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Guide to Professional Courses After 12th

Updated on 06 December, 2023

Kanika Pruthi

Kanika Pruthi

Sr. Content Writer & Study Abroad Expert

The journey beyond the 12th grade is an exciting phase, filled with numerous possibilities and decisions that shape your future. Among the many options, professional courses after 12th stand out as gateways to specialized knowledge and promising careers. In this blog, we'll delve into professional courses after the 12th grade, exploring their types, key courses in different streams, and the differences between professional and regular courses. 

Professional Course Overview

A professional course is a specialized educational program designed to equip students with practical skills and knowledge in a specific field, preparing them for a particular career or industry. These courses bridge the gap between theoretical education and real-world applications, ensuring that graduates are job-ready and able to excel in their chosen professions. Whether you're inclined towards commerce, science, or arts, there's a professional course that can set you on the path to success.

Types of Professional Courses After 12th

The post-12th phase is a pivotal moment in a student's life, offering the opportunity to specialize in areas of interest and embark on a journey toward a fulfilling career. To help you make informed choices, we've compiled a list of some of the most sought-after professional courses to pursue after class 12:

Degree Courses

A degree course is the most common educational path that a student embarks on after completing class 12. Degree courses are offered at a recognized higher education institution and are a minimum of three years of full-time duration. Post completion of a degree course, a student is awarded an academic degree qualification by the respective college or university. 

Diploma Courses

Diploma courses after the 12th are typically short-term programs focusing on vocational training and skill development. These courses are specifically designed to offer industry-relevant training to individuals looking to pursue career-oriented courses of study. Upon the completion of a diploma course from an educational institution, the student is awarded a diploma that testifies to their specialization and practical experience. 

Training/Certification Courses

A training course helps individuals acquire specialized professional skills and knowledge required to gain understanding and efficiency in a particular field. A training course is usually pursued on a need basis and can be done at any point of one’s career, before or after starting a job. Training courses are offered by government and private institutions and come with a certificate post-completion. 

Read More: Best Countries to Study Abroad for Indian Students

Top Professional Courses to Take Up After Class 12th

After completing the 12th grade, students can choose from a wide range of professional courses across different streams. These streams include commerce, science, and arts. Let's explore some of the top professional courses in each stream:

Top Professional Courses After 12th Commerce

Let’s take a look at some of the most popular courses in the Commerce stream after the 12th. 

Course

Eligibility

Duration

Top Universities

Job Options

Chartered Accountancy (CA)

10+2 in any stream

1-2 years

Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW)

Chartered Accountant, Auditor

Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)

10+2 in any stream

4 years

University of Toronto, LMU Munich School of Management

Business Manager, Marketing Executive

Company Secretary (CS)

10+2 in any stream

Virtual/varies

Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland

Company Secretary, Legal Advisor

Chartered Accountancy (CA): 

This prestigious course equips students with in-depth knowledge of accounting, finance, taxation, and audit. It is conducted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) and is known for its challenging curriculum. The eligibility for CA typically requires a 10+2 qualification from any stream. The course spans 1 to 2 years, including theoretical learning and practical training. 

Renowned universities offer CA-related programs. Graduates often find themselves working as Chartered Accountants, Auditors, or Financial Advisors, playing crucial roles in various industries.

Bachelor of Commerce (BCom): 

A versatile option, the BCom program focuses on foundational concepts of commerce, accounting, finance, and economics. The eligibility criteria include a 10+2 qualification from any stream. This 4-year course imparts essential business skills and analytical thinking. 

Notable universities such as the University of Toronto and LMU Munich School of Management offer BCom programs, setting students up for roles like Accountants, Financial Analysts, and Business Consultants.

Company Secretary (CS): 

Aspiring corporate professionals often choose this course to become experts in corporate law and governance. The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) conducts the CS program. The eligibility requirement is a 10+2 qualification from any stream. Mainly held virtually, the course includes practical training and theoretical study. 

Institutions like the Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland offer CS programs. CS graduates can pursue careers as Company Secretaries, Legal Advisors, and Compliance Officers.

Top Professional Courses After 12th Science

The following table lists the popular professional courses in Science after 12th. 

Course

Eligibility

Duration

Top Universities

Job Options

Bachelor of Engineering (BE./BTech)

10+2 with PCM

4 years

W Booth School of Engineering Practice and Technology, Curtin University

Engineer, Software Developer

Bachelor of Science (BSc) Nursing

10+2 with PCB

4 years

University of Alberta, King’s College London

Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner

Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm)

10+2 with PCM/B

5 years

Monash University, Griffith University

Pharmacist, Drug Inspector

Bachelor of Engineering (BE/BTech): 

This highly sought-after course offers specialized engineering knowledge in fields like Mechanical, Electrical, Computer Science, and more. It requires a 10 2 qualification with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM). 

