Top Career Options In Arts That You Should Know in 2025

By Kamal Jacob

Updated on Sep 11, 2025 | 11 min read | 584.82K+ views

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Did You Know? The employability of Indian graduates has jumped from 33.95% to 54.81%  a rise of nearly 61% over the past decade.

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

The most popular career options after 12th 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 highest-paying career options after 12th 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”, keep reading! 

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Top Career Options After 12th Arts: Job Scope, Qualifications, and More 

Students coming from the arts or humanities stream can venture into multiple career opportunities. With its vast applicability across streams, an arts background can offer you employment opportunities in some of the most sought-after professions in India. 

But before going ahead look at our popular digital marketing courses that teach you industry-aligned skills: 

Let’s take a deeper look at the 15 best career options after 12th arts in India: 

1. Fashion Design  

Fashion design is a creative and dynamic field where you design clothing, accessories, and footwear. It’s a great career for those passionate about style and innovation, offering opportunities in both the domestic and international fashion markets. 

Career Options 

Job Role 

Approx Salary Range (India per year) 

Fashion Designer  ₹1.5 L – ₹8 L 
Textile Designer  ₹1.8 L – ₹9 L 
Fashion Stylist  ₹1.8 L – ₹7.1 L 
Fashion Consultant  ₹1.6 L – ₹4.5 L 
Costume Designer  ₹1.2 L – ₹8 L 

Courses 

  • Bachelor of Design (Fashion Design) 
  • BA in Fashion Design 
  • Diploma in Textile Design 

2. Digital Marketing  

Digital marketing involves promoting products or services using digital channels like social media, SEO, SEM, email marketing, and content creation. This rapidly growing field offers immense career opportunities due to the rise of online businesses and e-commerce. 

Career Options 

Job Role 

Approx Salary Range (India per year) 

Digital Marketing Manager  ₹5 L - ₹13 L  
SEO Specialist  ₹2.4 L  - ₹4.8 L 
Social Media Manager  ₹2.4 L - ₹4.8 L 
Content Marketing Manager  ₹7 L - ₹16 L 
PPC Expert / PPC Specialist  ₹4 L - ₹8 L 

Courses 

  • BBA in Digital Marketing 
  • Diploma in Digital Marketing 
  • Certification in SEO/SEM 

3. Law  

Law offers a range of career opportunities for students after 12th. As a lawyer, you can specialize in criminal, corporate, or civil law. Legal professionals are in high demand, offering a rewarding career in terms of both prestige and financial compensation. 

Career Options 

Job Role 

Approx Salary Range (India per year) 

Lawyer  ₹98,000  – ₹20 L 
Associate Attorney  ₹2.38 L – ₹20 L 
Legal Counsel  ₹3.69 L – ₹30 L 
Legal Manager  ₹4.34 L – ₹20 

Courses 

  • LLB (Bachelor of Laws) 
  • 5-year Integrated Law Course (BA LLB) 
  • MA in Law 

4. Fine Arts

Fine arts is a broad field encompassing various forms of artistic expression such as painting, sculpture, and photography. It’s an excellent career for creative individuals who want to pursue their passion in art while also finding ways to make a living. 

Career Options 

Job Role 

Approx Salary Range (India per year) 

Artist  ₹1.1 L - ₹10 L 
Sculptor  ₹1.92 L – ₹9.6 L  
Illustrator  ₹1.5 L – ₹24 L  
Art Curator  ₹1.3 L – ₹9.6 L 
Art Teacher  ₹1.1 L – ₹6.0 L  

Courses 

  • BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) 
  • BA in Fine Arts 
  • Diploma in Art and Design 

5. Interior Design

Interior design focuses on enhancing the interiors of residential, commercial, or industrial spaces. It combines aesthetics with functionality to create comfortable, visually appealing environments. Interior designers can work in various sectors, from homes to hotels. 

