12+ Career Options After 12th Science PCM 2024 [With Salary Trends & Best Colleges]

For any science stream student, the phase after class 12th is very stressful. Between competition exams and college admissions, students often fail to take some time off and decide what they actually want to do. Students want to become software engineers because of parental pressure. They also take up aeronautical engineering because it 'sounds' exciting, and a classmate is doing the same. However, it is a totally flawed method to choose one's career path. This article will explore the best career options after 12th Science PCM. 

Considering options other than conventional ones will help a student break the mold and choose the career option after 12th science PCM that is best as per his/her interest. Selecting a career based on pressure or parents’ persuasion will only lead to a lack of interest in the same. Moreover, the student will never be able to explore his/her full potential. It leads to students wondering what to do after 12th PCM.

To provide a gist of the various streams that a student can go into apart from general engineering streams, here are some of the popular PCM career options for class 12th Science PCM students.

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What to do after 12th Science PCM?

Following are some exciting career options after 12th Science PCM that students can consider:

Engineering

Engineering is an excellent career option for students who have completed their 12th science with PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics). Pursuing engineering offers a wide range of specializations, including mechanical, electrical, civil, computer science, and more. It provides opportunities to work on innovative projects, develop new technologies, and contribute to solving real-world problems. Engineers also have the potential to earn competitive salaries and have a significant impact on society through their work. Additionally, the field of engineering is constantly evolving, offering continuous learning and growth opportunities for those who choose to pursue it as a career. One of the most popular streams in engineering are:

• Computer Science Engineering
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering
• Electronics & Communications Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Aeronautical Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Chemical Engineering

Some newer fields, such as Artificial Intelligence, Mechatronics, and Robotics are also gaining traction. The average salary after an engineering degree in India is approx. INR 7 LPA. However, based on the candidate’s skills, salary packages as high as INR 50 LPA have also been seen for entry-level jobs at top firms.

Do you know? As per the AISHE survey 2021-2022, for engineering, the highest student enrollment was seen in Computer Engineering, followed by Electronics Engineering and then Mechanical Engineering substreams.

Architecture

A Bachelor of Architecture is one of the popular courses that provides a wide range of career options after the 12th Science PCM. Architecture provides an opportunity to learn the art of designing, planning, and constructing physical structures. For students seeking to do something creative yet technical, architecture is a perfect choice.

Architecture requires the right blend of technical knowledge and creativity. In 2021-22, Architecture saw more enrollment than Chemical Engineering. As per the AISHE survey, more females chose this stream than males.

Architecture includes studies of Humanities, Aesthetics, along with Mathematics and Engineering, and is a perfect blend of these subjects. Architects closely work with clients to customize designs and participate in the construction and restoration of malls, restaurants, office buildings, residential complexes, buildings, commercial spaces, etc. This stream requires good observational skills, aesthetic sense, critical thinking, and innovation. The average salary for an entry-level job in architecture ranges from INR 3 LPA to 7 LPA. One can choose to specialize in the following fields:

• Urban Planning
• Urban Design
• Sustainable Architecture
• Landscape Architecture
• Architectural Conservation
• Industrial Design etc.

Centre for Environmental Planning and Technology (CEPT), Gujarat, IIT Roorkee, IIT Kharagpur, National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli; School of Planning & Architecture, New Delhi are some of the good colleges for architecture.

Bachelor Of Science

A Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) is a three-year degree program that includes several specializations, such as Chemistry, Economics, Physics, etc. It can help students go into research, teaching, writing, and all such academic fields. Thus, this is one of the most commonly enrolled courses after the 12th class.

For example, physicists study a wide range of physical phenomena and apply their understanding for further research in various fields. On the other hand, graduates in chemistry can explore opportunities across healthcare, pharmaceuticals, petroleum, and chemicals apart from going into hard-core research or teaching. Hence, a BSc. can help open up various PCM career options. 

However, to do a B.Sc. course, one must be temperamentally aligned to study a subject in-depth. They must also have a keen interest in research.

IISc-Bangalore, St. Stephen’s College-Delhi, Banaras Hindu University- Varanasi, St. Xavier’s College-Mumbai, Presidency University-Kolkata, Fergusson College-Pune are some of the good colleges for doing a BSc. course.

Mathematics

Considered one of the most-feared subjects. Yet, Mathematics can offer satisfying career options after 12th Science PCM. All you need is a genuine love for the subject. Getting a degree in mathematics can be the starting point for various career paths. This course will help you to have a thorough understanding of mathematical principles, models, and their applications to solve real-world problems.

The subject offers several career options after 12th Science PCM. Mathematics graduates can have careers in Data Science (one of the most popular options today), Banking, Actuarial Science, Finance, Stock Market, Market Research, Research Operations, etc.

IITs, IISc-Bangalore, Indian Statistical Institute, IISER, Institute of Mathematical Sciences, Chennai, Delhi Technological University (DTU), Delhi, and Delhi University colleges are some of the good institutes to pursue a degree in mathematics.

