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Best Career Options After 12th Science PCM: High Salary Courses, Scope and Government Exams
15-05-2025
Choosing the right course after 12th is a defining moment in every student’s academic journey. While the excitement of stepping into college life is undeniable, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of career options available today.
For students with a background in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM), the possibilities are especially diverse. Although engineering has traditionally been the go-to choice, today’s job market offers many alternative paths that go beyond the conventional. From technology and design to applied sciences and vocational training, PCM students now have more ways than ever to align their education with their passions and future goals. Fields like data science, artificial intelligence, robotics, architecture, financial analytics, and creative tech-based roles are booming. The blog lists the best career options to pursue after 12th PCM to help students make an informed decision:
Best Courses After 12th PCM
Choosing the best career options after 12th Science PCM is crucial. PCM opens doors to various careers across various industries, such as engineering, aviation, research, and management. The table below outlines the best courses after 12th PCM available to the students:
|
Career Option |
Courses Offered |
Career Opportunities |
|
Engineering |
Bachelor of Technology (BTech) / Bachelor of Engineering (BE) in Computer Science, Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, Electronics & Communication |
Software Developer, Civil Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Electrical Engineer, R&D roles |
|
Architecture |
Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) |
Architect, Urban Planner, Interior Designer, Construction Consultant |
|
Computer Applications & IT |
Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA), Bachelor of Science (BSc) in IT, BTech in Computer Science |
Software Developer, System Analyst, IT Support, Web Developer |
|
Defence & Merchant Navy |
National Defence Academy (NDA) training, BSc in Nautical Science, Marine Engineering |
Army/Navy/Air Force Officer, Merchant Navy Officer, Marine Engineer |
|
Business & Management |
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Integrated BBA-MBA, Bachelor of Management Studies (BMS) |
Business Analyst, Marketing Executive, Financial Analyst, Entrepreneur |
|
Data Science & Artificial Intelligence |
BTech in AI/ML/Data Science, BSc in Data Science |
Data Scientist, Machine Learning Engineer, Business Intelligence Analyst |
|
Robotics & Automation |
BTech in Robotics, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering |
Robotics Engineer, Automation Specialist, Industrial Designer |
|
Ethical Hacking & Cybersecurity |
BSc/BTech in Cybersecurity, Ethical Hacking Certifications |
Cybersecurity Analyst, Ethical Hacker, Network Security Engineer |
|
Pure Sciences & Research |
BSc in Physics, Chemistry, Applied Sciences |
Research Scientist, Lab Technician, Lecturer, Science Communicator |
|
Mathematics & Statistics |
BSc in Mathematics, Statistics, Actuarial Science |
Data Analyst, Statistician, Actuary, Risk Analyst, Quantitative Researcher |
Career Scope After 12th Science PCM
The career scope after 12th Science PCM extends to various industries in the public and private sectors. These options have specific eligibility criteria; mainly a completion of a graduate degree. Below are some of the most popular PCM career options:
|
Career Option |
Courses Offered |
Recruiting Areas |
|
Engineering |
BTech in Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, Computer Science, Aerospace, etc. |
Engineering, Technology, Research & Development |
|
Medicine & Biomedical Engineering |
MBBS, BDS, Biomedical Engineering, Medical Research, Pharmaceutical Sciences |
Healthcare, Research, Pharmaceuticals |
|
Data Science & AI |
BTech in Computer Science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning |
IT, Finance, Healthcare, E-commerce |
|
Indian Armed Forces |
Technical Entry Scheme (TES), NDA, Pilot Training |
Defence, Engineering, Research & Development |
|
Architecture |
BArch, Urban Planning, Interior Design |
Architecture, Urban Planning, Real Estate |
|
Chartered Accountancy (CA) |
CA Foundation, Intermediate, Final Exams |
Finance, Auditing, Taxation, Corporate Advisory |
|
Actuarial Science |
BSc in Actuarial Science, MSc in Statistics, Mathematics |
Insurance, Banking, Financial Services |
|
Aviation & Aerospace |
BTech in Aeronautical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Commercial Pilot Training |
Aviation, Aerospace, Defence |
|
Teaching & Academia |
BEd, MSc/Master of Philosophy (MPhil), Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) |
Education, Research, Academia |
|
Government Jobs |
BTech, Master of Technology (MTech), Law, Science, Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services etc |
Public Sector, Defence, Research, Infrastructure |
High Salary Courses After 12th Science PCM
Science stream with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) as subject combinations is considered the foundation for most careers that promise growth, innovation, and high income. With increased digital transformation, fields like Computer Science and Information Technology have become the best career options after 12th Science PCM.
