For students who have taken Physics, Chemistry and Maths (PCM) in 12th standard, engineering often seems like the default next step. However, engineering is not for everyone.
In India, engineering has long been viewed as a prestigious and secure career path, often overshadowing other equally rewarding opportunities. However, the evolving job market and students’ diverse interests call for a broader perspective.
It’s crucial to recognise that one’s career should align with personal interests, skills, and the changing dynamics of the job market. This blog is for those looking to explore options beyond engineering after 12th PCM.
Career Opportunities after 12th PCM other than Engineering
There are two broad categories of courses you can consider after 12th PCM besides engineering: science courses and non-science courses. We have listed a few below.
| Science Courses | Non-science Courses |
| B.Sc. Physics B.Sc. Chemistry B.Sc. Mathematics B.Sc. Electronics B.Sc. Computer Science B.Sc. Information Technology B.Sc. Data Science B.Sc. Statistics B.Sc. Actuarial Science B.Sc. Applied Mathematics B.Sc. Applied Physics B.Sc. Astronomy B.Sc. Nano Science B.Sc. Forensic Science B.Sc. Food Technology B.Sc. Biotechnology B.Sc. Microbiology B.Sc. Industrial Chemistry B.Sc. Polymer Science B.Sc. Textile Chemistry B.Sc. Ceramics B.Sc. Instrumentation B.Sc. Sound Engineering B.Sc. Metallurgy B.Sc. Climate Science B.Sc. Aeronautics B.Sc. Radiology B.Sc. Renewable Energy B.Sc. Technical Physics B.Sc.Fashion Technology | BA (Bachelor of Arts) BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration) B.Com (Bachelor of Commerce) BMS (Bachelor of Management Studies) BCA (Bachelor of Computer Applications) BBA (Financial Investment Analysis) BBA (Aviation) BBA (International Business) B.Des (Bachelor of Design) B.Arch (Bachelor of Architecture) B.Plan (Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning) BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) BA LLB (Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Law) BBA LLB (Bachelor of Business Administration and Bachelor of Law) BJMC (Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication) BHM (Bachelor of Hotel Management) BA Journalism BA Psychology BA Economics BA Sociology BA English Literature BA History BA Political Science |
Read further to learn about career opportunities, scope and salary insights.
Science Courses
1. B.Sc. Physics
Career Options:
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Teacher
- Technical Writer
- Radiologist
Scope: Growing demand in research, education and healthcare sectors
Salary: INR 3-7 Lakhs per annum
2. B.Sc. Chemistry
Career Options:
- Chemical Analyst
- Quality Controller
- Clinical Research Specialist
- Toxicologist
Scope: Opportunities in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and environmental agencies
Salary: INR 2.5-6 Lakhs per annum
3. B.Sc. Mathematics
Career Options:
- Data Analyst
- Statistician
- Actuarial Scientist
- Cryptographer
- Operations Research Analyst
Scope: High demand in finance, research and government sectors
Salary: INR 3-8 Lakhs per annum
4. B.Sc. Electronics
Career Options:
- Electronics Engineer
- Service Engineer
- Network Planning Engineer
- Technical Director
Scope: Prospects in consumer electronics, ITand telecommunication
Salary: INR 2.5-7 Lakhs per annum
5. B.Sc. Computer Science
Career Options:
- Software Developer
- System Analyst
- IT Consultant
- Web Designer
- Database Administrator
Scope: Ever-growing IT sector, startupsand MNCs
Salary: INR 3-10 Lakhs per annum
6. B.Sc. Information Technology
Career Options:
- Network Administrator
- Security Analyst
- IT Technician
- Cloud Architect
- Mobile App Developer
Scope: Expanding opportunities in IT companies, e-commerce and digital marketing
Salary: INR 3-10 Lakhs per annum
7. B.Sc. Data Science
Career Options:
- Data Scientist
- Machine Learning Engineer
- Data Analyst
- Business Intelligence Analyst
Scope: High demand in IT, finance, e-commerce and healthcare sectors
Salary: INR 4-12 Lakhs per annum
8. B.Sc. Statistics
Career Options:
- Statistician
- Data Analyst
- Risk Analyst
- Market Research Analyst
- Econometrician
Scope: Opportunities in government, finance, healthcare, and market research
Salary: INR 3-9 Lakhs per annum
