Degree courses after 12th
Adarsh Mishra
By Adarsh Mishra
8 min read
June 30, 2025

Degree Courses After 12th | Career Options & Colleges

Degree courses after 12th offer specialization in fields like engineering, medicine, arts, commerce, etc. for diverse career paths.

Table of Contents

Degree Courses After 12th, choosing the right degree for students is a very complicated thing. Students who want to pursue a degree after 12th will depend on their skills & career goals. Those students who completed their 12th from the science stream can pursue these courses such as Engineering (B.Tech/B.E.), Medicine (MBBS), Pharmacy (B.Pharm) & B.Sc. in Nursing. For Arts students, these courses are the best options, such as Bachelor of Arts (BA), Law (BA LLB), Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), and Fashion Design. Commerce students can pursue courses like Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com), Chartered Accountancy (CA), BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration) & Bachelor of Hotel Management (BHM). To be eligible for these degree courses, students need to complete their 12th with a minimum aggregate often around 50-60% from a recognized board. Some specific subjects are required to pursue a degree, depending on the course. Top university options for pursuing degree courses include IIsc, JMI, JNU, and DU. Degree courses after the 12th usually take 3-4 years to complete. Fees of these degree courses range from INR 60,000 to INR 60 Lakh.

Latest Update Regarding Degree Courses After 12th

  • Delhi University (SOL) Admission process is starting for integrated courses BA LLB (Hons.) and BBA LLB (Hons.) for the 2025-26 academic year. Candidates must fill out the application form by 4 July 2025.

  • The IGNOU admission process for the July 2025 session is ongoing, with the last date to apply being July 15, 2025*.

    Degree Courses After 12th Admission 2025

The admission of session 2025-26 for degree courses after the 12th is ongoing and ends on 31 July 2025*. Students who completed their 12th grade recently from these streams, science, arts & commerce, can pursue these courses such as B.Tech/B.E., MBBS, B.Pharm, BA, BA LLB, BBA, B.Com, CA & BHM. Before getting admitted, students should know the eligibility criteria for these courses. Students must pass their 12th from a recognized board, also have a minimum aggregate of around 50-60% & some specific subjects are required to pursue some degree courses. For admission, these universities are top options such as the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), the University of Delhi (DU), & Banaras Hindu University. Those students who want to pursue a degree course from any of these universities can fill out an application form from their official portals. The fees for the application form start from INR 100 to INR 1500 or more.

Degree Courses After 12th Online

Online degree programs can provide flexibility and comfort to those students who want to pursue a degree program in an online mode after passing the 12th grade. Many universities and colleges offer several online courses, including MCA, MBA, B.Com, and many more.

Degree Courses After 12th Without An Entrance Exam

After the 12th, there are several degree programs available without requiring any Entrance exam. Some popular courses include B.Sc in fields like biotechnology, Microbiology, Forensic Science, B.Pharmacy, and BA LLB. Some other courses like BSc Nursing and BSc Physiotherapy also don't require any entrance exam.

2-Year Degree Courses After 12th

A two-year degree course is often included in the diploma or associated degrees. This is a viable option after completing the 12th class. These courses can provide a focused skillset for specific career prospects, which can help students to serve in a specific field as a stepping stone in the specific industry. Here is a list of examples of 2-year degree courses:

  • Engineering- Diploma in Engineering (Polytechnic) courses provide practical knowledge and hands-on experience in various fields like Mechanical, Civil, Chemical, and Computer Science.

  • Design- This course is a better option for those who have an interest in the design field. They can opt for Graphic Design or Fashion Design.

  • Diploma in Medical Lab Technology (DMLT)- This course helps students prepare for technical roles in medical laboratories and related fields.

  • Diploma in Digital Marketing- This program equips individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to excel for online marketing fields.

  • Diploma in Fashion Design- This course provides training in design principles, concepts, and fashion creation. It is a foundational course that those who are interested in fashion and related fields can pursue this diploma course.

  • Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication- This diploma program provides skills and knowledge in media-related fields, including Journalism, Advertising, and Public Relations.

3-Year Degree Courses After 12th

Students who want to pursue a 3-year degree program after completing the 12th grade then there are numerous courses available that you can choose in various streams like Arts, Commerce, and Science.

Here is a detailed breakdown of a 3-year (Bachelor's) degree program for interested students:

  • Bachelor of Arts

  • Bachelor of Fine Arts

  • Bachelor of Design

  • Bachelor of Computer Science

  • Bachelor of Vocation

  • Bachelor of Laws

  • Bachelor of Technology

  • Bachelor of Commerce

  • Bachelor of Business Administration

  • Bachelor of Pharmacy

  • Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery

  • Bachelor of Science

1-Year Degree Courses After 12th

After passing the 12th class, several 1-year degree programs are offered by institutions interested students can join these courses to get higher education. These courses offer a quick entry into various fields like digital marketing, web development, graphic design, hotel management, fashion design, and more. Here are some 1-year degree (diplomas) courses provided:

  • IT & Computer Science - In this field, several 1-year diplomas are available, including Diploma in Computer Applications, Diploma in Digital Marketing, and Diploma in Web Designing and Development.

Degree Courses After 12th for Science Students 

There are many degree courses after 12th for science students who can pursue and build their future. These are some best options after the 12th for science students, such as:

B.Tech/B.E. (Bachelor of Technology/Bachelor of Engineering): This is an undergraduate degree course that equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to become engineers and technologists. This course takes 4 years to complete. To be eligible for this course, students must complete their 12th grade with science and also have PCM as core subjects. Minimum marks needed: 50-60%. After completing this course, students can do jobs in sectors like software engineering, data science, AI, & cybersecurity. The average fees for a B.Tech course can range from INR 5 lakh to INR 22 lakh or even higher, depending on the University type (government or private), location, and specialization.

MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery): MBBS is an undergraduate medical degree that stands for Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery. It is a 5.5-year course that includes coursework and clinical training. Eligibility criteria for this course are that students need to complete their 12th with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) as core subjects and have a minimum score of around 50-60%. Before getting admitted, students will take the NEET entrance exam of NEET. It is mandatory for an MBBS course. After completing an MBBS, students can pursue various career paths, including general practitioner, specializing in a medical field like surgery or internal medicine, or exploring non-clinical options like hospital administration or medical writing. This course charges INR 6,000 to INR 1 crore.

B.Pharm (Bachelor of Pharmacy): This is a 4-year undergraduate degree course that focuses on the science of drugs and medicines, preparing students for careers in the pharmaceutical industry and healthcare. To be eligible for this course, students generally need to have passed their 12th class with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, or Mathematics, securing a minimum of 50-60% aggregate marks. After completion of the course, students can continue their careers in sectors such as Pharmacist, Medical Representative, Clinical Research Associate, and Quality Assurance Specialist. B.Pharma course fees usually range from INR 40,000 to INR 1 lakh per annum.

High-Salary Courses After 12th Science

After the 12th, science students can pursue a degree program that leads to high-paying job opportunities in various fields like engineering(like computer science, cloud computing, and AI), medicine, biotechnology, and architecture.

Degree Courses After 12th Non-Medical

After the 12th non-medical, students can pursue various degree programs including Engineering (B.Tech/B.E), Business Administration (BBA/B.Com), Computer Applications (BCA), Architecture (B.Arch), and Design (B.Des). Additionally, options like:

  • Law

  • Commercial Pilot Training

  • Merchant Navy

  • Bachelor of Science (BSc.)

  • Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm)

  • Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)

  • Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication (BJMC)

  • Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)

Degree Courses After 12th Science Without Maths

If you are a science student still you can still pursue degree courses without math after 12th. There are some popular courses mentioned in areas like Business, Health, and Arts. BBA in sports management, BBA in Hospital and Healthcare, BA in Hotel Management, BA in Languages, BA in Journalism, and Mass Communication, and BSc in Fashion Design, Interior Design, or Cosmetic Science.

