Best Career Options After 10th in India 2025

Choosing the right career path after 10th grade is essential, as it shapes your professional journey and opens or limits future opportunities.

The impact of selecting the right career path after 10th is huge as it lays the foundation for a better professional future.

The decisions made at this stage lay the foundation for your skills, knowledge, and overall career growth. 

According to the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), over 68% of students in India successfully continue their education beyond 10th grade, showcasing the growing awareness of career options and the benefits of making well-informed decisions.

This guide provides insights into various paths, including:

1. Best Career Options after 10th for Science, Commerce, and Arts students, covering fields suited to diverse interests and strengths.
2. Diploma Courses offering practical skills and quicker job readiness.
3. High-Paying Career Options, featuring jobs with strong earning potential.
4. How to Choose the Right Career Path After 10th, a section to help align career choices with personal goals.

These sections aim to empower you with knowledge, helping you select a path that fits your aspirations and ambitions.

Best Career Options After 10th

Some career options are worth considering once you finish your 10th board. The popular options are listed below.

1. Intermediate or 12th Boards

This is the path the majority of students take. You choose between science, arts, and commerce and stick to it.

Depending on your interest, those taking up the science stream can choose a combination of subjects to help them craft their future career path.

For example, those thinking of attempting the medical profession can ignore maths as a subject and take up PCB (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology) instead.

Similarly, someone hoping to take up engineering can ignore biology and go for PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Maths). The same is applicable for arts or commerce, where one can choose subjects based on their future career plans.

List of Career options after 10th in Science stream

The Science stream includes subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.

Here is a list of career options after 10th in science streams:

• Digital Marketing
• Medical (Allopathy and other traditional medicine streams) and allied sciences
• Pure Science – Physics, Chemistry, etc
• Agriculture and allied streams
• IT and computer science
• Biotechnology
• Dental Science

List of Career options after 10th in Commerce stream

Commerce is the second most popular career option in 10th after science.

If you are interested in making a career in finance and economics, you must go for the Commerce stream.

Here is a list of Commerce Career Options After 10th:

• Digital Marketing
• Commerce
• Management
• CA (Chartered Accountants)
• Marketing Management
• CS (Company Secretaries)
• Finance Management
• International Business Management
• Operation Management
• Banker
• Risk and Insurance management
• Computer Application

List of Career options after 10th in Arts/ Humanities stream

Arts or humanities is the other career option after science & commerce.

Students deal with many subjects, such as History, Geography, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Human Resources, journalism, etc.

Here is a list of career options after 10th in arts/humanities streams:

Here is a list of Arts Career Option after 10th:

• Digital Marketing
• Arts/ Humanities
• Other Professional Courses
• Law Courses
• Photography
• Animation & Multimedia
• Animation
• Fashion Technology
• Fine Arts
• Aviation & Hospitality Management
• Interior Designing
• Hotel Management & Catering
• Mass Communications

Also, Read- Best career options after 12th

2. Polytechnic

Polytechnic is a diploma course for those who have already determined they want to pursue a technical career. It is a 3-year course that offers various career options in engineering-related fields.

You can even choose to pursue a full-fledged engineering course after you complete your diploma course.

Polytechnic Courses After 10th

Computer Programming	Civil engineering
Information technology	Mechanical engineering
Instrumentation engineering	Metallurgical Engineering
Automobile engineering	Biotechnology Engineering

3. Industrial Training

This is a specific trade training for those wishing to take up blue-collared jobs such as being a plumber, an electrician, a mechanic, etc.

It is a 2-year course within the engineering sphere and is provided by many certified institutes across the country. Ultimately, one must pass the All India Trade Test to be certified as a professional.

Industrial Courses After 10th

Fashion Design & Technology	Insurance Agent	Computer Operator and Programming Artists
Tool and Die Maker Engineering	Pump Operator	Mechanical engineering
Diesel Mechanic Engineering	Fitter engineering	Dressmaking
Electrician	Radiology Technician	Digital Photographer

4. Paramedical Course

Graduation is not mandatory for much paramedical work needs in the Healthcare field. They can be performed by any certified professional under the supervision of a fully qualified medical professional.

