Career Options After 10th: Which Course is Best for You?

Choosing the right path after 10th grade is one of the biggest decisions in a student’s life. With so many options available, it’s normal to feel confused. Whether you want to go for higher studies or start a skill-based course, there are plenty of career options after 10th to explore. 

For example, a diploma in computer engineering can lead to jobs paying INR 2 – 4LPA, while government jobs like SSC Multi-Tasking Staff offer job security with salaries starting around INR 3 LPA.

In this blog, we’ll cover the best streams to choose (Science, Commerce, or Arts), short term job-oriented courses, high-salary options, digital careers, and even specific career paths for girls and government job seekers.

If you're unsure about what to do next or want to find the right career option based on your interests, read this blog till the end, it might just shape your future.

Explore career options after 10th class with industry-ready courses in Management, Software Engineering, Data Science, and Digital Marketing!

Career Options After 10th 

As you approach 10th grade, now is the perfect time to consider which academic stream best aligns with your interests and future aspirations. 

While your interests should be the primary factor in making this choice, your 10th grade marks can also play a role in guiding your decision. 

Before you finalize career options after 10th, take a moment to explore the various streams available and the career opportunities each one offers, as summarized in the table below. 

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Career Option After 10th: Science 

Science is a popular choice for students after 10th grade, offering a wide range of opportunities. A top career option after 10th science includes fields like engineering and medicine, which continue to attract thousands each year 

While engineering and medicine remain two of the most popular career options after 10th, a background in science also allows you to branch into areas typically linked to arts or commerce, such as law and management. 

Below, you’ll find a list of prominent courses you can pursue with a science foundation, along with potential career roles each pathway offers. 

Career Option After 10th: Commerce 

The commerce stream is one of the best career options after 10th. It focuses on the study of business, finance, economics, and trade.  

By choosing commerce, you can get knowledge in the fields of accounting, business administration, marketing, and economics. This foundation opens doors for popular courses such as B com, a diploma in business, Chartered Accountancy, and Marketing. 

Each course will help you build a successful career in entrepreneurship, finance, banking, and marketing. Some popular courses in the commerce stream and the associated career roles have been tabulated below to help you explore the best career options for commerce students and make informed decisions about your future. 

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Career Option After 10th: Arts and Humanities 

The art stream focuses on the study of humanities, social sciences, and creative disciplines, providing you opportunities to explore subjects such as literature, history, art, journalism, social service, and philosophy. 

With its emphasis on human behavior, society, and the legal field, the arts field is a natural fit and one of the best career options after 10th for students with a creative mindset. 

Once you choose arts, you can study diverse courses such as law, fashion design, mass communication, and fine arts, each offering something unique. Students from the arts stream can explore a wide range of career opportunities in the arts field, which includes dynamic and creative fields like media, academia, design, and fashion. 

Given below are some of the popular courses in arts and humanities, and the associated career roles. 

Also Read: Top 10 Career Opportunities in Law in India: Salary, Skills 

Career Option After 10th: Vocational and Diploma 

If you are someone who excels with hands-on learning and practical knowledge, vocational and diploma courses could be the best career options after 10th grade for you.  

These courses are designed to equip you with job-ready skills immediately upon completion. Unlike traditional science, commerce, and arts courses, which are often theoretical, vocational and diploma programs focus on practical skills that can be applied directly in industries.  

Their shorter duration and affordability make these programs a popular choice among students seeking to enter the job market quickly. 

Below is a list of vocational and diploma courses, along with the potential career roles associated. 

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Career Options After 10th: Emerging Fields in Technology & Digital Space 

With rapid technological advancements, new-age career paths like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Digital Marketing, and Data Analytics are offering lucrative opportunities for students after the 10th grade. These fields focus on innovation, automation, and digital transformation, making them highly sought after in today's job market. 

Below is a list of emerging career paths, their potential roles, key skills, and average annual salaries: 

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Job Opportunities After 10th 

While a graduation degree is often preferred for many job roles, there are numerous career options after 10th across various industries in both the public and private sectors. 

• In the public sector, job openings exist in areas such as railways, defense, and paramilitary services, as well as junior clerical positions within government departments. 
• Opportunities are available in the private sector in industries like sales, hospitality, and product maintenance, allowing you to enter the workforce based on your skills. 

Additionally, if you have a passion for entrepreneurship, there are increasing opportunities to build your own business across different fields. 

Moving on, let’s help you explore the career options after 10th, available in both the government and private sectors and discuss how entrepreneurship can also be a rewarding career path. 

Government Jobs After 10th 

Government sectors such as railways and defense are popular career options after 10th grade. 

