Career Options After 10th: Which Course is Best for You?
By Sriram
Updated on Apr 07, 2025 | 15 min read | 55.8k views
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By Sriram
Updated on Apr 07, 2025 | 15 min read | 55.8k views
Share:
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India is a diverse country with diverse aspirations. When it comes to profession, Indians have different choices depending on their socio-economic conditions. Factors like regional literacy rates, parents’ educational backgrounds, and local job availability all play a key role in shaping these preferences.
For instance, the science stream was in demand more in South India than in the rest of the country. This number was significantly lower in northern and northeast states like Punjab and Assam, indicating variation in choice of professional courses.
Now that you have an idea about India’s diverse choice of streams, take a look at the various career options after 10th grade and some tips to help you make the right choice.
Also Read: Top 14 technical courses to get a job in IT sector
As you approach 10th grade, now is the perfect time to consider which academic stream best aligns with your interests and future aspirations.
While your interests should be the primary factor in making this choice, your 10th grade marks can also play a role in guiding your decision.
Before you finalize career options after 10th, take a moment to explore the various streams available and the career opportunities each one offers, as summarized in the table below.
Stream | Popular courses | Career options |
Science | Engineering, medicine, biotechnology |
|
Commerce | CA, Bcom, CS, BBA |
|
Arts and Humanities | Law, languages, fine arts |
|
Vocational courses | ITI, polytechnic, vocational training |
|
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Science is a popular choice for students after 10th grade, offering a wide range of career paths to choose.
While engineering and medicine remain two of the most popular career options after 10th, a background in science also allows you to branch into areas typically linked to arts or commerce, such as law and management.
Below, you’ll find a list of prominent courses you can pursue with a science foundation, along with potential career roles each pathway offers.
Course name | Career roles | Skills acquired | Average annual salary |
Engineering diploma (Civil, Mechanical, Computer science) | Civil Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Software Developer, Network Administrator |
|
INR 2.16 L |
Medical Lab Technology | Medical Laboratory Technician, Phlebotomist, Research Assistant |
|
INR 2.4 L |
Pharmacy Assistant | Pharmacy Technician, Sales Representative (Pharmaceuticals) |
|
INR 1.8 L |
Biotechnology | Research Assistant, Lab Technician, Quality Control Specialist |
|
INR 3 L |
Agriculture Diploma (Horticulture, Dairy Technology) | Agricultural Officer, Farm Manager, Food Scientist, Quality Control Analyst |
|
INR 2.64 L |
Computer Science | Web Developer, Software Developer, IT Support Specialist |
|
INR 2.4 L |
Nursing | Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Research Nurse |
|
INR 3 L |
The commerce stream is one of the best career options after 10th. It focuses on the study of business, finance, economics, and trade.
By choosing commerce, you can get knowledge in the fields of accounting, business administration, marketing, and economics. This foundation opens doors for popular courses such as B com, a diploma in business, Chartered Accountancy, and Marketing.
Each course will help you build a successful career in entrepreneurship, finance, banking, and marketing. Some popular courses in the commerce stream and the associated career roles have been tabulated below.
Course name | Career roles | Skills acquired | Average annual salary |
Chartered Accountancy (CA) | Chartered Accountant, Auditor |
|
INR 10 L |
B.Com (Bachelor of Commerce) | Financial Analyst, Accountant, Banker |
|
INR 2.4 L |
Company Secretary (CS) | Corporate Secretary, Compliance Officer, Legal Advisor |
|
INR 7 L |
Diploma in Accounting | Accounting Assistant, Bookkeeper, Tax Assistant |
|
INR 3 L |
Diploma in Business Administration | Business Development Executive, Operations Executive, Customer Service Representative |
|
INR 6 L |
Diploma in Entrepreneurship | Entrepreneur, Business Owner, Start-up Founder |
|
Variable (depends on business success) |
Diploma in Retail Management | Retail Store Manager, Sales Associate, Visual Merchandiser |
|
INR 6 L |
Diploma in Marketing | Marketing Assistant, Social Media Marketing Specialist, Content Marketing Specialist |
|
INR 6 L |
Company Secretary Diploma | Company Secretary Assistant |
|
INR 6 L |
Also Read: Top 10 best career options for science students
The art stream focuses on the study of humanities, social sciences, and creative disciplines, providing you opportunities to explore subjects such as literature, history, art, journalism, social service, and philosophy.
With its emphasis on human behavior, society, and the legal field, the arts field is a natural fit and one of the best career options after 10th for students with a creative mindset.
Once you choose arts, you can study diverse courses such as law, fashion design, mass communication, and fine arts, each offering something unique. Graduates in these fields can find abundant career opportunities in creative industries such as media, academics and fashion.
Given below are some of the popular courses in arts and humanities, and the associated career roles.
