Choosing the right career after 12th PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) is essential if students want to have a bright and prosperous future. The students of PCM have the myriad of career options out of which they can pick the most suitable one for them like engineering, architecture, data science, aviation, etc.
This science career path guide is packed with the best career options after 12th PCM along with the courses, the expected salary, and the job openings.
Eligibility: NATA (National Aptitude Test in Architecture), JEE Main Paper 2
Career Opportunity: Architect, Urban Planner, Interior Designer, Landscape Architect
Average Salary: ₹4-8 LPA
Best Institutions: SPA Delhi, IIT Roorkee, NITs, CEPT University
3. Merchant Navy
What could be better than a career that pays well, is full of fun and adventures, and also takes you around the world? That is precisely what the Merchant Navy is all about.
Top Courses:
- B.Tech in Marine Engineering
- B.Sc. Nautical Science
- Diploma in Marine Engineering
Eligibility: IMU-CET (Indian Maritime University Common Entrance Test)
Career Roles: Marine Engineer, Deck Officer, Ship Captain
Average Salary: ₹8-20 LPA (depending on the rank and experience)
Top Institutes: IMU Chennai, Tolani Maritime Institute, T.S. Chanakya
4. Aviation & Pilot Training
Many PCM students dream of becoming a pilot as it is a well-paying job and has the opportunity to work anywhere in the world.
Top Courses:
- B.Sc. in Aviation
- Commercial Pilot Training
- Aeronautical Engineering
Eligibility: 10+2 with PCM, Pilot Entrance Exams (DGCA, IGRUA)
Career Roles: Commercial Pilot, Aircraft Engineer, Air Traffic Controller
Average Salary: ₹10-30 LPA (based on experience and airline)
Top Institutes: IGRUA, Indira Gandhi Institute of Aeronautics, Capt. Gopi Aviation
5. Data Science & Artificial Intelligence
Nowadays, we are in the era of technology and automation in which the demand for jobs in data science, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning has skyrocketed.
Top Courses:
- B.Tech in Data Science / AI & Machine Learning
- B.Sc. in Computer Science with AI Specialisation
Career Roles: Data Scientist, AI Engineer, Machine Learning Expert
Average Salary: ₹8-25 LPA (field is growing fast)
Top Institutes: IITs, IIITs, ISI Kolkata, IISc Bangalore
6. Defence & NDA (National Defence Academy)
With a PCM background, students are eligible for NDA and can be the officers that lead the Indian Army, Air Force, or Navy.
Top Courses: B.Sc. / B.Tech from NDA, Naval Academy
Eligibility: NDA Exam (conducted by UPSC)
Career Roles: Indian Army Officer, Air Force Pilot, Navy Officer
Average Salary: ₹8-20 LPA (with a number of benefits such as free housing, medical, pension)
Best Institutes: NDA Pune, IMA Dehradun, INA Ezhimala
7. Ethical Hacking & Cyber Security
One of the consequences of the amplification of cybercrime is an extremely well-paid and highly demanded position – ethical hacking.
Top Courses:
- B.Tech in Cyber Security / Ethical Hacking
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) Certification
Career Roles: Ethical Hacker, Cyber Security Analyst, Penetration Tester
Average Salary: ₹8-15 LPA
Popular locations: IITs, IIIT Hyderabad, Amity University
8. Actuarial Science & Financial Analyst
Students of PCM, who are good at mathematics, may think of becoming professionals in finance and risk management fields.
Top Courses:
B.Sc. Actuarial Science
Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
Statistician/Mathematician Bachelor’s Degree
Career Roles: Actuary, Investment Banker, Financial Analyst
Average Salary: ₹8-20 LPA
Leading Universities: ISI Kolkata, Delhi University, IIT Bombay
Best Courses After 12th PCM – Career Chart
| Career Option | Top Courses | Salary Range (LPA) |
| Engineering | B.Tech / B.E. | ₹6-12 LPA |
| Architecture | B.Arch | ₹4-8 LPA |
| Merchant Navy | B.Tech Marine / Nautical Science | ₹8-20 LPA |
| Pilot Training | B.Sc. Aviation, CPL Training | ₹10-30 LPA |
| Data Science | B.Tech AI / Data Science | ₹8-25 LPA |
| NDA & Defence | B.Sc., Engineering | ₹8-20 LPA |
| Cyber Security | B.Tech Cyber Security | ₹8-15 LPA |
| Actuarial Science | B.Sc. Actuarial Science, CFA | ₹8-20 LPA |
The main point:
The options for a PCM student get broader and broader such that they can jump from tech-related fields like engineering and aviation to nonconventional fields like ethical hacking, finance, and business.
While choosing the career path after the 12th PCM, consider your likes, talents, expected income, and growth possibilities. Make thorough research and pick the way which matches your passion and abilities.