Jobs such as Software Developer, Data Analyst, and AI Specialist are known for offering high salary packages, making them ideal for students interested in technology. For those aiming to earn well right from the start of their careers, here are some high salary courses after 12th Science PCM:
|
Course Name |
Average Salary (LPA) |
|
BTech (Computer Science and Engineering) |
4.5 – 10 |
|
BTech (Mechanical Engineering) |
3.5 – 6 |
|
BTech (Civil Engineering) |
3 – 5.5 |
|
BTech (Artificial Intelligence and Data Science) |
6 – 12 |
|
BTech (Electronics and Communication Engineering) |
4 – 8 |
|
BTech (Information Technology) |
4.5 – 9 |
|
BTech (Genetic Engineering) |
3.5 – 7 |
|
BTech (Automobile Engineering) |
3.5 – 6 |
|
BTech (Chemical Engineering) |
4 – 8 |
|
BTech (Biotechnology) |
3 – 6.5 |
|
BTech (Food Technology) |
3 – 6 |
|
BTech (Aerospace Engineering) |
5 – 10 |
|
BArch (Architecture) |
3.5 – 7 |
|
BBA (Marketing / Accounting & Finance / International Business) |
3 – 6 |
Government Exams After 12th PCM
Candidates can take several government exams after completing class 12th to secure a public sector job. Here is a list of some key government exams after 12th PCM that can be pursued:
-
Staff Selection Commission (SSC) CHSL (Combined Higher Secondary Level)
-
Indian Army Exam for Technical Entry Scheme, Mahila Constables, Soldiers, and Junior Commissioned Officers for Catering
-
SSC MTS (Multi-Tasking Staff)
-
SSC GD (General Duty Constable)
-
Indian Navy Exam for Sailor, Artificer Apprentice, and Senior Secondary Recruits (SSR)
-
Indian Coast Guard Exam for Sailors, Technicians, Assistant Commandants, and Airmen
-
NDA (National Defence Academy) Entrance Exam for Armed Forces
-
Railway Group D (RRB/RRC Group D)
-
Security Forces Exams such as:
- Border Security Force (BSF)
- Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
- Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)
- Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force (ITBP)
- Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)
-
RRB ALP (Assistant Loco Pilot)
-
SSC Stenographer (Grade C and Grade D)
-
SSC UDC (Upper Division Clerk)
-
SSC LDC (Lower Division Clerk)
-
SSC PA (Postal Assistant)
-
SSC DEO (Data Entry Operator)
-
SSC SA (Sorting Assistant)
Entrance Exams After 12th Science PCM
Engineering remains among the most popular career choices for students in India, with numerous entrance exams offering access to top engineering colleges nationwide. Here are some of the prominent entrance exams after 12th Science PCM in engineering sectors:
|
Entrance Exam Name |
Full Form |
Regulatory Body |
Focus Areas |
|
JEE Main |
Joint Entrance Examination Main |
National Testing Agency (NTA) |
Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics |
|
JEE Advanced |
Joint Entrance Examination Advanced |
Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) |
Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics |
|
BITSAT |
Birla Institute of Technology and Science Admission Test |
Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) |
Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, English, Logical Reasoning |
|
VITEEE |
VIT Engineering Entrance Examination |
Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) |
Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology/English |
|
COMEDK UGET |
Consortium of Medical, Engineering, and Dental Colleges of Karnataka Under Graduate Entrance Test |
COMEDK (Consortium of Medical, Engineering, and Dental Colleges of Karnataka) |
Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics |
|
WBJEE |
West Bengal Joint Entrance Examination |
West Bengal Joint Entrance Examinations Board |
Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics |
|
MHT CET |
Maharashtra Common Entrance Test |
State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra |
Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics |
|
AP EAMCET |
Andhra Pradesh Engineering, Agriculture and Medical Common Entrance Test |
Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Kakinada |
Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics |
|
KEAM |
Kerala Engineering, Agriculture, and Medical Entrance Exam |
Commissioner for Entrance Examinations, Kerala |
Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics |
|
SRMJEEE |
SRM Joint Engineering Entrance Examination |
SRM Institute of Science and Technology |
Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, English |
Courses After 12th PCM Other Than Engineering
