Best Career Options After 12th Science [Guidance 2025]

A common question that arises in every young mind after their school education is “What to do after 12th boards?” The question becomes even more tricky considering that by the end of school education, students have already chosen a major stream of education and must accordingly go for relevant college courses.  

Latest Update: Class 10th and 12th CBSE Board Results of the year 2024 are soon to be released. To check the result, you have to visit the official website of the CBSE, and for more details, Click Here. 

Suppose you are a student who has completed their 12th-class education in the science stream. In that case, you have landed on the perfect spot that will provide you with detailed facts and information about the top courses and career directions to choose after you complete your schooling from the science stream. 

So, continue reading to find out the top career options for science students, along with details about the various job options, courses, etc. For making the right and informed choice about your future education after the 12th class boards. 

What is Science Stream?

Before we progress to the specific fields one can explore in the science stream, it is important to know what science is. 

It is well-known that in India, the science stream is one of the most popular choices of higher education among students. It is often preferred by students who aspire to pursue professional medical or non-medical fields. 

Science as a stream is a combination of subjects that teaches you the scientific study of related streams such as Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science, and Mathematics. These subjects encompass the elements of scientific theories and practical concepts with an analytic approach. 

Subjects included in the Science Stream

In the broad understanding of science, there are two main domains to explore in this field. Scientific courses after class 12th entail the study of natural sciences (physics-chemistry-mathematics) or the life sciences (physics-chemistry-biology). 

Pursuing the science stream entails the study of subjects such as: 

• Biology 
• Chemistry 
• Physics 
• Mathematics 

Some of the other popular subjects related to these broader disciplines include geography, geology, environmental studies, computer studies, statistics, psychology, botany, zoology, etc.  You might be familiar with these subjects in the science field. Let us now explore the career options available in the science stream. Now, let us see what career options are available for science students in their respective science streams in detail, including the plethora of fields.

Career Field	Stream Required	Duration	Approx. Fee Range (INR)	Avg. Starting Salary (INR/year)
MBBS	PCB	5.5 years	3L–20L	₹8–12 LPA
BDS	PCB	5 years	5L–30L	₹5–10 LPA
B.Pharm	PCB	4 years	1L–15L	₹4–8 LPA
BSc Nursing	PCB	4 years	20K–2L	₹3–6 LPA
BMLT	PCB	3–4 years	50K–5L	₹3–6 LPA
BPT	PCB	4.5 years	50K–3L	₹4–7 LPA
B.Sc Biotechnology	PCB	3 years	50K–2L	₹3–6 LPA
B.Sc Agriculture	PCB	4 years	50K–2L	₹3–6 LPA
B.Tech CSE	PCM	4 years	1L–20L	₹6–10 LPA
B.Tech Mechanical	PCM	4 years	1L–10L	₹5–8 LPA
B.Tech Civil	PCM	4 years	1L–10L	₹5–8 LPA
B.Tech ECE	PCM	4 years	1L–10L	₹5–9 LPA
Architecture (B.Arch)	PCM	5 years	2L–8L	₹5–10 LPA
BCA (Computer Applications)	PCM	3 years	50K–4L	₹3–6 LPA
BBA (Management)	Any	3 years	30K–5L	₹4–8 LPA
B.Sc Data Science	PCM	3 years	1L–10L	₹5–8 LPA
B.Sc Physics	PCM	3 years	20K–3L	₹4–7 LPA
B.Sc Chemistry	PCM	3 years	20K–3L	₹4–7 LPA
B.Sc Maths	PCM	3 years	20K–3L	₹4–7 LPA
Journalism & Mass Communication	Any	3 years	50K–3L	₹3–6 LPA
BA in Psychology	Any	3 years	50K–2L	₹3–6 LPA

Career Options After 12th PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)

In the broad domain of what is called the “science stream”, there are two main subdomains, commonly called PCB (physics, chemistry, biology) and PCM (physics, chemistry, mathematics). If a student is highly interested in Biology and in the field of medicine, then they have vast career options available in the medical field to explore. To make their career in the medical field, the student needs to study Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) at the 10+1 and 10+2 levels. The study of PCB subjects helps a student develop careers in both the medical field and non-medical fields related to other niches of life sciences. 

