Top 25 Career Options In Arts That You Should Know in 2025

By Kamal Jacob

Updated on Aug 07, 2025 | 11 min read | 584.33K+ views

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Did You Know? The employability rate for Bachelor of Arts graduates in India has increased from 47.1%  to 54% in 2025.

Deciding what to do after 12th arts high school is a very important decision in life which can be quite overwhelming sometimes as there are lot of options for you to choose from. But you can simplify your choice by aligning your career path with your interests and inclinations. 

The most popular career options after 12 arts are in law, psychology, journalism, digital marketing, design, teaching, fashion, management, social work, civil services, animation and more.

In this article, we shall take a look at the top career options in arts, so that you have a range of options to assess and choose your desired path. So, if you too are wondering what to do after 12th arts, read along to find what diverse options await you! 

Take charge of your career early on! Explore industry-relevant courses like Digital Marketing and Management and gain relevant skills to secure your career!

What Are the Best Career Paths After 12th Arts?

In today's modern world, the arts stream is not only for traditional teaching career, but it also offers a lot of career opportunities in different fields such as psychology, digital marketing, media and other creative options. 

So let’s explore the top career options in arts which can be life changing for you!

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What are the best career options after 12th arts?

Many students and their parents always think about what lies ahead after 12th in the arts stream. Fortunately students from the arts background have a wide range of career options to choose from according to their interests and future goals.

Here are the Top Career Options After 12th Arts:

Career Option

Top Job 

Avg Annual Salary

Law Corporate Lawyer INR 10L
Journalism Journalist INR 4.2L
Hotel Management Front Office Manager INR 6L
Fashion Designing Fashion Designer INR 4.5L
Psychology Counseling Psychologist INR 4.2L

Sourced By: Ambition Box

Note: The average annual salaries mentioned in the table are approximate and may vary as per the employer, experience and location.

What are the top professional courses to pursue after arts stream?

Pursuing top courses after 12th arts can help you to build a solid base for your successful future career. Check out some of the high-value courses that offer various career opportunities for you in multiple industries.

  • BA (Bachelor of Arts) 
  • BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration) 
  • BJMC (Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication) 
  • BA LLB 
  • Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)

Also Read: Top 40 Career Options After BBA

What are the best jobs for arts students who don’t like maths?

Students who don't like maths should not limit their potential for getting higher paying jobs in India. Many career options in arts field require analytical and creative skills, not mathematics.

Some of the top non-maths jobs for arts students are mentioned below:

Job Role Industry Average Annual Salary
Content Writer Media, Marketing INR 4L
Social Worker NGOs, Government INR 3L
Graphic Designer Tech, Advertising INR 4.5L
HR Executive Corporates INR 3.5L
Event Manager Hospitality, Media INR 5.8L

Sourced By: Ambition Box

Is the arts stream a good choice for future career growth?

Arts stream is not a backup option anymore! It offers top career options for 12th students that have long-term value and industry relevance in various fields.

Here are some reasons for strong career growth potential in arts stream:

  • Global relevance in humanities, social sciences, and creative roles
  • High demand for jobs like psychologists, UX designers and digital marketers
  • Skill-driven paths like communication, creativity, and critical thinking are in demand
  • Government & private jobs are available arts students
Fact: According to the India Skills Report, 58% of recruiters value communication and creative thinking which are the key strengths of arts students.

What Are the Highest Paying and Trending Careers in Arts?

Those days are gone when the arts stream only offers low-paying job roles. Today, arts students can access to high-paying and in-demand careers in fields like law, digital media, and user experience design. 

Explore the top career options in arts that are both lucrative and future-ready for you!

What are the highest paying jobs available for arts students?

Arts students can really earn well in jobs that value creativity, communication, critical thinking, and strategy. Many of these job roles don’t require any technical degrees but do reward domain expertise, professional experience, and skill development.

Top High-Paying Jobs for Arts Students:

Career Option

Avg. Annual Salary 

Legal Advisor  INR 6.2L
UX/UI Designer INR 7.5L
Advertising Manager INR 9L
Economist (after MA) INR 16L
Senior News Reporter INR 8.6L

Sourced By: Ambition Box

What are the emerging career trends for arts graduates in 2025?

As more and more industries are shifting towards digital and creative solutions, arts graduates are able to find new career opportunities in fast-growing sectors.

