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Top 15 Career Options After 12th Arts: Explore Job Scope, Qualifications, and More

Top 15 Career Options After 12th Arts: Explore Job Scope, Qualifications, and More

Updated on 30 December, 2024

580.54K+ views

• 13 min read

Table of Contents

15 High Salary Career Options After 12th Arts
Which Course to Choose After 12th Arts?
Additional Qualifications Required for Arts Students After 12th
Conclusion

The arts stream in India has been garnering increased popularity. With the Indian education landscape increasingly recognizing the importance of arts streams and career opportunities, we witness a surge in aspirations to pursue careers in liberal arts and creative fields.

Statista reports an employment rate growth to 47.1 % for Bachelor of Arts graduates, from a rate of 19.1 5 rate in 2014. Although this is a comparatively slow growth rate, there has been mostly steady growth in employment, and art careers in India have been gaining more attention as new fields and technologies emerge.

When talking about career options after 12th arts, it entails a plethora of specializations, subjects, and career options. With such a vast range of options, you can feel overwhelmed. Thus, you must align your career outlook with your interests and inclinations to choose your career wisely.

In this article, we shall take a look at the highest-paying career options after 12th arts, so that you have a range of options to assess and choose your desired path. So, if you too are wondering “what to do after 12th arts”, keep reading!

Also Read: Career Options After 12th Commerce

15 High Salary Career Options After 12th Arts

Students coming from the arts or humanities stream can venture into multiple career opportunities. With its vast applicability across streams, an arts background can offer you employment opportunities in some of the most sought-after professions in India.

Also Read: Best Career Options After BA in 2025

Let’s take a deeper look at the 15 best career options after 12th arts in India:

1. Fashion Design

Fashion design is a creative and dynamic field where you design clothing, accessories, and footwear. It’s a great career for those passionate about style and innovation, offering opportunities in both the domestic and international fashion markets.

Average Annual Salary: 4.4 lakhs

Career Options

Fashion Designer
Textile Designer
Fashion Stylist
Fashion Consultant
Costume Designer

Courses

Bachelor of Design (Fashion Design)
BA in Fashion Design
Diploma in Textile Design

Skills Required

Creativity and innovation
Attention to detail
Knowledge of fashion trends
Strong sketching and design skills

2. Digital Marketing

Digital marketing involves promoting products or services using digital channels like social media, SEO, SEM, email marketing, and content creation. This rapidly growing field offers immense career opportunities due to the rise of online businesses and e-commerce.

Average Annual Salary: 6.23 lakhs

Career Options

Digital Marketing Manager
SEO Specialist
Social Media Manager
Content Marketing Manager
PPC Expert

Courses

BBA in Digital Marketing
Diploma in Digital Marketing
Certification in SEO/SEM

Skills Required

Strong analytical skills
Knowledge of social media platforms
Creativity in content creation
SEO/SEM expertise

3. Law

Law offers a range of career opportunities for students after 12th. As a lawyer, you can specialize in criminal, corporate, or civil law. Legal professionals are in high demand, offering a rewarding career in terms of both prestige and financial compensation.

Average Annual Salary: 6 lakhs

Career Options

Advocate
Corporate Lawyer
Legal Consultant
Judge
Legal Advisor

Courses

LLB (Bachelor of Laws)
5-year Integrated Law Course (BA LLB)
MA in Law

Skills Required

Critical thinking and problem-solving
Strong communication skills
Analytical ability
Attention to detail

4. Fine Arts

Fine arts is a broad field encompassing various forms of artistic expression such as painting, sculpture, and photography. It’s an excellent career for creative individuals who want to pursue their passion in art while also finding ways to make a living.

Average Annual Salary: 5.08 lakhs

Career Options

Artist
Sculptor
Illustrator
Art Curator
Art Teacher

Courses

BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts)
BA in Fine Arts
Diploma in Art and Design

Skills Required

Creativity and artistic vision
Technical skills in various art forms
Patience and perseverance
Knowledge of art history

5. Interior Design

Interior design focuses on enhancing the interiors of residential, commercial, or industrial spaces. It combines aesthetics with functionality to create comfortable, visually appealing environments. Interior designers can work in various sectors, from homes to hotels.

Average Annual Salary: 4.2 lakhs

Career Options

Interior Designer
Furniture Designer
Lighting Designer
Interior Architect
Design Consultant

Courses

B.Des in Interior Design
BArch (Architecture)
Diploma in Interior Design

Skills Required

Creativity and attention to detail
Space planning skills
Knowledge of design software
Strong visualization skills

6. Business Administration

Business Administration focuses on managing and overseeing business operations and processes. It’s an excellent choice for those interested in leadership, organizational management, and running companies or departments.

