Wondering which career path to tread on after 12th grade? Are you a science student? Have you still not decided on your career path? The decision to choose the right career can be quite challenging, as your future is built on what you decide now. It is perfectly fine if you are uncertain, as we have got you covered with all the career choices you can opt for after Science in 12th.
Why choose science after 12th grade?
Students generally prefer science in and after the 12th grade due to the numerous and wide variety of options available for professional courses such as engineering, medicine, agriculture, design, etc. Since students are already trained with necessary skills and subjects like math, science, etc., these will come in handy and facilitate learning. Adding to this, the decent pay and vast career opportunities interest the students in choosing science after 12th grade.
Let us have a look at some of the best courses after 12th grade in science:
Engineering Courses
Engineering is no doubt one of the most cherished and most expensive course in India and other parts of the world. Engineering is chosen by such students who are inclined toward intellectual reasoning and activity as a favorable career path. One has plenty of options because of the diversity of the vast branches offered in different colleges and universities. One can specialize in any of the vast branches catered to by different colleges and universities. Some major and popular branches of engineering include the following:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electronics and Communication Engineering
- Electrical and Electronics Engineering
- Computer Science Engineering
- Artificial intelligence and Machine Learning
- Robotics
- Information Technology
- Information Science
- Automobile Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Data Science
- Environmental Engineering
An engineering course is basically a 4-year undergraduate course. To get a degree in engineering, a student must either pass the respective state entrance exam or, to enroll in the best IITs, crack the JEE Mains and Advanced exam. Students who are interested in studying further can write a GATE exam to pursue research or an M.Tech. Career opportunities in engineering are:
- Engineers in particular fields
- Researcher
- Government service exams
- Prepare for banking exams
Medical Courses
There are vast opportunities to explore in the medical field. If you’ve done subjects like biology, chemistry, and physics and have passed your boards, medicine can be a field worth your ambition.
Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS): It is a 5.5-year undergraduate program in which one of the years is an internship. One has to obtain an MD in order to specialize. This is a post-graduate degree that covers 3 years.
One has to appear for the NEET-UG exam with the required cutoff in order to secure a seat for MBBS. It is only after completing the internship that a student is granted the right to be a doctor. Again, to obtain an MD seat, the NEET-PG exam must be cleared. Career opportunities in MBBS after procuring an MD include:
- Cardiologist
- Radiologist
- Surgeon
- Physician
- Pediatrician
- Neurologist
- Neurologist
- Orthopedic Surgeon
- Gynecologist and more
Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS): It is a 5-year undergraduate course where the students’ attention is mainly directed to dental science. A dentist’s degree is needed to work in a hospital that belongs to the government or the private sector, or else allow one to practice their profession independently. The subject of dentistry includes topics like oral surgery, dental histology, and others. Admission to dental colleges is secured only after a student has cleared the NEET-UG
Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS): Similar to any other medical course, BAMS is also a of 5-and-a-half course that merges traditional Ayurvedic practices with modern medicine. The NEET-UG examination forms the basis of eligibility for the same post. So, after graduation, the following can be considered:
- Ayurvedic Doctor
- Therapist
- Ayurvedic Pharmacist
- Lecturer
- Ayurvedic Consultant
Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery (BHMS): This is a 5.5-year UG course that shall imbibe in a student knowledge pertaining to homeopathic systems, working on the concept of natural substances and ways to cure ailments. To get eligibility for this course, one has to pass the entrance examination, NEET-UG. BHMS graduates can become:
- Homeopathic doctor
- Public health specialist
- Pharmacist
- Can even obtain an additional MD to pursue pediatrics, psychiatry, etc.
Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT): It is a 4-year undergraduate course on physical ailments treated physically with massages, heat treatment, exercise, etc., and without drugs or surgery. One would need to clear NEET-UG exam to apply for the BPT course. Following are the career opportunities after completing BPT:
- Physiotherapist
- Researcher
- Home Care Physiotherapist
- Sports Physiotherapists
Pure Science Courses
This is an industry-specific, purely job-specific, three-year undergraduate course. So if your basics are quite strong in core subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, etc., then this would rank at the top of the preference list for most students. After a BSc degree, one can pursue MSc, MBA, etc. The scope is very broad for BSc graduates; they have a lot of choices to make in their career.
- Chemist
- Research Scientist
- Physicist
- Lab Supervisor
- Research Opportunities
Pharmacy Courses
A Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharma) degree is a three-year- program oriented towards output in terms of drug formulations and delivery systems with an emphasis on theoretical and practical knowledge. A science background with Physics, Chemistry, and Math or Biology as core subjects is a must to get into the college. After graduating, students can do a 2-year master’s course, i.e., M.Pharma, seeking higher positions. Career prospects after graduation are:
- Pharmacist
- Drug Inspector
- Drug Safety Associate
- Clinical Research Associate
- Pathological Lab Scientist
Biotechnology and Microbiology Courses
The science of using living organisms to make new products is called Biotechnology. Whereas the study of microorganisms like bacteria, algae, and viruses is termed Microbiology,. Both of these fields are on the boom currently. A student with physics, chemistry, and biology as majors in the science stream can pursue a B.Sc. in biotechnology or microbiology. Meeting the requirements of the colleges is necessary. Various entrance exams are also available to get admission to reputed institutions.
