Indian students contemplate Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) or Class 12 as the turning purpose of their lives. Post-HSC, students are confronted with multiple decisions.

Indian faculties and universities provide a big selection of courses. Higher studies after the twelfth standard are available in two categories:

• Bachelors, and
• Certificate degree professional courses. 

This article helps to shed some light on professional courses, including information about the most popular courses, the estimated cost and studying them and their future scope.

Popular Degree and Diploma Programs after Class 12

Degree and Diploma courses can often be categorized into:

• Bachelor of Arts,
• Bachelor of Commerce, and
• Bachelor of Science.

An archaic system like the Indian education system permits students to opt for these studies provided they have passed HSC exams in corresponding subjects. For example, students who take up science subjects for class 12 usually enrol in BSc courses while those with commerce studies go for B.Com and arts for BA.

However, there is a flawed, inexplicable, opaque migration pattern. Arts students cannot migrate to science or commerce because they are considered relatively tougher subjects, for reasons best known to concerned authorities. Strangely, science and commerce stream HSC students can migrate to arts for their graduation studies- another fundamental problem in the Indian education system.

In any case, BA, B.Com and BSc students face some drawbacks in the domestic job market unless they opt for additional qualifications that are employment specific. These can range from the ever-present Master of Business Administration to Chartered Accountancy, Microbiology to Social Science.

None of these qualifications guarantees a job; they only cancel out an innate disadvantage over counterparts who study job-linked courses.

Advantages of Doing Professional Courses After 12th

Thanks to reforms in the Indian education system, higher study courses that train students directly for precise professions are offered. Career-linked courses, also termed ‘Professional Courses’ in India, provide one distinctive lead over undergraduate courses. They guarantee basic employment in that particular sector. Employers seek out final-year students for work, prior to or directly after completing the course.

Common sense over perfidiousness is one of the major advantages of doing a professional course. Unquestionably, a profession-linked course is superior to regular graduation. Some profession-centric courses are dishonest. They mislead students into incorrectly imagining flourishing careers.

Some of the top profession-oriented courses are medicine and engineering. Indian Medical Council estimates that over 200,000 eligible physicians countrywide are languishing without employment. Medical colleges in India roll out some 50,000 doctors yearly. All India Council for Technical Education says in a report that around 60 per cent of the one million engineers, who graduate every year, go without a job.

Top 10 Professional Courses After 12th

1) Engineering

By far, engineering remains one of the most coveted career-oriented conventional professional courses in India. All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) states that around one million engineers graduate from government universities, polytechnics and private colleges each year.

Along with this, a large number of Indian students opt for engineering studies in the US and Australia. An engineering course in India costs anything between Rs. 300,000 to Rs. 1 million, depending upon the institute and branch you are choosing.

2) Law

The demand for law studies in India remains very high. Universities Grant Commission estimates that around 400,000 students graduate with law degrees each year. The five-year course called Bachelor of Arts and Legum Baccalaureus (LLB) is offered primarily at government colleges in India.

A typical BA LLB course costs around Rs. 100,000 to Rs. 300,000 depending upon the university. Government Law Colleges across the country affiliated with state-run universities offer the course.

3) Medicine

One of the most attractive courses after the 12th. Over 55,000 students graduate as doctors every year. These include graduates in Allopathy, Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Unani and dentistry streams of medicine.

Common courses are Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Science (MBBS), Bachelor of Ayurveda Medicine and Science (BAMS), Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Science (BUMS), Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Science (BHMS), Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS).

In some universities, the word ‘science’ is replaced by ‘surgery’. A course in medical studies costs Rs. 300,000 to Rs. 1 million.

4) Architecture

An estimated 50,000 students graduate from the five-year Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) course in India every year. However, this figure is ambiguous as several civil engineers also study architecture online or in private colleges off the record.

An architecture course costs between Rs. 200,000 to Rs. 500,000 depending upon the institution.

5) Journalism

The boom in advertising, as well as print, electronic and digital news media, increase in film production, has seen a corresponding rise in the number of students opting for media and journalism studies as one of the top courses after 12th.