Average Annual Salary: 7.5 lakhs

Career Options

Business Analyst
Project Manager
Operations Manager
Entrepreneur
Marketing Manager

Courses

BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration)
MBA (Master of Business Administration)
Diploma in Business Management

Skills Required

Leadership and management skills
Analytical and strategic thinking
Time management
Financial literacy

7. Event Management

Event management involves planning, organizing, and executing events such as weddings, corporate events, conferences, and exhibitions. It requires excellent organizational skills and creativity, as well as the ability to manage teams and budgets.

Average Annual Salary: 4.9 lakhs

Career Options

Event Planner
Wedding Coordinator
Event Marketing Manager
Exhibition Manager
Event Operations Coordinator

Courses

Diploma in Event Management
BBA in Event Management
Certificate in Wedding Planning

Skills Required

Strong organizational skills
Multitasking and problem-solving
Excellent communication
Budget management

8. Hospitality Management

Hospitality management focuses on managing hotels, restaurants, and other tourism-related businesses. With the growing tourism industry in India, it offers an exciting career with high growth prospects in customer service and operations.

Average Annual Salary: 4.4 lakhs

Career Options

Hotel Manager
Restaurant Manager
Event Coordinator
Travel Consultant
Concierge Services Manager

Courses

BHM (Bachelor of Hotel Management)
Diploma in Hospitality Management
MBA in Hospitality Management

Skills Required

Customer service excellence
Time management
Communication skills
Leadership and team management

9. Journalism and Mass Media

A career in journalism and mass media allows you to work in news reporting, editing, and producing content for television, print, and digital platforms. With the rise of digital media, this field offers diverse and dynamic opportunities.

Average Annual Salary: 4.2 lakhs

Career Options

Journalist
News Anchor
Content Writer
Media Planner
Broadcast Producer

Courses

BA in Journalism
MA in Mass Communication
Diploma in Media Studies

Skills Required

Strong writing and communication skills
Research abilities
Analytical thinking
Public speaking

10. Filmmaking

Filmmaking is an exciting career for those interested in the creative arts and storytelling. It involves directing, producing, and editing films, documentaries, or web series. The industry is growing rapidly, with diverse roles in production and post-production.

Average Annual Salary: 4.5 lakhs

Career Options

Film Director
Cinematographer
Film Editor
Screenwriter
Film Producer

Courses

BFA in Film Production
Diploma in Cinematography
Certificate in Filmmaking

Skills Required

Creativity and storytelling skills
Technical knowledge of film equipment
Attention to detail
Strong communication

11. Psychology

Psychology is the study of the human mind and behavior. A degree in psychology opens up careers in counseling, therapy, research, or organizational psychology. This field offers rewarding roles that help people improve their mental health and well-being.

Average Annual Salary: 4.08 lakhs

Career Options

Clinical Psychologist
Counseling Psychologist
HR Psychologist
School Counselor
Researcher

Courses

BA/MA in Psychology
MSc in Counseling Psychology
Diploma in Clinical Psychology

Skills Required

Empathy and active listening
Analytical skills
Communication
Research ability

12. Social Work

Social work focuses on helping individuals, families, and communities improve their well-being. Social workers can work in various settings, including NGOs, hospitals, schools, and government agencies.

Average Annual Salary: 4.5 lakhs

Career Options

Social Worker
Community Development Officer
Healthcare Social Worker
Child Welfare Worker
Rehabilitation Specialist

Courses

BA in Social Work
MSW (Master of Social Work)
Diploma in Social Welfare

Skills Required

Empathy and compassion
Communication and counseling skills
Organizational skills
Problem-solving

13. Photography

Photography is a creative and technical career that involves capturing moments through a camera. From photojournalism to fashion or wedding photography, it offers flexibility and the opportunity to work as a freelancer or with big agencies.

Average Annual Salary: 4.2 lakhs

Career Options

Photographer
Photojournalist
Fashion Photographer
Event Photographer
Product Photographer

Courses

Diploma in Photography
BA in Visual Arts
Certificate in Digital Photography

Skills Required

Creative eye for composition
Technical knowledge of cameras
Attention to detail
Photo editing skills

14. Education Training

Education and training offer rewarding careers for those interested in teaching, mentoring, and guiding others. It spans traditional teaching roles as well as corporate training and educational consultancy.

Average Annual Salary: 3 lakhs

Career Options

Teacher
Educational Consultant
Corporate Trainer
Curriculum Developer
Educational Administrator

Courses

B.Ed (Bachelor of Education)
MA in Education
Diploma in Educational Psychology

Skills Required

Strong communication and presentation
Patience and empathy
Organizational skills
Subject expertise

15. Foreign Language

Foreign language experts are in demand in sectors like translation, international business, tourism, and education. Mastery in languages such as French, Spanish, Chinese, or German opens up global career opportunities.