The undergraduate BSc in Biotechnology or Microbiology takes three years to complete. Biotechnology deals with the field of science that includes microbiology, genetics, bioinformatics, and so on. Some career opportunities after this course includes pharmacist, specialist in biotech, bioproduction operator, etc. Microbiology deals with the study of various aspects, such as the cell structure of microorganisms, their metabolism, genetics, etc. Various other career prospects in microbiology are those of a virologist, microbiologist, food technologist, and parasitologist.
Students who want to continue their education can pursue a PG or Ph.D.
Paramedical Courses
Paramedical education trains students to take care of patients and provide other health services. It is one of the best alternatives for medical aspirants. They are basically the support staff that help doctors. They are also important in providing service during emergency situations. Popular paramedical courses include:
- Nursing
- Radiology
- Medical Lab Technologists
- Physiotherapy
- Optometry
Architecture Courses
The architecture course, as the name implies, deals with the design, planning, and construction of structures. The students could either do a 3-year diploma course or 5 years of B.Arch—Bachelor of Architecture. Students in the 12th standard doing Physics, Chemistry, and Maths can become eligible to appear for entrance exams like NATA, JEE Mains, CUCET, etc.
Admissions into some colleges demand a certain percentage of marks in 12th grade. The subjects in Architecture include: building construction, theory and types of structures, architectural design, building science, etc. To obtain further specialization, an M.Arch. is a good option. Career opportunities in architecture are:
- Architect
- Senior Interior Designers
- Design Manager
- Project Manager
Computer Sciences and IT Courses
This stream has much popularity and glamour amongst students, which has been increasing due to the large demand for computer science and IT education in the job market. It is considered one of the highest-paid professions, and a student can also pursue a BSc in computer science, computer science engineering, or an MCA.
Other popular courses that most computer enthusiasts take up are the BCA and BSc in computer science. These basically deal with how to work around the usage of computers, programming languages, and operating systems. Students have to meet certain requirements if they are to be eligible for admission into the colleges that offer BCA. Some specializations offered by BCA include artificial intelligence, big data and data analytics, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things.
Career opportunities in IT and computer science:
- Software Developer
- Web Developer
- System Analyst
- Database Administrator
- Tester
Agricultural Science Courses
These courses train students about some methods to improve crop production and patterns. It will include agricultural technology, food technology, food science, plant science, horticulture, etc. There are both UG and PG courses available in this field. BSc in Agriculture is a 4-year undergraduate class. Students have to appear for the entrance examination and must have studied chemistry, biology, and physics in the 12th grade.
For further studies, an MSc in Agriculture can be done. Job roles after graduation are:
- Agriculture Officer
- Agriculture Development Officer
- Agriculture Analyst
- Agriculture Research Scientist
- Agricultural Engineer,
- Food Critic
- Marketing Executive
Environmental Science Courses
Environmental Science involves the study of interactions between organisms and the ecosystem, coupled with finding solutions to increasing environmental problems. In the contemporary world, this course has made a place for itself in finding sustainable ways to find solutions to pressing issues. Any student who has passed 12th in the Science stream with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology can do a diploma, UG, PG, or doctorate in the above field. Some of the minimum requirements have to be met for admission to certain colleges. Career opportunities include:
- Government jobs, like in government companies or ministries
- Environmental Consultant
- Environmental Scientist
- Biologist
- Environmental Engineer
- Research Biologist
- Geologist
Conclusion
12th standard is a turning point in a student’s life. The future depends on the course that is chosen. There are several courses with potential job prospects. Therefore, one have to be mindful when selecting the right course. Firstly, identify the eligibility requirements to pursue a certain course. Note your interests and skills aligned to course details, considering the prospects of the future job market and salary packages.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the best career options after 12th-grade science?
Career options after 12th-grade science are an extensive list with diversified options. Starting from BSc courses in agriculture, chemistry, physics, math, computer science, history, and environmental science to engineering, medical, and paramedical courses. Students can also obtain a master’s degree or continue research in any field of interest.
How do I choose the right engineering branch?
First of all, the eligibility criteria, like percentage or cutoff, are the deciding factors for a particular branch. Identify this first. Later, read about the course details and analyze the future job prospects, salary packages, and demand for that branch. Your passion and skills are the most crucial factors that have to be considered before choosing the right branch.
What are the alternatives to MBBS in the medical field?
Though MBBS has no substitute, there are a few other options that are highly prestigious. Consider pursuing:
- Paramedical courses like nursing, lab technician, etc.
- Ayurvedic medicine
- Homeopathy medicine
- Dental courses
- Physiotherapy
Can I pursue a career in research with a B.Sc. degree?
Of course, yes. If you hold a BSc degree, conducting research can be rewarding. Find a mentor and either start your research in the field in which you have a degree or the one that has piqued your interest. Some researchers demand higher qualifications. So be aware of the details.
What are the job prospects in environmental science?
After graduation in environmental sciences, students can be either recruited by the government or the private sector. They also pursue research. These include:
- Environmental Specialist
- Environmental technician
- Biologist
- Microbiologist
- Environmental Consultant
- Environmental scientist
- Geographer
- Ecologist
- Environmental health officer
