Career guidance
Find the path that suits you.
Plain-words guides for students and parents: the choices after class 10 and class 12, and 12 careers explained, from what the work is really like to the skills, tools and steps to get started safely.
- 12 careers
- A 6-month learning path for each
- Job-scam warnings
- Free ebooks
- GuideWhat to do after class 10Science · Commerce · Arts or Humanities · Polytechnic diploma · ITI trade · Skill courses alongsideCompare the paths
- GuideWhat to do after class 12College degree · Computer degrees · Engineering, medicine, law and other professional courses · Diplomas · Skill courses, apprenticeships and work · Open and distance learningCompare the paths
Explore careers
12 careers, explained step by step
Each guide covers what the work is, a day at work, the skills and tools, a learning path for your first six months, how to practise, and how to find a first job or start on your own safely.
What do you enjoy?
- Show all
- Using computers
- Numbers and accounts
- Colours and design
- Fixing and making things
- Puzzles and logic
- Science and gadgets
- Working with people
4 careers match “colours and design”.
Office and accounts
Computers, typing, records and the books of a business.
Data entry and office assistant
Type, check and organise information on a computer, and keep an office running smoothly: letters, spreadsheets, email, printing and records.Accounts assistant (Tally)
Record a business’s sales, purchases, payments and stock on the computer, and keep the GST records that bills and returns need.
Design and creative
Posters, cards, books and social media designs.
Software and web
Websites, apps and programs.
Hardware, repair and security
Fixing computers and phones, networks and keeping data safe.
Hardware and networking technician
Assemble, repair and maintain computers, laptops and printers, and set up and look after office networks and Wi-Fi.Mobile repair technician
Find and fix faults in smartphones: broken screens, charging problems, batteries, speakers, water damage and software issues.Cyber security
Protect computers, networks and people’s data from hackers, scams and viruses, and help organisations recover when something goes wrong.
Robotics and electronics
Circuits, sensors, Arduino and robots.
Teaching
Helping others learn computers.
Beauty and fashion
Beauty services, tailoring and dress design.
Beautician
Provide skin care, hair care, make-up and grooming services in a salon, at clients’ homes or in your own parlour, with close attention to hygiene and safety.Dress designer and tailor
Take measurements, draft patterns, cut and stitch garments, and design clothes for customers, boutiques and garment units.
Whatever you choose
Skills that help in any path
These are useful in every stream, every college course and almost every job. You can start any of them alongside school.
Computer basics and MS Office
Documents, spreadsheets, email and presentations are used in every stream, every college and almost every job.
Find out more about Computer basics and MS OfficeTyping in English and Hindi
Fast, accurate typing saves hours on assignments and is tested for many office jobs.
Find out more about Typing in English and HindiSpoken English
Confidence in English helps in interviews, college and at work, whatever your subject.
Find out more about Spoken EnglishCoding
Programming builds logical thinking and opens software, web and data careers.
Find out more about CodingDesign and DTP
Posters, cards and social media designs are wanted by every business and school.
Find out more about Design and DTPElectronics and robotics
Hands-on circuits and Arduino make science come alive and lead to technical careers.
Find out more about Electronics and robotics
Stay safe
Never pay for a job
Job scams target students and first-time job seekers. Learn these six rules before you apply anywhere, and share them with your friends.
Never pay for a job
A real employer does not ask for a registration fee, a security deposit, or money for a training kit, ID card or uniform before you join. If someone asks you to pay to get a job, it is a scam.
Be wary of easy-money messages
Offers on WhatsApp or Telegram to earn by liking videos, writing reviews or doing "simple online tasks" are a common fraud. They pay a little at first, then ask you to deposit money for bigger tasks.
Check the employer is real
Look for an office you can visit, an official email address and website, and people who have actually worked there. Search the company name with the word "fraud" before you go.
Guard your OTPs and documents
Never share an OTP, bank PIN or password. Do not send scans of Aadhaar or PAN, or install a screen-sharing app, for anyone you have not checked.
Go to interviews safely
Interviews should be in an office or a public place, in the daytime. Tell a family member where you are going, and leave if anything feels wrong.
If you are cheated, act fast
Call the national cyber crime helpline 1930 straight away, report it at cybercrime.gov.in and tell your bank. The sooner you report, the better the chance of stopping the money.
National cyber crime helplineIf you have been cheated online, call 1930 straight away and report it at cybercrime.gov.in (opens in a new tab). Then tell your bank.
Official and free
Where to look for work and apprenticeships
Government portals are free to use. Nobody should charge you to register on them.
- National Career ServiceThe Government of India’s job portal. Registering is free.ncs.gov.in (opens in a new tab)
- Apprenticeship IndiaThe official portal for apprenticeships, where you learn on the job.apprenticeshipindia.gov.in (opens in a new tab)
- Udyam RegistrationFree official registration for a small business of your own.udyamregistration.gov.in (opens in a new tab)
Free ebooks
Read up before you decide
Free PDF books on careers in computers, resumes and interviews, letters and spoken English. Each career page lists the books for that line of work.
English & skills
Job Interviews and Resumes for Freshers
Prepare a resume, practise answers and make a good impression
Computer & office
Letters, Applications and Resumes in MS Word
Write and format the documents you need for school, work and daily life
Questions students and parents ask
Still have a question?
Chat on WhatsAppDo these guides say how much I will earn?
No. Pay depends on the city, the employer, the work and your own skills and experience, so these guides do not quote figures. Ask the employer directly, compare offers, and get the pay and working hours in writing before you join.
Will a course get me a job?
A course teaches you skills. Getting work depends on how much you practise, what you can show (a portfolio, a typing record, a fault diary), the jobs available near you and how you present yourself. Be very careful with anyone who promises a guaranteed job in return for a fee.
I do not know what I like yet. Where do I start?
Pick the things you enjoy in the "what do you enjoy" list on this page and read two or three of the careers it shows. Then try one: a short course, a free ebook or a small project tells you more than any test. Interests grow with practice.
Can I learn these skills alongside school or college?
Yes. Many students learn computers, typing, Tally, design, coding or repair work in the holidays or in evening batches while they study. The free ebooks on each career page are a good way to start at home.
How can I tell if a job offer is genuine?
A real employer never asks you to pay for a job, a uniform, a kit or "registration". Check that the company has a real office and an official email address, search its name with the word "fraud", and go to interviews in the daytime with a family member informed. If you are cheated, call the national cyber crime helpline 1930 and report it at cybercrime.gov.in.
Learn a skill
Ready to start learning?
See the courses at Gurukul Technicals Institute and its member centres, or ask the head office about batch timings and fees.