Career Options 

Job Role 

Approx Salary Range (India per year) 

Interior Designer  ₹1.4 L – ₹7 L  
Furniture Designer  ₹1.5 L – ₹10.0 L  
Lighting Designer  ₹2 L – ₹8.6 L  
Interior Architect  ₹2.0 L – ₹10.0 L  
Design Consultant  ₹2.5 L – ₹20.0 L  

Courses 

  • B.Des in Interior Design 
  • BArch (Architecture) 
  • Diploma in Interior Design 

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6. Business Administration 

Business Administration focuses on managing and overseeing business operations and processes. It’s an excellent choice for those interested in leadership, organizational management, and running companies or departments. 

Career Options 

Job Role 

Approx Salary Range (India per year) 

Business Analyst  ₹3 L – ₹18 L 
Project Manager  ₹4.7 L – ₹31 L 
Entrepreneur  ₹7.4 L– ₹19 L 
Marketing Manager  ₹3 L – ₹26.2 L 

Courses 

  • BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration) 
  • MBA (Master of Business Administration) 
  • Diploma in Business Management 

7. Event Management 

Event management involves planning, organizing, and executing events such as weddings, corporate events, conferences, and exhibitions. It requires excellent organizational skills and creativity, as well as the ability to manage teams and budgets. 

Career Options 

Job Role 

Approx Salary Range (India per year) 

Event Planner  ₹4 L – ₹5 L  
Wedding Coordinator  ₹5 L – ₹60 L 
Event Marketing Manager  ₹12 L – ₹56.2 L 

Courses 

  • Diploma in Event Management 
  • BBA in Event Management 
  • Certificate in Wedding Planning 

8. Hospitality Management 

Hospitality management focuses on managing hotels, restaurants, and other tourism-related businesses. With the growing tourism industry in India, it offers an exciting career with high growth prospects in customer service and operations. 

Career Options 

Job Role 

Approx Salary (India per year) 

Hotel Manager  ₹2.4 L - ₹5.4 L 
Restaurant Manager  ₹2.4 L - ₹8.5 L 
Event Coordinator  ₹1.2 L - ₹7 L 

Courses 

  • BHM (Bachelor of Hotel Management) 
  • Diploma in Hospitality Management 
  • MBA in Hospitality Management 

9. Journalism and Mass Media 

A career in journalism and mass media allows you to work in news reporting, editing, and producing content for television, print, and digital platforms. With the rise of digital media, this field offers diverse and dynamic opportunities. 

Career Options 

Job Role 

Approx Salary Range (India per year) 

Journalist  ₹1.1 L - ₹8 L 
News Anchor  ₹1.9 L - ₹30 L  
Content Writer  ₹1.3 L - ₹7 L 
Media Planner  ₹2.1 L - ₹10.1 L 

Courses 

  • BA in Journalism 
  • MA in Mass Communication 
  • Diploma in Media Studies 

10. Filmmaking 

Filmmaking is an exciting career for those interested in creative arts and storytelling. It involves directing, producing, and editing films, documentaries, or web series. The industry is growing rapidly, with diverse roles in production and post-production. 

Career Options 

Job Role 

Approx Salary Range (India per year) 

Film Director  ₹1.5 L – ₹16 L 
Cinematographer  ₹1.9 L – ₹9 L 
Film Editor  ₹3 L – ₹11.5 L 
Screenwriter  ₹1.2 L – ₹8 L 

Courses 

  • BFA in Film Production 
  • Diploma in Cinematography 
  • Certificate in Filmmaking 

11. Psychology 

Psychology is the study of the human mind and behavior. A degree in psychology opens up careers in counseling, therapy, research, or organizational psychology. This field offers rewarding roles that help people improve their mental health and well-being. 