Here are the top emerging career trends for arts graduates in 2025:

  • Content Strategy & Creation: For brands, social media, and digital ads
  • Design Thinking Roles: UX research, product design, and innovation consulting
  • Sustainability & Policy Roles: With NGOs and international agencies
  • Behavioral Analysis: Growing demand in marketing and HR

What is the scope of digital marketing and graphic design in the arts stream?

Do You Know? According to Statista, digital advertising in India is projected to grow to well over INR 540 billion by 2026, creating massive scope for careers in digital marketing.

Digital marketing and graphic design are one of the booming fields for the arts students from where they can begin their career journey. These fields require their employees to have strong creativity and communication skills rather than having in-depth technical knowledge.

Career Scope at a Glance:

Top Job Role

Avg. Annual Salary

Digital Marketing Executive INR 3.2L
Graphic Designer INR 4.4L
Content Strategist INR 8L
Social Media Manager INR 5.6L
Visual Designer INR 7.4L

Sourced By: Ambition Box

Which skill-based careers can arts students pursue in today’s job market?

Students who want to start their career without a long academic journey can pursue skill based careers. These careers consider your talent, dedication and interest in work to get you hired.

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Top Skill-Based Careers options in Arts stream:

  • Public Relations Executive 
  • Voice Artist / RJ Project Coordinator
  • Photographer / Videographer 
  • Content Writer 

What Creative and Passion-Driven Careers Can Arts Students Pursue?

Fact: India’s media and entertainment sector is expected to grow by 7.2% in 2025, reaching INR 2.7 trillion, and INR 3.1 trillion by 2027 at a 7% CAGR.

Due to the rise in the demand for creative careers in the country, arts students have strong job prospects in writing, design, psychology, law, and other passion-driven fields. If you’re looking for career options in arts that align with your interests and creativity, the job possibilities are never ending for you.

What are the most creative career options in arts and humanities?

Today’s job market highly values communication skills, critical thinking, and creativity which are the main strengths of the arts graduates. Careers in arts and humanities allow you to express your skills and creativity to the fullest, whether you have interest in storytelling, design, or cultural analysis.

Some of the top creative career options for the arts students are mentioned below in the table:

Career Option

Avg. Annual Salary 

Key Skills Required

Visual Artist INR 4.8L Drawing, Painting, Creative Expression
Interior Designer INR 4.3L Space Planning, Aesthetics, CAD
Graphic Designer INR 4.4L Adobe Suite, Creativity
Art Director INR 10L Visual Storytelling, Team Management
TV Producer INR 7L Direction, Editing, Scriptwriting

Sourced By: Ambition Box

Can Arts Students Make a Career in Law, Psychology, or Design?

Arts students have exciting career opportunities in fields like law, psychology, and design. These fields value creativity, critical thinking, and a deep understanding of human behavior which arts students have developed throughout their education.

Here are the popular job options in law, psychology or design field:

Field Course Required Top Job Options
Law

BA LLB (5 years) after 12th + 

LLB (3 years) after BA

Corporate Lawyer, Legal Advisor, Civil Judge
Psychology BA in Psychology + MA / M.Phil for clinical practice Counsellor, Clinical Psychologist, Researcher
Design Bachelor’s in Design / Certificate Courses (UI/UX, Interior, Fashion, etc.) UX/UI Designer, Interior Designer, Fashion Designer

How can I start a career in a specific creative field like writing or interior design?

Starting a creative career doesn’t always require you to have a formal degree. Many creative fields prefer skill, experience, and passion for the work especially in writing and interior designing.

Below we have mentioned the essential steps to start your career in writing and interior designing:

  • Step 1: Identify Your Interest.
  • Step 2: Build Relevant Skills (Learn SEO, blogging, and editing for writing and for interior designing, learn tools like AutoCAD, SketchUp, or 3D Max).
  • Step 3: Take Short-Term Courses or Internships.
  • Step 4: Create a Portfolio to highlight your experience.
  • Step 5: Apply for Freelance Gigs or Entry-Level Jobs.

Also Read: How to Start Content Writing?

What Can You Do After a BA Degree in Arts?

After completing your Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree you can explore a wide variety of professions across various industries such as education, media, public service, design, and more. 