Typical journalism courses are of three years and cost around Rs. 300,000 for a Bachelor of Communication and Journalism or Bachelor of Mass Communication degree. Top universities in this field include Osmania University in Hyderabad, Pune University and the St. Xavier Institutes in various locations.

6) Chartered Accountant

The finest professional course for higher education is Chartered Accountancy. The three to five-year course, depending upon the amount of time taken to finish it, allows elasticity to work and study. In fact, it is compulsory to work while studying.

CA course and its exam is administered by ICAI (Institute of Chartered Accountants of India) and no other college or university is allowed to qualify a person as a CA. The course costs around Rs. 50,000 only, which is the cheapest for all profession-associated studies.

A projected 100,000 students sign up for the CA exams but only three per cent essentially complete this highly intricate and spirited course.

7) Internet, Web Designing, and IT     

India ranks as the top destination for foreign companies looking to hire IT experts. Over 100,000 students sign up for a variety of IT or web design courses in India. Nevertheless, this figure is far from correct since a big number of engineering students also take IT-related studies as part of their course.

Bachelor of Computer Science and Bachelor of Computer Management are some of the top IT-related courses presented by different colleges and universities. An archetypal three-year course has an expenditure of around Rs. 400,000 to Rs. 1 million, depending upon the college or university. 

The IITs and the diverse state-run universities are the finest for those who want to do IT studies.

8) Pharmacy

About 25,000 students graduate as pharmacists from a range of universities in India each year. Pharmacy studies are gaining impetus owing to the opening of numerous latest and private healthcare facilities across the country.

India’s Food and Drug Administration has also made it compulsory for all big medical companies, distributors and retailers to employ trained pharmacists, as part of the licensing policy. The pharmacy course called BPharm is stretched over three years and costs about Rs. 100,000 to Rs. 200,000 each.

Every major state-run universities offer BPharm courses.

9) Nursing

India needs tens of thousands of nurses, paramedics and caregivers yearly due to the rapidly increasing healthcare development. A BSc in Nursing is an exceptional course to study if the student possesses good judgment in caring for humans of all ages and a stomach to see blood and gore typical to accidents and surgery wards.

Approximately 20,000 male and female nurses graduate each year from various medical and nursing colleges in India. A BSc Nursing degree costs between Rs. 100,000 and Rs. 300,000.

10) Commercial Pilot

Enormous demand for qualified commercial pilots is there in India as the country’s aviation sector sees a huge explosion. Flying is also a very rewarding profession after class 12.

It offers commercial pilots an opportunity to see the world.

Sadly, training institutes for pilots in India are not many. Most hopeful commercial pilots are required to study abroad or join the Indian Armed Forces for training. A flying course often costs a huge Rs 2.5 million and upwards.

India requires about 8,000 commercial pilots yearly to keep airlines operational. Local flying schools account for less than 1,000 trained pilots. A big number of pilots for India’s civil aviation are provided by the Indian Air Force. The solitary major flying school in India is the Government Aviation Training Institute.

Think Out of the Box

Sorrowfully in India, many students are weighed down by the ‘Me Too’ syndrome. They join a herd rather than study something out of the ordinary. Below are some outstanding courses that present great careers but are comparatively unfamiliar:

Agriculture (including Horticulture and Floriculture)

This professional course is most suitable for students with a rural background. It offers numerous opportunities like agribusiness, education, research etc.

Graduates from the agriculture field are in demand by organisations like the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, agricultural banks and research organisations.

Forensic Sciences

Forensic Science is the application of medical and scientific knowledge and technology to criminal matters. It includes specializations like forensic medicine, toxicology, DNA analysis etc.

It’s a great career option for those who are interested in science, law or detective work.

This lucrative field offers plenty of job opportunities such as crime scene investigator, forensic nurse and more. The Forensic Science Laboratory in India is the only place where students can take up this course after Class 12.

Geology

The course in Geology is a great career option for those who are interested in earth sciences and possess an eye for detail.

Geologists have a wide range of opportunities, such as environmental consultants, hydrogeologists, engineering geologists, etc. Students can opt to pursue BSc or MSc in Geology after Class 12th.