Average Annual Salary: 6 lakhs

Career Options

Translator
InterpreterLanguage Trainer
Content Writer (for foreign languages)
International Business Consultant

Courses

BA in Foreign Languages
Certificate in Translation
Diploma in Language Studies

Skills Required

Proficiency in foreign languages
Cultural knowledge
Translation skills
Communication

Which Course to Choose After 12th Arts?

Right after high school, you are required to make some carefully thought-out decisions and career paths that suit you the best. Choosing the right course after the 12th grade is a serious decision that requires you to consider your aspirations, your dream jobs, and your inclinations towards a particular career field.

You also need to consider external factors of market demand and growth opportunities so that your chosen career path fulfills your long-term goals. Thus, it is recommended that you weigh your options, do your research, and seek expert consultations if need be to make a solid decision in this regard.

Refer to the following list of best courses after 12th arts and their equivalent career options:

Top Courses After 12th Arts	Top Job Roles
BA (English)	Content Writer Editor Teacher
BA (Psychology)	Clinical Psychologist Counselor HR Professional
BA (Sociology)	Social Worker Policy Analyst Community Service Manager
BA (Political Science)	Political Analyst Public Relations Officer Civil Servant
BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts)	Artist Sculptor Art Teacher
BA (History)	Historian Archaeologist Museum Curator
BJMC (Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication)	Journalist News Anchor Media Planner
BBA(Bachelor of Business Administration)	Business Consultant Marketing Manager Entrepreneur
B.Des (Fashion Design)	Fashion Designer Fashion Stylist Textile Designer

Tips on Choosing the Right Course After 12th Arts

If you are feeling lost in terms of determining the right career path after the arts stream in 12th, you may use the following tips to choose the right course for yourself. By considering these factors, you will be able to have more clarity on your options and aspirations:

Aligning Course With Interests and Strengths: This tip can come in quite handy for prospective undergraduate students. You can analyze your academic strengths, different fields, and skills you are interested in and accordingly align that with your choice of course to begin your undergraduate studies.
Researching Career Prospects Before Choosing: Before finalizing your course, you need to make sure that you are well aware of your career prospects post completing that course. Try to educate yourself about the course demand, popular job roles, growth prospects as well as earning potential.
Industry trends and future-proofing choice: As the work landscape advances, a lot of job roles inculcate transferable skills and a lot of them require continuous learning due to emerging trends in them. You should consider if your field of choice is expected to see a growth in demand rate or a decline in terms of course relevance.
Consider job flexibility and skill development: This is quite a crucial component in today’s job scenario. It is not imperative that you only stick to one job role in a set field. You can opt for courses that have a rather broad scope and can allow for smoother job transitions, in case you acquire newer interests in your career progressions.

Also check out: How to Create a Standout Resume for Freshers

Additional Qualifications Required for Arts Students After 12th

Owing to a demand for multi-skilled professionals, art students too are recommended to work on skill development and pursue additional qualifications.

This tactic will lead to enhanced employability and ensure long-term career growth and adaptability in a competitive job market. Below is a list of some additional qualifications and skills for Arts students and why are they useful:

1. Digital Marketing

To develop and execute digital campaigns across platforms
To optimize content for SEO and SEM to drive web traffic
For analyzing digital performance metrics to improve marketing strategies

Avail industry-relevant skills with upGrad’s Online Digital Marketing Courses!

2. Communication Skills

Crafting clear and persuasive messages for different audiences
Excelling in both verbal and written forms of communication
Building effective relationships through active listening and empathy

Head over to this page to benefit from our Communication Courses!

3. Project Management

Organizing, planning, and executing projects efficiently
Coordinating teams and resources to meet deadlines and objectives
Managing budgets and tracking project progress effectively

Enroll in upGrad’s PMP Training Course to begin your journey towards a lucrative job!

4. Data Analysis

Interpreting data to identify trends and insights
Using data to make informed decisions in various fields
Enhancing problem-solving capabilities through statistical analysis

Be sure to check out our Data Analysis courses to master this in-demand skill!

5. Creative Thinking and Problem-Solving

Generating innovative ideas for complex challenges.
Thinking outside the box to develop unique solutions.
Combining artistic and analytical thinking to overcome obstacles

Enroll in upGrad’s Problem Solving Skills Course and gain a free certificate!

Conclusion

The above text aimed at providing some of the best career options after 12th Arts. As we looked at various career fields, courses, and popular job roles, we hope your query on arts stream career options after 12th was answered.

