Life after the 12th grade is a crucial juncture in a student's life. It’s a time of decision-making, self-discovery, and determining one’s future career path. After completing 12th, students are faced with numerous career options, with multiple courses available across various fields. The right choice can lead to a successful career and a fulfilling life, while the wrong decision might result in uncertainty and regret.

In this blog, we will explore ten popular courses after the 12th, their fees, opportunities, and top colleges, so students can make an informed decision about their future.

1. Engineering (B.Tech/B.E.)

• Overview: One of the most popular and sought-after career paths in India, engineering offers diverse specializations such as Mechanical, Civil, Computer Science, Electrical, and Electronics Engineering. It is ideal for students who enjoy problem-solving, mathematics, and technology.
• Fees: The fee structure varies, but the average cost for B.Tech courses in India is around ₹1.5 lakh to ₹5 lakh per year in private institutions, with government colleges offering lower fees.
• Opportunities: Engineers are in high demand across various industries such as IT, construction, automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing. Many engineers pursue higher studies or join multinational companies.
• Top Colleges:
  • Indian Institute of Technology (IITs)
  • National Institute of Technology (NITs)
  • BITS Pilani
  • Delhi Technological University (DTU)

2. Medical Sciences (MBBS/BDS)

• Overview: For students passionate about science and healthcare, MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) and BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) are excellent choices. These courses train students to become doctors or dentists.
• Fees: The cost of MBBS/BDS varies between ₹5 lakh to ₹10 lakh per year for private institutions, while government colleges charge much less.
• Opportunities: After completing MBBS or BDS, students can either work in government or private hospitals, start their own practice, or pursue further specialization in various medical fields.
• Top Colleges:
  • All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS)
  • Christian Medical College (CMC)
  • Maulana Azad Medical College
  • King George’s Medical University

3. Law (5-Year Integrated LLB)

• Overview: Law is an ideal choice for students who have an interest in justice, governance, and social issues. A 5-year integrated LLB program is available for students right after 12th. Specializations include corporate law, criminal law, intellectual property law, and more.
• Fees: The fees for law courses can range from ₹50,000 to ₹2 lakh per year, depends on the institution.
• Opportunities: Law graduates can work as lawyers, legal consultants, or judges. They can also explore career opportunities in corporate legal departments, government agencies, and NGOs.
• Top Colleges:
  • National Law University (NLU), Delhi
  • National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bangalore
  • Symbiosis Law School, Pune

4. Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)

Overview: BBA program is an undergraduate degree that helps students develop leadership, management, and entrepreneurial skills. It's an ideal choice for students who want to pursue business management in the future.

• Fees: BBA course fees range between ₹1 lakh to ₹5 lakh per year depending on the college.
• Opportunities: After completing a BBA, students can work in various sectors such as marketing, finance, human resources, and operations. Many students pursue an MBA (Master of Business Administration) for advanced career opportunities.
• Top Colleges:
  • Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies (SSCBS)
  • Christ University, Bangalore
  • Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (SIBM), Pune
  • NMIMS, Mumbai

5. Fashion Designing (B.Des/B.FD)

• Overview: Fashion designing is a creative course for students interested in design, art, and fashion. It involves the study of fashion trends, garment construction, textiles, and fashion marketing.
• Fees: The fees for fashion design courses range from ₹1 lakh to ₹6 lakh per year depending on the institution.
• Opportunities: Fashion designing graduates can work as fashion designers, stylists, or entrepreneurs. Many also work in the fashion industry as fashion merchandisers, textile designers, or fashion coordinators.
• Top Colleges:
  • National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT)
  • Pearl Academy, Delhi
  • International Institute of Fashion Technology (IIFT)
  • Symbiosis Institute of Design, Pune

6. Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA)

Overview: BCA program is an undergraduate program for students interested in computer science, software development, and IT. The course covers programming languages, database management, networking, and web development.

• Fees: The fees for BCA courses range from ₹40,000 to ₹2 lakh per year.
• Opportunities: Graduates can work as software developers, web developers, network engineers, and IT consultants in various industries. Many BCA graduates pursue MCA (Master of Computer Applications) for better career prospects.
• Top Colleges:
  • Delhi University (DU)
  • Christ University, Bangalore
  • Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
  • Jamia Millia Islamia University

7. Animation and Multimedia (B.Sc Animation)

• Overview: This course focuses on animation, multimedia design, 3D modeling, visual effects (VFX), and gaming. It's ideal for students who are creative and interested in visual arts.
• Fees: Animation and multimedia courses cost between ₹1 lakh to ₹4 lakh per year.
• Opportunities: Graduates can work in animation studios, film production houses, gaming companies, and advertising agencies as animators, game designers, and VFX artists.
• Top Colleges:
  • National Institute of Design (NID)
  • Arena Animation
  • Maya Academy of Advanced Cinematics (MAAC)
  • Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication

8. Hotel Management (BHM)

• Overview: A Bachelor’s in Hotel Management prepares students for a career in the hospitality industry. The program includes training in hotel operations, food and beverage management, housekeeping, front office management, and customer service.
• Fees: Fees for Hotel Management courses range from ₹50,000 to ₹5 lakh per year.
• Opportunities: Graduates can work as hotel managers, chefs, event planners, or work in the tourism sector, including in resorts, cruise ships, and airline catering.
• Top Colleges:
  • Institute of Hotel Management (IHM), Delhi
  • Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration (WGHSH)
  • Oberoi Centre of Learning and Development
  • Christ University, Bangalore

9. Journalism and Mass Communication (BJMC)

• Overview: This course is perfect for students who are interested in media, reporting, and broadcasting. It covers subjects like news writing, radio and television production, editing, and media ethics.
• Fees: The course fees for BJMC Program range from ₹50,000 to ₹2.5 lakh per year.
• Opportunities: BJMC graduates can work as journalists, news anchors, radio jockeys, or media managers. The rise of digital media has also created opportunities in content creation and social media marketing.
• Top Colleges:
  • Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC)
  • Delhi University (DU)
  • Xavier Institute of Communications, Mumbai
  • Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication, Pune

10. Bachelors in Fine Arts (BFA)

Overview: For students passionate about art, sculpture, and design, a BFA program provides a platform for exploring various art forms and developing creative skills.

• Fees: BFA course fees range from ₹40,000 to ₹2 lakh per year.
• Opportunities: Graduates can work as artists, curators, illustrators, or art directors. There are also opportunities in galleries, museums, and advertising agencies.
• Top Colleges:
  • Banaras Hindu University (BHU)
  • Sir JJ School of Art, Mumbai
  • Delhi College of Art
  • Government College of Art, Chandigarh

Conclusion

The choices available after the 12th grade are vast, and each path offers unique opportunities and challenges. It’s important to align your career aspirations with your interests, skills, and strengths to make the best decision. Whether it’s pursuing engineering, medicine, law, or the creative fields, there’s something for everyone. By considering the course content, career opportunities, and the best colleges, you can set yourself on a path to success and fulfillment. Discover detailed guidance and top college recommendations at Schools18.