Courses for Science Students After 12th: Complete Guide (PCM, PCB & PCMB)

Courses for Science Students After 12th

“12th science done—what next? Should you become a doctor, an engineer, a data scientist, or something entirely different? With so many options, making the right choice can feel overwhelming. This guide will simplify your decision by covering the best science courses after 12th, along with fees, eligibility, and career scope.”

One of the most crucial professional decisions is deciding on the best course of action after completing science in grade 12. The possibilities are infinite, with choices spanning from computer science, data science, forensic science, engineering, and medicine to pure sciences.

The best scientific courses for post-12th graders are covered in this guide, along with information on eligibility, costs, length, pay, and job opportunities. This is your one-stop shop for all things PCM, PCB, and PCMB.

Here’s the list of options for quick scanning of the courses and career scope, we will discuss them thoroughly one by one.

Quick List of Courses After 12th Science

Science Courses for PCM Students

 Engineering (B.Tech / BE)

This is the field for which most of the students opt for PCM, and it is the obvious choice for many. There are a number of fields in Engineering like Computer Science, Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, and Chemical. 

• Eligibility: 12th PCM with 50%+ marks
• Duration: 4 years
• Fees: ₹4 – 10 Lakh (government colleges have reasonable fee, IIT/NIT moderate, private high)
•  Exams for selection: JEE Main/Advanced, State CET
• How to Choose an Engineering Degree: The Above fields are mostly offered by universities in India. You have to carefully assess after selection as to which field you belong to, based on your interest, career prospects, curricula, and, of course, your cut-off marks will also lead you in competitive fields (like Computer Science)in top colleges.
• Specializations: Computer Science, AI & Data Science, Mechanical, Civil, Aerospace
• Career Options: Software Developer, Data Scientist, Civil Engineer, R&D Engineer, Production Engineer, etc.
• Average Salary: ₹4 – 12 LPA

Another field which is apt for PCM students is Computer Science, let’s learn the various ways to enter this field below.

Computer Science Courses After 12th

As mentioned above, CS(Computer Science) is always in demand, and there are various ways through which you can get into this field and not just through Engineering. It is easier for someone who has studied PCM in +2 as most of the subjects are aligned and need some kind of background in Maths. Though courses like Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing are not only for PCM students and any stream is eligible for such courses.

•  Options: B.Tech CSE, BCA, Diploma in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing
• Eligibility: PCM for B.Tech, Any Stream with Math for BCA (some colleges allow without Math)
• Duration: 3–4 years
• Fees: ₹2 – 8 Lakh
• Career Options: Software Engineer, Cybersecurity Analyst, AI Engineer
• Salary: ₹3 – 15 LPA

Another significant field these days is Data Science. Let’s dive into the details of Data Science Courses:

Data Science Courses After 12th/ How to become a Data Scientist

Another  course that is very popular amongst PCM students, and students aspire to become a Data Scientist. So as the name suggests, it’s basically related to  raw data and its analysis using various tools, machine learning, statistics,etc to bring out meaningful business decisions, create plans, and make predictions. So to become a Data Scientist one can do B.Tech in Computer Science, B.Sc.in Computer Science, BCA through various private and government colleges like Delhi University, Jamia Millia Islamia, Christ University, Loyola College, KC College, and many more.

Programs: B.Sc. Data Science, BCA (Data Analytics), B.Tech AI & Data Science

Eligibility: PCM (Maths preferred), some colleges allow PCB

Duration: 3 years (B.Sc./BCA) , 4 years (B.Tech)

Fees: ₹2 – 6 Lakh , Free courses available online (MOOCs)

Career Options: Data Scientist, ML Engineer, Business Analyst

Salary: ₹6 – 18 LPA

Which Course is best for a Data Scientist after 12th?

The best course for becoming a Data Scientist ultimately depends on factors like your JEE score and the availability of seats in reputed colleges, since these programs are in high demand and get filled quickly by top scorers. 

However, as an engineering education is thought to be more industry-ready, the B.Tech is the most dependable option. Because of the curriculum’s practicality, increased exposure to projects and internships, and close alignment with industry standards, B.Tech graduates are the industry’s first choice.

While BCA graduates typically start as programmers or business intelligence/analytics professionals and progressively move into data-focused positions with the aid of certifications and project experience, B.Sc. graduates typically start their careers as data analysts or research associates before moving into advanced data science roles.

What is the Salary of a Data Scientist?

As it is clear from the snapshot that the average salary of a Data Scientist is 32.8 lakhs, and ranges from 20 lakhs to 131.9 lakhs, which is based on more than 3500 professionals in the field.

Trending Skills

Machine Learning, Python, Data Science, SQL, Deep Learning, Data Analysis, and R. These are some of the skills that are trending in the Data Science industry. So updating or upgrading the skills should be a priority.

