After the 10th grade, a student's career begins to take shape. With so many options and suggestions available to students, one common question that arises in every student's mind is "What next after 10th?" Science, commerce, or the arts? Many students are perplexed by this.

Every field provides numerous career opportunities, but choosing the right stream in which students are interested should be the primary concern because each student has a unique set of skills, strengths, and weaknesses, so making the right decision that can help you blossom in your career is critical as any bad decision can have long-term consequences. Here are some pointers to assist students in making sound decisions and moving toward their objectives.
 

Steps to avoid while choosing a career after 10th

● Following the crowd/friends – This is a very common error that the majority of students make unknowingly. Many students simply choose a stream because their friends have chosen it. It is critical that you pursue the field in which you are most passionate rather than following the majority of students.

● Lack of knowledge – There are a plethora of career options after class10th. If we go back 10-20 years ago, there were very few career options to choose from. But now the scenario is completely different.

Choosing the right Stream:

Science - If technology fascinates you and you have a flair for numbers, then taking science after 10th would be a wise option.

● If you want to make a mark for yourself in the medical field, you can opt for Physics, Chemistry, Maths, Biology (PCM-B).

● Now there are many students who don’t like Maths. Either they are afraid of Maths or Maths doesn’t interest them. Don’t worry, if you want to become a doctor, then knowing Maths is not necessary. You can easily opt for Physics, Chemistry, Biology (PCB).

● You can opt for Physics, Chemistry, Maths (PCM).

● There are multiple career options available for science stream after 10th class.

 

Commerce – Do you like numbers? Did you enjoy studying economics in 10th? Does finance fascinate you? If your answer is yes then Commerce is for you.

● The core subjects of commerce are – Business Economics, Accountancy, Business Study and Business Law. Not just these, but you will have exposure to income tax, accounting, marketing, and other related subjects. And of course, the language subject will be compulsory.

● Career prospects in Commerce are huge just as Science.

● A student can go for a career or further studies in Management (BBA/BMS), Economics, Actuarial Science (analysis of risk across various fields. Ex, insurance, business, finance, and healthcare), Chartered Accountancy, Finance, Bank PO, Cost and Management Accounting, Stockbroking, Statistics, and many more. There are lots of thriving options on hand.

Arts/Humanities – Though this stream is least preferred it offers some exciting and interesting career options.

● If you are a student who is creative and wants to dive deep into humanity, then arts is the stream for you.

● With a great number of choices to study, arts offers a wide range of options that are no less in comparison to science and commerce.

● Students can study sociology, history, literature, psychology, political science, philosophy, economics, etc along with compulsory language subjects.

● Students can further specialize in a field of their choice (based on the subjects they studied in Class XII) or start their career in Teaching, Writing, Journalism, Psychology, Literature, Fine arts, Political Science, Economics, etc.

 

Institute of Industrial Trading (ITI) Courses

● ITI is a division of the Directorate General of Employment and Training (DGET).

● It is a government-run training institution that educates students and prepares them for careers in a variety of industries.

● Mechanical work, electronics, information technologies, fabrication, automobile, diesel mechanics, lift mechanics, computer software, sheet metal, electrical, plumbing, and wiring are all areas where training will be provided.

● It is comparable to a diploma, but the course duration varies. Certain courses are six months long, while others are two years long.

● The training prepares students for employment, and trained students will contribute to the manpower pool in the industry in which they work.

 

Short-term Certificate Courses

● These are courses that typically last three to six or twelve months and are designed to equip learners with job-ready skills.

● Several courses fall under this category, including the Diploma in Computer Applications, the Certificate Course in Web Designing, the Certification Course in SEO (Search Engine Optimization)/Digital Marketing, the Diploma in Graphic Designing, the Certificate Program in Microsoft Office, the Diploma in 2D and 3D Animation, and the Certificate Course in Programming Language (JAVA, C, C++).

● The courses are offered in response to market trends; they assist students in refining and enhancing their skills; and they provide certificates upon completion of the course, which can aid in obtaining the desired job.

 

Vocational Training/ Courses

● As with short term courses, these are career-oriented programmes that last approximately one or two years and impart technical skills necessary for employment.

● Numerous courses are offered, including Fashion Designing, DTP, Jewellery Designing, and a Diploma in Insurance and Marketing.

 

Diploma in Polytechnic

● Polytechnic Diploma courses are post-class X or XII diploma courses. It is a three-year programme that prepares students to enter the workforce or to pursue a B.E/B.Tech degree as a lateral entrant.

● The three-year course offers a variety of study options, including mechanical engineering, computer science, civil engineering, automobile engineering, biotechnology, agriculture, architecture, textile technology, chemical technology, marine technology, and biomedicine.

 

Courses in Paramedicine

● The paramedical branch is associated with the allied healthcare sector, and similar to medical courses, paramedical courses offer excellent career opportunities.

● This course prepares students for careers as healthcare professionals and technicians.

● The healthcare industry is enormous, and the roles available are numerous.

● Not only doctors and nurses work behind the scenes to keep the industry running smoothly.

● Healthcare workers are in high demand both in India and abroad.

 

Interests/ Hobbies

● Analyze your interests and follow your heart. Which subject most excites you? What activities do you truly enjoy? Which subject captures your interest and compels you to learn more about it?

● There may be one or two or more subjects that excite you.

● After listing the subjects, consider your intention for each.

● You should have the necessary skills to comprehend the subject and demonstrate your value to it.

 

Government Job Opportunities after 10th

● After completing the tenth standard, students can join the military. There are entry-level technical and non-technical positions available, and students must pass a job-related examination. Those who pass the exam will be invited to advance to the next round.

● Apart from defence, there are numerous other government jobs that require candidates to have completed the tenth standard. Each year, thousands of jobs are advertised in newspapers, online job boards, and via referrals.

● Vacancies are frequently advertised by departments such as the Staff Selection Commission, the Railways, the Police, and state governments.

● Apart from these, there are data entry and clerk jobs that recruit candidates who have completed the tenth standard.


Choosing a career is a significant decision in one's life. Making the right decision at the right time will enable you to reach the pinnacle of success in a short period of time. Thus, it is critical for students to select a field that matches their skills, interests, and abilities. Choose a career that fits your abilities and interests.