Completing Class 10 is a key turning point in your education. It’s time to decide what to study next, which will influence your career path. You can choose from Science, Commerce, Arts, or skill-based and tech courses based on your interests and goals. Many students feel confused at this stage, which is normal. After 10th grade, you have various options, each leading to different career opportunities. Some paths require years of study, while others offer quick, job-ready skills.
In this blog, we will outline the top career options after 10th grade, covering courses, potential roles, skills you will learn, and average salaries. This guide will help you make an informed decision for your future.
Choosing the right path after Class 10 can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially with multiple streams, course options, and career prospects to consider. Whether it’s understanding the different streams, identifying courses that match your interests, or exploring future job opportunities, having expert guidance can make the process much easier and more effective.
Need help deciding the right career path after Class 10?
Connect with invest4Edu Career Counselling today to get personalised guidance, expert advice on courses and streams, and support in making confident decisions for your future academic and career journey.
Choosing what to study after Class 10 is one of the most important decisions in a student’s life. It sets the direction for your future studies and career. Whether you are aiming for a professional degree, a creative career, or a job-oriented course, your choice of stream matters. Here's a list of courses after 10th, outlining popular courses and potential career outcomes.
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Stream |
Popular Courses After 10th |
Career Options |
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Science |
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Commerce |
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Arts & Humanities |
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Vocational & Diploma |
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Technology & Digital Fields |
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Science is a popular choice for students after Class 10, ideal for those curious about the world and interested in technical or medical fields. It opens up various career paths, including engineering, medicine, research, and aviation. Students can specialise in PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics), PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology), or PCMB (all four subjects). Additionally, professional diploma courses or applied science streams are available based on personal interests and career goals. Below is a table of common science courses after 10th, along with potential careers, skills acquired, and average salaries in India:
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Course Name |
Career Roles |
Required Skills |
Average Annual Salary |
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PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) |
Engineer (Civil, Mechanical, Computer, etc.), Pilot, Architect, Defence Services |
Logical reasoning, Numerical ability, Design thinking, Technical writing |
₹4 L – ₹12 L |
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PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) |
Doctor (MBBS), Dentist, Biologist, Pharmacist, Pathologist |
Empathy, Scientific observation, Biology concepts, Laboratory handling |
₹5 L – ₹15 L |
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PCMB (All four subjects) |
Biotech Researcher, Environmental Scientist, Biomedical Engineer |
Research analysis, Data handling, Interdisciplinary skills, Scientific communication |
₹5 L – ₹10 L |
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Diploma in Engineering (Polytechnic) |
Junior Engineer, Technical Officer, Maintenance Engineer, CAD Designer |
Mechanical skills, Tool usage, Project planning, Communication |
₹2.5 L – ₹6 L |
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Agricultural Science |
Agronomist, Horticulturist, Soil Scientist, Agricultural Officer |
Environmental awareness, Field data analysis, Sustainable practices |
₹3 L – ₹7 L |
If you enjoy numbers, managing money, and thinking analytically, consider choosing Commerce after Class 10. This stream leads to careers in accounting, finance, banking, taxation, business management, stock markets, and entrepreneurship. Commerce also lays the groundwork for professional qualifications like CA (Chartered Accountancy), CS (Company Secretary), CFA, and MBA. Students can select additional subjects such as Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Applications, or Legal Studies based on their interests. Here's a table summarising key commerce courses after the 10th, their career paths, essential skills, and average salaries in India:
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Course Name |
Career Roles |
Required Skills |
Average Annual Salary |
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Commerce with Accounts and Economics |
Chartered Accountant, Tax Consultant, Financial Analyst |
Accounting, Budgeting, Taxation, Economic reasoning |
₹6 – ₹10 LPA |
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Commerce with Business Studies |
Business Analyst, Management Trainee, Operations Executive |
Business planning, Organisational behaviour, Strategy |
₹5 – ₹9 LPA |
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Commerce with Mathematics |
Investment Banker, Risk Manager, Actuary, Data Analyst |
Logical reasoning, Statistics, Financial calculations |
₹6 – ₹12 LPA |
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CA Foundation Course |
CA Intern, Audit Assistant, Financial Consultant |
Accounting laws, Taxation, Auditing, Corporate finance |
₹4 – ₹12 LPA |
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Banking & Insurance Studies |
Bank Officer, Loan Consultant, Insurance Advisor |
Communication, Financial services, Customer relationship |
₹3.5 – ₹10 LPA |
The Arts or Humanities stream is ideal for students interested in reading, writing, and exploring cultures. It leads to careers in civil services, law, media, education, psychology, social work, and design. Arts education enhances critical thinking, communication skills, emotional intelligence, and creativity. After Class 12, you can pursue various programs in liberal art, journalism, languages, performing art, law, or social sciences. Here’s a summary of popular courses, careers, skills developed, and average salaries in India:
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Course Name |
Career Roles |
Required Skills |
Average Annual Salary |
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Psychology |
Counsellor, Therapist, Human Resources Executive |
Emotional intelligence, Observation, Empathy, Human behaviour analysis |
₹4 – ₹8 LPA |
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Political Science |
Civil Servant, Lawyer, Political Analyst |
General awareness, Argumentation, Research, Public policy understanding |
₹6 – ₹15 LPA |
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History & Sociology |
Teacher, Historian, NGO Worker, Researcher |
Cultural awareness, Writing, Research methodology |
₹3.5 – ₹7 LPA |
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Journalism & English Literature |
Journalist, Editor, Content Writer, Media Executive |
Communication, Writing, Storytelling, Critical analysis |
₹3 – ₹7 LPA |
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Performing Arts (Dance, Theatre, Music) |
Actor, Musician, Theatre Artist, Choreographer |
Stage presence, Confidence, Artistic expression, Coordination |
₹2.5 – ₹6 LPA |
Vocational and diploma courses prepare you for jobs after Class 10. They are ideal for hands-on learners who want to enter the workforce quickly or specialise in a field. These courses last 6 months to 3 years and are often more affordable than traditional education. Fields include engineering, fashion, hospitality, IT, mechanics, and beauty. After completing a course, you can start working or continue with further specialisation. Here's a summary of popular vocational and diploma courses after 10th, including careers, skills, and salary ranges:
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Course Name |
Career Roles |
Required Skills |
Average Annual Salary |
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ITI (Industrial Training Institute) Courses |
Electrician, Fitter, Welder, Mechanic |
Technical repair, Machine handling, Safety protocols, Tool operations |
₹2 – ₹6 LPA |
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Polytechnic Diploma (Engineering/Technology) |
Junior Engineer, CAD Designer, Lab Assistant |
Engineering basics, Technical drawing, Software use, Practical knowledge |
₹2.5 – ₹10 LPA |
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Fashion Designing Diploma |
Fashion Designer, Boutique Owner, Visual Merchandiser |
Sketching, Fabric knowledge, Design principles, Creativity |
₹3 – ₹6 LPA |
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Hotel Management Diploma |
Chef, Front Office Executive, Housekeeping Staff |
Culinary art, Guest service, Communication, Hospitality management |
₹3 – ₹5.5 LPA |
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Travel & Tourism Course |
Travel Consultant, Tour Guide, Ticketing Executive |
Planning tours, Client handling, Communication, Geography & culture knowledge |
₹2.5 – ₹4.5 LPA |
Technology is rapidly changing careers, and students can start preparing for high-demand digital fields after Class 10. Those tech-savvy who enjoy working with computers can develop skills through short certifications, online courses, or diploma programs. This approach is ideal for freelancing, remote work, and entering fast-growing sectors like IT, gaming, and digital marketing. Below is a table outlining some of the most critical careers in technology and digital fields after Class 10:
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Course Name |
Career Roles |
Required Skills |
Average Annual Salary |
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Digital Marketing |
SEO Specialist, Social Media Manager, Content Strategist |
Google Ads, SEO, Content creation, Analytics |
₹3 – ₹10 LPA |
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Graphic & UI Design |
Graphic Designer, UI/UX Designer, Visual Artist |
Adobe Suite, Colour theory, User experience design |
₹3.5 – ₹12 LPA |
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Web & App Development |
Front-End Developer, Full Stack Developer, App Developer |
HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React, App frameworks |
₹4 – ₹9 LPA |
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Data Science & Analytics (Basic) |
Junior Data Analyst, ML Intern, BI Trainee |
Python, Excel, Statistics, Data visualisation |
₹5 – ₹10 LPA |
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Animation & Game Design |
Animator, Game Designer, 3D Modeller |
Storyboarding, 3D animation, Gaming software |
₹3 – ₹7 LPA |
Choosing the right path after Class 10 is one of your most important decisions; it shapes your future studies and career. But it doesn't have to be overwhelming. With the right approach and support, you can make a confident and informed choice.
1. Follow Your Interests: Choose subjects you enjoy, not just what others are doing.
2. Understand Your Strengths: Knowing your strengths in maths, science, writing, or problem-solving can help you choose the right path.
3. Research Options: Use reliable resources to learn about each stream's subjects, career paths, and opportunities.
4. Think Long-Term: Choose a path that aligns with your future goals and aspirations, not just what seems easy.
5. Take Career Assessments: Consider psychometric or aptitude tests to find the best fit for your personality and skills.
Talking about Psychometric test, invest4Edu offers one of the best online psychometric tests for students that is just simple, scientific, and personalised. Continue reading to understand how invest4Edu's psychometric test can help you:
But that's not all.
After the test, you also get access to expert career counselling, where trained counsellors at invest4Edu will help you:
Whether you are confused between Science and Commerce, or unsure about vocational options, invest4Edu makes career planning after 10th easy and stress-free.
Class 10 marks the beginning of your future. The choices you make now will influence your higher education and career. Whether you pursue Science, Commerce, Arts, vocational training, or tech courses, choose a path that aligns with your interests and goals.
Take the time to explore your options, research thoroughly, and seek help when necessary. Tools like psychometric assessments and career counselling can provide clarity and boost your confidence in decision-making. Remember, there is no one “right” path - just the one that fits you best.