The following table gives you a summary of different Data Science Courses that can help you in the journey of Data Science. You can choose what suits you best.

Which is better AI or Data Science?

Students are often confused while choosing the course as both AI and Data Science are the courses which are reigning the universities and most of the universities are modifying or including AI, Data Sciences, Machine Learning and seeing more enrolments in such courses, but to decide which one to take is also crucial for this you must be aware of what the courses are in brief. 

The above table gives you an overview of AI jobs and Data Science jobs, which can help you decide where your inclination lies.

Pure Science Courses After 12th

• Programs: B.Sc. Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics
• Eligibility: PCM/PCMB, depending on the subject
• Duration: 3 years
• Fees: ₹30,000 – 2 Lakh (govt.) | ₹2–4 Lakh (private)
• Career Options: Research Scientist, Professor, R&D, Higher Studies (M.Sc., PhD)
• Salary: ₹3 – 10 LPA

Science Courses for PCB Students

NEET is the main objective of PCB students, and they all want to take up the test irrespective of whether they aspire to become a doctor or not, as it also deepens their knowledge in the subject. So, first we will discuss in short about the most competitive field that is as follows:

MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine & Surgery)

• Eligibility: 12th PCB with 50%+ + NEET exam
• Duration: 5.5 years (incl. 1-year internship)
• Fees: Govt. Colleges – ₹50,000 to 3 Lakh total | Private – ₹50 Lakh+
• Career Options: Doctor, Surgeon, Medical Researcher
• Salary: ₹6 – 20 LPA (higher with specialization)

There are ways through which you can become a doctor with a low NEET score, also there are numerous courses for Science students, which are popular, and also some of the courses that are not well known, so you can have a look at the following articles to have a better understanding:

High Demand Nursing Courses

How to become a doctor without an MBBS 

Courses without NEET

Courses without Maths

Diploma Courses for hands-on training

BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery)

• Eligibility: 12th PCB + NEET exam
• Duration: 5 years
• Fees: ₹2 – 20 Lakh
• Career Options: Dentist, Dental Surgeon, Consultant
• Salary: ₹4 – 10 LPA

This topic is covered in this article as well How to become a doctor without an MBBS , do read to learn more.

Forensic Science Courses After 12th for PCB Students 

Forensic Science is the study and application of scientific methods to solve crimes, covering areas like crime scene investigation, DNA analysis, toxicology, and digital forensics. 

It’s gaining popularity in India due to the growing reliance on scientific evidence in criminal cases, the rise of cybercrime, and government investment in forensic infrastructure. Students can pursue a BSc or MSc in Forensic Science after 12th (Science stream), learning subjects such as biology, chemistry, physics, and law with practical lab work. 

The field offers career opportunities in government forensic labs, police departments, cybersecurity firms, and research institutions.

In India, entry-level salaries typically range from ₹2.5–6 LPA, rising to ₹10–20 LPA for specialists and experienced professionals, especially in digital or toxicology branches. 

The industry is expanding fast, with strong prospects in digital forensics, AI-based investigations, and advanced DNA analysis. However, challenges include limited job openings in smaller towns, uneven course quality, and the need for continuous skill upgrading. Overall, Forensic Science offers a rewarding and respected career for those passionate about science, investigation, and justice.

• Programs: B.Sc. Forensic Science, Diploma in Forensic Science
• Eligibility: PCB or PCMB with 50%+
• Duration: 3 years (UG) | 1–2 years (Diploma)
• Fees: ₹50,000 – 3 Lakh
• Career Options: Forensic Expert, DNA Analyst, Criminologist
• Salary: ₹3 – 8 LPA
  Here’s the screenshot of the salary from some employers for “Forensic Expert” from the Ambition Box.

Source: Ambition Box

 Allied Health & Vocational Science Courses

The Hidden Pillars of Healthcare(The Allied Health Courses)

As hospitals and healthcare facilities become more advanced, their success no longer depends only on doctors. Behind every successful surgery, scan, and recovery stands a team of trained professionals like nurses, radiographers, lab technicians, therapists, and technologists, who form the support system on which a hospital or medical facility runs.

This is the strength of Allied Health Sciences, a field that combines medical knowledge with hands-on technology, making it one of the fastest-growing and less competitive career paths in the health sector.

If you studied PCB in 12th grade, you already have the perfect foundation to enter a career where you don’t just assist doctors, but become an essential part of saving lives.

