The first big choice

What to do after Class 10?

Your career guide after 10th — six paths open up after the board exam. Tap any card to see where that stream leads and explore linked career guides.

Science (11th–12th)

Best for students who enjoy maths, problem-solving, biology or technology. Opens the widest set of professional careers (engineering, medical, research, defence, data science).

Sub-streams

· PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Maths)
· PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
· PCMB
· Computer Science / IP elective

Leads to

Key entrance exams

JEE Main JEE Advanced NEET-UG NDA CUET NATA

Pros

Maximum career options
Highest salary potential
Globally recognised degrees

Trade-offs

· Heavy syllabus & competitive exams
· Coaching cost can be high

Commerce (11th–12th)

Ideal for students who enjoy numbers, business, economics and money. Strong gateway to finance, accounting, management and entrepreneurship.

Sub-streams

· Commerce with Maths
· Commerce without Maths
· Commerce + Informatics Practices

Leads to

Key entrance exams

CA Foundation CUET IPMAT CS Foundation CMA Foundation NPAT

Pros

Lower entry barrier
Quick path to professional designations (CA in 4–5 yrs)
Strong demand across BFSI

Trade-offs

· Salary growth can be slower in early years
· Highly exam-driven for top designations

Arts / Humanities

For students drawn to people, ideas, culture, language, law or creativity. Modern Arts careers include UPSC, journalism, design, psychology, law, UX.

Sub-streams

· History, Political Science, Geography
· Economics, Sociology, Psychology
· Languages & Literature
· Fine Arts / Design Stream

Leads to

· BA / BA (Hons)
· Law (BA LLB via CLAT)
· Mass Communication & Journalism
· Psychology
· Design (NID, NIFT)
· UPSC / Civil Services

Key entrance exams

CUET CLAT NID DAT NIFT IPMAT JMI / DU entrances

Pros

Huge breadth of modern careers
Strong fit for civil services, law, design, media
Lighter board syllabus

Trade-offs

· Less structured career signalling — needs proactive planning
· Underestimated socially in India (changing fast)

ITI (Trade Courses)

Industrial Training Institutes — 6 month to 2 year trade courses (electrician, fitter, welder, COPA, mechanic). Earn early, low fee, strong PSU & private sector demand.

Sub-streams

· Engineering Trades (Electrician, Fitter, Turner, Mechanic)
· Non-Engineering Trades (COPA, Stenography, Sewing)

Leads to

· Skilled jobs in Railways, BHEL, NTPC, ONGC
· Apprenticeships → Diploma → B.Tech (lateral entry)
· Self-employment / contracting

Key entrance exams

State ITI entrance / direct admission NCVT trade tests

Pros

Affordable (₹5K–₹25K/yr in govt institutes)
Earliest workforce entry
PSU and Gulf demand for trade workers

Trade-offs

· Limited corporate growth without further upskilling
· Few research / management options without bridging courses

Polytechnic Diploma

3-year diploma in engineering disciplines after Class 10. Hands-on technical education + lateral entry directly into 2nd year of B.Tech.

Sub-streams

· Mechanical
· Civil
· Electrical
· Computer / IT
· Electronics & Communication
· Automobile

Leads to

· Junior engineer roles (₹2.5–7 LPA)
· B.Tech via lateral entry (LEET / JELET)
· PSU technician jobs
· Industry apprenticeships

Key entrance exams

State Polytechnic CET (DELHI CET, JEXPO, AP POLYCET, etc.)

Pros

Practical-first learning
Lateral entry to B.Tech saves a year
Strong placement in core sectors

Trade-offs

· Initial salary lower than B.Tech freshers
· Less brand value vs IIT/NIT route

Paramedical Diplomas

Short medical-support courses after 10th — DMLT, Radiology Tech, OT Tech, Nursing Asst., Ophthalmic Tech. Fast entry into hospitals & diagnostic chains.

Sub-streams

· DMLT (Lab Tech)
· X-Ray / Radiology Tech
· OT / Anaesthesia Tech
· GNM Nursing
· Pharmacy (D.Pharm)

Leads to

· Hospital / diagnostic centre jobs
· Bridge courses to B.Sc Nursing / Allied Health
· Govt health-worker posts

Key entrance exams

State paramedical entrances AIAPGET (for higher studies)

Pros

Recession-proof healthcare demand
Short duration
Government job opportunities

Trade-offs

· Shift-based work
· Salary lower than MBBS / B.Sc Nursing

Career flow diagram

Where does Science (11th–12th) lead?

Hover or tap any flow to see the full statement. Pick another card above to swap streams.

Full career guide Don't know which to pick?

Science (11th–12th)
Career path

Sub-streams in Science (11th–12th)

PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Maths)PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)PCMBComputer Science / IP elective

Entrance exams

JEE MainJEE AdvancedNEET-UGNDACUETNATA

Still not sure?

Take our free 8-question Career Interest Test and see — visually — which stream matches how you think.

Take the test (2 min)