Course name | Career roles | Skills acquired | Average annual salary |
Fine Arts (Painting, Sculpture, etc.) | Artist, Art Teacher, Art Therapist, Graphic Designer, Animator |
|
INR 3.18 L |
Performing Arts (Drama, Dance, Music) | Actor, Dancer, Musician, Singer, Teacher, Performer |
|
INR 6.3 L (highly variable) |
Fashion Design | Fashion Designer, Pattern Maker, Clothing Technologist, Fashion Stylist, Costume Designer |
|
INR 4.2 L |
Interior Design | Interior Designer, Space Planner, Set Designer, Visual Merchandiser |
|
INR 3 L |
Animation & VFX | 2D Animator, 3D Animator, Motion Graphics Artist, Visual Effects Artist |
|
INR 7.2 L |
Graphic Design | Graphic Designer, Web Designer, UI/UX Designer, Multimedia Designer |
|
INR 3 L |
Mass Communication | Journalist, Public Relations Specialist, Social Media Manager, Content Writer, Event Manager |
|
INR 7.8 L |
Law | Lawyer, Legal Advisor, Judge |
|
INR 6 L |
Languages and Literature | Journalist, Content Writer, Translator |
|
INR 6 L |
Social Work and Sociology | Social Worker, Policy Analyst, NGO Coordinator |
|
INR 2.6 L |
Also Read: 25 best career options for commerce students
If you are someone who excels with hands-on learning and practical knowledge, vocational and diploma courses could be the best career options after 10th grade for you.
These courses are designed to equip you with job-ready skills immediately upon completion. Unlike traditional science, commerce, and arts courses, which are often theoretical, vocational and diploma programs focus on practical skills that can be applied directly in industries.
Their shorter duration and affordability make these programs a popular choice among students seeking to enter the job market quickly.
Below is a list of vocational and diploma courses, along with the potential career roles associated.
Course name | Career roles | Skills acquired | Average annual salary |
Polytechnic Courses | Technician, Engineer Assistant |
|
INR 3 L |
ITI (Industrial Training Institutes) Courses | Electrician, Plumber, Welder |
|
INR 1.8 L |
Paramedical Courses | Lab Technician, Nurse Assistant |
|
INR 2.7 L |
Digital Marketing (Short-Term Course) | Digital Marketer, SEO Specialist, Social Media Manager | INR 2.5 L | |
Interior Design (Short-Term Course) | Interior Designer, Space Planner, Visual Merchandiser |
|
INR 3 L |
Event Management (Short-Term Course) | Event Coordinator, Wedding Planner, Conference Organizer |
|
INR 3.6 L |
Diploma in Electrical Engineering | Electrical Engineer Assistant, Electrician |
|
INR 2.16 L |
Diploma in Civil Engineering | Site Engineer, Civil Engineer Assistant |
|
INR 2.76 L |
Diploma in Automobile Engineering | Automobile Technician, Service Engineer |
|
INR 2.4 L |
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With rapid technological advancements, new-age career paths like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Digital Marketing, and Data Analytics are offering lucrative opportunities for students after the 10th grade. These fields focus on innovation, automation, and digital transformation, making them highly sought after in today's job market.
Below is a list of emerging career paths, their potential roles, key skills, and average annual salaries:
Course Name |
Career Roles |
Skills Acquired |
Average Annual Salary |
Diploma in Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning | AI Engineer, Data Scientist, ML Developer | Data Analysis, Python, Deep Learning | INR 6 L |
Digital Marketing Certification | Digital Marketer, SEO Specialist, Social Media Manager | Marketing Strategies, SEO, Content Creation | INR 3 L |
Job-ready program in Data Science & Analytics | Data Analyst, Business Intelligence Analyst | Data Visualization, SQL, Python | INR 5.5 L |
Cybersecurity Courses | Ethical Hacker, Cybersecurity Analyst | Network Security, Ethical Hacking, Risk Assessment | INR 5 L |
Cloud Computing | Cloud Engineer, DevOps Specialist | AWS, Azure, Cloud Architecture | INR 6 L |
Diploma in Robotics & Automation | Robotics Engineer, Automation Specialist | Robotics Programming, IoT, Embedded Systems | INR 5 L |
Want to explore high-paying career options after the 10th? Watch this insightful video to learn about emerging fields like AI, Digital Marketing, and more! Check it out here!
While a graduation degree is often preferred for many job roles, there are numerous career options after 10th across various industries in both the public and private sectors.
Additionally, if you have a passion for entrepreneurship, there are increasing opportunities to build your own business across different fields.
Moving on, let’s help you explore the career options after 10th, available in both the government and private sectors and discuss how entrepreneurship can also be a rewarding career path.
Government sectors such as railways and defense are popular career options after 10th grade.
Additionally, lower clerical positions in various government departments are often filled through SSC (Staff Selection Commission) exams. You can take a closer look at the different government sectors that recruit 10th grade graduates, along with the qualifications required for each role.
1. Railways
Indian Railways actively hires 10th grade graduates for various roles, including assistant loco pilots, railway track maintainers, ticket collectors, helpers, and technical staff.
