, or computer science. It is important to choose a career path that aligns with your interests, skills, and goals.

2. How do I decide which career option is right for me?

Deciding on the right career option can be a daunting task, but it is crucial to make an informed decision. Start by assessing your interests, strengths, and weaknesses. Consider what subjects you excel in and what activities you enjoy. Research different career paths and speak to professionals in those fields to gain insights. Additionally, taking career aptitude tests can help you identify your natural talents and match them with suitable career options.

3. Can I switch my career path?

Switching your career path is definitely possible and often happens throughout a person's professional journey. Many individuals find themselves wanting to explore new interests or pursue different opportunities as they grow and evolve. Switching careers may require additional education or training, but it can lead to a more fulfilling and rewarding career. It's important to thoroughly research and plan your transition, considering factors such as the skills and qualifications needed for the new career, potential job prospects, and any financial implications. Seeking guidance from career counselors or professionals in the field you wish to switch to can also provide valuable insights and advice.

4. Can I pursue a career in the arts or humanities after opting for science in 12th grade?

Yes, it is absolutely possible to pursue a career in the arts or humanities, even if you have opted for science in 12th grade. While your academic background may be in science, it does not limit your options or prevent you from exploring your interests in the arts or humanities. Many individuals have successfully transitioned from a science background to pursue careers in fields such as literature, history, music, visual arts, and more.

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