After completing their 12th Class, students are left with plenty of options to choose from. Students often look for what to do after 12th class completion. These queries are universal among students and you are not the only one. But don’t worry, we are here to provide you with solutions to all such queries. Whether you’re interested in further studies, gaining skills, or diving into work, there’s a path that fits your aspirations.
You can also choose to change your stream. There’s an ongoing myth that only engineering and medicine are the most opted paths after the 12th grade. However, many other fields are gaining popularity too as students are able to explore the options available to them. In this blog, we have outlined the top choices available to students after 12th. By the end of this pitch, you will be able to find the answer to the question of what to do after 12th class.
Topics covered
How to Decide what to do after 12th?
Now, before diving into the list of courses available for various streams after 12th or what to do after 12th, we would like you to consider a few factors that will help you to decide on the best course for you. Here’s a quick student guide to selecting the perfect career options after 12th.
Option A: Continue with your Existing Stream and Go for Higher Studies
If you have an interest in a particular stream or a subject and have been performing well in the same, it might be the right career option after the 12th. In order to make the best of the opportunities your way, we suggest you avail career guidance after 12th to understand the latest career trends related to it.
Option B: Switch to a New Stream and Go for Higher Education
Many times, our personal choices may not turn out to be good professional choices. You may not want to continue with the stream which you have chosen in Class 11-12th. Depending on your aptitude and personal interest, you can switch to a new stream and have a bright career after the 12th. Just be careful while applying for a course as many colleges prefer students with a strong background in particular subjects.
To get admission you need to sit for entrance exams related to your chosen stream and the subject of study after class 12th. Nowadays, most reputed colleges offering a plethora of courses after the 12th have adopted the trend of taking entrance tests.
Option C: Gaining Skills and Diving into Work
If you’re ready to start working, consider learning specific skills that you need. You can do this through vocational courses, certifications, or apprenticeships. Starting a job early gives you experience, helps you build connections, and lets you learn more about the industry you’re interested in. This lets you earn money sooner and gain valuable experience.
What to Do After 12th Science
After completing 12th class with a science background, you have several exciting career options to explore. Let’s dive into some of the best courses and paths you can consider after your 12th in science:
- Engineering: Engineering is a popular choice for science graduates. Engineers design and build complex structures, from computer systems to commercial buildings. To pursue engineering, you’ll need to complete your higher secondary exams in physics, mathematics, chemistry, and English.
- Medicine: Like engineering, there’s a significant demand for healthcare professionals globally. By 2030, the World Health Organization anticipates a shortage of approximately 10 million healthcare workers.
- Biotechnology: Biotechnology combines biology and technology to create innovative solutions. It involves using biological systems, organisms, or derivatives to develop or create products. Biotechnologists work in areas like pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and environmental conservation.
- Forensic Science: If you’re intrigued by solving mysteries and analyzing evidence, forensic science might be a great fit. Forensic scientists assist law enforcement agencies by examining crime scenes, analyzing evidence, and providing expert testimony in court.
- Computer Science and Information Technology: With the rapid growth of technology, careers in computer science and IT are in high demand. You can specialize in software development, data science, cybersecurity, or network administration.
Remember that these are just a few options, and there’s a wide range of possibilities beyond these fields. Consider your interests, strengths, and long-term goals when making your decision.

What to do after 12th PCM?
Well, we shall now discuss the career options for someone who has pursued PCM (Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics) combination in Class 11-12th. Let’s start:
- Exciting and Futuristic Engineering Disciplines:
Following is the list of courses that you may consider after the 12th PCM which is in high demand today and will make you future-ready for sure.
- Data Science
- Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
- Mechatronics Engineering
- Robotics
- Materials Science and Engineering
- Information Science & Engineering
- Bioengineering (you can do even if you have studied PCM only)
- Biomedical Engineering (you can do even if you have studied PCM only)
- Biochemical Engineering/Biotechnology (you can do even if you have studied PCM only)
- Engineering Disciplines which will always keep you Job-Ready:
If you do not get a seat in the above-mentioned disciplines then these courses will surely lead you to one of the best career options. Have a look at the few more technical courses you may pursue after completing class 12th with PCM you may consider:
- Computer Science & Engineering
- Electronics & Communication Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Energy Engineering
- Core Engineering Disciplines which are Flexible:
These best degree courses you may opt for after your higher education with Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry will help you to switch into many other fields later.
- Mechanical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Other Exciting Options:
These are a few more new courses which ensure a high-salary and exciting job profile.
- Architecture
- Industrial Design/Product Design/Vehicle Design
- Planning
- Data Science/ Data Analytics
- Mathematics
- Statistics
- Electronics
- Nautical Science/ Merchant Navy Training
- Commercial Pilot License
- Fashion Technology

What to do after 12th PCB?