Career Options after 12th PCB in the Medical Field (with NEET)

1. MBBS

Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) is one of the highest-paying and most popular courses in India and abroad. It is preferred by a large number of science students after the completion of the 12th grade. Students who aspire to become doctors or surgeons can pursue this course and develop their careers after class 12th.

• Duration: 5 Years - 9 Years
• Fees: INR 3,00,000– INR 20,00,000
• Entrance: National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET)

2. BHMS

Bachelor’s of Homoeopathic Medicine & Surgery (BHMS)  is the study of Homoeopathic Medicine is related to the cure of human ailments with the homoeopathic medical system, which involves diluted potions of medicines in a pill or liquid form. Homoeopathic treatment and consequently BHMS is one of the popular career directions students interested in medical studies take up after class 12th. 

• Duration: 5.5 Years – 6 Years
• Fees: INR 1,50,000 - INR 10,00,000
• Entrance Exam: NEET, CET, BVP, CET,  KEAM, PUCET, IPU CET 

3. BDS

Bachelor of Dental Sciences (BDS), students who are keen on studying orthodontics or prosthodontics can pursue this course in the science stream. This course teaches the study of dental organs to become a dentist or dental surgeon. It is a compulsory course for medical aspirants to practise as dentists in India. 

• Duration: 5 Years (4 Years + 1 Year Internship Period)
• Fees: INR 5,00,000– INR 30,00,000
• Entrance: NEET 

4. B.Pharma

Bachelor’s of Pharmacy (B.Pharma) students who are keen on making their career in the pharmaceutical field or aspire to establish their own pharmacies can pursue the course to study the process of creation and the science of chemicals and medical salts.

• Duration: 4 Years – 5 years
• Fees: INR 1,00,000– INR 15,00,000
• Entrance: NEET, BITSAT, TS EAMCET, BVP CET, AP EAMCET, IPU CET, WBJEE, MHT CET 

Career Options after 12th PCB in the Medical Field (without NEET)

1. BSc Nursing 

The profession of nursing is to tend to and take care of patients. The course is designed to provide the learner with the basic knowledge and skills of assisting medical professionals like doctors and surgeons with medical procedures in the ICU, ER, CCU, OT, etc. in addition to taking care of patients. 

• Duration: 4 Years – 5 Years
• Fees: INR 20,000 – INR 2,00,000
• Eligibility Criteria: Qualified Class 12th Examinations from a Recognised Board with at least 50% Aggregate Marks 

2. BMLT

The Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Technology (BMLT) course teaches the student to work at the backend to make medicinal or medical instruments in hospitals, medical centres, or laboratories. This course is ideal for those aspirants interested in learning about the basic and complex medical laboratory procedures. The course is of a duration of 3 years and can be taken up from a private or government college. 

• Duration: 3 – 4 years
• Fees: INR 50,000– INR 5,00,000
• Entrance: AFMC, PMT, KEAM, SAAT, GUJCET, OJEE Medical, NEET (Not Compulsory). 

3. BPT

Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT): This is a 5-year undergraduate course in the field of physiotherapeutic sciences. BPT is a course ideal for candidates who wish to learn about rehabilitative medicine and the use of various techniques like exercise, heat, pressure, etc, to heal the body naturally. This course is becoming increasingly popular as the professional scope of physiotherapists in India is growing. Find some basic details about the course mentioned below. 

• Duration: 4.5 Years to 5 Years 
• Fees: INR 50,000 to INR 3,00,000
• Entrance: IPU CET, NEET, IEMJEE, etc. 

Career Options After 12th PCB in Non-Medical Fields 

In addition to seeking a career in the medical field, there are a number of other options after studying PCB in classes 11th and 12th. These options are not related to the medical field but general domains related to life sciences, ranging from biotechnology, botany, zoology, etc, to agricultural studies and forensic sciences. 

