Top 15 Career Options After 12th Arts: Job Scope & Qualifications

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:

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 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. 

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