After completing 12th grade, the most common question that students encounter is “What are your plans? What field/stream would you get into?”
Most students take pride in saying they will take science or commerce. However, when it comes to choosing arts/humanities, there is an awkwardness. Many people think that there’s no future for individuals choosing the arts as a career. It is a general perception among many Indians.
But that’s not true.
Arts is one of those diverse paths that gives you endless opportunities in almost every aspect. All you need is a bit of confidence and knowledge in the field. With them, you can ace your career path.
From social sciences and language to design and humanities, the arts encompass dynamic subjects. Students who enrol in the stream can choose from these subjects and improve their creative skills and critical thinking abilities.
With such skills, students can unlock career paths as teachers, journalists, graphic designers, public relations managers and so on.
Want to pursue a career in any of these professions? This blog then explores the best career options after 12th in arts. Students can go through these options and select the one that suits their passions and interests.
Additionally, you will learn the importance of taking arts as a career option after 12th.
Why is it Important to choose the Right Career After 12th Arts?
The phase after 12th is the time when people make foundational career choices. It is the premise that sets their future. It is thus essential for students to choose the right academic stream.
While it is often overlooked, the career opportunities after 12th in arts are endless. These opportunities help you shape a promising future with maximum satisfaction.
The reasons why students select arts as the best career options after 12th are as follows:
Arts is a dynamic academic stream that combines skills from various sectors. It includes critical thinking skills, technical skills and of course, creative skills. As industries evolve, the foundation in the arts will also enable students to adapt to these changes. As a result, they can refine their previous skills and make career advancements.
Choosing the arts as a career option will allow you to pursue higher education. From law to business administration, there is a myriad of the best courses after 12th in arts for you to choose from.
Students who choose the arts stream can gain knowledge into various industries such as content creation, digital marketing, and specialised design. Such industries can offer you a lucrative career with high-paying jobs.
Students who choose the Arts stream tend to be overall happy. Subjects like fine arts, journalism and specialised design will help you align your passion with their fundamentals. As students pursue their passion, it increases their interest, and they can make a successful career.
Top Career Options After 12th Arts in 2025 – At a Glance
To secure top jobs after completing 12th arts, several career options can help you get closer to your dream. The following table will provide a glance at the top career options:
| Course | Career Options | Average Salary | Course Duration | Eligibility |
| BA Hons in Liberal Arts | Social Worker, Writer, Editior | 5LPA-8LPA | 3 years | To pass from a recognised institute in 10+2 with a minimum of 50% marks. |
| Bachelor of Design in Fashion Design | Fashion Designer, Fashion Entrepreneur, Garment Pattern Maker | 3 LPA- 6 LPA | 3 years | Passing the 10+2 exam and securing 50% of marks, at least. |
| BA in Journalism and Mass Communication | News Reporter, News Anchor, Social Media Manager | 4 LPA – 10 LPA | 3 years | To pass from a recognised institute in 10+2 with a minimum of 50% marks. |
| Diploma in Interior Design | Interior Design Assistant, Visual Merchandiser, Furniture Designer | 2 LPA- 3 LPA | 1-2 years | Passing the 10+2 exam and securing 50% of marks, at least. |
Best Career Options After 12th Arts
What are the best career options after 12th arts? Well, it’s difficult to pick any one. As the options are plenty.
From the field of sociology to mass media, you can take a look at various career choices. Ensure that the options align with your interests so that you can kickstart your employment opportunities.
Let’s check the options after 12th in arts:
1. Bachelor of Arts (B.A)
It is a 3-year degree programme in humanities, science and liberal arts. Combining dynamic subjects makes it one of the best career options after 12th arts in India.
Studying this degree course will provide students with strong analytical, communication and critical thinking skills.
After completing the course, you can seek job opportunities in sectors like:
- Entertainment
- Tourism
- Government jobs
- Banking
2. Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A)
Are you passionate about art forms? Then, it can be a rewarding career option for you. The course delves into an array of disciplines like painting, fine arts, music, singing, theatre and filmmaking.
As you can understand, these disciplines are designed to hone your artistic, creative and presentation skills.
When students finish the undergraduate degree programme, they can pursue career paths in:
- Teaching
- Direction
- Professional singing/dancing
- Creative writing
3. Bachelor’s of Journalism and Mass Communication
Still figuring out the best career paths for arts students? A great option would be a Bachelor’s of Journalism and Mass Communication.
It is a 3-year degree programme that equips students with the knowledge and applications in journalism and mass communication.