These courses are commonly available as a 3-year undergraduate course–Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) within the chosen specialisation. Listed below are a few of the most prominent specialisations available in a B.Sc degree that can be pursued by PCB students:

Specialisations in B.Sc
B. Sc Agriculture	B. Sc Anthropology	B. Sc Biochemistry
B. Sc Biostatistics	B. Sc Botany	B. Sc Biology
B. Sc Anatomy	B. Sc in Food Technology	B. Sc in Food Science
B. Sc Biotechnology	B.Sc Zoology	B. Sc in Forensics
B. Sc Genetics	B. Sc Geology	B. Sc Life Sciences
B. Sc Neuroscience	B. Sc Nursing	B. Sc Physiotherapy
B. Sc Psychology	B. Sc Nutrition and Dietetics	B. Sc Physical Education

Career Options After 12th PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Maths)

The second popular domain of the science stream at the higher secondary level is the subject combination of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. The domain of PCM is concerned with the study of natural sciences and mechanical sciences and is needed for studies in domains related to engineering, software design, IT, chemistry, mathematics, physical sciences, etc. The most popular career directions one can explore after studying PCM in classes 11th and 12th have been listed here. 

Career Options in Engineering after Class 12th PCM

Engineering is by far the most common career domain chosen by students after class 12th boards in the science stream (PCM). With a number of available specialisation domains which are not only highly acclaimed and regarded but also highly compensated, engineering remains one of the most popular career choices among fresh school graduates. The field of engineering entails the study of mechanics, operations, physical and scientific foundations of the working of machines and other devices. 

Engineering in India can be pursued in the form of a four-year degree of Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) or a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech). These degrees at the UG level allow students to choose between highly demanded specialisations and develop their knowledge and skills in accordance with the latest industry trends.

• Duration: 4 years
• Fees: INR 1,00,000 to INR 20,00,000
• Entrance Examination: JEE (Mains and Advanced), BITSAT, WBJEE, VITEE, etc.  

The top course specialisations available in the B.Tech or B.E. courses have been listed here:

• Civil Engineering: Civil Engineering is a specialisation concerned with the creation, design, construction, planning, maintenance, etc. of buildings, roads, and other macro structures and their infrastructural aspects. 

• Electrical Engineering: Focused on learning about the electrical circuits, systems, energy and power systems, electrical engineering is one of the popular specialisations in the domain of engineering.  

• Mechanical and Automobile Engineering: Mechanical and automobile engineering is related to the study of machinery, their creation, construction, operations, scientific basis of functioning etc. The stream of mechanical engineering encompasses the study of applying physics and mathematical principles to the functioning of machinery and automobiles. 

• Computer Science Engineering: Computer Science Engineering, popularly known as CSE or CS, includes the study of computer software, its creation, design, and applications. CSE is currently among the most demanded and well-compensated specialisations in engineering, and provides appealing job opportunities in both the public and private sectors. 

• Electronics and Communications Engineering: Popularly known as ECE, electronics and communications engineering is concerned with the study of communication systems, electronic systems, power circuits, power systems, electronic devices, etc., with respect to their design, creation, maintenance, and functioning. ECE is also a well-paid specialisation area in engineering with a good scope for career development.  

Some of the other common specialisations available to pursue in the field of engineering include:

B.Tech Top Specialization
B.Tech in Information Technology (IT)	B.Tech in Mining Engineering	B.Tech in Biotechnology Engineering
B.Tech in Nuclear Engineering	B.Tech in Aerospace Engineering	B.Tech in Marine Engineering
B.Tech in Chemical Engineering	B.Tech in Robotics Engineering	B.Tech in Instrumentation and Control Engineering
B.Tech in Materials Engineering	B.Tech in Environmental Engineering	B.Tech in Petroleum Engineering
B.Tech in Transportation Engineering	B.Tech in Textile Engineering	B.Tech in Construction Engineering

Some of the top colleges and institutes in India in both the private and public sectors for engineering education have been listed below: 

Top Colleges For Engineering
Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)	Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs)
Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT)	BITS Pilani
SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMISC)	Lingaya’s Vidyapeeth
Sri Venkateswara University (SVU)	Indian Institute of Science Bangalore (IISB)
Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata	Vellore Institute of Technology
College of Engineering Pune	Amity University Noida
Delhi Technological University (DTU)	Lovely Professional University
Sikkim Manipal University	Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), Bhubaneswar

Career Options after Class 12th PCM (Non-Engineering)

Although engineering is one of the most widely preferred career trajectories after studying PCM in class 12th, the education options after PCM are not limited to engineering or related domains. In fact, in addition to engineering, there are a number of appealing career and educational options in research and development, data sciences, computer sciences, etc. Some of them have been elaborated upon below. 