After completing 12th PCM, there are several promising career options beyond engineering. Students can explore fields like agriculture, research, architecture, aviation, and management, offering diverse opportunities in finance, consulting, academia, and healthcare. We have listed some of the popular courses for PCM students after 12th, other than engineering:
|
Course Name |
Duration |
Job Opportunities |
|
BSc Hons. (Agriculture) |
4 years |
Agricultural Scientist, Farm Manager, Agricultural Consultant, Horticulturist |
|
BSc (Hons. with Research) (Cognitive Science) |
4 years |
Cognitive Scientist, Research Analyst, AI Researcher, Neuropsychologist |
|
BSc (Hons. with Research) (Clinical Psychology) |
4 years |
Clinical Psychologist, Mental Health Counsellor, Research Psychologist |
|
BA (Hons. with Research) (Psychology) |
3 years |
Psychologist, Counsellor, HR Manager, Research Associate |
|
BA (Hons. with Research) Liberal Arts |
3 years |
Writer, Editor, Researcher, Public Relations Specialist, Content Strategist |
|
BA (Hons. with Research) (English) |
3 years |
Writer, Editor, Teacher, Content Developer, Copywriter |
|
BCom (Honours) |
3 years |
Accountant, Financial Analyst, Auditor, Tax Consultant |
|
BBA (General) |
3 years |
Business Analyst, Marketing Manager, Operations Manager, Entrepreneur |
|
BBA (Hospital Administration) |
3 years |
Hospital Administrator, Healthcare Manager, Medical Services Manager |
|
BBA (Analytics) |
3 years |
Data Analyst, Business Analyst, Marketing Analyst, Data Scientist |
|
BBA + MBA (Integrated) |
5 years |
Business Manager, Marketing Manager, Financial Analyst, Entrepreneur |
|
Bachelor of Education (BEd) |
2 years |
School Teacher, Educational Consultant, Curriculum Developer |
|
BEd (Special Education - Hearing Impairment) |
2 years |
Special Education Teacher, Audiologist, Speech Therapist |
|
BEd (Special Education - Intellectual Disability) |
2 years |
Special Education Teacher, Behavioural Therapist, Rehabilitation Counsellor |
|
Integrated Bachelor of Education - Master of Education - Special Education (Intellectual Disability) |
5 years |
Special Education Teacher, Educational Psychologist, Researcher |
|
BDes - Fashion Design (Hons.) |
4 years |
Fashion Designer, Costume Designer, Textile Designer, Fashion Merchandiser |
|
BDes - Communication Design |
4 years |
Graphic Designer, UX/UI Designer, Advertising Designer, Web Designer |
|
BDes - Furniture and Interior Design |
4 years |
Interior Designer, Furniture Designer, Urban Designer, Space Planner |
|
BDes - Product Design |
4 years |
Product Designer, Industrial Designer, Innovation Consultant, Design Engineer |
|
BDes - Animation and VFX Design |
4 years |
Animator, VFX Artist, 3D Modeller, Motion Graphics Designer |
|
BHM (Hons.) |
3 years |
Hotel Manager, Event Planner, Travel Consultant, Hospitality Consultant |
|
BA LLB (Bachelor of Law) |
5 years |
Lawyer, Legal Advisor, Corporate Counsel, Government Lawyer |
|
BBA LLB Hons. |
5 years |
Lawyer, Legal Consultant, Corporate Lawyer, Legal Researcher |
|
LLB Hons. |
3 years |
Lawyer, Legal Consultant, Advocate, Public Prosecutor |
|
BA (Journalism and Mass Communication) BJMC |
3 years |
Journalist, News Anchor, Public Relations Officer, Media Planner |
|
BSc Physical Science (Hons. with Research) |
4 years |
Research Scientist, Laboratory Technician, Physicist, Data Analyst |
|
BSc Forensic Science (Hons. with Research) |
4 years |
Forensic Scientist, Crime Scene Investigator, Lab Technician, Forensic Consultant |
|
BSc Statistics & Data Science (Hons. with Research) |
4 years |
Data Scientist, Statistician, Business Analyst, Market Research Analyst |
|
BPharm |
4 years |
Pharmacist, Pharmaceutical Scientist, Drug Safety Associate, Medical Sales Representative |
After 12th Non Medical Career Option
After 12th non medical career options are abundant, spanning engineering, technology, data science, defence services, architecture, aviation, and business. Graduates can work across several IT, manufacturing, infrastructure, finance, design, and research industries. This stream opens doors to technical and management roles in India and abroad. Below is an overview of the after 12th PCM courses list in the non-medical sector:
|
Career Option |
Course Name |
Career Opportunities |
|
Architecture |
BArch |
Architect, Urban Planner, Interior Designer, Landscape Designer |
|
Data Science |
BSc / BTech in Data Science, BSc in Statistics |
Data Scientist, Data Analyst, Business Intelligence Analyst |
|
Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning |
BTech in AI & ML, BSc in Computer Science |
