Career Options After 12th Science - Eligibility & Expected Salary

For decades, the PCM (Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics) stream has been one of the most sought-after choices among students after class 10. With a wide range of career options available after completing 12th Science PCM, students can pursue fields that align with their interests and future goals.

However, many students often wonder what to do after 12th science. While engineering is considered a popular choice, numerous other career options after 12th science provide great financial benefits and rewarding opportunities.

This article explores some of the best career options after class 12th Science, covering eligibility criteria, entrance requirements and expected salary ranges.

Career Options After Class 12th Science (PCM)

Let us deep-dive into the details of career opportunities after 12th science

Engineer

Engineering is one of the most popular and versatile educational paths PCM students can choose. Engineers play an important role in developing technologies, infrastructure and solutions in various industries. Students now have multiple specialisations to choose from beyond the traditional branches.

Popular Engineering Branches:

• CS, IT And Software Engineering

• Electrical And Electronics Engineering(ECE)

• Mechanical and Automobile Engineering

• Civil Engineering

• Chemical Engineering

• Aerospace Engineering

• Biotechnology Engineering

Eligibility Criteria: Students must pass class 12th in PCM with a minimum of 50-60% marks.

Key Entrance Exams:

• National Level: JEE Main, JEE (Advanced), BITSAT, VITEEE, SRMJEEE
• State Level: MHT CET, WBJEE, KCET, AP EAMCET, TS EAMCET, KEAM

Read More:

• Career options after 12th Science PCB

• Career options after 12th Science PCM

Career Scope:

Engineers can work in industries such as:

• Automotive

• Aerospace

• Software Development

• Energy & Power

• Telecommunications

• Research & Development
  
  

Average Annual Salary: Rs 2.4 Lakhs - 12 Lakhs

(Salary Source: Ambitionbox)

Read more: What is Career Counselling

Architect

Architecture is a creative field that opens up plenty of career opportunities for students interested in design, aesthetics, planning and construction. It is one of the best career options after 12th science.

Specialisations in Architecture:

• Residential & Commercial Architecture

• Urban Planning & Design

• Interior Architecture

• Green Building Design

• Landscape Architecture
  
  

Eligibility: Class 12th with Physics and Maths as compulsory subjects, minimum 50% marks.

Entrance Exams: NATA, JEE Main (Paper 2)

Career Scope:
Architects can work with:

• Private Architecture Firms

• Construction Companies

• Urban Planning Departments

• Government Infrastructure Projects
  
  

Average Annual Salary: Rs 4.2 Lakhs - 50 Lakhs

(Salary Source: Ambitionbox)

Defence Officer (Indian Armed Forces)

The defence sector offers prestigious yet challenging career options after 12th Science PCM. This is a rewarding career for aspirants after 12th who love discipline, adventure and service for the nation.

Eligibility Criteria & Exams:

• NDA Exam: For Army, Navy, Air Force (Class 12 with PCM for Navy/Air Force; any stream for Army)

• Technical Entry Scheme: Must have appeared for JEE Main and Class 12 PCM with minimum 70% marks

• CDS Exam: For graduates

Average Salary: A newly commissioned Lieutenant’s starting basic Pay is Rs 56,100 per month(Level 10 of Defence Pay Matrix)

(Salary Source: Official Indian Army recruitment notifications for NDA, CDS and TES.)

Merchant Navy Officer

If you are seeking a career path that offers a chance to travel globally and earn big, then the merchant navy is one of the best career options after 12th science. The merchant navy involves international trade by sea and provides great financial benefits.

Eligibility Criteria: Class 12 PCM with a minimum of 60%.

Officer Training Courses:

• Deck Officer (Navigation): B.Sc. Nautical Science

• Marine Engineer: B.E./B.Tech in Marine Engineering

• Naval Architect: B.E. Naval Architecture and Offshore Engineering

• B.E. Petroleum Engineering

• Electro-Technical Officer: ETO Course(Can be pursued after a relevant engineering course)

Average Annual Salary: Rs 2.8 Lakhs - 20 Lakhs

(Salary Source: Ambitionbox)

The merchant navy is among the most lucrative career options after 12th Science PCM for adventurous and ambitious students.

Read more: Careers Beyond MBBS For PCB Students

Aviation

If you have always wanted a profession that will allow you to fly higher into the sky, then aviation is the perfect career option for you! It is one of the best career options after 12th science that offers numerous job openings in several sub-sectors, with various advantages. From commercial pilots to traffic controllers, an aviation career is both financially and personally rewarding.

Eligibility Criteria for Commercial Pilot: Class 12 PCM with a minimum of 50-55%. In Physics and Mathematics individually, as per DGCA norms and flying school standards.
Scope and average starting salary:

• Commercial Pilot: Rs 1 Lakh - 12 Lakhs

• Aircraft Maintenance Engineer: Rs 3.8 Lakhs - 26 Lakhs

• Air Traffic Controller: An ATC is recruited as a Junior Executive, which is an E-1 position in the AAI.

Junior Executive (ATC) Rs 40,000 ( Basic Pay)

(Salary Source: Ambitionbox)

There are a plethora of career options after 12th science beyond the traditional roles like engineering and medicine. Students can build a fulfilling career in domains such as architecture, defence, merchant navy, or aviation. By identifying your strengths, developing the right skills, you can explore the best career options after 12th Science and make informed choices that align with your goals.