There is no lack of career/ course options for a science student after completing 12th standard. There are so many career options to pursue other than engineering (B.Tech) and medical (MBBS).
The major advantage that science students have over non-science students is that they are eligible for science as well as non-science options – a privilege not available to students from commerce and humanities streams.
We have compiled a list of various courses (and therefore careers) that students can pursue after completing their 10+2 in the science stream:
Course & Career Options | Eligibility to pursue course/ career |
B.Tech/BE: Engineering is one of the sought after careers in India today. Even if you have scored something between 50% and 60%, engineering is a lucrative option for you. Some institutes term the Bachelor’s degree as BE or Bachelor of Engineering and some term it B.Tech or Bachelor in Technology. The job prospects increase manifold with a BE or B.Tech degree. List of careers in engineering. | The basic requirement for these undergraduate courses is Physics, Chemistry and Maths at the HSC level. So, even a biology student having these subjects can take these courses. All about studying engineering in India  |
MBBS: One of the first options for students with Science with Biology at the 10+2 level is to pursue MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery). It is the basic degree for an aspiring allopathic doctor. MBBS, as a career option, has huge scope in India and abroad. After completing your MBBS, you can specialize in fields like neurosurgery, psychiatry and orthopedics. The job industry is huge, you can work in a hospital or set up your own private clinic. Career after MBBS | 10+2 with Biology or Life Sciences as one of the core subjects. Entrance exams are held for MBBS/BDS programs in various medical colleges across India. Some of the important MBBS entrance exams are AIPMT, JIPMER and AIIMS. List of medical entrance exams |
BAMS:Â Have you thought of pursuing a course in Ayurvedic medicine? If you have passed your 10+2 in science, then Bachelor in Ayurvedic Medicine or BAMS is one of the options that you can choose as your career. Ayurvedic medicine is one of the oldest forms of medicine practiced in India and is gaining lot of popularity both in India and abroad. More about a career in ayurveda:Â Career in Ayurveda | 10+2 with Science (Physics, Chemistry & Biology) with 50% or more in aggregate. You have to appear for entrance exams held by different universities for admission to BAMS. More about the course:Â Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) |
B.Pharma:Â This is a professional course and it prepares students for the pharmaceutical industry. These professionals are in great demand in India and abroad. After completing the course, you can work as pharmacist, drug inspector, drug therapist, health inspector, or as a drug technician. Careers as a pharmacy:Â Career as a Pharmacist | 10+2 examination with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics or Biology as core subjects. More about this course:Â Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) |
B.Sc Nursing:Â Do you have patience & believe in hard work? Are you organized & good at multi-tasking? Then, BSc Nursing would be a good option for you. You will be trained in all theoretical & practical aspects of nursing. After completing the course you can join health institutes, medical colleges or private nursing homes as trained & certified nurses. Career as a nurse:Â Nursing careers. | 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Some colleges hold entrance exams for admission to BSc Nursing courses. More about this course:Â B.Sc Nursing |
B.Sc (Hons) : If you are deeply interested in pursuing a career in academics or research, B.Sc (Hons) in subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Zoology or Botany will help you do just that. You can further your prospects by doing a masters degree and then moving on to research and working as a junior research fellow in any reputed research institute. You can also pursue a career as a lecturer in any university or get jobs in chemical industry, pharmaceutical industry, or in government organizations like ONGC. | 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology or Computer Science. |
B.Sc Anthropology: Have you ever thought about studying the socio-cultural development of humans? Armed with a science background you can pursue a course in anthropology which traces the biological and the socio-cultural evolution of humans right from their origin. After completing your higher studies in anthropology, you can work as a curator, urban planner, tour guide, culture resource manager or work as a research scholar. | 10+2 with Biology as one of your core subjects. |
B.Sc Occupational Therapy:Â Another relatively new option that you can explore is B.Sc Occupational Therapy (BOT). You can work with patients who suffer from orthopedic, neurological and psychological/psychiatric disorders. More about this career:Â Occupational Therapist | 10+2 with PCB (physics, chemistry and biology). More about this course:Â |
