High-Salary Courses After 12th Science: Career Options and Top Colleges
Courses After 12th Science: There is no denying the fact that science remains one of the most renowned fields for students after 12th. And why not? The science stream opens a plethora of high-salary career options after 12th science. Here, we will thoroughly discuss some of the best courses after 12th science, various career options after 12th science, and a brief list of top colleges for science after 12th.
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Courses after 12th science open up various distinguished career options for students. These courses generally have a period that extends up to 3 to 5 years, and are further subdivided into semesters at some universities. Gain complete awareness about options for high-salary courses after 12th science & make an informed choice.
Table of Contents
Science Stream Subject List
Courses after 12th science are divided into two distinctive branches, the Non-medical and Medical streams. Physics and Chemistry are the common science stream subjects in both. Mathematics is taken by students who wish to pursue careers in engineering, architecture, aeronautics, etc. Biology is opted by the students who wish to pursue medical field-related career options after 12th science.
Both streams offer lucrative options for high-salary courses after 12th science, with various rewarding career options after 12th science.
Science Stream Subjects List - Overview
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Subjects |
Brief |
CUET syllabus |
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Physics |
Advances in the field of Physics enable advancements in technologies, such as the study of Electromagnetism, Thermodynamics, Mechanics, Nuclear Physics, and Solid-state Physics. |
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Biology |
Biology is the study of living things, including plants and animals. It covers topics like their physical makeup, internal workings, molecular interactions, growth, evolution, and more. |
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Mathematics |
Calculus, Mathematical Reasoning, Algebra, Probability, and Linear Programming are some of the topics covered in mathematics. |
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Chemistry |
Chemistry is the study of atoms and matter, which are the fundamental components of life. It teaches us in-depth information about the properties, composition, and structure of matter. |
Other Important Subjects:
List of Popular Courses for Science Students
Some popular high-salary courses after 12th science are listed below:
- B.E. / B.Tech (Engineering)
- B.Sc. / B.Sc. (Hons) Pure & Applied Sciences
- BCA (Computer Applications)
- B.Arch (Architecture)
- Medical / Allied Courses (for PCB students): MBBS, BDS, B.Pharm, BHMS, B.Sc. Nursing, etc.
- Other specialized science courses: B.Sc. in Biotechnology, Chemistry, Physics, Zoology, Agriculture, Nautical Science, Statistics, etc.
Best Courses After 12th Science
After completing 12th with science, the option to pursue Engineering and MBBS remains one of the undisputed choices. But this article aims to focus on the same popular B.Sc. courses after 12th science, which are also considered to be high-salary courses after 12th science.
B.E. / B.Tech (Bachelor of Engineering / Technology)
Duration: 4 years
Eligibility: 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics from a recognized board (often with ≥ 50% aggregate - varies by college)
What you study: Core engineering fundamentals + specialization (CS, ECE, Mechanical, Civil, Biotechnology, etc.) depending on interest.
B.Sc / B.Sc (Hons) — Science / Pure & Applied Sciences
Duration: 3 years (some courses or universities may vary)
Eligibility: 10+2 science (with relevant subject combinations), generally from a recognized board.
What you study: In-depth theory and lab work in disciplines like Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology, Zoology, Biotechnology, Statistics, etc.
BCA (Bachelor of Computer Applications)
Duration: 3 years
Eligibility: Any 10+2 from a recognised board with minimum required marks (often around 50%).
What you study: Programming, databases, networking, software development fundamentals, computer applications and IT-related skills.
B.Arch (Bachelor of Architecture)
Duration: 5 years full-time degree
Eligibility: 10+2 with Mathematics (plus required aggregate as per the institute)
What you study: Design, planning, construction technology, architectural theory, visualization, project design and execution.
MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery)
Duration: 5-6 years (including internship / clinical training)
Eligibility: 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology (PCB) + admission via required entrance exam (e.g. NEET).
BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery)
Duration: 5 years, including internship/training
Eligibility: 10+2 (PCB) + required entrance criteria (often high merit/percentage).