Statistics

Statistics is all about numbers and data. Nonetheless, career options after 12th Science PCM are numerous. While the subject combination may seem similar to Mathematics, Statistics aims to apply mathematical concepts to analyze trends and make predictions by building data models for solving problems.

Statistics graduates are mostly hired in Data Science, Public Health and Policy, Banking, Insurance, Manufacturing, Education, etc.

With a degree in statistics, one can become a market researcher, data analyst, social scientist, or financial analyst along with various job opportunities in the banking sector, etc.

Indian Statistical Institute, Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi, IIT Bombay, IIT Kanpur, and Fergusson College-Pune are some of the top colleges offering courses in statistics.

Ethical Hacking

Ethical hacking is one of the best career options after 12th Science PCM for students who want to explore something out of the box. It is fast becoming one of the most popular courses for students. Unlike illegal hacking, ethical hacking involves breaching the security of a computer system in order to find faults in the system’s defenses and expose vulnerabilities in the network security.

Ethical hacking is a great career after 12th for computer geeks. It is also a good career option after 12th Science PCM for students with good logical skills and a deep interest in coding. An ethical hacker can work as a Network Security Engineer, Security Consultant, Penetration Tester, Security Consultant, etc. The average salary for a fresher ranges from INR 5 LPA to 8 LPA.

It is important to note that there are no specific degree courses in ethical hacking. Students interested in this field can go for some certification courses after 12th grade from NIIT, EC Council, Indian School of Ethical Hacking, etc.

Merchant Navy

For students who desire a career that would take them all around the world, Merchant Navy is something that they should consider. In fact, this is one of the most popular career options after 12th Science PCM for students. It is different from the Indian Navy, which is involved in defending India at sea. Merchant Navy is actually involved with facilitating international trade by transporting cargo, goods, and commercial items across the world.

The drawback of this career is that one has to stay on the merchant ship for long periods having minimum contact with family. If this is not a matter of concern, the merchant navy could be a highly rewarding career.

Coimbatore Marine College-Coimbatore, Indian Maritime University, International Maritime Institute-Delhi NCR; Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT), and Vels University-Chennai are some of the popular institutes to go in for if you want to go for merchant navy.

Also Read: Merchant Navy Eligibility, Admission, Courses, Salary - In A Nutshell

Physical Science

Another career options after 12th Science PCM is Physical Science. It is a broad domain that involves the study of inorganic elements such as space, earth, and the atmosphere. The following fields are included in physical science:

• Astronomy
• Geology
• Meteorology
• Cartography
• Disaster Management, etc.

Physical scientists analyze scientific phenomena based on experiments and instrumentation. Physical Science involves some of the best PCM career options. Some of them are astrometeorology, astrochemistry, marine geology, seismology, geohydrology, mineralogy, climatology, aviation meteorology, etc.

Some popular institutes to study a variety of courses in Physical Science are the Indian Institute of Astrophysics-Bangalore, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad, Institute of Social Sciences (TISS)-Mumbai.

Forensic Science

Forensic Science is a relatively new field in India but is quite rapidly creating a space for itself. The field can be chosen to avail different career options after 12th Science PCM. Forensic Science helps to provide a scientific and methodical approach to solving criminal cases.

Forensic Science is a blend of science subjects and utilizes knowledge from varied fields of science such as Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Anthropology, Biology, and Computer Science. So, for students with good observational skills and a deep interest in the subject, forensic science could be a rewarding career.

After a degree in forensic science, one can work as a Crime Scene Investigator, Forensic Scientist, Forensic Anthropologist, Polygraph Examiner, etc. The average salary for freshers ranges from INR 3 LPA to 6 LPA

Delhi University, Panjab University-Chandigarh, National Institute of Criminology & Forensic Science-Delhi, and Osmania University-Hyderabad are some top institutes to study forensic science.

Industrial Design

If you have an interest in designing and manufacturing products such as mobile phones, smart watches, home appliances, etc. this field is your calling!

After holding a degree in Industrial Design, one can explore a range of opportunities in the manufacturing sector, information technology, R&D companies, etc. Companies also require industrial designers to design cars, bikes, buses, etc., and thus, some of the biggest automobile companies offer many job opportunities to industrial designers.

IIT Bombay, IIT Guwahati, National Institute of Design, Indian School of Design & Innovation-Mumbai, and Symbiosis Institute of Design-Pune are popular for their Industrial Design courses.

Data Science

As data becomes the new currency of the world, careers oriented around data analysis and management are becoming popular amongst students. While most go for such niche courses after completing their graduation, some students may take the unconventional route and select Bachelor’s courses in Data Science. The stream offers lucrative options with entry-level jobs in Data Science offering salaries from INR 8 to 15 LPA.