Degree Courses After 12th For Arts Students 

Some of the best degree courses after 12th for Arts students include:

BA (Bachelor of Arts): It is a bachelor's degree generally offered in humanities and social sciences. This course duration is around 3 years. A Bachelor of Arts degree opens doors to various careers, including journalism, content writing, digital marketing, human resources, and more. To pursue this degree, students need to complete their 12th with a minimum score of around 50-60%. The average fees for this degree range from INR 10,000 to INR 25,000.

BA LLB (Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Legislative Law): A five-year integrated undergraduate law course that combines legal studies with arts subjects, offering a broad foundation in law and related disciplines. Students need to have completed their 12th education, securing a minimum percentage of around 45-55%, and potentially clear a law entrance exam like CLAT, LSAT, or AILET. With a BA LLB degree, students can pursue various legal careers such as a lawyer (litigation or corporate), a legal consultant, a legal officer, or even a company secretary. The average BA LLB course fee in top law universities in India ranges from INR 1.5 to 2.8 lakh per year.

BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration): A common undergraduate degree focusing on business management and administration principles, equipping students with foundational skills for careers in various business sectors, such as bank branch manager, commercial lender, financial analyst, and financial planner. The duration of this course is around 3 years. To be eligible for a BBA course, students generally need to have completed their 12th grade from a recognized board and achieve a minimum aggregate score of around 50%. The fees for this course are INR 1 lakh to INR 2.5 lakhs.

Degree Courses After 12th For Commerce Students 

These are the best degree options after 12th for commerce students:

B.Com (Bachelor of Commerce): A three-year undergraduate degree focusing on commerce, accounting, and business administration, providing a foundation for careers in finance, business, and related fields. To be eligible for a B.Com (Bachelor of Commerce) course, students generally need to have completed their 12th examination with a minimum of 50% marks. The average fees for a B.Com course usually range from INR 10,000 to INR 50,000 per year.

CA (Chartered Accountant): A professional qualification in accounting, auditing, taxation, and financial management, offered by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). It's a highly respected designation that opens up diverse career opportunities in various sectors such as corporate finance, financial management, investment banking, entrepreneurship, or academia. This course duration is around 3 years. To become a CA, students must complete their 12th from a recognized board with a minimum aggregate of around 55%. To get admitted to a CA degree course, students need to clear the entrance exam of the CA Foundation exam. This course costs INR 70,000 to INR 1,50,000.

BHM (Bachelor of Hotel Management): A 3-4 year undergraduate degree program that prepares students for careers in the hospitality industry, covering areas like hotel operations, event management, food and beverage, and tourism. To be eligible for a BHM course, students generally need to have passed their Class 12th examination from a recognized board with a minimum aggregate of 45-50%. The fees for this course are around INR 3 to 10 lakhs per year.

Degree Courses After 12th Commerce With A High Salary

Students having the commerce stream in their 12th grade can still get high-salary jobs. Popular choices, Chartered Accountant (CA), Company Secretary (CS), and Bachelor of Commerce with specialization. Additionally, a bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Economics, and Law can provide various career opportunities.

Best Degree Courses After 12th

Students who want to pursue a degree course after completing the 12th grade. It is very important to choose the right degree program based on their interest and career goals. Choosing the right degree program is beneficial for those students who want to build their careers in a specific field. Here is a more detailed breakdown based on a specific stream:

  • For Science Students

Medical (MBBS/BDS)

Engineering

Pharmacy

B.Sc in Various Fields

Paramedical Courses

Agriculture Courses

  • For Commerce Students

Bachelor of Arts

Law (LLB)

Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication

Bachelor of Fine Arts

Bachelor of Hotel Management

Bachelor of Social Work

  • For Commerce Students

Chartered Accountant

Bachelor of Commerce

Bachelor of Business Administration

Bachelor of Economics

Company Secretary

Bachelor of Laws

Degree Courses After 12th Eligibility Criteria 

This eligibility criterion will depend on the course that students choose to pursue. To pursue a degree after the 12th, students need to have passed their 12th grade from a recognized board in their specific stream, with a minimum aggregate of 50% for the general category and 45% for SC/ST for most universities. Some subjects are required for some specific courses. Many universities, especially for popular courses like engineering and medicine, require entrance exams such as CUET, JEE Main, NEET, etc.