What you study: Dental sciences, clinical dentistry, oral health, and surgery basics.
BHMS (Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine & Surgery)
Duration: 5 years (including internship/training)
Eligibility: 10+2 (PCB) with required minimum marks (as per institution).
What you study: Homeopathic medical system, therapeutics, basic clinical training.
B.Pharm (Bachelor of Pharmacy)
Duration: 4-year undergraduate course
Eligibility: 10+2 (PCB or PCM, depending on the institute) with the required aggregate, from a recognized board.
What you study: Pharmaceutical chemistry, drug manufacturing, medicinal chemistry, pharmaceutics, pharmacology.
Other Science & Allied Courses (Beyond B.Sc, B.Tech, & Medical)
If a student strictly doesn’t want mainstream courses after 12th science, there is a range of specialized science and allied courses after 12th, depending on their interest:
- Integrated B.Sc–M.Sc (5-year combined degree): for students aiming at deeper academic or research careers.
- B.Sc. in Biotechnology, Zoology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Botany, Home Science, Geography, Geology, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, Statistics, etc.
- B.Sc. in Nautical Science for marine, shipping, & maritime careers.
- Agriculture / Horticulture / Forestry courses for those interested in agriculture, environment, and food sciences.
- B.Sc. (Hons.) in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, etc. for pure sciences, teaching, research, and analytics.
These courses provide flexibility; one can opt for PG (M.Sc / MBA / specialized diplomas), or explore niche sectors such as biotech, environment, agriculture, data science, marine, and more.
Choosing the Right Stream: PCM vs PCB - What Fits You
If you took PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics), your strong options include:
- Engineering (B.Tech / B.E.)
- Architecture (B.Arch)
- B.Sc (Physics / Chemistry / Mathematics / Statistics / Biotechnology / Physical Sciences)
- Integrated B.Sc–M.Sc
- Computer / IT paths (BCA, B.Sc (CompSci), etc.)
- Specialized science courses — Statistics, Nautical Science, Environmental / Physical sciences, etc.
If you took PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology), your best-suited courses are:
- Medicine & allied: MBBS, BDS, BHMS, B.Pharm, B.Sc Nursing, etc.
- Life sciences and research: B.Sc. in Zoology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Botany, Microbiology, Life Sciences, etc.
- Allied health, paramedical, applied sciences, pharmacy, biomedical research; also B.Sc courses in allied streams.
If anyone is unsure or has mixed subjects (e.g. Maths + Biology), check individual university and course subject-combination guidelines before applying.
Course-wise High-Salary Career Options After 12th Science
Let us now check some of the high-salary career options after 12th science and the list of top colleges.
Courses-wise Career Options After 12th Science
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Courses |
Career Options |
Top Colleges |
Salary Range |
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B.Tech |
Full-stack development |
23 IITs,31 NITs, and IIITs Vellore Institute of Technology RVCE, Bengaluru |
3-8 LPA |
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Data science |
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AI and blockchain |
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Jobs in PSUs |
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Digital marketing |
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Entrepreneurship |
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Civil service |
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B. Sc. (P, C, M, Biology) |
Operations Manager |
Colleges in DU IITs, IISC, BHU, AMU |
4-10 LPA |
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Software Engineer |
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Data Scientist and Analyst |
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Lab Supervisor |
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Teaching & Academics |
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Bachelor's in Computer Application |
Web Developer |
IIT Delhi, Kanpur and Mumbai |
4-12 LPA |
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Software Programmer |
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Cyber Security Analyst |
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Network Programmer |
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MBBS - (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) |
Physician |
All AIIMS, PGIMER Chandigarh, SGPGI Lucknow, IICRM Nagpur, CMC Vellore |
As per government or private pay scales, a high ceiling after specialization |
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Doctor |
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Endocrinologist |
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Pathologist |
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Neurologist |
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Cardiologist |
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BHMS - (Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery) |
Homeopathic Doctor |
Lokmanya Homoeopathic Medical College, NIH Kolkata - National Institute of Homoeopathy, Bharati Vidyapeeth Homoeopathic Medical College - Pune |
As per government or private pay scales, a high ceiling after specialization |
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Homeopathic Medical consultant |
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Homeopathic Professor or Lecturer |
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Homeopathy pharmacist |
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Medical Officer |
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Bachelor's in Pharmacy |
Drug Inspector |
Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, Bombay college of pharmacy, JSS college of pharmacy - Ooty. |
Variable (industry dependent) |
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Pharmacist |
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R&D Analyst |
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Medical Transcriptionist |
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B.Sc Zoology / Biotechnology / Life Sciences |
Lab Technician |
Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), BHU, and University of Delhi |
3-6 LPA |
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Researcher |
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Zoologist or Biochemist |
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Wildlife Biologist |
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Top Universities/Colleges for Science Courses After 12th
It is always crucial to make a conscious choice of stream and subject one aspires to, and target the top universities/colleges. This will give an enhanced learning environment as well as boost career options and opportunities. While talking of top colleges and most sought-after targets for UG courses, DU always tops the list, but there are some other notable universities too for various courses after 12th science.
