Career Options After 10th: Which Course is Best for You?

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

Career Options After 10th

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.

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Career Option After 10th: Science

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.

Career Option After 10th: Commerce

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.

Also Read: Top 10 best career options for science students

Career Option After 10th: Arts and Humanities

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.

Also Read: 25 best career options for commerce students

Career Option After 10th: Vocational and Diploma

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.

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Career Options After 10th: Emerging Fields in Technology & Digital Space

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:

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!

Job Opportunities After 10th

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.

• In the public sector, job openings exist in areas such as railways, defense, and paramilitary services, as well as junior clerical positions within government departments.
• Opportunities are available in the private sector in industries like sales, hospitality, and product maintenance, allowing you to enter the workforce based on your skills.

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 Jobs After 10th

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:

• RRB NTPC
• RRB Group D
• RRB ALP

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.

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:

• Soldiers Clerks
• Tradesmen
• Chefs
• Sailors
• Airmen 
• Ground-duty staff

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. 

• You can also consider opportunities in paramilitary forces like BSF, CRPF, and SSB, which offer a similar work environment to that of the defense forces. 
• For positions like constable or head constable in these forces, you will need to pass a written examination, followed by a physical standards test and a medical exam.

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.

• Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) Exam
• Combined Higher Secondary Level (CHSL) Exam
• Selection Posts Exam. 

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. 

• Take the time to carefully review the syllabus and identify the necessary study materials that will help you cover all the topics. 
• Consider enrolling in coaching institutes that specialize in preparing candidates for these types of exams. 

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.

• Department of Posts
• Public Sector Undertakings (PSU)
• Department of Forests

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.

• A technician in a PSU with average annual salary of INR 3.6 L
• Postal assistants with average annual salary of INR 4 L

Beyond government sectors, you can also explore private sector career options after 10th grade.

Private Sector Jobs After 10th

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.

• Sales associate
• Technician
• Civil engineer
• Hospital management trainee

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.

Starting Your Own Business

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.

How to Decide Your Career after 10th?

‘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.

• Understand personal strengths and interests: Choose the stream based on your career interests. Check if you can handle the course’s toughness.
• Evaluate the scope and demand in various streams: Choose the stream that offers the most diverse opportunities and high career growth.
• Give due importance to market demands: Check if the job market in the stream is growing or shrinking.
• Avoid making decisions based on peer pressure: Do not make decisions under pressure from parents or friends. Prioritize your interests above all.

Apart from these suggestions, you can explore additional tips for helping you choose the right career options after 10th.

Additional Tips for Choosing the Right Course After 10th

In addition to the suggestions above, here are some tips that can help you choose the right career options after 10th grade.

• Assess Your Academic Performance: If you have good marks in all subjects, you have the liberty to choose any stream.
• Seek Career Counseling: You can consult professionals for career advice. It can help you make the right choice.
• Consider Long-Term Career Goals: Consider taking up a career that has scope for the future. 
• Look at Future Job Market Trends: Jobs that are growing or will grow in the near future must be targeted. 

Also Read: Career counseling for students

Conclusion

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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