After 10th, 2-year courses such as Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology, Diploma in Ophthalmic Technology, or Diploma in Hospital Food Service Management are considered good enough to enter the field.

Paramedical Courses After 10th

Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology	Diploma in Ophthalmic Technology	Diploma in Hospital Food Service Management
Diploma in hearing language and speech	Diploma in Operation Theatre Technology	Diploma in ECG technology
Diploma in physiotherapy	Diploma in Nursing Care Assistance	Diploma in Radiography and Medical Imaging
Diploma in Dialysis Technology	Diploma in anesthesia technology	Diploma in Medical Record Technology

5. Computer Course

Thanks to the IT revolution in India, Computer Courses are a rage across the country, as are the pouring job opportunities.

These are usually 3-12 month courses on in-demand technologies such as digital marketing, graphic design, animation, MS Office, web-designing, Photoshop, SEO, and programming languages such as Python, Java, etc.

These courses are available both offline and online and are targeted mostly at youth hoping to land a job upon completion.

Computer Courses After 10th

Digital Marketing Course	Web designing Course	SEO Course
Data Analytics Course	AI and Machine Learning Course	Cyber Security Course
Social Media Marketing Course	Coding Languages Courses like Java, Python	3D Animation Course`
Video Editing Courses	Data Science Course	Blockchain Course

6. Vocational Course

Vocational Courses are the other short-term courses to find a job immediately after completing their 10th. There are courses on preschooling, travel and tourism, insurance and marketing, banking and other financial avenues, etc.

To explore and start a career in marketing in India, explore our comprehensive guide on the best career options in marketing in 2025.

Vocational Courses After 10th

Digital Marketing Course	Web Designing Course	SEO Course
Data Analytics Course	Hospitality Management Courses	Fashion Designing Course
Social Media Marketing Course	Diploma in Interior Decoration	Event Management Course`
Video Editing Courses	Data Science Course	Polytechnic Aeronautical Engineering
Diploma in Food and Beverages	Diploma in Interior Decoration	Diploma in Photography

7. Staff Selection Commission

SSC conducts 10th-level examinations to hire for non-technical posts such as library clerk, office operator, or technical operator.

It is an all-India, competitive examination conducted by SSC, and those who can clear all the multiple stages are hired.

There are also quite a few direct job opportunities after completing their 10th boards. Many of these are employment drives conducted by the government of India and the Indian Army. Some are listed below.

Indian Army

Indian Army is one of the top recruiters in the country. There are quite a few avenues to pursue within the Indian Army after their 10th board exams. Some of these are soldiers in Technical Cadre, Nursing Trainee, and General Trainees.

Indian Navy

Like the Indian Army, the Indian navy also has quite a few positions, such as Dock Yard Apprentices, Artificer Apprentices, etc., available for those who have passed their 10th boards.

This is one of the most prestigious career options after 10th that one has access to.

Coast Guard

Indian Coast Guard hires for positions such as Motor Transport Driver for 10th pass candidates.

State Police

Different state (and often central) police forces hire 10th pass candidates as constables. One can gradually rise up the ranks and earn their badges over the years.

Railways

Railway Recruitment Board conducts all India exams to hire 10th pass candidates for Apprentice positions.

NITI Aayog

This government thinks tank hires 10th pass candidates for the library clerk or dispatch rider position.

8. Private Sector

Sales

Jobs in the sales domain tend to be target-oriented. On the ground level, sales staff are expected to know the products and have an amicable demeanor. If your networking and communication skills are solid, there is scope to grow in this field.

Ground Staff in Airports

Airlines often hire cargo executives and ground staff; the requirement isn’t for a high-level graduate.

Cargo executives are expected to keep track of the loading and unloading of passenger cargo to the plane, whereas ground staff is needed to maintain order. It is a prestigious job profile with enormous scope for career growth.

