Head office, Rana Pratap Bagh, Delhi011 2721 1512+91 97116 99511

Guide for students and parents

What to do after class 12

After class 12 the choices widen: a degree at college, a professional course with an entrance exam, a diploma, a short skill course, an apprenticeship, or starting work while you keep studying. Your stream matters for some courses, but many are open to students from every stream.

This guide sets out the main routes in plain words. Use it to make a shortlist, then read the official admission notices for the exact eligibility, dates and rules.

Which path suits me?Compare the paths
Senior students in lab coats measuring a circuit with a multimeter while their teacher watches
  • College degree
  • Computer degrees
  • Engineering, medicine, law and other professional courses
  • Diplomas
  • Skill courses, apprenticeships and work
  • Open and distance learning

Your options

The 6 paths, compared in plain words

What you study on each path, who it tends to suit, what it can lead to, and one thing to keep in mind.

  • College degree (BA, BSc, BCom and more)

    What you studyThree or four years of study in subjects you choose, at a college or university.

    Suits you if

    • You want to study a subject in depth
    • You are not sure of your career yet and want time to explore
    • You are aiming at jobs or exams that ask for a degree

    Can lead to

    • Jobs that ask for a graduate degree
    • Postgraduate study such as MA, MSc, MCom or MBA
    • Government exams that need a degree

    Keep in mind: Many central and state universities admit through the CUET entrance test, and others by marks or their own tests. Check each university’s admission notice.

    Careers to read about:Accounts assistant (Tally)Computer teacher

  • Computer degrees (BCA, BSc Computer Science)

    What you studyProgramming, databases, networking and software development, with plenty of practical work.

    Suits you if

    • You enjoy computers and logical thinking
    • You want to work in software, web or IT

    Can lead to

    • Software, web and IT work
    • MCA, MSc and further study
    • Cyber security and data roles after more learning

    Keep in mind: Some universities ask for Maths in class 12, so check the eligibility. Build projects alongside your degree: employers look at what you can actually do.

    Careers to read about:Software developerWeb developerCyber security

  • Engineering, medicine, law and other professional courses

    What you studyEngineering (BTech or BE), medicine (MBBS, BDS and others), law, architecture, pharmacy and similar courses, usually four years or more.

    Suits you if

    • You have a clear goal and the right class 12 subjects
    • You are ready to prepare seriously for an entrance exam

    Can lead to

    • Professional careers that need these qualifications
    • Specialised study later

    Keep in mind: Entrance exams decide most admissions, for example JEE for many engineering colleges, NEET for medical courses and CLAT for many law universities. Read the official information bulletin for eligibility.

    Careers to read about:Robotics and electronicsSoftware developer

  • Diplomas

    What you studyPractical diplomas of one to three years in fields such as computer applications, design, hotel management or technical branches.

    Suits you if

    • You want practical, job-focused study
    • You want to start working sooner than a degree allows

    Can lead to

    • Technical, design and service work
    • A degree later, sometimes with credit for the diploma

    Keep in mind: Check that the institution and the diploma are approved by the right authority for that field, and ask exactly what the diploma qualifies you for.

    Careers to read about:Graphic designer (DTP)Hardware and networking technician

  • Skill courses, apprenticeships and work

    What you studyShort practical courses (computers, Tally, DTP, programming, mobile repairing, beautician, dress design) or an apprenticeship where you learn on the job.

    Suits you if

    • You need to start earning soon
    • You prefer learning by doing
    • You want to add job skills to a degree you are already doing

    Can lead to

    • Office, design, technical and service work
    • Working for yourself
    • Continuing a degree through open learning while you work

    Keep in mind: Apprenticeships are listed on the official Apprenticeship India portal. Never pay anyone to get you an apprenticeship or a job.

    Careers to read about:Data entry and office assistantMobile repair technicianBeauticianDress designer and tailor

  • Open and distance learning

    What you studyDegree and diploma courses through open universities, studied mostly at home with study material, and exams at centres.

