High Salary Courses and Career Options after 12th Science

Key Takeaways

• Know high-salary career options after 12th Science for students of both PCM and PCB streams.
• Understand the average salary and future prospects of top courses like MBBS, BTech, BPharma.
• Compare job roles, companies and salary potential across different sectors.
• Choose the right course based on your interest, salary and job availability.
• FAQs are also included to answer common questions of students and parents.

Introduction

After passing 12th from Science stream, many great career paths open up for you. Some of these courses can get you a very good salary in the future. Choosing the right course depends on your interest, your ability and future career goals.

In this article, we will give you information about such high-salary courses that can be done after 12th Science. We have divided these courses into two parts:

• For students with PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Maths)
• For students with PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)

High-Salary Courses After 12th Science (PCM)

Students who have a good grasp of Physics, Chemistry and Maths (PCM) have the opportunity to go into fields like engineering, technology and analytics. All these fields are in great demand today and also pay a good salary.

1. Engineering (B.Tech / B.E.)

Engineering is still considered the most popular and high-paying field for science students. There are many types of specializations in it which give great career options.

A. Computer Science Engineering (CSE)

In this branch, basic things related to computers and software are taught – like programming language, algorithm, data structure, operating system, computer network and database. In simple words, how software is made, how it works and how it is further developed – all this is taught in it.

Scope: There is tremendous demand in Software Development, Web Development, Mobile App Development, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Cybersecurity, Cloud Computing etc. Technology is changing so fast that the demand for CSE people always remains.

• Average Salary (for freshers): ₹3 lakh to ₹7 lakh per annum (LPA)
• Salary for experienced professionals: ₹8 lakh to ₹50 lakh+. More if you have special skills or move into a leadership role.

Top Recruiters: TCS, Infosys, Wipro, HCLTech, Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Meta, and many more startups

Required Skills:

• Programming Languages: Python, Java, C++
• Data Structures & Algorithms
• System Design
• Cloud Platforms: AWS, Azure, GCP

Read: How to Become a Software Engineer

B. Artificial Intelligence & Data Science (AI & DS)

This is a special engineering field that is made by combining computer science, maths and statistics. In this, machines are made to “think” and “learn”, and useful information is extracted from large data sets. This includes technologies like Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Big Data.

Scope: Creating AI models, creating machine learning algorithms, analyzing data, creating business intelligence reports, and predicting the future (Predictive Analytics) – all this comes under it. This field is growing very fast and there are tremendous opportunities in the future.

• Average salary (for freshers): ₹4 lakh to ₹10 lakh per annum
• Salary of experienced professionals: ₹10 lakh to ₹50 lakh+. Top data scientists are earning more than ₹1 crore.

Top recruiters: Big tech companies, e-commerce companies, fintech startups, healthcare companies and consulting firms.

Required skills:

• Python, R, SQL
• Machine Learning & Deep Learning
• Big Data Technologies (like Hadoop, Spark)
• Data Visualization Tools: Tableau, Power BI

Read:
How to Start a Career in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Top Job Roles in Data Science

C. Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE)

This branch teaches things related to electronic circuits, communication systems and chip design (Integrated Chips). It includes areas like telecommunication, signal processing, embedded systems and VLSI design.

In simple language – ECE teaches how machines and devices talk to each other or how they work from inside.

Scope: There is tremendous scope in fields like Telecom companies, Embedded Systems, VLSI Design, Signal Processing, IoT (Internet of Things), and Robotics.

ECE professionals are very important in connecting hardware and software together.

• Average Salary (Freshers): ₹3 lakh to ₹6 lakh per annum
• Salary for experienced people: ₹6 lakh to ₹20 lakh, depends on skills and company

Top Recruiters: Intel, Qualcomm, Samsung, Cisco, Ericsson and some defense related organizations also hire ECE people.

D. Aeronautical / Aerospace Engineering

This branch teaches how to design, build, test, operate and maintain aircraft and spacecraft. It includes things like aerodynamics, propulsion systems (engines, etc.), flight mechanics and structural analysis.