Office Assistant

Every office needs its ground-level staff to do their job well for the proper functioning of the organization as a whole.

Office assistants are crucial to the smooth operation of any office, and as a result, the job profile comes with tremendous scope for vertical growth. Most offices hire assistants from the 10th or 12th pass background.

Wait Staff in Restaurants

You do not need a very high level of expertise at the lower levels, which is why a 10th level certificate is enough to find your footing in the restaurant industry as a waiter.

Many wait staff has earned experience over the years and moved on to managing establishments. This is one of the career options after 10th with a bright career growth trajectory.

Data Entry

Data entry jobs do not need a high level of expertise and are often done online from the comfort of one’s home. Although they do not have bright career growth, they can be part-time options while trying to find a more suitable career.

Customer Care Executive

BPOs hire a huge chunk of the young population. There is a serious career growth path in this career, and charm and conversational skills matter more than educational qualifications.

As far as choosing from the best career options after 10th goes, this is one of the more promising ones that involve you starting a job immediately after.

Most Popular courses after 10th

If you aim to pursue a course after 10th standard, many courses are offered across various fields of study.

Here are some most popular courses after 10th standard-

Popular Courses After 10th

Digital Marketing Course	Web Designing Course	SEO Course
Language Courses	Diploma in Digital Film Making	Hospitality & Service Management
Diploma in 3D Animation	Graphics Designing	Diploma in IT
Certificate in Fashion Design	Certificate in Interior Design	Diploma in Advertising and Media
Photography & Videography	Mass Communication and Journalism	Diploma in Fine Arts
Diploma in Education	Diploma in Psychology	Diploma in Elementary Education

Also Read- Best career options after graduation

Diploma Courses

Students can gain valuable experience and knowledge in their chosen field without committing to a full-time degree program by enrolling in diploma courses after the 10th.

Universities generally provide straightforward admission processes, requiring students to fill out admission forms.

Individuals who have completed their 12th class can opt for these courses on either a full-time or part-time basis, allowing them to get a head start in various industries before pursuing more advanced studies.

1. Diploma in Fashion Technology

A Diploma in Fashion Technology after 10th is an educational program designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of various aspects of the fashion industry.

This diploma course typically covers a range of subjects related to fashion, textiles, design, and technology.

Admission processes may vary among institutes. Typically, interested candidates must fill out application forms provided by the respective institutes. Admission might be based on merit, entrance exams, or both.

Course Name	Diploma in Fashion Technology
Course Eligibility	10th Pass
Course Duration	1-3 Years
Course Fees	Rs. 1,00,000 to Rs. 5,00,000
Top Colleges	Pearl Academy, New Delhi NIFT Navi Mumbai Vogue Institute of Fashion and Design World University of Design International Institute of Fashion Technology (IIFT) Madras Institute of Fashion Technology JD Institute of Fashion Technology International Institute of Fashion Design (INIFD)
Job Opportunities	Fashion Designer Fashion Stylist Pattern Maker Visual Merchandiser Fashion Retailer Fashion Columnist Fashion Coordinator Sketching Assistant

2. Diploma in Hotel Management

A Diploma in Hotel Management is an excellent career choice after 10th for students interested in hospitality and cooking.

It is an educational program designed to provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue a career in the hospitality and hotel industry.

This diploma course typically covers a broad range of subjects related to hotel operations, management, and hospitality services.

Course Name	Diploma in Hotel Management
Course Eligibility	10th Pass
Course Duration	1-3 Years
Types of Diplomas	Diploma in Food and Beverage Production Diploma in Food and Catering Technology Diploma in Front Office Operations Diploma in Hotel Management and Catering Technology Diploma in Hotel and Hospitality Management
Course Fees	Rs. 50,000 – Rs. 4,00,000
Top Colleges	IHM Kolkata IHM Bangalore SRM Institute of Hotel Management, Chennai ICE College of Hotel Management & Catering Technology, Pune Prayag Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology IHM Pusa, New Delhi ICE College of Hotel Management & Catering Technology, Pune JBIHM Kolkata RIMT University, Punjab Tantia University, Rajasthan
Job Opportunities	Chef Hotel Manager Housekeeping Manager Catering Manager Operations Manager Banquet Manager Event Coordinator Food and Beverage Manager Restaurant Manager

3. Diploma in Graphic Designing

A Diploma in Graphic Designing is an educational program designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge required for a career in graphic design after 10th.