You can effectively utilize all the information available to you, and make analytical and informed decisions that will lay the foundation for your future career.

In this age of technology and ease of information access, you should certainly use it to your advantage and consider each aspect of your interest, your future options, lucrative opportunities as well as future demand of your desired role.

And, in addition to your mainstream academic courses, you must take an extra step to work on skill development and relevant cross-functional skills that can help you build a solid career profile.

If you are looking to explore skill development courses, you may check our upGrad’s range of free courses in domains like management, digital marketing, soft skills, data science as well as AI.

If you want to benefit from our expert guidance, book a free 1:1 counseling session with us now! We will help you figure out the best options for you to secure high-paying jobs in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I pursue engineering after 12th Arts?

No, with an arts stream, you cannot pursue traditional engineering courses directly. An engineering stream requires a strong foundation in 12th-grade level science and mathematics, However, they can explore fields like Animation, Graphic Design, or Web Design that incorporate technical skills within creative industries.

2. How to become a journalist after 12th Arts?

To become a journalist, you can pursue a Bachelor's degree in Journalism (BJMC). Journalists work in print media, broadcast, digital media, and public relations, covering news, stories, and other media-related tasks.

3. What are the career options in the government sector after 12th Arts?

After 12th Arts, you can pursue careers in civil services (IAS, IPS), Indian Foreign Services, police services, government teaching roles, administrative positions, and work with public sector undertakings (PSUs). Further, you can also work with NITI Aayog, and other ministries when they have any internship vacancies and upon gaining relevant experience, target full-time positions as well.

4. What are the job opportunities in social work after 12th Arts?

After 12th Arts, you can pursue a Bachelor’s in Social Work (BSW). Careers include social workers, counselors, policy researchers, NGO workers, or community service managers in both government and private organizations.

5. How to become a teacher after 12th Arts?

You can become a teacher after 12th Arts by pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Education (B.Ed) followed by teaching positions in schools, colleges, or private tutoring, specializing in subjects like English, History, or Political Science. With the implementation of the NEP, you can also directly enroll in a 4-year undergraduate degree called ITEP (Integrated Teacher Education Programme after your 12th grade.

6. Can I pursue animation after 12th Arts?

Yes, you can pursue animation after 12th Arts by enrolling in animation courses or a degree in multimedia or digital arts. You can then avail career options in 3D animation, visual effects (VFX), and gaming.

7. How to pursue event management after 12th Arts?

Event management can be pursued through specialized diplomas or degrees. After 12th Arts, you can enter this field as an event planner, coordinator, wedding planner, or corporate event manager.

8. How can go for a career in foreign languages after 12th Arts?

After your 12th from an arts stream, you can enroll in foreign language target courses. For instance, you can enroll in UG courses or diploma courses in foreign languages like French, Spanish, German, or Mandarin. You need to clear proficiency certificates and examinations, preferably a B2 level to open career opportunities in foreign languages. Careers include translation, interpretation, international business consultancy, and language teaching.

9. How to develop leadership skills after 12th Arts?

Leadership skills can be developed by taking on responsibility in group projects, organizing events, volunteering for leadership roles, and participating in student councils. These activities help in managing teams and making decisions, valuable for future managerial or entrepreneurial roles.

10. Why is digital marketing an essential skill for Arts students?

Digital marketing is a valuable skill because it allows Arts students to promote businesses, brands, or personal projects online. With the rise of digital platforms, skills in SEO, content marketing, and social media are essential for careers in marketing, media, and entrepreneurship.

11. What is the scope of political science after 12th Arts?

Political Science allows for a vast career scope as it opens up careers in government services, public relations, international relations, political consultancy, or civil services. You can pursue a BA in Political Science and specialize in foreign affairs, public policy, or law.

References:

https://www.statista.com/statistics/738219/employability-among-arts-graduates-india/
https://emeritus.org/in/learn/career-options-after-12th-arts/
https://trainings.internshala.com/blog/courses-after-twelve-arts-high-salary/
https://www.foundit.in/career-advice/career-options-after-12th-arts/
https://www.payscale.com/research/IN/Job=Digital_Marketing_Manager/Salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/fashion-designer-salary
https://www.payscale.com/research/IN/Degree=Bachelor_of_Fine_Arts_(BFA)/Salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/interior-designer-salary
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/business-administrator-salary-SRCH_KO0,22.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/foreign-language-specialist-salary-SRCH_KO0,27.htm
https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/foreign-language-specialist-salary-SRCH_KO0,27.htm
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/interior-designer-salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/social-worker-salary
https://www.payscale.com/research/IN/Job=Psychologist/Salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/film-maker-salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/event-manager-salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/hotel-manager-salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/journalist-salary