After passing Class 12th with a science background – Students in India encounter a vast array of career paths. Whether you studied PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics), PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology), or PCMB – the options are massive as span engineering, medicine, pure sciences, and emerging interdisciplinary fields. In this guide we tried to mention the better courses you can pursue in 2025, detailed some entrance exams, highlighted some of the high-salary prospects, and tried to give some tips to make an informed decision.
Overview of Educational Opportunities After 12th Science
Science students can branch into many technical, medical, research, or professional courses or trades. The stream combination you chose on the class 12th (PCM, PCB, or PCMB) would largely determine your eligibility for the courses. So, understanding your interests, aptitude, and market trends will help you shape a fulfilling career.
So we should get into it.
Course Options for PCM Students (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics)
**Mentioned salary shouldn’t be included in those tables, but we decided to give you an idea about ranges only if you land jobs on the mentioned trades.
Students with PCM will have access to engineering, technological fields, defense services, and pure sciences:
| Course | Duration | Admission Mode | Salary Range After you get a Job(INR/Year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| B.Tech/B.E. (Engineering) | 4 Years | JEE Main/Advanced, BITSAT, State Exams | 2.7-12 lakhs |
| B.Arch (Architecture) | 5 Years | NATA or JEE Main Paper 2 | 2.5-4.5 lakhs |
| B.Sc (Pure Sciences – Physics/Maths) | 3 Years | Merit/CUET/UET | 2.5-3.5 lakhs |
| BCA (Computer Applications) | 3 Years | Merit/Entrance Test | 3-6 lakhs |
| Defense Services (NDA) | 3-4 Years | NDA Exam + SSB Interview | 5-9 lakhs |
| Merchant Navy (Marine Engineering) | 3-4 Years | IMU-CET | 12,000-8 lakh/month |
| Pilot Training (CPL Program) | 2-3 Years | FAA, DGCA Exams | 3-8 lakh/month |
| Railway Apprentice | 4 Years | Apprentice Exams | 3-5 lakhs |
Course Options for PCB Students (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
**Mentioned salary shouldn’t be included in those tables, but we decided to give you an idea about ranges only if you land jobs on the mentioned trades.
PCB students can explore healthcare, paramedical fields, and biotechnology.
| Course | Duration | Admission Mode | Salary Range (INR/Year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBBS (Medicine) | 5.5 Years | NEET | 8-15 lakhs |
| BDS (Dentistry) | 5 Years | NEET | 5-10 lakhs |
| B.Pharm (Pharmacy) | 4 Years | Entrance Tests/Direct | 2.5-4 lakhs |
| B.Sc Nursing | 4 Years | Entrance Exams | 2-3 lakhs |
| B.Sc Biotechnology | 3-4 Years | Entrance Exams | 3-5 lakhs |
| BPT (Physiotherapy) | 4.5 Years | Entrance/Direct | 2.5-4 lakhs |
| BHMS/BAMS/BUMS (Alternative Medicine) | 5.5 Years | NEET | 3-6 lakhs |
| B.Sc Forensic Sciences/Genetics/Environmental Science | 3 Years | Entrance/Merit | 2.5-4.5 lakhs |
Options for PCMB Students (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology)
Students who studied PCMB, they have the advantage of selecting from both PCM and PCB options. This flexibility allows them to apply for engineering, medicine, pure sciences, or interdisciplinary fields based on entrance results and personal interest.
High Salary Courses After 12th Science
**Mentioned salary shouldn’t be included in those tables, but we decided to give you an idea about ranges only if you land jobs on the mentioned trades.
Some programs are particularly noted for offering excellent salary prospects right after graduation.
| Course Name | Duration | Average Salary (INR per annum) | Basic Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| B.Tech in Computer Science Engineering | 4 Years | 6-12 lakhs | 10+2 PCM with 50%+ marks |
| MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) | 5.5 Years | 8-15 lakhs | 10+2 PCB with 50%+ marks |
| B.Tech in Aeronautical Engineering | 4 Years | 6-15 lakhs | 10+2 PCM with 60%+ marks |
| BBA LLB (Hons) | 5 Years | 5-12 lakhs | 10+2 with 50%+ marks |
| B.Arch (Architecture) | 5 Years | 4-8 lakhs | 10+2 PCM with 50%+ marks |
Major Entrance Exams for Admission
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JEE Main/Advanced: Engineering (IITs, NITs)
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NEET: Medical (MBBS, BDS, AYUSH)
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NATA: Architecture courses
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BITSAT, VITEEE, SRMJEEE: Private engineering institutes
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IMU-CET: Merchant Navy courses
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NDA Exam: Defense services (Army, Navy, Air Force)
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CUET: Central Universities and B.Sc programs
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CLAT: Law courses for integrated programs like BBA LLB
Important Tips for Choosing Your Course
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Follow Your Passion: Always choose your academic journey with what you love doing.
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Analyze Market Trends: Check with rising job demands at industries.
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Evaluate Growth: You need to think long-term, how the industry will evolve over 5-10 years.
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Entrance Preparation: Prepare as early as possible for entrance exams if needed.
Additional Pathways Beyond Traditional Degrees
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Diploma Courses: Pharmacy, Web Designing, Fashion Designing.
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Law & Management: BBA, BBA LLB, or integrated MBA programs.
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Design & Media: Mass Communication, Fashion Technology (NIFT, NID).
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Research Careers: Integrated M.Sc programs through IISER, NISER.
References
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Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science’s blog on course options after 12th Science (2025).
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Updated details based on Leverage Edu’s comprehensive list of degree courses after 12th.
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Salary trends and career scope referenced from BMU’s report on high-paying courses after 12th Science.
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entrance exams and course information from Careers360 and Shiksha’s official articles (2025).