The hiring is conducted through Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) examinations organized by the Ministry of Railways.
These exams include:
As you prepare for these exams, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the syllabus and current examination trends. Gaining a solid understanding of the subjects will be crucial to your success. Additionally, seeking guidance from experts can provide valuable insights to help you crack these exams.
Regarding work conditions, Indian Railways offers you a dynamic work environment, along with job security. With dedication and firm performance, you can climb the career ladder. The average salary earned for these roles is INR 2.52 L.
Did You Know? RRB Group D Has a Fixed Age Limit! To apply for RRB Group D recruitment, you must be between 18 and 36 years old. However, age relaxations apply for reserved categories, so check the official notification for details! |
2. Defense and Paramilitary Forces
The Indian defense forces could be one of the best career options after 10th. The different roles in defense include the following:
Each branch conducts its own recruitment exams, commonly referred to as the Matric Recruitment Exam. Recently, the government introduced the Agnipath scheme, which recruits candidates for a short duration of four years.
In addition to the written examination, you must also meet specific physical fitness and medical standards to qualify for recruitment.
To succeed in this career path, one must adhere to values such as discipline, physical fitness, and patriotism, which are the foundations of the defense sector.
3. Staff Selection Commission (SSC)
For good career options after 10th, you can take various exams conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC), including the following most noteworthy ones.
These examinations typically consist of a written test, followed by a skill test, if applicable for the position. Successfully clearing these exams can lead to roles as Grade C or Grade D staff in various government departments, providing you with job security.
To clear this exam, it is crucial to have a solid understanding of the exam syllabus and a good grasp of subjects such as reasoning, aptitude, and general studies.
4. Other Government Sector Jobs
Beyond the railways and defense sectors, there are numerous career options after 10th in various government departments, including the following.
Companies like BHEL, NTPC, and SAIL hire candidates for technician roles, providing a lucrative entry point into the workforce.
Additionally, the Department of Posts recruits postal assistants and sorting assistants, often seeking 10th-grade graduates for these positions.
Moreover, you can look for clerical positions in various government departments, ministries, and PSUs, further expanding your career options.
In terms of the recruitment process, most PSUs conduct their examinations, which may include trade-specific tests tailored to the position you are applying for. Written examinations are held for roles in the postal department, and some positions may require additional skill assessments, such as a stenography test.
In government departments, following roles can become suitable career options after 10th.
Beyond government sectors, you can also explore private sector career options after 10th grade.
To enhance your chances of securing a stable job, consider enrolling in diploma and vocational courses after completing your 10th grade. These skill-specific programs are designed to meet the demands of various industries, including IT, retail, manufacturing, construction, and hospitality.
Upon completing your diploma or vocational courses, you can pursue the following career roles.
These positions offer good career options after 10th in today’s expanding service sector. While salaries can vary significantly based on the industry and specific role, you can generally expect an average annual salary of INR 2.16 L.
Entrepreneurship is increasingly becoming one of the most popular career options after 10th, thanks in part to various government-led initiatives supporting new ventures.
If you complete a diploma or vocational course in areas like digital marketing, graphic design, catering, or event planning, you’ll be well-equipped to start your own business. The skills you acquire through vocational training will be invaluable, especially if you choose to work as a freelancer.
There are many exciting entrepreneurship ideas to consider, such as launching an online store, offering graphic design services, starting a home bakery, or diving into digital marketing.
To succeed in your entrepreneurial journey, it's essential to have a clear plan for managing your finances and marketing your business. This strategic approach will help ensure your business thrives in the long run.
Additionally, never underestimate the importance of continuous learning and upgrading your skills. Staying informed about industry trends and enhancing your abilities will be crucial for expanding your business and staying competitive.
Can’t decide which career option would be the best for you in the maze of so many career options after 10th? Fret not – upGrad’s free career counseling is here to help you. Book a call with our experts and put all your career dilemmas in the past.
‘After 10th, which course is best for me?’ – if this is your question too, you’re not the only one. It’s one of the most relevant questions when trying to choose rewarding career options after 10th grade.
While there are many criteria that can help you make the right decision, it is important to make the right choice at a crucial juncture in your life. Some of the tips on making the right choice for your future are given here.
Apart from these suggestions, you can explore additional tips for helping you choose the right career options after 10th.
In addition to the suggestions above, here are some tips that can help you choose the right career options after 10th grade.
Also Read: Career counseling for students
Choosing the right career options after 10th grade can shape your future. You must assess your interests and strengths before deciding to pursue science, commerce, humanities and arts, or vocational courses. Keep an eye on market trends and potential career opportunities that align with your aspirations.
If you are feeling uncertain about your decision, don’t hesitate to reach out to career upGrad’s career counseling experts. Our experts can help you make a choice that best suits your goals and ambitions.
Book a free consultation session now!
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Reference Links:
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