In India, we have come across parents saying, “Science is the best”. Many of them even advise their children to take the science stream after 10th grade.
At the higher secondary level, students who choose science gain extensive knowledge in disciplines including physics, chemistry, mathematics, and biology (PCMB). The subject combination, however, often changes as per the students’ interests.
While some opt for physics, chemistry and mathematics (PCM), others choose physics, chemistry and biology (PCB). Regardless of the subject combination they choose, it is true that students can pursue the best career options after 12th science.
The PCMB, PCB or PCM combinations offer lucrative career options to students. Of course, engineers and doctors are the obvious career paths after 12th science. But with so many courses available, there are various other professions that you can explore in the realm of science.
Through this blog, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the best career options available after completing 12th grade in science. Depending on their interests and skills in the different subjects, they can pick relevant courses to kickstart their careers.
Let’s understand the different career choices after 12th science among PCMB, PCB and PCM.
Best Career Options after 12th Science at a Glance
Wondering what the best career options are in India after 12th science? In the following table, you will find a brief overview of the courses available for selection after 12th grade. These courses will offer a myriad of career options for you.
| Course | Duration | Career Options | Average Salary |
| Bachelor of Technology (B. Tech) | 4 years | Mechanical Design Engineer, Transportation Engineer, Data Analyst and IT Consultant | INR 4 LPA to INR 8 LPA |
| Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) | 3 years | Biochemist, Lab Technician, Hardware Engineer and Business Analyst | INR 4 LPA to INR 10 LPA |
| Bachelor of Computer Application (BCA) | 3 years | Software Developer, Web Developer, Cybersecurity Specialist and Data Scientist | INR 8 LPA to INR 15 LPA |
| Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) | 5 years | Dental Surgeon, Dental Hygienist, Dentist and Orthodontist | INR 4 LPA to INR 10 LPA |
| Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (BSc in Agriculture) | 4 years | Agricultural Officer, Seed Technologist, Plant Breeder and Agriculture Technician | INR 4 LPA to INR 10 LPA |
| Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSc in Nursing) | 4 years | Nursing Supervisor, Registered Nurse and Clinical Nurse Specialist | INR 2.5 LPA to INR 5 LPA |
Best Career Options After 12th Science PCM (Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics)
Many students after 12th choose physics, chemistry and mathematics as a combination. The mix of all these subjects provides various career opportunities from both engineering and non-engineering fields.
The best career options after 12th science PCM (engineering) are as follows:
1. Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering
With a B.Tech in Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering, you can gain knowledge in space technology, aerodynamics and avionics. The career options include Aerospace Engineer, Space Scientist and Flight Engineer.
2. Electrical Engineering
One of the best career options after 12th will be electrical engineering. With a B.Tech in Electrical Engineering program, students will get insights into electromagnetics and power electronics control systems. Electrical Engineer, Control Engineer and Power Systems Engineer are a few career options that it offers.
3. Computer Science and Engineering
A B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering will provide knowledge about the different aspects of computer science. From software engineering to data science, you will gain knowledge in various aspects. The best career options after 12th PCM with computer science include IT Consultant, Software Developer and Data Analyst.
Students who don’t want to opt for engineering can also explore the best career options after 12th science with maths. These are:
4. Forensic Science
Students who are passionate about crime investigation can pursue a B.Sc. in Forensic Science. The program will teach students to use scientific principles in solving crime investigations. The career options in the domain of forensic science include Forensic Scientist, Crime Scene Investigator and Digital Forensic Analyst.
5. Nautical Science
It is the study of ships and navigation. With a B.Sc. in Nautical Science, students can learn about ship operations and seamanship. Marine Superintendent, Deck Officer and Port Manager are the career paths for aspiring students.
6. Industrial Design
It is a field in science where students learn to design consumer devices, products and services. A B.Sc. in Industrial Design will provide knowledge in Computer-Aided Design (CAD). Also, the course will provide training to develop products (from concept to final product). The career options in Industrial Design are Product Designer, Packaging Designer and Automotive Designer.
Best Career Options after 12th Science PCB (Physics, Chemistry & Biology)
Students from the science stream often pursue PCB after class 12. In the domain of science, PCB combines subjects – physics, chemistry, and biology. The combination of subjects mainly focuses on life sciences, along with physical principles and chemical reactions that occur in nature.
The best career options after 12th science PCB are as follows:
1. Medicine and Surgery
Do you aspire to be a doctor? Then, Medicine and Surgery is the field for you. With an MBBS program, you can acquire both theoretical and practical skills in treating illnesses and performing surgeries. The career options for the field include General Physician, Specialist Doctor and Medical Researcher.