AI Engineer, Machine Learning Engineer, NLP Specialist, AI Researcher |
|
Robotics |
BTech in Robotics, Mechatronics, Automation Engineering |
Robotics Engineer, Automation Specialist, Embedded Systems Engineer |
|
Biomedical Engineering |
BTech / BE in Biomedical Engineering |
Biomedical Engineer, Medical Device Designer, Clinical Engineer |
|
Microbiology |
Microbiologist, Clinical Lab Technologist, Quality Control Analyst |
|
|
Nautical Science |
BSc in Nautical Science |
Navigation Officer, Marine Engineer, Ship Captain |
|
Investment Banking |
BBA / Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) in Finance/Economics, Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) |
Investment Banker, Financial Analyst, Equity Research Analyst |
|
International Marketing Management |
BBA in International Business / Marketing, MBA (International Marketing) |
International Marketing Manager, Export Manager, Brand Strategist |
|
Aviation Management |
BBA in Aviation Management, BMS in Aviation |
Airport Manager, Airline Operations Manager, Ground Staff Supervisor |
|
Industrial Design |
BDes in Industrial Design, BTech in Product Design |
Industrial Designer, Product Designer, UX/UI Designer, Design Consultant |
Summing Up
Choosing the right course after 12th PCM is a defining step toward shaping one’s future. While traditional options like engineering remain strong relevant, students today have a broader spectrum of high-potential fields to explore—from data science and architecture to agriculture and aviation.
The key lies in aligning personal interests, strengths, and career goals with the right academic path. With informed guidance and clarity of vision, students can confidently navigate this crucial transition and embark on a fulfilling and future-ready career.
FAQs
Q1: What is PCM?
A1: PCM stands for Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. It's a common subject combination for students interested in pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
Q2: What is the 12th PCM?
A2: 12th PCM refers to the combination of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics subjects that students typically study in the 12th grade of secondary education.
Q3: Why choose the 12th PCM?
A3: Choosing the 12th PCM offers a strong foundation for various careers, particularly in engineering, technology, and research. It provides valuable problem-solving, critical thinking, and analytical reasoning skills, making it a good option for students interested in STEM fields.
Q4: What to do after 12th Science PCM?
A4: Students can pursue several courses after 12th Science PCM, such as BTech/BE in different engineering disciplines, BSc in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, BArch, BBA, BCom, BDes, BPharm, etc.
Q5: Can PCM students give JEE?
A5: Yes. PCM students can take the JEE (Joint Entrance Examination) exam. The exam is designed for students who have studied these subjects in their Class 12 exams. To be eligible for JEE, there is no minimum requirement for marks in Class 12; however, prestigious colleges like IITs, NITs mandate candidates to score at least 75% in their board exams.
Q6: Can a PCM student give NEET?
A6: Yes. A PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) student can give NEET if they have also completed Biology/Biotechnology as an additional subject from a recognised board.
This clarification comes from the Undergraduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB) under the National Medical Commission (NMC), which allows such students to be eligible for NEET UG.
Q7: Is PCM very tough?
A7: Yes. PCM can be challenging for several students. The difficulty can vary based on individual strengths, prior knowledge, and how well concepts are taught. However, with consistent effort and dedication, students can succeed in PCM.
Q8: Is PCM better than Commerce?
A8: There is no better stream between PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) and Commerce. The choice depends on individual interests, strengths, and career goals.
PCM is ideal for those interested in STEM fields like engineering, science, and technology. Conversely, Commerce is better suited for individuals who want to build careers in business, finance, and management.
Q9: Which course is best after 12th PCM with high salary?
A9: After completing 12th with PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics), courses in Engineering (especially Computer Science and related fields), Data Science, and Architecture offer high earning potential.