Top universities for courses after 12th Science
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University/College |
Admission Process |
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Common eligibility + CUET score |
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Common eligibility + CUET score |
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Common eligibility + CUET score |
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Common eligibility + CUET score |
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Common eligibility + CUET score |
Best colleges for courses after 12th Science
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Sl. No. |
College Name |
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1 |
St. Stephen’s College, New Delhi |
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2 |
Hindu College, New Delhi |
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3 |
LSR, New Delhi |
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4 |
Miranda House, New Delhi |
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5 |
Loyola College, Chennai |
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6 |
MCC Chennai, Chennai |
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7 |
HRC, New Delhi |
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8 |
Presidency College, Chennai |
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9 |
Fergusson College, Pune |
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10 |
SXC, Kolkata |
Explore the detailed CUET University List, which will be granting UG admission to various science programs at its constituent colleges.
It is the foundation stone that opens options for future exploration. So, do not hurry and invest a good time thinking about the decision and choose an appropriate high-salary course after 12th science. A suitable decision is crucial for the successful pursuit of aspirations regarding career options after 12th science.
If you are aiming to take admissions for UG courses after 12th science, you will have to write and qualify for CUET UG. It is a common entrance test, which will be a gateway to 210+ universities (Including DU, JNU, JMI, AU, etc.) for UG admission. Learn all the crucial details and stay prepared.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, as per the official guidelines, students can take any subject under the subject limit of 3 from section II. However, please note that some universities have specific guidelines for the subject combination.
You can download the official CUET UG Science Syllabus from the NTA website or refer to our CUET syllabus page to download the subject-wise syllabus PDF’s.
There's no single “best” course. PCM students typically choose engineering, architecture, computer science or pure sciences, while PCB students opt for medicine, nursing, pharmacy, biotechnology and allied health sciences. The right choice depends on one's personal interest and long-term career goals.
No. Programs like MBBS, BDS, B.Sc. Nursing, BHMS, BPT and most allied health courses require Biology in Class 12.
B.Tech is a professional, job-oriented degree, ideal for students who want to work in engineering, IT, or technical sectors right after graduation. B.Sc is an academically strong degree for students aiming for research, higher studies (M.Sc, PhD) or specialized scientific fields. Both have good scope - the choice depends on whether one prefers industry roles or academic/research pathways.
Some of the most sought-after, high-salary pathways include Computer Science Engineering (CSE), AI & Data Science, MBBS, Pharmacy, Biotechnology, Architecture, and BCA leading to software careers. Salary depends heavily on skills, institute reputation, internships and industry demand.
Yes, students can apply to CUET UG even after a gap year, but only if they meet the other eligibility criteria.
No, CUET is primarily for admissions into central universities. Other institutions might have their entrance exams. However, CUET aims to streamline the admissions process for several universities, reducing the need for multiple exams.