Degree Courses After 12th: High Salary

After completing the 12th grade, students can choose high-paying degree courses. Here is a list of high-paying degree courses for students to consider for their career growth:

  • Medical field (MBBS/BDS)

  • Engineering (B.Tech/BE)

  • Computer Science (B.Sc/B.Tech)

  • Business Administration (BBA)

  • Law (LLB/B.A.-LL.B.)

    There are other courses also available that provide high salaries, like Biotechnology, Pharmacy, Architecture, and Aviation are potential avenues for high-salary careers. For more information, students can fill out the query form.

Degree Courses After 12th: Top Universities 

There are many top universities for pursuing a degree course after the 12th. Here are some best universities: Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), the University of Delhi (DU), & Banaras Hindu University (BHU). Students should also know the fees of these universities. Students can check out the fee structure of these universities given below:

Degree Courses After 12th Fee Structure of Universities

Name of the University 

Average Fees

Indian Institute of Science (IISc)

INR 18,000 to 8 lakhs approx

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU)

INR 5,050 to INR 12 lakhs approx

University of Delhi (DU)

INR 4,055 to INR 4.3 lakhs approx

Banaras Hindu University (BHU)

INR 2,000 to INR 10 lakhs approx

Students can also read:

Engineering courses after 12th

Law courses after 12th

Frequently Asked Questions

After the 12th, both Undergraduate(UG) degrees and Honours programs offer diverse opportunities for higher education, with Honours programs providing more specialization in a chosen field. Some popular programs like Engineering, Medical fields, Law, Business administration, and various Science programs.

Yes, many universities in India offer an Undergraduate course completed in 4 years. The UGC directs universities to offer 4-year UG programs. These 4-year programs are designed to lead to an Honours degree, requiring students to complete a research project in their fourth year. Students can also do a 3-year UG degree. UGC recommends that a 4-year program is needed for an Honours degree.

After completing 12th grade, several degree courses provide excellent career growth. For science students, Engineering (B.Tech and B.E), Medicine (M.B.B.S and BDS), and Pharmacy (B.Pharma). Commerce students can consider a Chartered Accountant, Finance, and Business Management (BBA and BMS), and for Arts students, Journalism, Mass Communication, and Teaching are the best options.

Yes, a non-medical student (who studies the Arts and Commerce stream) can pursue a degree course after 12th. Here are some popular courses for non-medical students:

  • Engineering

  • Law

  • Business and Management

  • Computer Science & IT

  • Design & Architecture

  • Visual Communication

  • Journalism & Mass Communication

Several institutions and government colleges offer a degree to doctoral degree program in India. Some popular institutions include Babashaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Bihar University, Bhagalpur College of Engineering, and Jawaharlal Nehru Engineering College. Some government colleges like Government Inter College, Lal Bahadur Shastri Government College, and K.M. Mayawati Government Girls Polytechnic.

After the 12th, several universities offer degree courses in various fields. Some popular universities include like Indian Institute of Technology (IITs), All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS), National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), and Delhi University. These universities offer a wide range of degree programs in various fields like engineering, medicine, fashion design, and humanities.

Yes, many universities and colleges require an entrance exam for various courses for admission to a specific program. Particularly, in fields like Medicine, Engineering, Law, Design, and other professional courses. There are also many bachelor's degree programs, like Arts and Humanities do not require entrance exams, where admission is based on merit.

After completion of the 12th class, those students looking for a degree program that can provide a high salary, then they can explore these degree programs, Engineering (especially computer science), Medicine (MBBS).