The 4-year program, available in esteemed institutions like W Booth School of Engineering Practice and Technology and Curtin University, produces skilled Engineers and Software Developers, driving innovation in various sectors.

Bachelor of Science (BSc) Nursing: 

For those passionate about healthcare, BSc Nursing is a prominent choice. With eligibility requiring a 10 2 qualification with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB), the 4-year program focuses on patient care, medical procedures, and clinical skills. 

Renowned institutions like the University of Alberta and King’s College London offer this course, producing Registered Nurses and Nurse Practitioners who play pivotal roles in healthcare settings.

Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm): 

Catering to the pharmaceutical industry, this course requires a 10+2 qualification with PCM or PCB. The 5-year program encompasses pharmaceutical sciences, drug development, and healthcare ethics. Institutions like Monash University and Griffith University offer BPharm courses, leading to careers as Pharmacists, Drug Inspectors, and Pharmaceutical Researchers.

Top Professional Courses After 12th Arts

Here are the most in-demand courses aspirants can pursue in the Arts stream after completing their 12th. 

Course

Eligibility

Duration

Top Universities

Job Options

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)

10+2 in any stream

4 years

University of the Arts, Academy of Art University 

Visual Artist, Art Director

Bachelor of Hotel Management (BHM)

10+2 in any stream

4 years

EHL Hospitality Business School, B.H.M.S. Business & Hotel Management School

Hotel Manager, Event Coordinator

Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication (BJMC)

10+2 in any stream

3 years

Cardiff University, UNSW Sydney

Journalist, Content Writer

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA): 

This creative avenue nurtures artistic talents and hone skills in painting, sculpture, and visual communication. Open to 10+2 graduates from any stream, the 4-year BFA program emphasizes artistic expression and technique. 

Notable institutions like the University of the Arts and Academy of Art University cultivate Visual Artists, Art Directors, and Designers who contribute to the world of aesthetics.

Bachelor of Hotel Management (BHM): 

For those inclined towards hospitality, BHM is a gateway to hotel and event management careers. The 3 to 4-year program accepts students from any stream. 

Renowned institutes like EHL Hospitality Business School and B.H.M.S. Business & Hotel Management School offer this course, grooming students to become proficient Hotel Managers and Event Coordinators.

Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication (BJMC): 

This program caters to the dynamic media industry, preparing students for roles in journalism, advertising, and communication. Eligibility is open to 10+2 graduates from any stream. 

The 3-year course, offered by institutions like Cardiff University and UNSW Sydney, molds Journalists, Content Writers, and Media Professionals who influence public discourse.

Professional Course and Regular Course: Difference

The distinction between professional and regular courses lies primarily in their focus and outcomes. Professional courses prioritize practical skills and vocational training, aligning graduates for specific professions. Regular courses, on the other hand, provide a broader academic foundation without direct specialization. Professional courses are often shorter in duration, emphasizing hands-on learning and internships, while regular courses generally involve in-depth theoretical study over a more extended period.

Conclusion

Choosing the best professional courses after 12th is a significant step towards building a successful career. The landscape of opportunities is vast, catering to different interests and talents across commerce, science, and arts. These courses provide specialized skills and knowledge that make graduates industry-ready, opening doors to fulfilling careers. So, explore your passions, evaluate your strengths, and make an informed choice that sets you on the path to a bright future.

More Articles on Courses after 12th:

FAQs

What is the eligibility criterion for professional courses after the 12th?

Eligibility varies based on the course and university, but typically, it requires a 10+2 qualification in a relevant stream.

Can I switch from a regular course to a professional course later?

Yes, it's possible, but the transition may require extra effort to catch up with the specialized curriculum.

Do professional courses guarantee better job prospects than regular degrees?

Professional courses often provide specific job-oriented skills, increasing your employability in certain sectors.

Are there online options for professional courses?

Yes, many institutions offer online versions of professional courses, allowing greater flexibility for learners.

Are scholarships available for professional courses?

Yes, scholarships and financial aid are often available for deserving students pursuing professional courses.

Did you find this article helpful?

Kanika Pruthi

Sr. Content Writer & Study Abroad Expert

Kanika has 5+ years of experience as a writer and content developer. She has written for a wide range of industry verticals, including hospitality, restaurants, non-profits, finance, IT, HR, technology, payroll, and education. She has worked as a creator for a few leading companies and has also helped brands grow through her creative writing.

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