The career options with a Bachelor’s of Journalism and Mass Communication include:
- News Reporting
- Editing
- Feature Writing
- Advertising
Best Career Options After 12th Arts with High Salary
It is a misconception, especially in India, that studying the arts is less lucrative. There are a wide career options that you can choose from, which mainly come from an arts background.
Want to know about the career options that can help you get high-paying jobs after 12th arts? Then check them out!
1. Event Management
Individuals with strong communication skills can make a smooth career in event management. Besides communication, a professional course in event management, like a diploma, will equip students with event planning and budgeting techniques.
The career paths include Wedding Coordinator, Event Planner and Corporate Event Manager.
2. Interior Design
It is one of the best career options after 12th in the arts stream. An undergraduate course in interior design gives students the knowledge and skills to design aesthetic and functional spaces.
Space Planner, Interior Designer, and Furniture Designer are common career opportunities in interior design.
3. Graphic Design
Students opting for graphic design as a career choice can create visual content for various projects. The course also helps students gain skills in layout design, typography and digital illustration.
The career options that the Graphic Design course provides include Web Designer, Art Director and Graphic Designer.
4. Filmmaking
Students interested in films can learn the techniques of filmmaking. It is a great career option as you can unlock your creative skills to portray engaging narratives. Filmmaking covers aspects like cinematography, editing and direction.
Cinematographer, Film Editor and Director are the common jobs that filmmaking can provide.
Best Career Options After 12th Arts for Girls
What are the options after 12th arts for girls? Well, the options are endless. Arts provide a solid foundation for girls to explore various career options. From law to fashion design, there are a handful of paths girls can choose from.
The best career options for girls after 12th include:
1. Fashion Design
One of the best career options after 12th arts is fashion design. The field will allow girl students to gain skills in colour palette selection, visual sensibility and global perspective.
Career paths: Fashion Designer, Fashion Stylist, Design Manager.
2. Integrated Law
Girls can pursue a career in law. The field will cover different subjects from the arts and law. From criminal law to environmental law, the field spans various aspects.
Career paths: Legal Advisor, Company Secretary, Litigation Lawyer.
3. Education
It is one of the top career options after 12th arts. Girls interested in teaching as a profession can pursue this field. The course will help students learn about curriculum planning, classroom management and child psychology.
Career paths: Primary School Teacher, Education Consultant, Childcare Provider.
4. Social Work
A rewarding field for girls after 12th would be pursuing a career in social work. It is a career option that will enable students to learn about NGO management, community service and counselling.
Career paths: Social Worker, Mental Health Counsellor, Child Welfare Specialist.
Popular Courses to Consider After 12th Arts
The academic stream, arts, unlocks various career options for the students. Various popular courses will help you land several high-paying jobs. These are as follows:
1. BA in English
It is a 3-year undergraduate course that is well-known to everyone. Students who are passionate about learning literature can take up the course. The course also allows students to gain writing and analytical skills.
Career opportunities: Teacher, Proofreader, Editor.
2. BA in Psychology
The course will take a deep dive into the understanding of the human mind. Students can pursue the 3-year undergraduate programme and explore human mental health, behaviours and psychological disorders.
Career opportunities: Clinical Psychologist, Counsellor, Therapist.
3. Diploma in Digital Marketing
One of the popular short-term courses after 12th is a Diploma in Digital Marketing. The course equips students with the knowledge and skills in content creation, SEO, online advertising and social media marketing.
Career opportunities: Content Creator, Digital Marketing Assistant, Social Media Coordinator.
4. Diploma in Various Languages
If you want to improve your language proficiency, it can be a great short-term course from the arts stream. Besides language proficiency, the course focuses on grammar and communication in various languages.
Career opportunities: Language Translator, Customer Executive Support, and Tour Guide.
Skills You Should Focus on to Succeed in Arts/Humanities
From diploma courses to degree programmes, there are several best career options after 12th Arts. While the programmes are easy to learn, with a few more skills, students can succeed in whatever profession they choose. These skills include:
- Creative thinking
- Problem-solving
- Analytical skills
- Communication
- Writing
What Subjects Should You Choose in the Arts?
As we know, the arts are a diverse stream. The combination of various subjects is what contributes to its diversity. When you choose arts as your academic foundation after 12th, these are the subjects you can focus on:
English
A popular subject for many students who take arts after 12th. Whether it is a Diploma course in English or a Bachelor course, the subject will provide extensive knowledge in literature, grammar, and writing.