9. B.Sc. Actuarial Science
Career Options:
- Actuary
- Risk Manager
- Financial Planner
- Underwriter
- Consultant
Scope: Insurance, pension funds and financial services
Salary: INR 4-10 Lakhs per annum
10. B.Sc. Applied Mathematics
Career Options:
- Cryptographer
- Operations Research Analyst
- Financial Analyst
- Actuarial Scientist
Scope: Finance, IT, research and government sectors
Salary: INR 3-8 Lakhs per annum
11. B.Sc. Applied Physics
Career Options:
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Medical Physicist
- Technical Writer
Scope: Research, healthcare, education and technology sectors
Salary: INR 3-7 Lakhs per annum
12. B.Sc. Astronomy
Career Options:
- Astronomer
- Astrophysicist
- Planetarium Director
- Research Scientist
Scope: Research institutions, observatories, space agencies
Salary: INR 4-10 Lakhs per annum
13. B.Sc. Nano Science
Career Options:
- Nanotechnologist
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Quality Control Manager
Scope: Research, healthcare, electronics and materials industries
Salary: INR 3-8 Lakhs per annum
14. B.Sc. Forensic Science
Career Options:
- Forensic Scientist
- Crime Scene Investigator
- Toxicologist
- Forensic Serologist
Scope: Law enforcement, legal and government sectors
Salary: INR 3-8 Lakhs per annum
15. B.Sc. Food Technology
Career Options:
- Food Technologist
- Quality Assurance Officer
- Product Development Specialist
- Food Inspector
Scope: Food processing companies, research labs, and government bodies
Salary: INR 2.5-6 Lakhs per annum
16. B.Sc. Biotechnology
Career Options:
- Biotechnologist
- Research Scientist
- Clinical Research Manager
- Bioinformatics Specialist
Scope: Biotechnology firms, pharmaceutical companies and research institutions
Salary: INR 3-8 Lakhs per annum
17. B.Sc. Microbiology
Career Options:
- Microbiologist
- Lab Technician
- Quality Control Officer
- Clinical Research Associate
Scope: Pharmaceutical, healthcare and food industries
Salary: INR 2.5-6 Lakhs per annum
18. B.Sc. Industrial Chemistry
Career Options:
- Chemical Engineer
- Industrial Research Scientist
- Quality Control Manager
- Production Officer
Scope: Chemical industries, pharmaceuticals and manufacturing sectors
Salary: INR 3-7 Lakhs per annum
19. B.Sc. Polymer Science
Career Options:
- Polymer Chemist
- Quality Control Technician
- Research Scientist
- Production Manager
Scope: Polymer manufacturing and research companies
Salary: INR 3-7 Lakhs per annum
20. B.Sc. Textile Chemistry
Career Options:
- Textile Chemist,
- Quality Control Manager
- Production Officer
- Research Scientist
Scope: Textile industry, research labs and fashion technology
Salary: INR 2.5-6 Lakhs per annum
21. B.Sc. Ceramic
Career Options:
- Ceramic Engineer
- Quality Control Manager
- Production Manager
- Research Scientist
Scope: Ceramic products manufacturing companies and research institutions
Salary: INR 3-7 Lakhs per annum
22. B.Sc. Instrumentation
Career Options:
- Instrumentation Engineer
- Quality Assurance Analyst
- Service Engineer
- Production Manager
Scope: Manufacturing industries, research labs and technology firms
Salary: INR 3-7 Lakhs per annum
23. B.Sc. Sound Engineering
Career Options:
- Sound Engineer
- Audio Technician
- Music Producer
- Acoustic Consultant
Scope: Music studios, film and television industry and live events
Salary: INR 2.5-6 Lakhs per annum
24. B.Sc. Metallurgy
Career Options:
- Metallurgical Engineer
- Quality Control Engineer
- Research Scientist
- Production Manager
Scope: Metal and alloy production companies, automotive and aerospace industries
Salary: INR 3-8 Lakhs per annum
25. B.Sc. Climate Science
Career Options:
- Climate Analyst
- Environmental Scientist
- Meteorologist
- Sustainability Consultant
Scope: Environmental agencies, research institutions and government bodies
Salary: INR 3-7 Lakhs per annum
26. B.Sc. Aeronautics
Career Options:
- Aeronautical Engineer
- Flight Engineer
- Technical Researcher
- Quality Assurance Manager
Scope: Aviation industry, aerospace research organisations, defence services
Salary: INR 4-10 Lakhs per annum
27. B.Sc. Radiology
Career Options:
- Radiologist Technician
- MRI Technician
- Ultrasound Technician
- Radiation Therapist
Scope: Hospitals, diagnostic centres andhealthcare facilities
Salary: INR 2.5-6 Lakhs per annum