With this degree you can pursue any career path that aligns with your passion, whether it's in creative arts, research, communication, or administration.

What are the career options available after completing a BA in arts?

After earning a BA, arts graduates can explore job opportunities in both the private and public sectors. 

Career options in arts span fields such as:

  1. Civil Services: BA graduates often prepare for IAS, IPS, or State PSC exams.
  2. Teaching & Education – With a B.Ed after BA degree, you can become a school teacher or pursue higher education based on your future goals.
  3. Content Writing & Editing: Demand for skilled writers has grown significantly with the rise of digital marketing.
  4. Social Work & NGOs: Roles like program coordinator, policy researcher, or field officer are common for BA graduates.

What are the best next moves after earning a BA degree?

Once you’ve completed your BA degree then your next move should depend on your interests and future goals. 

Some of the most popular next moves include:

  • Pursue Postgraduate Studies: Courses like MA, MSW, M.Ed., or MBA (for those interested in business roles).
  • Earn Professional Certifications: Short-term programs in digital marketing, graphic design, or foreign languages can boost your employability.
  • Give Government Exams: SSC CGL, Bank PO, and UPSC are some of the top choices.
  • Apply for Internships or Volunteering: These experiences add practical skills and improve job chances.

What are the career opportunities in journalism and mass communication for arts students?

Journalism and mass communication is a dynamic field with growing demand in the digital age. Students who pursue a BA in Journalism or Mass Communication can continue their higher studies with a masters degree or postgraduate diploma that can help students to get into diverse job markets across print, broadcast, and digital platforms.

Top roles in this field include:

  • News Anchor / Journalist
  • Public Relations Manager
  • Digital Media Strategist
  • Radio Jockey / Podcast Host
  • Content Creator / Editor

What Government Job Opportunities Are Available for Arts Students?

Government jobs are one of the most demanding and respected career options for arts students in India. Students from the arts field can work in civil services, teaching, defense and many other sectors. With the proper education and exam preparation, students can build a strong and successful career in government jobs.

Which government jobs can arts students apply for after 12th?

Arts students who have completed their 12th need to clear the exams conducted by bodies like SSC (Staff Selection Commission) or State Public Service Commissions to pursue various Group C and D government jobs in departments like railways, defense, clerical services, and police. 

Popular government job roles after 12th arts include:

  • SSC CHSL (Clerks, Postal Assistants, DEOs)
  • Indian Army (Soldier Clerk, Store Keeper)
  • State Police Constable
  • Railway Group D & Clerk posts
  • Forest Guard and other state-level posts

What government jobs are available for arts graduates after BA?

Students with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree have great chances of getting a government job. They can work with central and state governments, especially in administrative, defense, and education sectors.

Some of the best government job options after BA in arts are listed below:

  • UPSC Civil Services (IAS, IPS, IFS, IRS)
  • State PCS (SDM, Tehsildar, DSP, etc.)
  • SSC CGL (Assistant Section Officer, Income Tax Inspector, etc.)
  • Banking (IBPS PO, Clerk, SBI Exams)
  • RRB NTPC (Railway Jobs)
  • UPSC CDS (Defense Officer roles in Army/Navy/Air Force)
  • LIC AAO, RBI Grade B Officer

How can upGrad Help You?

At upGrad, we offer specialized courses that are specifically designed to help you gain in-depth, practical knowledge in fields like Digital Marketing, Business Administration, and more.

Here are some of our popular courses you may like: 

If you’re unsure about higher education after 12th arts, you may book a free 1:1 counseling session with us, and we will help you out.

You can also visit your nearest upGrad center for in-person guidance and support in selecting the right course to achieve your career goals.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What career is the best in art?

2. What are the 7 types of art?

3. Can arts students pursue BCA or BSc CS without having studied maths in 12th?

4. What is the richest job in art?

5. Which course after 12 has the highest salary?

6. Which job is best without NEET?

7. Which course is best for girls?

8. What is the best course for females?

9. Which job is best for the future?

10. Is psychology a good choice for arts students?

11. How does arts compare to commerce and science for long-term career growth?

Kamal Jacob

184 articles published

Kamal Jacob is a seasoned Online Marketing Consultant with deep expertise in SEO, Web Analytics, and Content/Technical Strategy. With over 184 published articles, Kamal has played a key role in educat...

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