Pursuing the subject can help you enter into professions like journalism, content writing and proofreading.
Political Science
Students interested in India and foreign politics can choose this subject. It is a subject that focuses on the constitution and different political processes. The subject also offers students knowledge in international relations, public policy and political methods.
Gaining expertise in the field can help students work in political organisations, law enforcement agencies, and other relevant institutions.
Sociology
The subject focuses on studying the evolution of human interactions, society and relationships. When students gain expertise in these aspects, they understand human social life better. The subject opens opportunities in different areas like governance and public administration.
Geography
The subject focuses on the study of land and people. From studying the physical properties of the earth to its connection with the environment, the scope is huge. Studying geography can help students make a career as a Town Planner, GIS Specialist and Environmental Consultant.
How Much Salary Should You Expect in the Arts?
Many people believe that the scope of careers after completing 12th arts is limited. They also go to the extent of saying that “there is no future at all.” However, that’s not the case.
Various professions are stemming from the arts that offer promising, high-salaried jobs.
The salary in the arts generally depends on the field that the student is choosing. For instance, if someone studies Journalism and becomes a journalist, the salary would range between 2.5 LPA and 5 LPA (entry-level).
Future Scope and Career Growth in Arts
Want to know if career choices after the 12th arts stream are rewarding? Then the answer is yes.
Arts have a wide range of fields that drive continuous growth for students. From law to psychology, students can opt for various paths to secure a great future.
The fields of psychology, law, sociology and others have long and short-term courses. However, to advance career options, students can take a specialisation or enrol on a master’s programme.
For instance, a Master’s in Psychology can unlock career opportunities as a psychologist in a renowned organisation.
How to Choose the Right Course After 12th Arts?
The course that students choose after 12th arts should align with their career goals, skills and interests. The following tips will help you choose a course that unlocks the best career options after 12th arts.
- Know what subjects you like learning. Depending on your likeness towards the subject, you can narrow down your course choices.
- Assess your strong skills. Is it writing? Or are you a good musician? Your skills will provide direction on which course to choose.
- Look into the courses that align with your interests. Check its duration and the curriculum that it provides.
- After listing the courses, check if they offer career paths. Look into the salaries for the professions you’re choosing.
- Get guidance from your parents, teachers or counsellors and make an informed decision.
Make Arts a Rewarding Career Foundation with Proper Guidance
Still confused about the best career options after 12th arts? Well, that’s okay. Too many options can seem overwhelming, especially when they’re a stepping stone for your career.
For this reason, it is advisable to identify your interests and skills before selecting a career from the arts stream. Need any more help? Then, we are here with the biggest Educational Fair.
At Career Planner, we provide a platform for students, parents and recruiters to connect. Our goal is to help students understand their true potential and match them with the right courses and career options.
Follow our educational events to advance your career paths!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the trending career options after 12th arts?
Arts have several career options after 12th. The trending options include digital marketing, fashion design, graphics & animation and law.
2. What are the most in-demand jobs in the arts stream in 2025?
Students pursuing arts after 12th can make careers in various fields. The in-demand jobs from the stream include content creator, graphic designer, filmmaker, script writer, teacher and researcher.
3. Is a diploma in hotel management available after the 12th class?
Yes, a Diploma in Hotel Management is available after the 12th class. The course unlocks career options as hotel managers, front office executives and housekeeping assistants.
4. Can I prepare for civil services after 12th Arts?
Yes, you can start studying for the civil services after 12th Arts. However, to appear for the civil services examination, you will require a minimum undergraduate degree from a recognised institute.
5. Am I eligible for an MBA after 12th Arts?
Yes, after 12th Arts, students can pursue an MBA. It is a rewarding course that can also unlock entrepreneurial opportunities for students.
6. Are there Government Job Opportunities in the arts?
Yes, in the arts, students can get several government job opportunities. Students can make their way in the civil services, the banking sector and Indian Railways.
7. What are the top entrance exams after completing 12th Arts?
There are numerous entrance examinations that students can take after 12th Arts. These exams include the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT), the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT), and the National Institute of Design (NID) Entrance Exam.
8. Can I become a fashion designer after completing my 12th grade in arts?
Yes, after completing your 12th grade, you can pursue a career as a fashion designer. You can enrol on a Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design course and learn about the different aspects of fashion design.
9. What are the emerging career opportunities in the arts stream?
There are plenty of career opportunities that the arts stream provides. The emerging career opportunities are UX design, social media management, digital advertising and more.