28. B.Sc. Renewable Energy
Career Options:
- Energy Consultant
- Solar Project Manager
- Wind Energy Engineer
- Research Scientist
Scope: Renewable energy companies, environmental consultancies and government projects
Salary: INR 3-8 Lakhs per annum
29. B.Sc. Technical Physics
Career Options:
- Technical Physicist
- Research Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Quality Control Manager
Scope: Research and development in physics and technology companies
Salary: INR 3-7 Lakhs per annum
30. B.Sc. Fashion Technology
Career Options:
- Fashion Designer
- Quality Control Manager
- Production Manager
- Fashion Merchandiser
Scope: Fashion houses, textile industry and retail brands
Salary: INR 2.5-7 Lakhs per annum
Non-Science Courses
1. BA (Bachelor Of Arts)
Career Options:
- Journalist
- Content Writer
- HR Manager
- Public Relations Officer
- Sociologist
Scope: Media, education, corporate and public sectors
Salary: INR 2-6 Lakhs per annum
2. BBA (Bachelor Of Business Administration)
Career Options:
- Marketing Manager
- HR Manager
- Business Consultant
- Finance Manager
- Sales Manager
Scope: Corporate sectors, MNCs, startups and entrepreneurship
Salary: INR 3-8 Lakhs per annum
3. B.Com (Bachelor Of Commerce)
Career Options:
- Accountant
- Tax Consultant
- Auditor
- Stock Broker
- Bank PO
Scope: Financial institutions, corporate sectors and public accounting firms
Salary: INR 2.5-7 Lakhs per annum
4. BMS (Bachelor Of Management Studies)
Career Options:
- Business Analyst
- Marketing Manager
- Operations Manager
- HR Manager
Scope: Management roles in various industries
Salary: INR 3-7 Lakhs per annum
5. BCA (Bachelor Of Computer Applications)
Career Options:
- Software Developer
- System Administrator
- Web Designer
- Network Administrator
Scope: IT companies, software development, web design firms
Salary: INR 2.5-8 Lakhs per annum
6. BBA (Financial Investment Analysis)
Career Options:
- Financial Analyst
- Investment Banker
- Portfolio Manager
- Risk Analyst
- Equity Research Analyst
Scope: Financial services, investment banking and asset management firms
Salary: INR 3-10 Lakhs per annum
7. BBA (Aviation)
Career Options:
- Airport Manager
- Airline Executive
- Aviation Planner
- Cargo Manager
- Air Traffic Controller
Scope: Airlines, airports, aviation logistics companies
Salary: INR 3-8 Lakhs per annum
8. BBA (International Business)
Career Options:
- International Marketing Manager
- Export Coordinator
- Global Business Manager
- International Finance Manager
Scope: Multinational corporations, export-import companies and consultancies
Salary: INR 3-9 Lakhs per annum
9. B.Des (Bachelor Of Design)
Career Options:
- Graphic Designer
- UX/UI Designer
- Product Designer
- Interior Designer
- Fashion Designer
Scope: Design studios, advertising agencies, fashion houses and corporate firms
Salary: INR 2.5-8 Lakhs per annum
10. B.Arch (Bachelor Of Architecture)
Career Options:
- Architect
- Urban Planner
- Interior Designer
- Landscape Architect
- Project Manager
Scope: Architecture firms, real estate companies and urban planning bodies
Salary: INR 3-10 Lakhs per annum
11. B.Plan (Bachelor Of Urban And Regional Planning)
Career Options:
- Urban Planner
- Transportation Planner
- GIS Specialist
- Environmental Planner
Scope: Urban planning agencies, government bodies and real estate firms
Salary: INR 3-7 Lakhs per annum
12. BFA (Bachelor Of Fine Arts)
Career Options:
- Visual Artist
- Illustrator
- Art Teacher
- Art Director
- Animator
Scope: Art studios, advertising agencies, educational institutions, film and animation studios
Salary: INR 2-6 Lakhs per annum
13. BA LLB (Bachelor Of Arts And Bachelor Of Law)
Career Options:
- Lawyer
- Legal Advisor
- Public Prosecutor
- Judge (after qualifying exams)
- Legal Analyst
Scope: Law firms, corporate legal departments and government agencies
Salary: INR 3-10 Lakhs per annum
14. BBA LLB (Bachelor Of Business Administration And Bachelor Of Law)
Career Options:
- Corporate Lawyer
- Legal Manager
- Compliance Officer
- Business Consultant
Scope: Corporate sector, legal consultancies andMNCs
Salary: INR 4-12 Lakhs per annum
15. BJMC (Bachelor Of Journalism And Mass Communication)
Career Options:
- Journalist
- Content Writer
- Public Relations Officer
- News Anchor
- Social Media Manager