Marine Biology

Marine Biology is a field of science that involves the study of marine plants and animals, as well as their habitats. It’s a great option for students who are interested in biology, but also have an inclination towards exploring life underwater.

A Bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology provides students with a wide range of career opportunities such as marine biologist, oceanographer, research assistant etc.

The National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) offers courses in Marine Biology. Students can pursue MSc and PhD after completing their graduation from the field.

Microbiology

Microbiology is a field that studies the growth and characteristics of microorganisms. A Bachelor’s Degree in Microbiology can lead to many job options like a medical technologist, food safety specialist, research assistant etc.

The National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER) offers courses in Microbiology. Students interested in pursuing Microbiology may consider taking up the course under NISER.

Pyrotechnics

Pyrotechnics is an extremely interesting profession and a relatively unknown one. It involves the art of creating fireworks shows, which can be used to add glamour to special occasions like weddings, festivals etc.

It’s a good option for students who are interested in making things go ‘boom’. A pyrotechnician can work as a freelancer, or be employed in a company involved in the manufacture of fireworks.

The Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT) offers this course to students after their Class 12th.

Logistics and Warehousing

Logistics and Warehousing is a field that has a high demand in the corporate sector. It involves managing the storage, transportation and tracking of goods.

Those who take up this course can have an array of career options like logistician, supply chain manager, transport planner etc.

Food Technology

Food Technology is a professional field where the production of safe and nutritious food is studied. It involves knowledge of the science behind food, as well as its preparation, packaging, preservation and distribution.

This course offers plenty of lucrative job opportunities like food scientist, product developer etc. Students can take up this course after completing Class 12th from any recognised institution.

Nutrition and Dietetics

This field focuses on the application of food and nutrition for health. It involves the study of diet planning and its impact on an individual’s health.

This course offers plenty of career opportunities such as clinical dietician, nutritionist, sports nutritionist etc. After Class 12, students can pursue BSc and MSc in Nutrition and Dietetics.

Industrial Safety and Security

Industrial Safety and Security is a field that deals with the safety and security of industrial establishments. It involves studying the various safety protocols to be followed in factories, plants etc.

A professional degree in Industrial Safety and Security can lead one to several job options like fire officer, health and safety supervisor, risk manager etc.

Programming

Programming is a field that requires knowledge of computer codes. It involves creating software, writing code and developing programs.

A professional degree in Programming can lead to various job roles such as software developer, network administrator, web developer etc. After Class 12th, students can pursue BSc or MSc in Computer Science and Programming from any recognised institution.

Digital Marketing

The era of digitalization has brought with it a number of job opportunities in the field of Digital Marketing. It involves understanding customer behaviour and creating strategies to reach out to target consumers online.

A professional degree in Digital Marketing can lead one to various job roles such as search engine marketing specialist, content marketer, social media strategist etc.

Data Science

Data Science is one of the most sought-after professional courses after Class 12th. It involves understanding and analysing data, making use of statistical methods and predictive models to gain meaningful insights.

A professional degree in Data Science can lead one to various job roles such as data analyst, data engineer, business intelligence analyst etc.

Animation and Multimedia Design

This field requires knowledge of design and the artistic aspects of animation. It involves creating animations for movies, games and websites, as well as designing multimedia projects like interactive presentations etc.

A professional degree in Animation and Multimedia Design can lead one to various job roles such as animator, motion graphics designer, multimedia artist etc.

These professional courses provide a good opportunity for those who want to do something out of the ordinary and have an inclination towards these fields.

Conclusion       

Numerous key factors are measured by students while enrolling for career-oriented professional courses after Class 12. In India, the exclusive decisive factor is the tag or label a student gets after graduation.

Young people are more prone to study medicine, engineering or IT in spite of the innate shortcomings of the profession. They opt for courses that present them with a tag or label which in turn decides their social status. Indians go for degrees based on societal and matrimonial considerations rather than curiosity and prosperity and parents often do not allow kids to deviate from their personal old-fashioned beliefs.

However, there are many innovative professional courses that students can go for after class 12. Moreover, students should take into account their aptitude and the marketability factor of a particular course before selecting any profession.