Additionally, lower clerical positions in various government departments are often filled through SSC (Staff Selection Commission) exams. You can take a closer look at the different government sectors that recruit 10th grade graduates, along with the qualifications required for each role. 

1. Railways 
Indian Railways actively hires 10th grade graduates for various roles, including assistant loco pilots, railway track maintainers, ticket collectors, helpers, and technical staff.  
The hiring is conducted through Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) examinations organized by the Ministry of Railways. 

These exams include: 

• RRB NTPC 
• RRB Group D 
• RRB ALP 

As you prepare for these exams, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the syllabus and current examination trends. Gaining a solid understanding of the subjects will be crucial to your success. 

Regarding work conditions, Indian Railways offers you a dynamic work environment, along with job security.The average salary earned for these roles is INR 2.52 L. 

2. Defense and Paramilitary Forces 
The Indian defense forces could be one of the best career options after 10th. The different roles in defense include the following: 

• Soldiers Clerks 
• Tradesmen 
• Chefs 
• Sailors 
• Airmen  
• Ground-duty staff 

Each branch conducts its own recruitment exams, commonly referred to as the Matric Recruitment Exam. Recently, the government introduced the Agnipath scheme, which recruits candidates for a short duration of four years. 

In addition to the written examination, you must also meet specific physical fitness and medical standards to qualify for recruitment.  

3. Staff Selection Commission (SSC) 
For good career options after 10th, you can take various exams conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC), including the following most noteworthy ones. 

• Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) Exam 
• Combined Higher Secondary Level (CHSL) Exam 
• Selection Posts Exam.  

These examinations typically consist of a written test, followed by a skill test, if applicable for the position. Successfully clearing these exams can lead to roles as Grade C or Grade D staff in various government departments, providing you with job security. 

4. Other Government Sector Jobs 
Beyond the railways and defense sectors, there are numerous career options after 10th in various government departments, including the following. 

• Department of Posts 
• Public Sector Undertakings (PSU) 
• Department of Forests 

Companies like BHEL, NTPC, and SAIL hire candidates for technician roles, providing a lucrative entry point into the workforce.  

In government departments, following roles can become suitable career options after 10th. 

• A technician in a PSU with average annual salary of INR 3.6 L 
• Postal assistants with average annual salary of INR 4 L  

Beyond government sectors, you can also explore private sector career options after 10th grade 

Private Sector Jobs After 10th 

To enhance your chances of securing a stable job, consider enrolling in diploma and vocational courses after completing your 10th grade. These skill-specific programs are designed to meet the demands of various industries, including IT, retail, manufacturing, construction, and hospitality. 

Upon completing your diploma or vocational courses, you can pursue the following career roles. 

• Sales associate 
• Technician 
• Civil engineer 
• Hospital management trainee 

These positions offer good career options after 10th in today’s expanding service sector. While salaries can vary significantly based on the industry and specific role, you can generally expect an average annual salary of  INR 2.16 L. 

You can pursue upGrad’s sales course after 10th if you want to gain skills in the sales field. These courses are flexible, designed as per recent industry trends, and help you build practical sales expertise. This can increase your chances of securing a job in the private sector right after 10th. 

Starting Your Own Business 

Entrepreneurship is a popular career choice after 10th, with many opportunities for skill-based ventures. 

• Government initiatives support new businesses 
• Vocational courses in digital marketing, graphic design, catering, or event planning build practical skills 
• Skills gained are useful for freelancing and independent work 
• Business ideas include online stores, graphic design services, home bakeries, and digital marketing 
• Continuous learning and skill upgrades are key for growth and competitiveness.   

Read: How to Become an Entrepreneur: Steps, Tips, and Best Degree 

How to Decide Your Career after 10th? 

‘After 10th, which course is best for me?’ – if this is your question too, you’re not the only one. It’s one of the most relevant questions when trying to choose rewarding career options after 10th grade.  

• Assess Your Academic Performance: If you have good marks in all subjects, you have the liberty to choose any stream. 
• Seek Career Counseling: You can consult professionals for career advice. It can help you make the right choice. 
• Consider Long-Term Career Goals: Consider taking up a career that has scope for the future.  
• Look at Future Job Market Trends: Jobs that are growing or will grow in the near future must be targeted. 

Also Read: Career counseling for students 

Conclusion 

Choosing the right career options after 10th grade can shape your future. You must assess your interests and strengths before deciding to pursue science, commerce, humanities and arts, or vocational courses. Keep an eye on market trends and potential career opportunities that align with your aspirations. 

If you are feeling uncertain about your decision, don’t hesitate to reach out to career upGrad’s career counseling experts. Our experts can help you make a choice that best suits your goals and ambitions. 

Book a free consultation session now! 

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