Scope: Media houses, advertising agencies, PR firms and corporate communications
Salary: INR 2.5-6 Lakhs per annum
16. BHM (Bachelor Of Hotel Management)
Career Options:
- Hotel Manager
- Event Manager
- Chef
- Food and Beverage Manager
- Front Office Manager
Scope: Hotels, resorts, event management companies and cruise lines
Salary: INR 2-7 Lakhs per annum
17. BA Journalism
Career Options:
- Journalist
- Reporter
- Editor
- Content Writer
- Media Analyst
Scope: Newspapers, magazines, digital media platforms and TV channels
Salary: INR 2-6 Lakhs per annum
18. BA Psychology
Career Options:
- Clinical Psychologist
- Counsellor
- HR Specialist
- Market Research Analyst
- Child Psychologist
Scope: Hospitals, schools, corporate sectors, research organisations
Salary: INR 2-6 Lakhs per annum
19. BA Economics
Career Options:
- Economist
- Financial Analyst
- Policy Analyst
- Market Research Analyst
- Economic Consultant
Scope: Financial institutions, research firms, government agencies andMNCs
Salary: INR 3-8 Lakhs per annum
20. BA Sociology
Career Options:
- Sociologist
- Social Worker
- HR Manager
- Public Relations Officer
- Community Service Manager
Scope: NGOs, educational institutions, corporate sectors and government agencies
Salary: INR 2-6 Lakhs per annum
21. BA English Literature
Career Options:
- Content Writer
- Editor
- Teacher
- Public Relations Officer
- Copywriter
Scope: Publishing houses, educational institutions, advertising agencies and media houses
Salary: INR 2-6 Lakhs per annum
22. BA History
Career Options:
- Historian
- Archivist
- Museum Curator
- Teacher
- Research Analyst
Scope: Museums, educational institutions, research organizations, and government bodies
Salary: INR 2-6 Lakhs per annum
23. BA Political Science
Career Options:
- Political Analyst
- Public Policy Analyst
- Civil Servant
- Political Consultant
- Journalist
Scope: Government agencies, NGOs, political organisations, media houses
Salary: INR 2.5-7 Lakhs per annum
These non-science courses offer diverse and fulfilling career paths. Choosing a field that resonates with your interests and strengths is important. The scope and salaries mentioned are indicative and can vary based on various factors, including location, experience, and the specific organisation.
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Conclusion
After 12th PCM, students have a wide array of career options to choose from apart from engineering. One must evaluate individual interests and priorities to pick the right path forward. The career options listed here offer good income potential and growth avenues in the long run. You can build a successful career in your preferred field with proper guidance and planning. The key is to keep an open mind and not limit your options prematurely.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for After 12th PCM
1. Which field is best for 12th PCM?
Some good fields for 12th PCM students are engineering, arts & science, chartered accountancy, law, company secretaryship, and architecture.
2. Which course after 12th has the highest salary?
Courses like computer science engineering, IT, and data science have high growth prospects and salary potential. Students can also consider courses in emerging areas like artificial intelligence, machine learning, cloud computing, etc.
3. Which government job is best for PCM students?
Some good government jobs for PCM students are the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), Indian Forest Service (IFS), income tax officer, assistant professor, scientist at DRDO, ISRO, etc.
4. What can a PCM student become?
A PCM student has many career options, like engineer, doctor, researcher, data analyst, web developer, software developer, chartered accountant, teacher and professor. Some other options are financial analyst, management consultant, scientific officer, patent agent, etc.
5. Which is better, PCM or PCB?
Both PCM and PCB have their own merits. PCM is suitable for careers in engineering, technology and research fields. PCB is suitable for careers in medicine, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. Overall, PCM offers a wider range of career choices, while PCB focuses more on medical and life science careers. Students should choose based on their aptitude and interests.