    Suits you if

    • You are working or helping at home
    • You need flexible timings

    Can lead to

    • Degrees and diplomas, when the university is approved for distance learning
    • Combining study with work

    Keep in mind: Before paying any fee, check that the university and the programme are approved by the University Grants Commission (UGC) for open and distance learning.

    Careers to read about:Data entry and office assistantAccounts assistant (Tally)

By stream

Your class 12 stream and your options

The main routes open to each stream. Eligibility differs from course to course and university to university, so always check the official notice.

  • Science with Maths (PCM)

    • Engineering through JEE and state entrance tests
    • BSc in physics, chemistry, maths or computer science
    • BCA, architecture and pharmacy
    • Defence through the NDA exam
    • Most commerce, arts and skill courses as well

  • Science with Biology (PCB)

    • Medical and dental courses through NEET
    • Nursing, pharmacy and allied health courses
    • BSc in life sciences such as botany, zoology or biotechnology
    • Most commerce, arts and skill courses as well

  • Commerce

    • BCom, BBA and economics
    • Professional courses such as CA, CS and CMA, each with its own registration and exams
    • Banking, accounts and business roles
    • BCA where the university allows it

  • Arts or Humanities

    • BA in many subjects
    • Five-year law courses through CLAT and other tests
    • Journalism, design and hotel management
    • Teaching later, after the right teacher training

Checklist

Which path suits you?

Tick every statement that sounds like you. It is not a test and there are no wrong answers: it simply shows which paths match what you enjoy, so you know where to look first.

Start again

Your result

Tick the statements that sound like you, and your matching paths will appear here.

  1. College degree Strong match0 matches
  2. Computer degrees Strong match0 matches
  3. Engineering, medicine, law and other professional courses Strong match0 matches
  4. Diplomas Strong match0 matches
  5. Skill courses, apprenticeships and work Strong match0 matches
  6. Open and distance learning Strong match0 matches

A result is a starting point, not a decision. Read about your top paths, then talk them over with your family and teachers.

How to decide

5 steps to a good decision

  1. 1

    Make a shortlist of three routes

    Use the checklist and the comparison below. Three options are easier to research properly than ten.

  2. 2

    Read the official notices

    Eligibility, entrance exams, dates and fees are in each university’s or exam body’s official notice. Do not rely on rumours or agents.

  3. 3

    Check approval before you pay

    Make sure the college, the course and any distance-learning programme are approved by the right authority for that field.

  4. 4

    Talk to people already on the path

    Students in the course and people working in the field can tell you what a normal day is really like.

  5. 5

    Keep a backup plan

    Apply to more than one route. If an entrance exam does not go well, you will still have good options.

Whatever you choose

Skills that help in any path

These make you stronger in any stream, course or job, and you can start them alongside school.

Careers

Careers to read about

Each guide explains the work, the skills and tools, a six-month learning path and how to get started safely.

All career guidance

Free ebooks

Free books to help you choose and prepare

All free ebooks

Questions students and parents ask

Still have a question?

Chat on WhatsApp
Can I do BCA without Maths in class 12?

It depends on the university. Some ask for Maths in class 12 and some do not. Check the eligibility in the official admission notice of each university you are considering.

Is a degree necessary to get a job?

Many government posts and larger companies ask for a degree. Shops, small offices, workshops and many service jobs hire on skills. A practical route for many students is to study for a degree, through open learning if they need flexibility, while building job skills.

Can I study and work at the same time?

Yes. Open and distance learning, evening batches and short skill courses make it possible. Check that the university is approved for distance learning before you pay.

I did not get the marks or rank I wanted. What now?

You still have options: another attempt at the entrance exam, a related course, a degree in a subject you enjoy, or a skill-based route. Many people find their best path after a setback. Talk to your teachers and family, and do not rush into an expensive course out of panic.

How do I avoid fake colleges and courses?

Check the institution’s approval on the official website of the regulator for that field, read the official admission notice, visit the campus and talk to current students. Never pay large fees to agents who promise guaranteed admission.

Next

Also read: What to do after class 10

Or browse every career, with what the work is like and how to start learning for it.

After class 10All careersAsk on WhatsApp
WhatsApp us