Career Options: 

Role 

Approx Salary Range (India per year) 

Clinical Psychologist   ₹1.8 L  - ₹10 L 
Counseling Psychologist  ₹1.5 L  - ₹7.4 L 
HR Psychologist  ₹4 L – ₹22 L 

Courses 

  • BA/MA in Psychology 
  • MSc in Counseling Psychology 
  • Diploma in Clinical Psychology 

12.  Social Work 

Social work focuses on helping individuals, families, and communities improve their well-being. Social workers can work in various settings, including NGOs, hospitals, schools, and government agencies. 

Career Options 

Role 

Approx Salary Range (India per year) 

Social Worker  ₹1 L – ₹8 L 
Community Development Officer  ₹1.5 L - ₹7 L 
Medical Social Worker  ₹1.2 L - ₹5.6 L 

Courses 

  • BA in Social Work  
  • MSW (Master of Social Work) 
  •  Diploma in Social Welfare 

13. Photography 

Photography is a creative and technical career that involves capturing moments through a camera. From photojournalism to fashion or wedding photography, it offers flexibility and the opportunity to work as a freelancer or with big agencies. 

Career Options 

Role 

Approx Salary Range (India per year)   

Photographer  ₹1 L – ₹ 7.5 L 
Photojournalist   ₹1.2 L - ₹1.5 L 
Fashion Photographer  ₹1.3 L - ₹8 L 

Courses

  • Diploma in Photography 
  • BA in Visual Arts 
  • Certificate in Digital Photography 

14. Education Training 

Education and training offer rewarding careers for those interested in teaching, mentoring, and guiding others. It spans traditional teaching roles as well as corporate training and educational consultancy. 

Career Options 

Role 

Approx Salary Range (India per year) 

Teacher  ₹90,000 - ₹5.4 L 
Educational Consultant  ₹1.5 L - ₹ 11.5 L 
Corporate Trainer  ₹2.2 L - ₹15 L 

Courses 

  • B.Ed (Bachelor of Education) 
  • MA in Education 
  • Diploma in Educational Psychology 

15. Foreign Language

Foreign language experts are in demand in sectors like translation, international business, tourism, and education. Mastery in languages such as French, Spanish, Chinese, or German opens up global career opportunities. 

Career Options

Role 

Approx Salary Range (India per year) 

Translator  ₹1.2 L - ₹ 9 L 
Language Trainer  ₹1.5 L - ₹8.5 L 
Content Writer  ₹1.3 L - ₹7 L 

Courses

  • BA in Foreign Languages 
  • Certificate in Translation 
  • Diploma in Language Studies 

Which Course to Choose After 12th Arts?  

Right after high school, you are required to make some carefully thought-out decisions and career paths that suit you the best. Choosing the right course after the 12th arts is a serious decision that requires you to consider your aspirations, your dream jobs, and your inclinations towards a particular career field.  

You also need to consider external factors of market demand and growth opportunities so that your chosen career path fulfills your long-term goals. Thus, it is recommended that you weigh your options, do your research, and seek expert consultations if need be to make a solid decision in this regard. 

Refer to the following list of best courses after 12th arts and their equivalent career options: 

Top Courses After 12th Arts 

Top Job Roles  

BA (English) 
  • Content Writer 
  • Editor 
  • Teacher 
BA (Psychology) 
  • Clinical Psychologist 
  • Counselor 
  • HR Professional 
BA (Sociology) 
  • Social Worker 
  • Policy Analyst 
  • Community Service Manager 
BA (Political Science) 
  • Political Analyst 
  • Public Relations Officer 
  • Civil Servant 
BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) 
  • Artist 
  • Sculptor 
  • Art Teacher 
BA (History) 
  • Historian 
  • Archaeologist 
  • Museum Curator 
BJMC (Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication)  
  • Journalist 
  • News Anchor 
  • Media Planner 
BBA(Bachelor of Business Administration) 
  • Business Consultant 
  • Marketing Manager 
  • Entrepreneur 
B.Des (Fashion Design) 
  • Fashion Designer 
  • Fashion Stylist 
  • Textile Designer 

