What Can I Do After Intermediate or Class 12? Confused about what to do after 12th (Intermediate)? Whether you are from Science, Commerce, or Arts stream, explore the best courses, career options, diploma programs, and government job paths after 12th with detailed explanations and career roadmap.
Complete Guide to Courses & Career Options After 10th & 12th
📌 Introduction: What Can I Do After Intermediate?
Every year, lakhs of students in India complete their Class 12 (Intermediate) and ask the same question:
“What should I do next?”
This is a crucial stage in your life — the choices you make after 12th can shape your entire career. The good news? There are hundreds of exciting options available — from degree courses and diploma programs to professional certifications, competitive exams, and government jobs.
To make things easier, we’ve broken down all the major options stream-wise:
- Science (with PCM / PCB)
- Commerce
- Arts / Humanities
- General Career & Job-Oriented Options
Also, for those who have just completed 10th (SSC), we’ve added a detailed section below.
🔍 BONUS: We’ve included a downloadable career chart (image at the end) that visually maps every possible career path after 10th and 12th!
🔬 Career Options After 12th Science Stream
Science students usually study either:
- PCM – Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics
- PCB – Physics, Chemistry, Biology
- Or PCMB – All four subjects
Let’s see what you can do after 12th Science.
✅ After 12th with PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Maths)
Best Career Options:
- Engineering (B.E / B.Tech) – Specializations: Computer Science, Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Electronics, IT, etc.
- Architecture (B.Arch) – For design & construction enthusiasts (via NATA/JEE)
- Merchant Navy – B.Sc. Nautical Science or Marine Engineering
- Commercial Pilot Training – Requires PCM + Class 2 medical fitness
- National Defence Academy (NDA) – Entry into Army, Navy, Air Force
- B.Sc. (Hons.) in Physics, Maths, Statistics, etc.
- Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity (UG programs or certifications)
- BCA – Bachelor in Computer Applications
- Integrated B.Sc + M.Sc / B.Tech + M.Tech (Dual Degree)
Entrance Exams:
JEE Mains, JEE Advanced, NATA, NDA, CUET, State CETs, AME CET, etc.
✅ After 12th with PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
Best Career Options:
- MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine & Surgery)
- BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery)
- BAMS (Ayurveda), BHMS (Homeopathy), BUMS (Unani)
- Veterinary Science (B.V.Sc)
- B.Sc. in Biotechnology, Microbiology, Genetics, Zoology, Botany, Nursing, Agriculture
- Bachelor in Physiotherapy (BPT), Occupational Therapy (BOT)
- Pharmacy (B.Pharm)
- Paramedical Courses – DMLT, Radiology, OT Technician, etc.
- Environmental Science, Food Tech, Home Science
- Psychology (B.Sc. Clinical Psychology)
Entrance Exams: NEET-UG, CUET, ICAR AIEEA, State CETs, etc.
✅ After 12th with PCMB (All 4 Subjects)
You can choose careers from both PCM and PCB groups. If you’re unsure whether to go into medicine or engineering, PCMB keeps both options open.
🌐 Other Unique Science Career Paths (Open to all science students)
- Forensic Science (B.Sc.)
- Fashion Technology (NIFT)
- Design (NID / UCEED / CEED)
- Animation & VFX
- Hotel Management
- Mass Communication
- Bachelor in Law (5-year Integrated B.Sc. LL.B)
💼 Career Options After 12th Commerce Stream
Commerce is the gateway to careers in business, finance, law, and management. Whether you took Maths or no Maths, there are plenty of opportunities.
✅ Degree Courses After 12th Commerce
- B.Com (General, Honors, Computers)
- BBA / BMS / BBM (Management courses)
- BCA (If you had Maths or IP)
- BA in Economics / Business Economics
- Bachelor of Hotel Management (BHM)
- Bachelor in Event Management
- Bachelor in Foreign Trade / Logistics
✅ Professional Courses After 12th Commerce
- CA (Chartered Accountant) – via ICAI
- CS (Company Secretary) – via ICSI
- CMA (Cost & Management Accounting) – via ICMAI
- Law (5-Year Integrated B.Com LL.B)
- Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
- Investment Banking & Finance Courses
- Digital Marketing Certifications
🏦 Government Jobs After Commerce
- Bank PO/Clerk Exams
- SSC CHSL & CGL
- UPSC Civil Services
- Railway NTPC
- State Public Service Commissions (TSPSC, APPSC, etc.)
🎨 Career Options After 12th Arts (Humanities)
Arts or Humanities is one of the most diverse streams, allowing careers in education, law, media, design, public services, psychology, and more.
✅ Degree Courses After 12th Arts
- BA in History, Political Science, Sociology, Psychology, Literature, Economics, etc.
- Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
- BA in Mass Communication, Journalism
- BFA (Fine Arts) / Performing Arts / Theatre
- Hotel Management / Event Management
- BA LLB (5-Year Law Course)
- Bachelor in Foreign Language Studies
- Design Courses (Interior, Fashion, Animation)
🧑🏫 Teaching Courses After Arts
- B.Ed (after Graduation)
- D.Ed / D.El.Ed (2-Year Diploma for Primary Teachers)
🎯 Competitive Exams & Government Jobs
- UPSC / IAS / IPS / IFS (after graduation)
- SSC CGL / CHSL / MTS
- State PSC Exams (like TSPSC Group 1/2)
- Railways / Police / Forest Services
- IBPS PO / Clerk
🧭 Career Options After 10th (S.S.C)
If you’ve completed 10th, you can:
✅ Choose a Stream:
- Science / Commerce / Arts
- Polytechnic Diploma
- ITI Courses
- Certificate Courses
- Paramedical Technician Courses
- Animation / Graphic Design Courses
- Join Defense (as Soldier, Navy Tradesman)
- Government Clerical Jobs
Early specialization after 10th through diploma courses or certifications can help you get into jobs sooner or switch to higher education through lateral entry.
📌 Final Thoughts: How to Choose the Right Career?
When choosing a career after 12th, ask yourself:
- What are my interests?
- What subjects do I enjoy the most?
- What is my strength – theory, practical, creativity, logic?
- What is the job demand in that field?
- Can I afford the course (consider fees, scholarships)?
Tip: Take online career aptitude tests, talk to mentors, and explore internships before making a final decision.