2. Nursing
Taking PCB after 12th science can offer career prospects in Nursing. A BSc in Nursing program equips students with the theoretical coursework in patient care, anatomy and physiology and hands-on clinical expertise. From this field, the best career options after 12th science biology are Registered Nurse, Clinical Nurse Specialist and Nursing Supervisor.
3. Microbiology
It involves the study of microscopic organisms like bacteria, fungi and parasites. With a BSc in Microbiology, you can learn the theory of microscopic organisms and their effects on human bodies.
Also, it will equip students with practical skills in conducting lab experiments. The career roles in Microbiology include Clinical Microbiologist, Research Microbiologist and Industrial Microbiologist.
Best Career Options after 12th Science PCMB (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology)
As one of the best career options after 12th science, PCMB offers numerous opportunities for students. Let’s explore the choices that physics, chemistry, mathematics and biology are offering as a unit.
1. Data Science
For a comprehensive understanding of the subject, a BSc in Data Science is an ideal course. It will provide foundational knowledge in computer science, maths and statistics.
Using the knowledge in these areas, you can analyse complex data. The career prospects in Data Science include Machine Learning Expert, Data Scientist, and AI Engineer.
2. Agriculture and science
Students passionate about modern farming, plant, and animal breeding can pursue a BSc in Agriculture. The best career options in B.Sc. Agriculture include Agribusiness Manager, Horticulturist and Agricultural Scientist.
3. Genetic Science
If the study of genes is in your interest, pursuing a B.Sc. in Genetic Science would be an ideal choice. The course will provide knowledge of genetic variation and heredity in living organisms.
Clinical Genetic Researcher, Geneticist and Genetic Counsellor are the career paths you can choose from.
Best Career Options after 12th Science Without NEET
NEET is one of the most common competitive exams after 12th. Students pursuing a career in science can choose from various paths that do not require NEET.
The best career options after 12th science without NEET are:
1. Biotechnology
A B.Sc. in Biotechnology will teach students the use of different biological processes in creating innovative products across industries. Biotechnologist, Genetic Engineer and Research Scientist are the career options from the particular domain.
2. Food Technology
It is the study of food processing, quality control and food preservation. To understand these principles, students can pursue a BSc in Food Technology. The career choices include Food Technologist and Quality Assurance Manager.
3. Environmental Science
Students can learn about the different aspects of biological, physical and social sciences through a B.Sc. in Environmental Science. Ecologist, Environmental Consultant and Sustainability Analyst are the career options that the program offers.
Best Non-Medical Career Options after 12th Science
Many people believe that pursuing science after 12th grade can lead to a career in medicine. But that’s not it. Even with science, there are various non-medical career choices for you to look into.
The best career options after 12th science, non-medical, are as follows:
1. Business Administration
It is a lucrative career path after 12th science. With a Bachelor’s in Business Administration, students can gain insights into the strategies of managing a business’s operations. Business Analyst and Manager are the job roles that you can apply for with Business Administration.
2. Computer Application
Students interested in learning about various aspects of computer systems and operating systems can pursue a career in computer applications. With a Bachelor’s degree, you can explore job roles as a Data Analyst and Software Developer.
3. Event Management
After 12th science, students can seek career opportunities in the domain of event management. A Bachelor’s in Event Management can equip students with the knowledge of planning and managing events. Event Manager and Wedding Planner are the roles you can apply for in this career path.
Best High Salary Career Options after 12th Science
Science is a lucrative academic stream. Hence, now we will look into the best career options after 12th science with high salary:
1. Biomedical Engineering
Students can specialise in Rehabilitation Engineering, Medical Imaging and Biomechanics.
- Career options: Medical Device Engineer and Biomedical Engineer.
- Average salary: INR 5 LPA to INR 10 LPA.
2. Dental Surgery
The specialisations include General Dentistry, Oral Surgery and Orthodontics.
- Career options: Oral Surgeon, Dentist and Orthodontist.
- Average salary: INR 6 LPA to INR 15 LPA.
3. Nutrition and Dietetics
It is a promising field that focuses on Food Science, Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition.
- Career options: Nutritionist, Food Consultant and Dietician.
- Average salary: INR 50,000 PA to INR 2 LPA
Best Career Options after 12th Science for Girls
Girls are expanding their career prospects with various courses in science after 12th. These courses carve out a way for rewarding career opportunities. The best career options after 12th science for girls are:
1. Optometrist
As an optometrist, you will provide eye care to patients and conduct eye examinations.
