As we write this article, thousands of students in India are writing their Class 12 CBSE board exams. Already, they have looked for or are on the lookout for the most suitable college courses after their CBSE class 12 examinations. This background research by students requires proper guidance regarding eligibility, admission process, scope, and other factors for choosing the best course after 12th class. Most importantly, their academic and career choices should align with their own life goals and interests.
How to Decide Course Options for Students after CBSE 12th Examinations
Consider these factors while looking for and choosing the best college course (in Humanities or Commerce or Science) for yourself.
Continue Pursuing a Subject in your Existing Stream of Interest
If you have an interest in a particular stream or subject and have been performing well in the same, it might be the right career option after 12th. In order to make the best of the opportunities you have, seek guidance from a career guide to understanding the latest career trends related to it.

Opt for a New Stream and Pursue Higher Education
At times, our personal choices may not translate to becoming the best professional choices. You may not want to continue with the stream you had chosen in Class 11-12th CBSE. Depending on your aptitude and personal interest, you can switch to a new stream after class 12th and build a better career prospect. Find out the eligibility criteria for different colleges regarding a switch to a new stream.
What after Class 12th CBSE Exams?
Now, let’s look at some of the most popular, unconventional, as well as the most sought-after college courses in India following CBSE class 12th board examinations, across the three streams of Humanities, Commerce, and Science.
Options after 12th Science with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics
- Data Science and Engineering
- Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
- Mechatronics Engineering
- Robotics
- Materials Science and Engineering
- Information Science & Engineering
- Bioengineering (you can do it even if you have studied PCM only)
- Biomedical Engineering (you can do it even if you have studied PCM only)
- Biochemical Engineering/Biotechnology (you can do it even if you have studied PCM only)
- Computer Science & Engineering
- Electronics & Communication Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Energy Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Metallurgical Engineering
- 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
Options after 12th Science with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology
- Options in Medical Science
- MBBS (Medicine & Surgery)
- BAMS (Ayurvedic Medicine & Surgery)
- BHMS (Homeopathic Medicine & Surgery)
- BNYS (Naturopathy & Yogic Science)
- BDS (Dental Science)
- Options in Pharmaceutical Sciences
- B.Pharm. (4 years)
- Pharm.D. (6 years)
- 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
- Options in Fundamental Biological Science
- 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
Options in Arts and Humanities Courses after 12th CBSE Exams
- Bachelor in Liberal Arts
- B.A. Economics
- B.A. Psychology
- B.A. Sociology
- B.A. in Political Science
- B.A. Geography
- B.A. History