1) Data Science

This is a much-demanded professional domain within and beyond India in the field of science and data management. The data scientist job profile is essentially that of an analytical expert who adapts, learns, and performs the collection, processing, analysis, and interpretation of large amounts of data. Students interested in this course can take up a B.Sc in Data Science, B.Tech in Data Science, BCA in Data Science, or even a BBA in Data Science. 

• Duration of Course: 3 Years to 5 Years 
• Fee: INR 1,00,000 to INR 10,00,000
• Entrance: JEE Main, JEE Advanced, BITS-HD, GATE, etc. 

2) Architecture

Students interested in the study of architecture are required to have studied physics and mathematics, and hence those having studied PCM in class 12th can take up the course of Bachelor of Architecture or B.Arch, is a five-year undergraduate program specialising in foundational concepts and principles of architecture. 

• Duration of Course: 5 Years
• Fee: INR 2,00,000 to INR 8,00,000
• Entrance: JEE Mains, NATA (National Aptitude Test in Architecture)

3) Bachelor of Computer Applications

This is an undergraduate course of 3 years curated specially for enthusiasts of computer science, computer studies, and information technology, especially those students aspiring for a career in CS and software without having qualified for admission in B.Tech. This course is available in a number of specialisation areas depending on the interest and aptitude of the student. 

• Duration of Course: 3 Years 
• Fee: INR 50,000 to INR 4,00,000
• Entrance: Based on General Eligibility (Completed Class 12th Education from a Recognised Board with at least 50% Aggregate Marks)

The popularly chosen specialisations in the BCA course include: 

Popular BCA Specializations
BCA in Data Analytics	BCA in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI and ML)	BCA in Big Data Analytics
BCA in Cloud Computing	BCA in Cybersecurity	BCA in Computer Science and IT
BCA in Database Management System	BCA in Multimedia and Animation	BCA in Graphic Design
BCA in Blockchain Development	BCA in Data Science	BCA in Game Development

4) Bachelor of Science

The Bachelor of Science or B.Sc.Sc is a 3-year degree course at the undergraduate level, which can be taken up by PCM graduates of class 12th in a number of specialisations, including physics, chemistry, IT, forensic sciences, aviation, mathematics, etc. 

• Duration of Course: 3 Years
• Fee: INR 20,000 to INR 5,00,000
• Entrance: CUET-UG, Based on Minimum Eligibility Criteria (Having Completed Class 12th Education from a Recognised Board with at least 50% Aggregate Marks in Science Stream)

The common specialisations in B.Sc that students from the PCM background can take up include:  

Popular BSc Specialization
B.Sc in Mathematics	B.Sc in Physics	B.Sc in Chemistry
B.Sc in Hospitality and Tourism Studies	B.Sc in Sport Science	B.Sc in Computer Application Information
B.Sc in Multimedia Animation Graphics	B.Sc in Aviation	BSc in Statistics
BSc in Renewable Energy	BSc in Geology	BSc in Astrophysics

Career Options in Management After 12th Science 

As already stated earlier, students who pursue science, irrespective of the specific stream (PCM or PCB), can take up courses in management and business administration, which is a field open to students from all fields and streams. 

If a student from the science stream is interested in developing a career in business or management, then the most apt course they can pursue is a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA). A BBA is a 3-year undergraduate degree course that covers the foundations of business management, administration, and development, as well as allows students to specialise in a number of specific domains.

• Course Duration: 3 Years 
• Fees: INR 30,000 to INR 5,00,000
• Entrance: CUET, Institutional Entrances, Minimum Eligibility 

The major specialisations in BBA that science students can go for include:

Popular BBA Specializations
BBA in Marketing Management	BBA in Human Resource Management	BBA in Finance Management
BBA in Operations Management	BBA in International Business Management	BBA in Logistics and Supply Chain Management
BBA in Digital Marketing Management	BBA in Data Science	BBA in Business Analytics
BBA in Banking and Finance Management	BBA in Project Management	BBA in IT & Systems Management
BBA in Aviation Management	BBA in Travel and Tourism Management	BBA in Strategy and Leadership Management

A BBA can be pursued in the form of a full-time offline degree or a full-time online degree. Although higher education is commonly envisioned as including physical classroom lectures, regular visits to the college and campus, an online degree course simulates the learning experience of a physical degree course in addition to providing students with sufficient flexibility to pursue other interests like internships, jobs, etc., alongside the degree. 