• Options: Nursing, Radiology, Lab Technician, Physiotherapy, Optometry
• Eligibility: PCB with 45–50%
• Duration: 2–4 years
• Fees: ₹1 – 5 Lakh
• Career Options: Nurse, Technician, Therapist, Healthcare Specialist
• Salary: ₹2.5 – 6 LPA

Special Vocational Courses

Dairy Science Courses After 12th 

Field: Food Tech, Dairy R&D  Fees: ₹50,000–2 Lakh- With rising concerns over food adulteration, the demand for skilled professionals in dairy production and quality assurance has never been higher. This is still a less-explored field, meaning there’s huge potential for students to make an impact. 

YouTubers like FoodPharmer (Revant Himatsingka) (https://www.youtube.com/@Foodpharmer) have been raising awareness about food safety and quality, inspiring a new generation to think critically about what we eat and how to make food better, so courses like Dairy Science pave the way for businesses to grow with the intent of adulteration-free food in the market. 

For students passionate about food science and innovation, pursuing Dairy Science courses offers a chance to not only ensure high-quality, indigenous products but also to carve a niche in an emerging, low-competition career. By filling this gap, students can play a pivotal role in revolutionizing the food industry while building a meaningful and stable career.

Environmental Science Courses After 12th

Field: Sustainability roles, Fees: ₹1–3 Lakh- With rising AQI levels across India’s metro cities, the need for experts who can create sustainable, science-backed solutions has become more urgent than ever. Environmental Science is not just another course; it’s a mission-driven field where students can work on breakthrough research and real solutions to some of today’s most pressing challenges like pollution, waste management, and climate change.

Students who have a genuine passion for protecting nature and envision a cleaner, greener India can truly bridge the gap between rising environmental problems and innovative solutions. As the demand for skilled environmental professionals continues to grow, this course opens the door to meaningful careers that directly impact the air we breathe and the world we live in.

Home Science Courses After 12th

Deals with: Nutrition, Fashion, Interior Design , Fees: ₹80,000–4 Lakh

Home Science: Redefining Modern Living and Wellness

With more households engaged in the workforce, home management and wellness often take a backseat, giving rise to a growing need for professionals who understand how to create balance in modern life. This is where Home Science steps in — a field that blends nutrition, health, family studies, fashion, and interior design to improve quality of living.

As cities expand and lifestyles evolve, there’s a surge in home services, wellness consulting, and sustainable living solutions, all of which connect closely with the principles of Home Science. The course equips students with the knowledge to bridge the gap between work and well-being, helping families build healthier, more organized, and aesthetically enriched lives.

With changing social dynamics and redefining gender roles, this field is gaining recognition as a modern, practical, and career-rich domain that empowers individuals to bring scientific thinking and creativity into everyday living.

B.Sc. Courses After 12th (PCB Students)

• Programs: Biotechnology, Microbiology, Zoology, Botany, Genetics, Life Science
• Eligibility: PCB/PCMB
• Duration: 3 years
• Fees: ₹1.5 – 4 Lakh
• Career Options: Biotech Professional, Researcher, Scientist, Pharma Jobs
• Salary: ₹3 – 8 LPA

Although all B.Sc. Courses are relevant, but the most popular choices are biotechnology and microbiology. Biotechnology stands at the intersection of biology and technology, offering solutions to real-world problems in health, agriculture, and the environment. From developing new vaccines and medicines to improving crop yields and sustainable farming methods, biotechnologists are shaping the future of human life.

This field offers a chance to work on cutting-edge research, contribute to breakthroughs in genetics, pharmaceuticals, and bioengineering, and address some of the world’s most urgent challenges.

Microbiology dives deep into the unseen — the microorganisms that influence everything from human health to the ecosystem. Microbiologists play a crucial role in disease research, vaccine development, food safety, and environmental monitoring, making this a field that directly impacts daily life.

High Salary Courses After 12th Science

FAQs on Courses for Science Students After 12th

Q1. Which is the best course after 12th science?
  MBBS, B.Tech Computer Science, Data Science, and Pilot Training are among the top options.

Q2. Can I do medical courses without NEET after 12th?
  Yes, options include Nursing, Pharmacy, Forensic Science, Biotechnology, Microbiology.

Q3. Which science courses after 12th have the lowest fees?
  B.Sc. (general sciences) in government colleges, around ₹30,000–₹60,000 per year.

Q4. What should I do after 12th science if I want research?
  Pure Science (B.Sc. Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Life Science) or Biotechnology.

Q5. Which computer courses after 12th science give high salary?
  B.Tech CSE, BCA with Data Science, Cybersecurity, and AI/ML.

Conclusion

There are plenty of courses for science students after 12th ranging from traditional medicine and engineering to modern data science and forensic science.

 If you’re PCM, explore engineering, computer science, and data science.
  If you’re PCB, explore MBBS, pharmacy, biotechnology, forensic, and nursing.
  If you’re PCMB, you have the widest range, including research and interdisciplinary careers.