Top Career Options After 12th: Courses, Exams, Colleges, Fees & Salary Packages

In this article, we will know about the multiple career options after 12th. If you have just passed class 12th or already passed and looking for a better career opportunity, but confused which career to choose. Then my dear friend you are at the right page. So, Let's start.

Career Options After 12th - Science Stream

Science stream is widely used in India and mainly for those students who prefer Engineering and Medical as their profession.

1. Engineering (B.E./B.Tech)

• Entrance Exam: JEE Main, JEE Advanced, State CETs
• Top Colleges: IITs, NITs, IIITs, BITS Pilani, VIT, SRM
• Fees: ₹1.5L – ₹4L/year
• Average CTC: ₹6L – ₹20L (IITs/NITs), ₹3L – ₹6L (Private)

2. Medical (MBBS/BDS/BAMS)

Medical is a noble and demanding career path, ideal for students passionate about healthcare and life sciences.

• Entrance Exam: NEET-UG
• Top Colleges: AIIMS, JIPMER, AFMC, KMC Manipal
• Fees: ₹50K – ₹20L/year
• Average CTC: ₹6L – ₹12L

3. Pharmacy (B.Pharm)

• Entrance Exam: MHT-CET, state-level CETs
• Top Colleges: Jamia Hamdard, ICT Mumbai, NIPER
• Fees: ₹80K – ₹2L/year
• Average CTC: ₹3L – ₹6L

4. Pure Sciences (B.Sc)

• Entrance: CUET / Merit-based
• Top Colleges: IISc Bangalore, St. Stephen’s, Miranda House, Loyola, Presidency College
• Fees: ₹30K – ₹1L/year
• Average CTC: ₹2L – ₹6L

Career Options After 12th - Commerce Stream

Commerce offers a wide variety of career options in finance, accounting, taxation, economics, and more.

1. Chartered Accountancy (CA)

• Entrance: CA Foundation
• Institution: ICAI
• Fees: ₹50K – ₹1L (total)
• Average CTC: ₹7L – ₹20L+

2. B.Com / BBA / BMS

• Entrance: CUET, DU JAT, NPAT, SET
• Top Colleges: SRCC, NMIMS, Christ University, Symbiosis Pune
• Fees: ₹50K – ₹2L/year
• Average CTC: ₹3L – ₹10L

3. Economics (B.A. / B.Sc.)

• Top Colleges: Delhi School of Economics, St. Xavier’s, Presidency University
• Fees: ₹30K – ₹1L/year
• Average CTC: ₹4L – ₹10L

Career Options After 12th - Arts Stream

The arts stream provides variety of scope in fields like journalism, psychology, sociology, design, literature, and civil services.

1. Civil Services Preparation (UPSC)

• Foundation: BA in Political Science, History, Sociology
• Top Colleges: DU Colleges, JNU, Ashoka University
• CTC: ₹6L – ₹20L (Post-UPSC)

2. Law (BA LLB, BBA LLB)

• Entrance: CLAT, AILET, LSAT
• Top Colleges: NLSIU Bangalore, NALSAR Hyderabad, Symbiosis Law School, Jindal Global Law School
• Fees: ₹1.5L – ₹6L/year
• CTC: ₹6L – ₹20L

3. Mass Communication & Journalism

• Top Colleges: IIMC, XIC, DU, Symbiosis
• Fees: ₹1L – ₹3L/year
• CTC: ₹3L – ₹7L

Management Courses (Including MBA)

Management programs are ideal for students interested in business, finance, entrepreneurship, and leadership roles.

1. Integrated BBA + MBA (5-Year Course)

• Entrance: IPMAT (IIM Indore, IIM Rohtak), SET, NPAT
• Top Colleges: IIM Indore, IIM Rohtak, NMIMS, Symbiosis
• Fees: ₹3L – ₹6L/year
• Average CTC: ₹10L – ₹25L (IIMs), ₹5L – ₹10L (Private)

2. MBA (Post Graduation)

• Entrance: CAT, XAT, GMAT, CMAT
• Top Colleges: IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bangalore, IIM Calcutta, XLRI, FMS, ISB
• Fees: ₹2L – ₹25L (Entire Course)
• CTC: ₹10L – ₹35L (Average for Top 10 B-Schools)

Other High Potential Streams

Defence / NDA

For students passionate about serving the nation, a career in defence offers respect, discipline, and stability.

• Entrance Exams: NDA (by UPSC), TES (Army), AFMC (Medical)
• Selection Criteria: Written exam + SSB interview + medical
• Training Academies: NDA Pune, IMA Dehradun, INA Ezhimala
• Stipend: ₹56,100 during training
• Average CTC: ₹10 – ₹15 LPA (including perks)

Hotel Management

Hotel management is a fast-growing career in hospitality, offering roles in hotels, airlines, cruise, and event management.

• Entrance: NCHM JEE
• Top Colleges: IHM Pusa, IHM Mumbai, WGSHA Manipal
• CTC: ₹3L – ₹6L

Aviation (Pilot, Cabin Crew)

• Entrance: DGCA, CPL
• Fees: ₹30L – ₹60L (Pilot)
• CTC: ₹10L – ₹30L

Animation & VFX

• Top Colleges: Arena Animation, MAAC, IDC IIT Bombay
• CTC: ₹3L – ₹8L