Tips on Choosing the Right Course After 12th Arts  

If you are feeling lost in terms of determining the right career path after the arts stream in 12th, you may use the following tips to choose the right course for yourself. By considering these factors, you will be able to have more clarity on your options and aspirations: 

  • Aligning Course with Interests and Strengths: This tip can come in quite handy for prospective undergraduate students. You can analyze your academic strengths, different fields, and skills you are interested in and accordingly align that with your choice of course to begin your undergraduate studies. 
  • Researching Career Prospects Before Choosing: Before finalizing your course, you need to make sure that you are well aware of your career prospects post completing that course. Try to educate yourself about the course demand, popular job roles, growth prospects as well as earning potential. 
  • Industry trends and future-proofing choice: As the work landscape advances, a lot of job roles inculcate transferable skills and a lot of them require continuous learning due to emerging trends in them. You should consider if your field of choice is expected to see a growth in demand rate or a decline in terms of course relevance, 
  • Consider job flexibility and skill development: This is quite a crucial component in today’s job scenario. It is not imperative that you only stick to one job role in a set field. You can opt for courses that have a rather broad scope and can allow for smoother job transitions, in case you acquire newer interests in your career progressions. 

Also check out: How to Create a Standout Resume for Freshers 

Essential Skills Re for Career Success in Arts 

To achieve success and achieve the best career options after 12th Arts, students should concentrate on building the following essential skills:

How can upGrad Help You? 

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Here are some of our popular courses you may like:  

If you’re unsure about career options 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. Can I pursue engineering after 12th Arts?

No, you can’t directly pursue traditional engineering after 12th Arts because engineering requires a strong foundation in science and math. However, you can explore creative technical fields like animation, graphic design, or web design. These arts career options after 12th combine creativity with technology and offer good growth opportunities. 

2. How to become a journalist after 12th Arts?

To become a journalist, you can pursue a Bachelor's degree in Journalism (BJMC). Journalism offers roles in print, digital, and broadcast media, letting you cover news, stories, and events. For students looking at career options after 12th Arts, journalism is one of the best career options after 12th Arts for creative and analytical thinkers.

3. What are the career options in the government sector after 12th Arts?

After 12th Arts, you can aim for careers in civil services (IAS, IPS), Indian Foreign Services, police services, teaching, and administrative roles. Government roles in ministries or public sector undertakings (PSUs) also offer stable careers.  

4. What are the job opportunities in social work after 12th Arts?

You can pursue a Bachelor’s in Social Work (BSW) to become a social worker, counselor, NGO professional, or policy researcher. Both government and private organizations hire social work graduates. 

5. Which is the best career after 12th Arts?

The best career depends on your interest. Popular options include journalism, teaching, law, social work, digital marketing, and civil services. Each of these arts career options after 12th offers opportunities to grow, earn well, and pursue your passion.

6. Which course after 12th Arts has the highest salary?

High-paying courses after 12th Arts include law, digital marketing, foreign languages, and political science. Specializations in international relations, managerial roles, or marketing consultancy can further increase earnings. These are some of the career options after 12th Arts with high salary. 

7. How to become a teacher after 12th Arts?

You can become a teacher by pursuing a B.Ed after graduation or enroll in the 4-year Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP). Teaching careers are available in schools, colleges, or private tutoring. This is one of the best career options after 12th Arts for students who love mentoring and education.

8. Is Arts good for the future?

Yes, Arts offers diverse and growing opportunities. Careers in journalism, law, civil services, digital marketing, and foreign languages are in demand. Arts students gain creativity and critical thinking. 

9. Can I pursue animation after 12th Arts?

Absolutely! You can take animation courses or degrees in multimedia and digital arts. This opens up careers in 3D animation, visual effects, and gaming. Animation is among the career options after 12th Arts with high salary for creative students.

10. How to pursue event management after 12th Arts?

You can pursue diplomas or degrees in event management. Roles include event planner, coordinator, wedding planner, or corporate event manager. Event management is one of the arts career options after 12th that combines creativity and organization.