Some colleges that offer a BSc in Data Science are IIT Madras (which provides the world's first 4-year Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree in Data Science and Applications with options to exit earlier in the foundation, diploma, or BSc degree level), IIT Guwahati, NMIMS, SP Jain to name a few.

Bachelor of Computer Applications & IT (BCA)

If you like programming or coding, but don’t want to go for engineering, this can be one of the best career prospects for you. The course helps you to get a good knowledge of operating systems, computer hardware, programming languages, software concepts, etc. You could become a Network Administrator, Software Developer, System Analyst, Technical Writer, Web Designer, or App Developer. This course opens endless opportunities for computer enthusiasts.

Some popular colleges where you can take up this course are Christ University-Bangalore, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU)- Delhi, St. Xavier’s College- Mumbai, SRM University- Chennai, Madras Christian College-Chennai.

Defence

If you are patriotic and have the zeal to take up a challenge, getting into the defence services will work out well for you. Defence being the backbone of the country, a career in this field is considered to be very prestigious and is one of the popular streams amongst students.

You can choose to serve in any of the three arms of the defense-the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force. The Indian Army offers the opportunity in Air Defence, Engineering & IT Unit, and Army Services Corp. At the same time, the Navy allows one to work in the Medical (for students with PCB in 12th), Engineering, and Educational branches. The Air Force includes a working Technical Branch, Flying Branch, or Ground Duty Branch.

To join the defence services, you need to clear the NDA (National Defence Academy) entrance examination after passing class 12th with PCM.

Animation

The growth of the animation sector is resulting in the demand for competent professionals in the market. As students search for newer career options, Animation has become quite one of the popular courses after 12th that provides lucrative career options. Students with strong creative skills, an inclination toward design, good knowledge of computers and technology, and a streak of imagination would find this field engrossing. Animation includes Digital Filmmaking, 3D Animation, VFX, Graphic Design, etc. The average salary for an entry-level animation job ranges from INR 3 LPA to 5 LPA.

National Institute of Design-Ahmedabad, Birla Institute of Technology-Noida, Maya Academy of Advanced Cinematics (MAAC), and Whistling Woods International-Mumbai are some good institutes for courses in animation and graphic design.

Guiding students towards selecting the right career

• What to do after 12th science PCM? Having studied physics, chemistry, and mathematics after 10th, most of the students are naturally inclined towards becoming engineers. Hence, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, civil engineering, and the current hot favorite, software engineering, are considered the safest choices for science students with PCM. But before students decide anything without giving it much thought, it is best to consider some other interesting career options that can be equally rewarding.
• Before finalizing any stream, one must first consider where their interest lies. Many students who take up Engineering either end up dropping it or finishing the course without any interest. Hence, not going by what others are doing, a student must understand his/her own calling before taking the final step.
• Since students are under immense pressure while making the best career choice for themselves, parents’ guidance becomes absolutely critical at this stage. Forcing the child to do what he/she doesn’t want will only make him/her an average or below-average performer. Pressuring children to take up a so-called conventional career against their wishes will not let them bring out their true potential.
• Career counseling could be a good step to take in this phase. In career counseling, the experts try to analyze the interests of the student through talks or questionnaires and guide them as per their interests.
• The role of teachers becomes even more important for students going through this phase of confusion and uncertainty. Guiding the students in the right direction and not letting them succumb to peer pressure, will help the students to discover their true calling.
• This is the age of flexibility. Hence, we see PCM students taking up subjects of humanities for their graduation and non-science students becoming coding experts. Hence, what the students need to actually concentrate on is skills and expertise rather than just getting a degree. A degree may make one eligible for a particular job but is not a guarantee of the level of skills or talent one has to carve a successful career. Hence, upgrading your skills and practical experience through internships and other courses has become absolutely important in today’s scenario.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the career options after 12th science PCM?

After completing 12th science with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, you have various career options to choose from. You can pursue engineering, architecture, computer science, mathematics, statistics, or even a career in research and development.

2. What are the best courses for a career in engineering after 12th science PCM?

For a career in engineering, you can opt for courses like mechanical engineering, civil engineering, computer science engineering, electrical engineering, or aerospace engineering. These courses offer diverse opportunities in various industries.

3. Is it possible to pursue a career in medicine after 12th science PCM?

Yes, you can pursue a career in medicine by appearing for medical entrance exams like NEET. After clearing the entrance exam, you can enroll in MBBS or other medical courses to become a doctor or a specialist in a particular field of medicine.

4. Can I pursue a career in research and development after 12th science PCM?

Absolutely! With a strong foundation in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, you can pursue a career in research and development. You can explore opportunities in organizations, institutions, or industries that focus on scientific research and innovation.

5. What are the career prospects after pursuing mathematics or statistics after 12th science PCM?

By choosing mathematics or statistics after 12th science PCM, you can explore career opportunities in fields like data analysis, actuarial science, financial modeling, research analysis, and teaching. These fields offer great potential for growth and specialization.

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