An online BBA is equivalent to a regular BBA when completed from a college/university approved for online education by the UGC-DEB. It can be pursued from top-accredited online colleges and institutes at a much more affordable fee range, with the benefit of placements in top-notch institutes and companies. So, in addition to pursuing an offline regular BBA, students can also go for an online regular BBA.

Career Options After 12th Science in Humanities

Students interested in career switching or those wanting to pursue a subject in the purview of humanities, arts, or related fields can do so easily, even if they have a science background. This means that students studying science in class 12th have a myriad of options for higher education available to them. 

Among the popular courses related to the humanities that they can take up, a few are mentioned here:

• Bachelor of Arts (B.A)
• Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication (BJMC)
• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

These courses have a duration of 3 years and are degree programs at the undergraduate level. To take up these courses, a candidate from the science stream must meet the general eligibility for the course, which includes having completed Higher Secondary education from a recognised board with at least 50% marks (aggregate). 

Both private and public institutions offer these courses, as these are some of the most popular choices for higher education among students of the humanities and other streams.

Why Choose the Science Stream? 

Although the popularity of the science stream among students after class 10th has been consistently high, students may often wonder what, after all, made this popularity soar throughout the decades consistently? In other words, why should one choose the science stream for higher education? 

Subjects and concepts included in the study of the science stream provide stimulation and a space for students with a curious and analytical acumen. Moreover, there are a number of other advantages of going for higher studies in the science stream that have been listed below:

• Science stream consists of subjects like biology, physics, chemistry, mathematics, etc., which are interesting and engaging for learners with a curious, critical, and analytical bent of mind. 
• The career domains in the science stream are well-developed and highly acclaimed in India, including those like medicine and surgery, engineering, research, and development etc. This vast and well-developed domain of available career options for students from a science background is one of the reasons for its popularity. 
• The available career domains and jobs for students from a science background are highly paid and prosperous in scope for career development. 
• Moreover, students who go for studies in the science stream can easily switch their careers to domains pertaining to commerce and humanities, a facility that is missing for students from commerce and humanities backgrounds. 

Thus, it can be seen that there are quite a number of advantages that make the science stream appealing for students. 

What are the Qualities/Skills a Science Student Should Have?

As you know, the science stream has lucrative career options such as medical, IT, engineering, pharmacy, research, data science, and many more. Career options for science students are vast in range. However, to thrive in education and a career in the science stream, students must have certain key skills and abilities, a few of which have been mentioned below: 

• Having a Technical Bent of Mind
• Creativity and Innovation
• Critical and Analytical Ability 
• Experimental and Open-Minded Attitude
• Application and Analytical Aptitude 
• Critical Thinking Ability
• Research and Data Analysis Abilities
• Adaptability 

The Future of Higher Education After Class 12th Science

With so many available options in career selection that have been listed herein, a common question that may arise is how to pick the right trajectory, especially when you are confused between more than one option. 

An effective solution that has been introduced in place by the UGC is the provision to pursue dual degrees at the UG and PG levels. So if you are a student who has just completed their class 12th education in the science stream, you have the chance of going for dual degrees, i.e., two degree courses– provided both are at the undergraduate level. 

So with an online degree, you can conveniently pursue a full-time regular degree alongside a full-time online degree. Also, you can go for Online Integrated degree programs such as BBA+MBA, BCA+MCA, and B.Com+MBA.

Conclusion

As we have discussed above, the science stream has a myriad of options for further studies and professional development after completing class 12th education. Science is a vast area to build several career trajectories and career opportunities after the 12th class boards. Students can also go for higher studies in science streams at the Master's, Ph.D., or professional levels as per their interests. After 12th, you can make a career in humanities, management, science, technology,