Graphic design involves the creation of visual content for various purposes, such as advertising, branding, digital media, print publications, and more.

Course Name	Diploma in Graphic Designing
Course Eligibility	10th Pass
Course Duration	1 – 1.5 Years
Course Fees	Rs. 65,000 – Rs. 1,75,000
Top Institutes	IACG Multimedia College, Hyderabad Vidya Knowledge Park, Meerut National Institute of Computer Arts, Mumbai Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh Himanshu Art School, New Delhi Pacific University, Udaipur
Job Opportunities	Graphic Designer Web Designer Creative Director Multimedia Designer UI/UX Designer Social Media Artist Brand Developer Art Director Animator Multimedia Artist Editor of Video

Best Career Options After 10th With High Salary

Exploring high-earning paths after 10th can lead to early financial independence and career satisfaction. Here are some of the top-paying choices:

Career Path	Description	Average Starting Salary (INR)
Digital Marketing	Skills in SEO, content, and ads for high demand.	₹15,000 – ₹25,000/month
Graphic Designing	Creative roles in ads, social media, and web design.	₹12,000 – ₹20,000/month
Web Development	Builds websites, essential for online presence.	₹15,000 – ₹30,000/month
Data Entry Specialist	Requires high typing speed and attention to detail.	₹10,000 – ₹18,000/month
Electrician Training	Practical skills widely needed across industries.	₹12,000 – ₹20,000/month
Beauty & Wellness	High demand for makeup, and beauty, especially bridal.	₹10,000 – ₹20,000/month

These career paths offer accessible entry points with solid incomes that can increase with experience and skill development.

Best Career Options After 10th for Girls

Girls have many exciting fields to choose from after 10th grade, offering both growth and stability. Here are some of the best choices:

Career Path	Description	Average Starting Salary (INR)
Nursing Assistant	Healthcare role supporting nurses and patient care.	₹10,000 – ₹18,000/month
Beauty & Wellness	Careers in beauty, makeup, and salon services.	₹10,000 – ₹20,000/month
Graphic Design	Creative work in social media, advertising, and branding.	₹12,000 – ₹20,000/month
Data Entry Operator	Tech-based role focusing on data handling and accuracy.	₹10,000 – ₹15,000/month
Fashion Designing	Designs clothing and accessories, ideal for creative minds.	₹12,000 – ₹25,000/month

These fields offer rewarding opportunities and competitive incomes that can grow with experience and skills.

How to Choose the Right Career Options After 10th?

Straight out of a school’s regular and bounded curriculum, being pushed into the chaotic real world can be scary. And choosing a career that is going to stay with you for the next 40 years becomes much more challenging to decide.

So there are a few aspects you need to factor in before you make up your mind.

1. What Are You Passionate About?

They say that if you do what you love, you never work. Choosing a career is a long-term move. So it is essential to like what you are about to do for a lifetime. Jot down all the skills you have.

Cross-check them across the activities that you like to do. If you choose a career that ticks both columns, you have successfully found the perfect job.

2. What Are Your Strengths and Weaknesses?

In any job you choose, there will be deadlines and times when the work pressure gets a little too hectic. Being good at what you do makes it easier to manage.

Not everyone has the same level of skills at the same things, so it’s best not to choose a career based on what you are good at as opposed to what the market currently dictates.

Analyze your strengths and weaknesses. Don’t buckle under the pressure of public opinion but look at your flaws. Understand where you shine and choose a career that balances both the negative and the positive.

For example, you may be excellent in literature subjects, but you may not like studying geography. You can always choose a combination of subjects that allows you to skip the one subject you think is your weakness.