2. Clinical Psychotherapist
The role of a clinical psychotherapist is to examine, diagnose and treat mental health conditions with the help of various therapeutic methods.
3. MRI Technologist
As an MRI Technologist, students will use MRI equipment to create diagnostic images of patients’ internal organs, muscles and tissues.
Competitive Exams to Consider After 12th Science
To explore the best career options after 12th science, students must have thorough knowledge and skills in subjects like physics, chemistry, mathematics and biology.
Participating in competitive exams can provide students with a breakthrough into top institutes. As a result, they can explore a wide range of career opportunities that the subject offers.
The top competitive exams after 12th science include:
| Name of the Exam | Description |
| JEE Main & JEE Advanced | The exam offers B.Tech courses in Civil, Mechanical, Computer Science and Engineering. |
| IISc (Indian Institute of Science) | Taking the IISc (Indian Institute of Science) exam will provide a course in B.Sc. Research Program in Science. |
| NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) | Students who take the exam can pursue courses in MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS and BPT. |
| CUET (Common University Entrance Test) | After taking the exam, students can apply for programs in BSc in Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics and integrated courses. |
How to Choose the Best Career after 12th in Science?
Choosing the best career options after 12th science can be overwhelming due to the vast array of fields and courses available. Follow these tips to make the right choice in a career after 12th science:
- Identify your interests and skills to research the different career options available in the science stream after 12th.
- Assess your skills and then pick a course in science that will provide rewarding career choices.
- Conduct market research to identify the current trending field in science that requires professionals.
- Consider taking competitive exams if you’re interested in engineering (JEE) or medicine (NEET).
Make a Promising Career After 12th in Science
Now that you know the best career options after 12th science, it’s time to carve your way. With so many choices from the science domain, it can be confusing to understand what would suit your interests and goals.
Hence, the largest Educational Fair is here to guide you. At Career Planner, we organise well-rounded educational events for parents, students and recruiters to connect.
Through our programs, students and their worried parents can identify their passions and skills. Based on which they can kickstart their career into the realm of science, technology and any other field.
Connect with us to find the right career that aligns with your passion.
Frequently Asked Qusetions
Which is the best career option after 12th science with a high salary?
Science as an academic stream after 12th is very promising. There are various courses that students can enrol in, which will unlock doors for high-paying career options. These include Software Developer, Mechanical Engineer, Electrical Engineer and Civil Engineer.
What are the trending career options after 12th science in India?
After completing 12th grade, choosing careers in science is quite common for Indian kids. The trending career options after 12th science are MBBS, Nursing, Pharmacy and Engineering.
Which colleges should you consider after 12th science?
There are plenty of colleges in India where science offers promising career opportunities for students. Some of the top colleges that you should consider after 12th science include Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Jawaharlal Nehru University, Miranda House and Indian Institute of Science.
Should you consider a B.Sc. Agriculture after 12th science?
Yes. B.Sc. Agriculture offers rewarding career opportunities after 12th science. Students who are passionate about learning agriculture with a mix of biology, technology and commerce can opt for the 4-year degree program.
Are you eligible for B.Tech after 12th science?
Yes, after 12th science, you are eligible to enrol on a B.Tech program. To opt for it, students should pass the 10+2 examination with physics, chemistry and mathematics. Additionally, you students should have 50-60% marks to choose B.Tech.
Can you change your stream after the 12th?
Yes, after completing 12th grade, you can change your academic stream. If you had science in class 12, after the examination, you can change the stream to arts or commerce. Furthermore, you can opt for courses that don’t require knowledge in any specific streams, such as journalism or law.
Which is the highest-salaried career after 12th without NEET?
Students who are not interested in sitting for the NEET exam can still have a high-salaried career in science. The best career options after 12th science without NEET include Nursing, B.Pharm, Biotechnology and Biomedical Engineering.
Can I get a government job after 12th science?
Yes, after 12th science, you can get government jobs across industries like administration, police, railways, defence and postal services. To secure a government job after completing your science degree, you have to sit for the competitive examinations such as RRB Group D, SSC CHSL, and NDA.
What are the non-engineering career options after 12th PCM?
Engineering is usually the obvious career option after 12th PCM. But students who don’t want to pursue engineering can opt for career paths like Ethical Hacking, Artificial Intelligence, Business Administration and Pharmacy.
What are the best career options after 12th science without maths?
The fields combining PCB provide the best career options after 12th science without maths. You can pursue a career across fields like Forensic Science, Biotechnology, Agriculture and Nutrition. Additionally, with science in class 12, you can explore professions in Event Management and Computer Application.