Scope: Design, development, testing and maintenance of aircraft and spacecraft. There is good demand in defense, research, space mission and private aviation industry.

• Average salary (freshers): ₹4 lakh to ₹7 lakh per annum
• Salary of experienced professionals: ₹7 lakh to ₹30 lakh or even more – especially in international companies or defense sector.

Top recruiters: HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited), ISRO, DRDO, private aviation companies, and airlines

E. Mechanical, Civil and Electrical Engineering

These three are traditional branches, but even today they have their own craze. Their demand remains especially in core industries (such as manufacturing, construction, power sector). These fields offer stable career and good growth potential.

What happens in these branches:

• Mechanical Engineering: It is related to the designing, manufacturing, analysis and maintenance of machines and mechanical systems. Be it a small machine or a large industrial unit – everything comes under it.
• Civil Engineering: Roads, bridges, buildings, canals, dams – the planning, construction and maintenance of all these is done by a civil engineer. That is, whatever is seen built around is the contribution of a civil engineer.
• Electrical Engineering: Systems related to electricity and electronics – such as power generation, transmission, control systems and electronic devices – all these are studied in this branch.

Salary details:

• Average salary for freshers: ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh per annum (LPA)
• For experienced professionals: ₹5 lakh to ₹15 lakh LPA, and even more if you move to a specialised role or management position.

2. Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch)

If you have creativity and logic, meaning a combo of brain and design, then B.Arch is a great option.

It is a 5-year undergraduate program in which students are taught to design buildings and spaces. Topics like history of architecture, design theory, construction techniques, urban planning, and environment-friendly design are taught in it.

Scope: Architectural Design, Urban Planning, Landscape Architecture, Interior Design, Construction Management – you can get work in all these fields.

• Average salary (for freshers): ₹3 lakh to ₹6 lakh per annum (LPA)
• Salary of experienced professionals: ₹5 lakh to ₹20 lakh per annum. If you do your own work (independent practice), you can earn even more.

Top Recruiters: Architectural Firms, Construction Companies, Government Agencies etc.

3. Commercial Pilot Training

This career option is quite specialized and comes at the top level in terms of salary.

To become a commercial pilot, one has to go through a rigorous training program. It includes the theory part of aviation, real flight training and simulator exercises.

After completing all the steps, you get a Commercial Pilot License (CPL), which gives you permission to fly commercial flights.

• Scope: You get a chance to fly planes for airlines, cargo companies or private chartered flights. Once you get the license, the sky is the limit, brother!
• Average Salary (for experienced pilots): ₹15 lakh to ₹80 lakh per annum or even more – especially if you become a senior captain.

Requirements:

• Rigorous training
• Good physical fitness
• Hefty expenses for training (this is not a cheap career)

Top recruiters: Indigo, Air India, Emirates, Qatar Airways etc. are some of the top airlines.

Comparison Table for PCM Courses

High-salary courses after 12th Science (PCB)

Students who have taken Physics, Chemistry and Biology (PCB) in 12th mostly go into the healthcare and life sciences sector. These fields are always in demand — i.e. evergreen — and are also very strong in terms of earnings.

1. Medicine (MBBS)

MBBS i.e. Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery – is considered to be the most prestigious and consistently high-salary paying course for PCB students.

This is a tough but powerful undergraduate medical degree, in which the human body is taught in detail. Subjects include – Anatomy (body structure), Physiology (how the body works), Pharmacology (effects of medicines), Pathology, Microbiology, Community Medicine and clinical specializations like Surgery, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynaecology etc. Along with theory, there is a lot of practical training as well.

Scope:

• Practising as a doctor
• Specialising in a particular field by doing MD/MS (eg. Cardiology, Neurology, Oncology, Surgery)
• Medical research
• Public health and health administration

• Average salary (after MBBS): ₹4 lakh to ₹7.5 lakh per annum
• Salary of MD/MS specialist: ₹9 lakh to ₹30 lakh per annum
• Super-specialist income can go up to: ₹60 lakh to ₹1 crore+

Top recruiters: Government hospitals (eg. AIIMS), private hospital chains (Apollo, Max, Fortis), clinics, medical research institutes

Long-term potential: With specialisation and experience, there is tremendous growth in both salary and position.

2. Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)

BDS gives a great opportunity to make a career in the dental field. This is a great option for those who want to provide dental healthcare services.

It is an undergraduate program that focuses on the identification, prevention and treatment of diseases related to the mouth and teeth. It teaches:

• Dental Anatomy (structure of teeth)
• Oral Pathology (mouth diseases)
• Periodontics (gum care)
• Orthodontics (fixing crooked teeth)
• Endodontics (root canal etc.)
• Prosthodontics (fitting false teeth)

Scope: General Dentistry, Orthodontics, Oral Surgery, Periodontics, Prosthodontics, Dental Research — that is, many options from practice to research.

• Average Salary (for freshers): ₹3 lakh to ₹6 lakh per annum (LPA)
• Experienced dentist salary: ₹6 lakh to ₹15 lakh per annum or more, especially if you open your own clinic, the earnings can increase further.

Top Recruiters: Private and Government Dental Clinics, Hospitals, Medical/Dental Colleges and Academic Institutes

3. Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm)

This course focuses on medicines and science related to medicine.

It is a four-year undergraduate program that teaches how medicines are prepared and how they are administered to patients in the right manner. In this you study:

• Pharmacology (effects of drugs on the body)
• Pharmaceutics (making forms of drugs — tablets, syrups, etc.)
• Medicinal Chemistry
• Pharmacognosy (herbal and natural source drugs)
• Clinical Pharmacy (use of drugs in hospitals)

Scope: Pharmaceutical Industry (R&D, manufacturing, quality control, regulatory affairs), Hospital Pharmacist, Community Pharmacist (local medical store), Medical Representative (MR)

• Average Salary (for freshers): ₹2.5 lakh to ₹4 lakh per annum
• Salary of experienced professionals: ₹5 lakh to ₹12 lakh, especially if you have done M.Pharm or Ph.D. then it can be even higher.

Top Recruiters: Cipla, Sun Pharma, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, Biocon, Apollo Pharmacy etc. are the top companies that hire B.Pharm graduates.

4. Biotechnology (B.Tech / B.Sc Biotechnology)

Biotechnology is a field that works by combining biology with technology. In this, products and technology are developed using organisms and their processes.

This is an interdisciplinary field in which new solutions are created in healthcare, agriculture and environment by combining the concepts of biology, chemistry, genetics, molecular biology and engineering.

Scope: There are tremendous opportunities for R&D (research and development) in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, food processing, environmental science, bioinformatics.

• Average Salary (Freshers): ₹3 lakh to ₹5 lakh per annum
• Salary of Experienced Professionals: ₹5 lakh to ₹15 lakh per annum (Postgraduate or Specialization holders can get more)

Top Recruiters: Biocon, Serum Institute of India, Syngene and many research organizations and startups

5. Allied Healthcare Professions

Not just doctor or nurse, there are many other courses in healthcare that offer good salary and career scope. Below are some popular allied health courses:

A. B.Sc Nursing:

This is a 4-year undergraduate course that trains students to become registered nurses. It teaches things like medical-surgical, pediatric, maternity, community health and critical care nursing.

Scope: There is high demand in Hospitals, Clinics, Community Health Programs and Educational Institutions – both in India and abroad.

Average Salary: ₹3 lakh to ₹10 lakh per annum

B. Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT)

This is a 4.5-year course in which training is given to restore body movement and function of sick or injured people. It teaches Anatomy, Physiology, Biomechanics and Exercise / Manual / Electro Therapy.

Scope: There is always a need for physiotherapists in Hospitals, Private Clinics, Sports Teams and Rehab Centers.

Average Salary: ₹3 lakh to ₹7 lakh per annum

C. B.Sc in Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT)

This is a 3-year course in which students are taught testing of body fluids like blood, urine – so that the disease can be diagnosed. It includes subjects like Clinical Biochemistry, Microbiology, Pathology and Hematology.