Moving forward, we shall now discuss the career options for someone who has pursued PCB combination in Class 11-12th. Let’s start:
- Options in Medical Science:
- MBBS (Medicine & Surgery)
- BAMS (Ayurvedic Medicine & Surgery)
- BHMS (Homoeopathic Medicine & Surgery)
- BNYS (Naturopathy & Yogic Science)
- BDS (Dental Science)
- Options in Pharmaceutical Sciences:
- B.Pharm. (4 years)
- Pharm.D. (6 years)
- Some options in Allied Medical Sciences:
- B.Sc. Nursing
- B.Sc. Radiology / Medical Imaging Technology
- B.Sc. Cardiovascular Technology/ Perfusion Technology
- B.Sc. Respiratory Therapy Technology
- B.Sc. Dialysis Technology
- B.Sc. Medical Laboratory Technology
- Bachelor of Physiotherapy
- B.Sc. Operation Theatre and Anaesthesia Technologies
- Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
- B.Sc. Emergency & Critical Care Technology
- Bachelor of Audiology Speech-Language Therapy
- Bachelor of Optometry
- Few Fundamental Biological Science best degree courses after higher education (class 12th) for a good career are:
- Biological Science/ Bioscience/ Biology (B.S. or Integrated M.S course)
- Biochemistry
- Microbiology
- Biotechnology
- Botany / Zoology / Physiology
- Food Science/ Food Science & Technology
- Anthropology
- Fisheries Science
- Forestry
Suggested Reading: Best Courses After 12th Science
What to Do After 12th Arts and Humanities
There are going misconceptions that students have limited choice and career options in arts and humanities. After completing 12th grade in humanities, students have a wide array of career options to explore. Let’s delve into some exciting paths you can consider:
- International Relations Specialist: If you’re intrigued by global affairs, diplomacy, and cross-cultural interactions, consider becoming an international relations specialist. You can pursue a Bachelor’s degree in fields like Political Science, History, Geography, Economics, Sociology, or Liberal Arts.
- Psychologist: If understanding human behavior and mental processes fascinates you, psychology might be a great fit. Start with a Bachelor’s degree followed by a Master’s degree in your desired specialization.
- Lawyer: Law offers diverse opportunities. You can pursue a five-year integrated program or a three-year LL.B. program. Lawyers represent clients, provide legal advice, and work in courts, law firms, or corporate legal departments.
- Foreign Language Expert: If you have a flair for languages, consider becoming a foreign language expert. There’s no specific bachelor’s degree requirement; you can complete higher education and start learning the desired language.
- Social Worker: Social work involves helping individuals, families, and communities. Begin with a Bachelor’s degree followed by a Master’s in Social Work. Social workers address social issues, advocate for vulnerable populations, and provide support services.
Students can also check out the Best Courses After 12th Arts here!
What to Do After 12th Commerce?
The commerce stream has really cool career options to choose from. After completing 12th Commerce, there are several career options you can explore to further your academic and professional prospects. Here are some recommendations:
- Bachelor of Commerce: B Com is a 3-year program specifically designed for commerce students after 12th. It covers essential subjects such as economics, business law, accountancy, taxation, and finance.
- Actuarial Science: Actuarial science applies mathematical and statistical methods to assess financial risks and uncertainties. Actuaries develop complex models using data analysis to formulate financial strategies that reduce risks while optimizing outcomes.
- Financial Engineering: Financial engineering involves using mathematical techniques to solve financial problems. These techniques are applied in financial markets and instruments. Financial engineers create complex models for risk management and optimizing returns.
- Quantitative Finance: Quantitative finance focuses on studying financial markets and instruments using statistical and mathematical techniques. Professionals in this field analyze data to make informed decisions related to investments, risk management, and financial strategies
Remember to consider your interests, desired skill set, and earning potential when choosing a course after 12th commerce. Explore these options and find the one that aligns with your goals!
Suggested Read: Best Courses After 12th Commerce
Steps to Filter Out the Perfect Course
Too many good options, which one should you go for? What are the best-fit options after 12th for you? Going through this list, you might be thinking that this is a problem of plenty. But wait! In fact, what you have read above is just a glimpse into what to do after the 12th. There could be more than 550 careers to explore and more than 2000 educational options after 12th. Complicated? Just follow this simple process to filter out the perfect course for you.
- 1st Step: Understand what your real strengths and weaknesses are – your aptitudes, interests, and personality traits. Read about how occupational interests influence your career choice.
- 2nd Step: Narrow down your searches to a few clusters of careers that are the best fit for you in the future (as per your attitudes, interests, and personality).