11. What is the scope of political science after 12th Arts?

Studying political science can lead to careers in government, public relations, international relations, consultancy, and civil services. A BA in Political Science with specializations in foreign affairs or public policy provides higher growth opportunities. 

12. What career is the best in art?

The best career in art depends on your interests. Popular choices include UI/UX design, animation, and creative direction in advertising. These arts career options after 12th combine creativity with good income potential. 

13. What are the 7 types of art?

The traditional seven types of art are painting, sculpture, literature, architecture, music, performing arts, and cinema. These fields now include digital and interactive media, offering modern arts stream career options after 12th.

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

Some colleges allow Arts students to pursue BCA without a math background. BSc CS usually requires math. Always check eligibility before applying. BCA is a flexible after 12th Arts career option in tech for creative thinkers. 

15. What is the richest job in art?

High-paying careers include creative directors, top animators, and film directors. Experienced product designers and successful artists can also earn significantly. These are the career options after 12th Arts with high salary in the creative field.

16. Which course after 12 has the highest salary?

Courses like BBA → MBA or law through CLAT lead to high-paying careers. Hotel management, digital design, and UX are also lucrative arts career options after 12th.

17. Which course is best for girls in arts?

There is no single “best” course. Psychology, design, law, BBA, journalism, and education are strong choices. These arts stream career options after 12th let girls grow professionally and personally. 

18. Which job is best for the future?

Careers in digital marketing, design, tech support, content writing, psychology, and law are future-proof. They are among the best career options after 12th Arts as they combine creativity, skill growth, and stability. 

19. Is psychology a good choice for arts students?

Yes, psychology is ideal if you’re curious about human behavior. It leads to careers in counseling, HR, mental health, and research.  

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

Arts offers diverse opportunities like civil services, law, media, and design. While science and commerce focus on technical or business roles, arts allow creativity to drive success. These arts career options after 12th are equally rewarding if you choose the right path. 

References: 

https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/fashion-designer-salary 

https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/fashion-designer-salary 

https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/fashion-stylist-salary 

https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/fashion-consultant-salary-SRCH_KO0,18.htm 

https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/costume-designer-salary 

https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/india-digital-marketing-manager-salary-SRCH_IL.0%2C5_IN115_KO6%2C31.htm 

https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/india-seo-specialist-salary-SRCH_IL.0%2C5_IN115_KO6%2C20.htm 

https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/social-media-manager-salary-SRCH_KO0,20.htm 

https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/marketing-content-manager-salary-SRCH_KO0%2C25.htm 

https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/ppc-specialist-salary-SRCH_KO0%2C14.htm

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https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/curator-salary 

https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/art-teacher-salary 

https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/interior-designer-salary 

https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/furniture-designer-salary 

https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/lighting-designer-salary 

https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/interior-architect-salary 

https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/design-consultant-salary 

https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/business-analyst-salary 

https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/project-manager-salary 

https://www.ambitionbox.com/salaries/entrepreneur-salaries 

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https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/cincinnati-oh-united-states-wedding-coordinator-salary-SRCH_IL.0%2C27_KO28%2C47.htm 

https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/event-marketing-manager-salary-SRCH_KO0,23.htm 

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https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/restaurant-manager-salary 

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https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/content-writer-salary 

https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/media-planner-salary 

https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/film-director-salary 

https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/cinematographer-salary 

https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/film-editor-salary-SRCH_KO0,11.htm 

https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/script-writer-salary 

https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/clinical-psychologist-salary 

https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/counseling-psychologist-salary 

https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/organizational-psychologist-salary 

https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/social-worker-salary 

https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/community-development-officer-salary 

https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/medical-social-worker-salary?page=2 

https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/photographer-salary 

https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/photo-journalist-salary 

https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/teacher-salary 

https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/education-consultant-salary 

https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/corporate-trainer-salary 

https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/translator-salary 

https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/language-trainer-salary 

https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/content-writer-salary 

 

 

 

 

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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