Scope: There are opportunities to work in Diagnostic Labs, Hospitals, Blood Banks and Research Labs.

Average Salary: ₹2.5 lakh to ₹6 lakh annually

Comparison Table for PCB Courses

Important Factors Influencing Salary

The courses mentioned above usually pay a good salary. But who will actually get how much salary depends on many things:

• Further studies / Specialization: If you do a Masters (like M.Tech, MBA, M.Sc, MD/MS) or Ph.D. after a course, then your salary can increase a lot. For example – if someone does MD or MS after MBBS, then his income increases even more. Similarly, if CSE students do M.Tech in a field like AI or Cybersecurity, then they can get high-paying jobs quickly.
• Skills and Expertise: The skills which are in trend in technology (like AI/ML, Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity) have a great demand in the market. The salary of those who know these skills goes up straightaway. New things are coming in every industry, so it is very important to keep learning and keep yourself updated.
• Reputation of college or university: If you have passed out from top colleges like IITs, AIIMS, NITs, then both your starting salary and job opportunities are better. These colleges have industry connections and strong placement support.
• Location (City/Town): In big cities (like Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mumbai) the number of jobs is more and so is the salary. On the other hand, in smaller cities the salary can be a little less, because the cost of living there is also low.
• Type of industry and company: Salary of every industry is different. For example, salary can be higher in the IT sector, while in manufacturing it is a little less. Big companies or multinationals (MNCs) usually pay more, whereas in startups there is an opportunity for growth, but the salary can be a little less in the beginning.
• Work Experience: As your experience increases, your salary also increases rapidly. Companies readily accept people with senior roles, leadership positions and special skills.
• Networking and Soft Skills: Only technical knowledge is not enough. Good communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership skills also matter a lot. Along with this, building a professional network (LinkedIn etc.) can also get more and better jobs.

Read: Highest Paying Jobs in India

Choosing the right career is important, not just the salary

Choosing a high-salary course after 12th Science is not just about money — it also needs to be seen whether the course matches your skills, interests and long-term career goals.

CSE (Computer Science), AI (Artificial Intelligence), Data Science, and medical fields like MBBS may offer great salaries, but don’t ignore sectors like pharmacy, biotechnology, and Allied Health Sciences. These fields also have good growth, stability, and demand.

Before choosing a course, definitely look at these things:

• What is the growth trend in top colleges and industry
• Job opportunities and what can be the starting salary
• Focus on improving skills and getting certified

If the direction is right and the hard work is true, then you can make a career that gives money as well as satisfaction.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Which course gives the highest salary after 12th Science?

Computer Science Engineering (CSE) and Medical (MBBS) are both top options for the highest salary. CSE offers a good package right from the beginning, but doctors doing specialization (like MD/MS) can earn even more in the long run. Apart from this, commercial pilot training is also a very high paying field.

Q2. Which is more beneficial to do MBBS or Engineering in terms of salary?

If we talk about the starting salary, then engineering (especially CSE, AI, Data Science) starts earning money faster than MBBS. But if we look at the long term earnings, then after doing MD or MS after MBBS, the doctor’s earnings go up even more than many engineering jobs. It just takes more years of study and training.

Q3. Which is the best field for girls after 12th Science?

There is no one “best” field — it all depends on interest and skill.

These fields are considered great options for girls:

• Computer Science (CSE), AI and Data Science
• MBBS and Allied Healthcare (like B.Sc Nursing, BPT)
• Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch)
• Biotechnology

In any of these fields, girls can earn both good money and fame.

Q4. Can one get a high salary even without doing MBBS or B.Tech?

You can get it bhai! There are many professions that give great income even without MBBS or B.Tech, such as:

• Commercial Pilot Training
• Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch)
• Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm)
• Allied Healthcare Courses:
  • B.Sc Nursing
  • Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT)
  • B.Sc Medical Lab Technology (MLT)

Suggested Reads:

• Best Career Options After 12th Commerce
• Career Options After 12th Arts
• Top Companies in India to Work For in 2025