Options in Business & Commerce Courses after CBSE Class 12 Examinations
- B.B.A. / B.M.S. / B.B.M. (especially with specializations in Data Science, Data Analytics, Finance, etc.)
- B.Com. with Accounting and Finance
- B.Com. (with Information Technology, Computer Applications, Marketing, Finance, etc.)
- CA (Chartered Accountancy)
- CS (Company Secretary)
- CMA (Cost & Management Accountancy)
Options for Students of All Streams of Study after Class 12th Board Exams
- B.A. LL.B. / B.Sc. LL.B./ B.Com. LL.B./ B.B.A. LL.B. (5-years course)
- Fashion/ Apparel / Costume / Knitwear Design
- Textile Design / Surface Design
- Fashion Merchandising
- Lifestyle Accessories Design/ Leather Design/ Jewellery Design
- Animation Design
- Visual Communication Design
- Graphic Design/ Web Design/ UI-UX Design
- Digital Design
- Film and Video Design / SFX/ VFX Design
- Game Design
- Fine Arts/ Visual Arts/ Sculpture
- Material Design/ Ceramic Design/ Craft Design
- Interior / Furniture Design
- And many others
- Bachelor in Journalism and Mass Communication / Mass Media Studies / Similar
- Bachelor in English/ other languages
- Hotel Management/ Hotel & Catering Administration and Management
- Culinary Arts / Bakery & Confectionary
- Travel and Tourism Management/ Travel Administration / Aviation Management
- Tea Tasting
- BCA
- B.Sc. IT (some colleges need Mathematics in 12th for this)
Courses that Lead You to High-Paying Jobs
Check out this comprehensive breakup of the best-paying jobs you can land after pursuing your dream course in college and/or university.
Best Courses after 12th Board Exams with High Salary: Commerce
Today, Commerce is one of the most highly chosen streams. Since commerce drives the financial world and is a part of every industry/organization, students have plenty of options when it comes to Commerce subjects offering lucrative career prospects after CBSE 12th examinations.
| Course | Required entrance exams | Average starting salary |
| Management | Separate entrance exams for different Universities | Rs. 5-7 lpa |
| Chartered Accountancy | CPT (Common Proficiency Test) | Rs. 6-8 lpa |
| Company Secretary | CSEET (CS Executive Entrance Test) | Rs. 5-8 lpa |
| Cost Management Accountancy | CMA Foundation Level | Rs. 6-9 lpa |
| Actuarial Science | ACET(Actuarial Common Entrance Test) | Rs. 5-7 lpa |
| Statistics | Separate entrance exams for different Universities as well as ISI Admission Test 2021 | Rs. 4-5 lpa |
| Economics | Separate entrance exams for different Universities | Rs. 5-7 lpa |
Best Courses after 12th Board Exams with High Salary: Humanities
Humanities subjects have recently acquired popularity and due appreciation. Undoubtedly, these subjects provide a deeper understanding of how humans, societies, cultures, and nations function. Currently, there are multiple high-salary courses for you to consider after CBSE 12th exams.
| Courses | Educational requirements & admission process | Best Colleges | Approximate salary range (for freshers) |
| Law | Entrance exams like CLAT, LSAT | NLSIU, NALSAR, etc. | Rs. 4.5-8 LPA |
| Economics | Mostly merit-based; JNUEE, DUET | LSR, St. Xavier’s Mumbai, etc. | Rs. 5.5-8.5 LPA |
| Journalism & Mass Communication | Min 50-60% in 10+2 from a recognized board; Entrance Exams/Merit-based | GGSIPU, Symbiosis Pune, etc. | Rs. 3.5-5.5 LPA |
| Design | Min 50%; Entrance Exams-NID, NIFT, UCEED, etc | NID-Ahmedabad, IIT-Bombay, NIFT Delhi/Mumbai, etc. | Rs. 4-7.5 LPA |
| Animation & Multimedia | Min 50%; Entrance Exam/Merit-based | BIT-Mesra, VIT-Chennai, etc. | Rs. 4-5.5 LPA |
| Fashion Communication | Min 50%; Entrance Exam/Merit-based | NIFTs, Pearl Academy, etc. | Rs. 6.5-8 LPA |
| Foreign Languages | Mostly merit based; Entrance exams- JNUEE, BHU-UET | JNU, BHU, etc. | Rs. 5.5-9LPA |
| Hotel Management | Entrance exams- NCHMCT-JEE, MAH HM CET | IHM Aurangabad, SRM-IHM, etc. | Rs. 5-8LPA |
| Travel & Tourism | Mostly merit based | JMI, IIHM, etc | Rs. 4.5-7LPA |

Best Courses after 12th Board Exams with High Salary: Science
| Careers | Degree | Salary (p.a) |
| Engineer | B.Tech/BE degree | ₹ 3 to 10 LPA |
| Doctor | MBBS/BDS/BHMS/BUMS | ₹ 5 to 12 LPA |
| Architect | B.Arch | ₹ 4 o 10 LPA |
| Pilot | Pilot license | ₹ 6 to 10 LPA |
| Data Scientist | B.tech from IT or computer science | ₹ 3.5 to 9 LPA |
| Nurse | General Nursing & Midwifery course or B.Sc. Nursing | ₹ 3.2 to 7.8 LPA |
| Veterinarian | B.V.Sc. & A.H. BVMS | ₹ 2.5 to 5 LPA |
| Agricultural Scientist | Agri-Botany/ AgriBiotechnology/ AgriChemistry/ Agri-Economic/ Social forestry | ₹ 5.5 to 11 LPA |
| Biomedical Engineer | Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Engineering | ₹ 3 to 10 LPA |
The class 12 CBSE board examination is a turning point in a student's life in India that can shape their entire academic and professional career. Class 12 is the first stepping stone to your career. It can be a stressful time for both students and their parents. Hence, it is crucial that you do proper research on college courses and the scope for career growth and take up courses that are also aligned with your personal interests.