Similarly, maths is pushed on everyone who takes up science. However, even if you choose a PCB version of science, you still have many options to follow up on.

Medicine isn’t the only option for someone who took up biology after their 10th board; there are subjects such as biochemistry or zoology, which make great career options after 10th.

The best career options after the 10th allow you to leverage your strengths, limit your weaknesses, and allow you to move to a different career if you need to at a later stage.

Among the readers, if you are from Delhi here are the best job opportunities for Delhities in 2025. In case you are into business, explore the best business in Delhi options in Delhi.

3. What Do You Want To Do?

This is the most important part. Anyone can give you a list of career options after 10th. However, it is up to you to choose what you want to do. But remember that just liking something doesn’t lead to a viable career.

The career options after 10th are usually just a stepping stone for those who choose intermediary or polytechnic after their boards. So instead of picking for the trade, it is always wise to pick something that covers a lot of fields.

For example, picking psychology as an additional subject will help give you an edge over others who will pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology after finishing their intermediary in science without constricting your horizon to just psychology.

Similarly, if you choose a trade immediately as a career option after the 10th, you should ensure you are genuinely interested in the subject before you dive into it.

As you limit your options when you choose to go into trade school immediately afterward, anything you want to do later must start from scratch.

For example, someone trained to be a plumber cannot suddenly become an electrician without training from a beginner level.

4. Seek Counseling

Career counseling helps you identify strengths that you may have otherwise overlooked and weaknesses that you may have failed to recognize.

Career counselors provide guidance and moral support while helping you explore different possible avenues that you can take.

Career counselors are experts in assessing one’s aptitude, interests, personality, and other traits. Consequently, they are better equipped to provide a list of career options that will be a good fit.

Moreover, they conduct proper psychometric tests to validate where a person might flourish.

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Conclusion on Career After 10th

Whatever career you choose, it is always a good idea to keep other skills handy. The most learnable skills today are simple computer skills such as web design or social media marketing, which can be learned from the comfort of your home and yet can support you as a backup career.

That way, you can afford not to give in to the pressure of choosing a more unconventional career path, knowing you have something to fall back on.

There are many options one can choose from that may qualify as the best career options after 10th, but what will be the best fit for you is something only you can decide.

So be well informed, and take all the advice you can – but in the end, do what works for you, and success will follow.

FAQs

1. How much money can a Class 10 student earn?

The salary for part-time jobs in class 10 can vary depending on a student’s skills and aptitude. The average income a 10th student can earn from Rs 10,000 – Rs 18,000 per month.

2. What’s next after 10th?

After passing 10th, a student can-

• Enroll for classes 11th and 12th as per your interest: Science, commerce, arts
• Upskill by taking a few courses and certificates
• Earn experience through part-time jobs and internships
• Start a business.

3. How can 10th students earn money?

Yes, a 10th student can earn money. You can do this by-

• Internships
• Freelancing
• Becoming a virtual assistant
• Giving tuition classes to younger students
• Making handicrafts
• Becoming a social media influencer
• Starting a business
• Translation jobs

4. Which career field is best for the future?

Top Career Options in the future-

• Digital Marketing Specialist.
• SEO Specialist
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) Specialist.
• Data Scientist.
• Software Developer.
• Cyber Security Expert.
• Cloud Computing Experts.
• Management.
• Web Development.

5. What certificates can I get in 6 months?

The certifications you can get in 6 months are-

• Digital marketing certification
• Certificate in Food & Nutrition.
• Certification in Animation
• Certificate in Information Technology
• Certificate in E-commerce
• Certificate in social work
• Certificate in public relation
• Different language certifications
• Certificate in event management
• Certification in Tourism

6. What are the career options if I take science after 10th?

If you choose science after 10th, career options include:

• Engineering (e.g., computer, mechanical)
• Medical fields (e.g., doctor, nursing)
• Biotechnology (e.g., genetic engineering)
• Environmental Science
• Forensic Science
• Data Science & AI
• Architecture

These fields offer diverse and high-demand opportunities.