B.Sc Physiotherapy: Bachelor of Physiotherapy (B.P.T) prepares a student for the practice of physiotherapy. A physiotherapist could be employed in the rehabilitation departments, municipal corporations and private bodies. More about this career: Physiotherapist | 10+2 or equivalent thereto, with 50% or more marks in the aggregate of Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English Core. More about this course: |
B.Sc Computer Science (H): B.Sc (CS) mainly focuses on the mathematical and theoretical foundations of computing, rather than teaching specific technologies that may quickly become outdated. Career in Computer Science | Although people prefer to enhance their skills by pursuing higher education, IT companies hire B.SC (CS) students for the post of software testers and software developers. |
B.Sc Electronics (H): A degree in B.Sc. (Honours) Electronics covers all the key concepts required to become a successful professional. The course provides students with skills which are required to design electrical, electronic, computer, automation and communication systems. Opportunities are available in research and development, aerospace and defense electronics, design, testing, production, inspection, quality control, project management and technical sales. | This degree enhances career advancement opportunities for graduates and supplies the high technology sector with well educated professionals possessing strong practical skills. |
B.Arch:If you feel that you have a great imagination, ability to visualize things and you are good at drawing, you can pursue a course in architecture. Bachelor in Architecture is a 5 year long undergraduate course. | For admission to most architectural colleges, the eligibility is 50 percent marks in HSC or equivalent, with physics, chemistry and maths as compulsory subjects but you need to clear the entrance exam such as JEE Main (AIEEE) and NATA (National Aptitude Test in Architecture.) You can then pursue a masters in architecture or work as a site engineer. |
BCA: If you want to churn your career in the field of computer applications and have a keen interest in computers, then you should go for Bachelor in Computer Applications (BCA). It is a three year degree course concentrating primarily on programming languages. | 10+2 in any stream with Mathematics and English as core subjects.Entrance tests are conducted in individual colleges for admission to BCA.You can further your career and do a MCA after your BCA to be at par with BTech degree holders. |
BBA: Did you know that even if you come from the science stream, you can pursue a Bachelor in Business of Bachelor Admission (BBA), if you have Mathematics and English as core subjects? It is a three year degree course which is designed to impart management education and inculcate entrepreneurship skills in a student. | 10+2 from any stream with Mathematics and English as core subjects and a minimum aggregate of 50%. You need to sit for entrance exams conducted by different colleges offering BBA program. |
B.A/ B.Sc Economics:Â A BA or BSc Economics is one of the lucrative degrees in India today. A degree in Economics can open up opportunities in investment firms, public sector undertakings, government enterprises and NGOs. You should do your post graduation to improve your career prospects and even take up research options in government organizations or join as a lecturer in a university or college. While most of the colleges across India offer a Bachelors degree in Economics, some give a BA degree, some offer a BSc degree. | 10+2 with mathematics and English as core subjects. Some universities hold entrance exams where concepts of Mathematics and English are tested for admission to B.Sc Economics. |
B.A English: If you have always loved English Literature and Hamlet or Macbeth has fascinated you or you are transported to a the world ‘of golden daffodils’ then you can opt for English Hons, even if you’ve pursued science in 10+2. | Most colleges hold entrance examinations for admission to BA English Hons course. A degree in English will open up opportunities of a teacher, lecturer and even that of a journalist. |
B.Com: If you feel science is no longer your cup of tea and wish to do something else, you can also pursue a bachelors in commerce from any university. | 10+2 from any stream. You can do a B.Com course through correspondence and simultaneously pursue a professional course like CA, CS or ICWA. |
B.Sc Zoology:Â Zoology is the branch of biology that focuses on behavior, structure and evolution of animals. As a Zoologist or an Ecologist you can take up research oriented highly dynamic and exciting jobs and work with National Geography, Discovery, Animal Planet. | 10+2 in science with at least 55% aggregate for admission to any of the reputed colleges. After B.Sc Zoology, you can apply to courses like Marine Biology, Fisheries Science, Coastal Ecosystems Ecology and Management, Terrestrial and Marine Conservation Biology, Ecosystem Analysis, and Numerical Modelling. you can pursue M.Sc. in Zoology, after you complete your graduation. |
Biochemistry: This is a vibrant, dynamic discipline that embraces the study of biology from the point of view of chemistry. Today, biochemistry graduate curriculums are at the forefront of many careers that help to keep human, animals and plants free of disease. | Science stream students fresh out of 10+2 can opt for a B.Sc. in Biochemistry. Learn more about careers in this field: Career in biochemistry |