- 3rd Step: Student’s Guide: Courses After 12th Class for you and check what courses you must do after 12th to pursue these careers.
- 4th Step: Take the help of an expert who can help you make an informed choice.
Conclusion
To help you make a well-informed and good decision about what you do after 12th, iDreamCareer offers information on more than 550 careers and more than 2200 career specialization pathways. This in-depth information helps you to get answers to questions like – what to do after 12th, what after intermediate courses are available, what are the best courses after 12th, and how to go about.
That’s it. We hope that we have cleared some of your doubts regarding the selection process for the best courses after 12th and what to do after 12th? Well, see you again. Thank You!
Related Blogs to Explore
- Courses Without Maths After 12th
- 20 Most Beneficial Government Exams after 12th
- Best Courses After 12th Commerce with High Salary
- Career Options after 12th Humanities
- Top PCB Career Options
FAQs
There are several competitive exams that students can take after the 12th, depending on their career aspirations. Some of the most popular competitive exams include the JEE for engineering, the NEET for medicine, the CLAT for law, the NDA exam for defence services, the IMU CET for maritime courses, and the National Institute of Design (NID) exam for design courses.
After 12th medical, students can pursue various courses in the medical field. Some of the popular options include MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, BPT, B.Sc Nursing, and Bachelor of Pharmacy. Students can also appear for various entrance exams such as NEET, AIIMS, JIPMER, and AIPVT to get admission to these courses.
After 12th non-medical, students can pursue various courses in the fields of engineering, technology, architecture, and science. Some of the popular options include B.Tech, B.Sc, B.Arch, B.Des, and BCA. Students can also appear for various entrance exams such as JEE Main, JEE Advanced, BITSAT, and NATA to get admission to these courses.
To become a pilot after the 12th, students can pursue a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) course from a recognized flying school. The CPL course includes theoretical and practical training in subjects such as aviation meteorology, navigation, air regulations, and aircraft technical knowledge.
After 12th, students can pursue various courses and career options depending on their interests and aptitude. Some of the popular options include undergraduate courses in engineering, technology, commerce, humanities, and science, as well as diploma and certificate courses in various fields. Students can also explore career options such as civil services, defence services, entrepreneurship, sports, and creative arts.

Sushant, an accomplished content writer at iDreamCareer, has dedicated his life to the pursuit of writing since childhood. Having earned his education at the prestigious University of Delhi, he possesses a profound understanding of both arts and science in the field of education. Leveraging his professional experience, Sushant brings a fresh perspective to analyzing emerging trends in the realms of writing and education. His youthful mindset, coupled with a positive outlook, is geared towards enlightening students through the impactful delivery of wisdom and knowledge.
career options after graduation in Arts stream
Well complied article. Just to add, new degree courses, such as B.voc are also available after 12th. Example, B.Voc Beauty and Wellness, is now available for students interested in pursuing a career in cosmetology at Jain University, Bangalore.
Thank you Dr. Neelima. We will add these to this blog.
This is amazing collection of courses. Find all computer courses after 12th commerce without maths
Happy to know that we could help you find what you were looking for.
Course after 12 with commerce without math
Hi,
Most colleges will require Maths for Economics, B.Com (Hons), BBA, BMS, etc. A few private colleges offer some commerce courses without Maths. You can check courses in travel and Tourism/ Event Management/ Law / BBA / Company Secretary / Design etc. Best to check if there are courses beyond Commerce, depending upon your Aptitude Interest & personality.
You may visit our website https://dashboard.idreamcareer.com/ or Speak to our Career Advisor on 9555990000 for counseling and assistance.
In the 25th line of the article,that’s not 14 million ,it’s only 1.4 million.
Thanks, Sashank. Corrected now.
Sir please also add information about indian defences services what education is required as there are many opportunities to serve are nation but we civilians are not aware about it.
It is quite a comprehensive list of courses and it is quite good that you have divided these career options as per their interests which will students to choose a career as per their interest, which is quite important. So, hats off to you sir for compiling such a great article.
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I am currently studying in the second year of engineering. sometimes I dont enjoy the subject in this case I feel like changing my field later on, what could be my options?
Hi,
Depending on which subject you like from your course you may choose to pursue that specifically. Else assuming you are a PCM student- you can pursue any subject in that combination or Commerce Arts careers are open too.
It would be best to consult a Career Counsellor for a clear and specified approach, you can contact our Career Advisor on 9555990000.
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Hi
There are so many commerce colleges in India most of them focus on the traditional method of cramming for an exam and No Practical experience.
In India, there are few colleges other than top names which focus on building the skills & giving them practical exposure to starting a business or a startup.
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