Choosing the best science courses after 12th is one of the most important decisions for students who have completed their higher secondary education. With subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics (PCB/PCM/PCMB), science students enjoy a wide range of career opportunities. From professional degrees like Engineering, MBBS, and B.Sc. to emerging fields such as Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Biotechnology, and Forensic Science, there are multiple pathways to build a successful career.
In this blog, we will explore the top science courses after 12th, their eligibility, admission process, career scope, and salary prospects to help you make an informed decision.
Why Choose Science Courses After 12th?
Science offers flexibility and career opportunities in multiple domains:
- Access to professional degrees like MBBS, B.Tech, BDS, and B.Sc.
- Growing demand in technology, healthcare, and research sectors.
- Opportunities for higher studies (M.Tech, MS, MBA, etc.).
- High-paying jobs in India and abroad.
Best Courses After 12th Science
| Course | Eligibility | Duration | Entrance Exams | Career Scope | Average Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering (B.Tech/BE) | 10+2 with PCM | 4 years | JEE Main, JEE Advanced, State CETs | IT, Core Engineering, Startups | ₹5–15 LPA |
| MBBS | 10+2 with PCB | 5.5 years | NEET-UG | Doctor, Surgeon, Healthcare Specialist | ₹8–20 LPA |
| BDS | 10+2 with PCB | 5 years | NEET-UG | Dentist, Dental Surgeon | ₹6–12 LPA |
| B.Sc. (Physics, Chemistry, Maths, etc.) | 10+2 with PCM/PCB | 3 years | CUET, University Entrance | Research, Teaching, Higher Studies | ₹4–8 LPA |
| B.Sc. (Biotech, Microbiology, AI, Data Science) | 10+2 with PCB/PCM/PCMB | 3 years | CUET, Private University Exams | IT, Data Analytics, Research, AI Industry | ₹5–12 LPA |
| Pharmacy (B.Pharm/D.Pharm) | 10+2 with PCB/PCM | 4 years | GPAT, State CETs | Pharmacist, Drug Research, Medical Rep | ₹3–8 LPA |
| Nursing (B.Sc. Nursing) | 10+2 with PCB | 4 years | NEET-UG, State Nursing Exams | Nurse, Hospital Administrator | ₹3–7 LPA |
| Allied Health Sciences (BPT, BOT, Radiology, Lab Tech) | 10+2 with PCB | 3–4 years | NEET-UG, State Entrance | Physiotherapist, Radiologist, Lab Tech | ₹3–6 LPA |
| Data Science & Artificial Intelligence | 10+2 with PCM/PCMB | 3–4 years | CUET, University Entrance | Data Scientist, AI Engineer | ₹6–18 LPA |
| Forensic Science | 10+2 with PCB/PCM | 3 years | CUET, State Exams | Forensic Scientist, Criminology Expert | ₹5–10 LPA |
| Cybersecurity & Ethical Hacking | 10+2 with PCM | 3–4 years | University Entrance, Private Exams | Cybersecurity Expert, Ethical Hacker | ₹6–15 LPA |
| BCA (Bachelor of Computer Applications) | 10+2 with PCM/PCMB | 3 years | CUET, Private University Exams | Software Developer, IT Industry | ₹4–8 LPA |
| B.Sc. Agriculture / Forestry / Environmental Science | 10+2 with PCB/PCM | 3–4 years | ICAR AIEEA, State CETs | Agriculture Scientist, Environmentalist | ₹4–10 LPA |
List of Best Science Courses After 12th
Here’s a complete list of popular courses after 12th science with PCM, PCB, and PCMB combinations.
1. Engineering (B.Tech/BE)
- Eligibility: 12th with PCM
- Exams: JEE Main, JEE Advanced, State CETs
- Specializations: Computer Science, AI, Robotics, Mechanical, Civil, Electrical
- Career Scope: IT, Core Engineering, Startups, Govt. Jobs
- Average Salary:
- Freshers: ₹5–7 LPA
- Experienced (5–10 years): ₹12–20 LPA+
👉 Best for students who love technology and problem-solving.
2. MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery)
- Eligibility: 12th with PCB
- Exam: NEET-UG
- Duration: 5.5 years
- Career Scope: Doctor, Surgeon, Healthcare Specialist
- Average Salary:
- Freshers: ₹8–10 LPA
- Specialist Doctors: ₹15–25 LPA+
👉 Highest-paying medical career with excellent demand in India & abroad.
3. BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery)
- Eligibility: 12th with PCB
- Exam: NEET-UG
- Duration: 5 years
- Career Scope: Dentist, Dental Surgeon
- Average Salary: 1) Freshers: ₹6–8 LPA. 2) Private Practice: ₹10–15 LPA+
4. B.Sc. Courses After 12th Science
Some of the best B.Sc. specializations include:
- Specializations: Physics, Chemistry, Maths, Biotechnology, Data Science, AI, Agriculture
- Eligibility: 12th with PCM/PCB/PCMB
- Career Scope: Research, Teaching, IT, Data Analytics, Government Jobs
- Average Salary:
- B.Sc. PCM/PCB: ₹4–6 LPA
- B.Sc. Data Science/AI: ₹6–12 LPA
- B.Sc. Agriculture: ₹5–8 LPA
👉 Modern B.Sc. courses like Data Science and AI pay higher than traditional ones.
5. Pharmacy (B.Pharm/D.Pharm)
- Eligibility: 10+2 with PCB/PCM
- Entrance Exams: State-level CET, GPAT
- Career Scope: Pharmacist, Drug Research, Medical Representative
- Average Salary: ₹3–8 LPA
6. Nursing (B.Sc. Nursing)
- Eligibility: 10+2 with PCB
- Entrance Exam: NEET-UG, State-level Nursing exams
- Duration: 4 years
- Career Scope: Nurse, Hospital Administrator, Healthcare Specialist
- Average Salary: ₹3–7 LPA
7. Allied Health Sciences
Popular courses include:
- BPT (Physiotherapy)
- BOT (Occupational Therapy)
- Medical Lab Technology
- Radiology & Imaging Technology
- Career Scope: Hospitals, Clinics, Research Labs
- Average Salary: ₹3–6 LPA
8. Emerging Science Courses After 12th
Science is not just about medicine and engineering anymore. Today, new-age careers are growing rapidly, such as:
- Data Science & Artificial Intelligence
- Cybersecurity & Ethical Hacking
- Robotics & Automation
- Forensic Science & Criminology
- Marine Biology & Environmental Studies
👉 These fields are in high demand globally and often come with higher salaries compared to traditional degrees.
Best Science Courses After 12th with High Salary
If you are looking for high-paying courses after 12th science, consider:
- MBBS & Specializations
- B.Tech in Computer Science, AI, Robotics
- Data Science & Machine Learning
- B.Sc. Nursing (Abroad Opportunities)
- B.Sc. Forensic Science (Government & Private Jobs)
Top Entrance Exams for Science Courses After 12th
- JEE Main & JEE Advanced – Engineering
- NEET-UG – MBBS, BDS, Nursing, Allied Sciences
- BITSAT, VITEEE, SRMJEEE – Engineering
- State CETs – Engineering, Pharmacy, Agriculture
- AIIMS/State Medical Exams – Medical & Nursing
Career Options After 12th Science Without NEET & JEE
Not every student wants to appear for JEE or NEET. Here are the best courses after 12th science without entrance exams:
- B.Sc. Computer Science
- B.Sc. Data Science & AI
- B.Sc. Agriculture
- B.Sc. Biotechnology
- B.Sc. Environmental Science
- BCA (Bachelor of Computer Applications)
- Diploma in Digital Marketing, Graphic Design, Animation
FAQs on Best Science Courses After 12th
Q1. Which are the best science courses after 12th with PCM?
Ans: Engineering, B.Sc. Computer Science, Data Science, Architecture, BCA, Cybersecurity.
Q2. Which are the best science courses after 12th with PCB?
Ans: MBBS, BDS, B.Sc. Nursing, Biotechnology, Pharmacy, Allied Health Sciences.
Q3. What are the best career options after 12th science with high salary?
Ans: MBBS, B.Tech (CSE/AI), Data Science, Cybersecurity, Forensic Science.
Q4. Can I get a good career after 12th science without NEET?
Ans: Yes, courses like B.Sc. Computer Science, Data Science, Agriculture, BCA, and Cybersecurity do not require NEET.
Q5. Which government jobs are available after 12th science?
Ans: Railways, Defence (NDA), SSC, PSU jobs, and Government Research Labs.