Career options after intermediate:

• Medical
• Engineering
• Humanities
• Commerce
• Vocational studies

Career options after Diploma:

• Diploma in Engineering
• Diploma in Journalism
• Diploma in Fashion Technology
• Diploma in Nursing

Then after studying above areas you have many career opportunities in all fields.

Differences between the two:

• Intermediate is two years course after which you can pursue degree of subjects taken in intermediate.  In Diploma, you have to undergo three years diploma course, you will get direct entry in second year of degree courses.
• If you are good in academics, go with intermediate, it will give you various options after having much knowledge about subjects, to pursue which degree. If you are not good in studies, you can opt- for diploma, it will give you practical knowledge and will help in jobs.
• If you are very sure about your field, then only go with diploma.
• If your family's economic situation is not good, then you should definitely go with diploma. Only difference is like who have studied diploma are posted as Junior Engineers and Intermediate then getting courses are posted as Senior Engineers.

Intermediate courses have their own benefits:

• In many jobs, it is compulsory to get intermediate degree.
• Many medical and paramedical streams require intermediate as mandatory.
• During intermediate, all basics will get strong.

Choice is yours. Both have there own advantages and disadvantages.

Hope, it helps!