Botany: If you are interested in studying the what and how of plants, Botany is the course for you. You can also pursue MSc in Microbiology and then go for a doctorate. | Science stream students fresh out of 10+2 can opt for a B.Sc. in Biochemistry. Importance given to Physics, Chemistry & Biology for admissions. |
B.Sc Microbiology:Â This is a discipline of great importance. Research in this field has been revolutionized by innovative technologies like genomics, bioinformatics and genetic engineering. Career scope after this course: | 10+2 in science with Physics, Chemistry & Biology |
B.Sc. (H) Biomedical Science:Â In this course you will be taught principles of Biotechnology, Microbiology, Genetics, Pharmacy, Pharmaceuticals, Medicinal Chemistry, Medical Laboratory Techniques etc. and related fields. After graduation, you may seek jobs in the pharmaceutical industry, clinical research laboratories etc. | 10+2 in science with Physics, Chemistry & Biology |
Biotechnology: Biotechnology involves the use of living things in medicine, engineering and technology. You can pursue a B.Sc in Biotechnology or even an engineering degree in Biotechnology; you can further your skills by taking up Masters in Biotechnology or enter the job market in fields like pharmaceuticals and diagnostic industry. | 10 + 2 science stream graduates can opt for a B.Tech (Biotechnology) or an integrated M. Tech (Biotechnology); science stream graduates from any field (engineering, medicine etc.) can opt for a M. Tech (Biotechnology). Read: Career in Biotechnolgy |
Physics (H): One can enter many professions that include, but are not limited to, traditional Physics. Physics equips a student with skills like mathematical modeling, problem solving, designing experiments, interpretation of experimental data, and reflecting on answers before trusting them, research experience, laboratory technique, and communication skills. | Pass 10 + 2 science stream |
Chemistry (H):Â A graduate degree in BSc Chemistry opens up doors to pursue higher studies in subjects like Analytical, Organic or BioChemistry. You can find jobs in the chemical, pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical and medical device industries as a process development chemist and analytical chemist. You can also find jobs in the food industry, in the teaching industry, agrochemical industry, polymers and plastic industry, petrochemical industry and even in alternative energy departments. | Pass 10 + 2 science stream A bachelor’s degree in chemistry will also open doors to many university and government jobs, but you’ll generally need a master’s degree or Ph.D. to advance in these environments. A higher degree like a master’s or Ph.D will enhance your job prospects in universities and government organisations. |
Humanities too offer a plethora of career options. One can pursue research studies, journalism, teaching and social work as careers. Click here for careers in humanities.
Do you love your country and are patriotic enough to devote your entire life in the service of the nation, then this the is the career for you. Click here for various career options in Humanities.
The most sought after career is MBA, one of the top-paying careers today. And if you’re a student from an top institution such as the Indian Institutes of Management, easily expect Rs 7.5- 8lac per annum as a fresher. Click here for various management careers.
Mass Communication includes many interesting mediums such as the television, newspaper, radio, advertisements, public relations, and many more. Although this field has been there for a long time but the real value of this field has gained credit in the recent time. Click here for various mass communication careers.
Despite rapid strides in modernization and India’s march towards globalization, agriculture has always been the backbone of our economy. It still employs more than two third of the labour force in the country and is a major contributor to our national economy. It meets our basic need for food and also the requirement, for the raw material needed by the manufacturing sector. Science and Technology have contributed significantly to agriculture in terms of improving productivity and quality. In order to gain a foothold in the highly competitive global market and to make major gains in the export market, there is an increasing demand for professionally qualified people in this sector. Click here for details on agriculture, science and technology careers.
If you are creative, love playing with colours, shapes and paintings then careers in designing is a good option. You can dabble in fashion designing, gemology or Graphic designing. Click here to learn more.
Due to rapid economic growth the career view have expanded immensely. If you love numbers and have a logical bent of mind then amongst the various career options available in India today, are those which lead to commerce related careers. Click here for details.
Many people are attracted to the idea of working in the performing arts. For the successful few, making their living as actors, musicians, singers and dancers, it can be a glamorous life. However, there are many more people working away from the spotlight, making sure performances run smoothly, and promoting artists and productions. For details on Performing Arts, click here