Top Career Options After 12th Computer Science To Know in 2025

Fresh high school graduates with computer science as a subject of interest are in for a set of tech roles that are not only relevant but also rising as we speak. In a move towards rapid tech integration and inculcation, computer science and IT roles are among the most rewarding.

The top career options after 12th computer science range from roles Software development, Data Science, Cybersecurity, and mobile application development to AI and Machine learning. To pursue these careers, you can enroll in courses like a Bachelor of Computer Science Engineering or a Bachelor of Computer Applications, which build the foundational pathway for tech careers.

In this blog, we will list the top courses after 12th computer science, and the most popular career options after 12th Computer Science. So, read along to assess what you want to do further!

Get prepared to kickstart your journey in tech with upGrad’s Software Development Courses, AI and ML Courses, and Data Science Courses!

Career Options After 12th Computer Science: Top Courses to Pursue 

If you are a 12th grade computer science student, you have plenty of courses to choose from. Here are the top courses in Computer Science that you can pursue after completing the 12th: 

Prepare to give your computer science career the perfect boost of credibility with our industry-aligned courses:

• Executive PG Certification in AI-Powered Full Stack Development
• Executive Diploma in Data Science & AI from IIITB
• Executive Diploma in Machine Learning and AI  

Now, let’s explore all these computer courses after 12th in detail.

1. BCA (Bachelor of Computer Applications)

BCA is quite a popular course choice for computer science students. This course also allows for a research option, with an extended duration being 4 years. In a BCA degree, you learn about web development, programming skills, computer architecture, and DSa

Read more here: BCA Course Subjects, Syllabus & Career Opportunities

Why Choose BCA after 12th?

• Great foundation for application development (mobile & web).
• Ideal for entry-level tech roles or for building specialized skills (Java, .NET, etc.).
• Computer Scientist

2. B.Tech in Information Technology

B.Tech in Information Technology is another popular course choice for computer science students. It differs from the B.Tech in Computer Science in terms of curriculum and goals. 

While the B.Tech in Computer Science degree focuses on making you familiar with various aspects of computer programming and its concepts, a B.Tech in Information Technology focuses on information theory and management.

Why Choose a B.Tech in Information Technology?

• The IT industry is expected to grow 6-7% in FY 2025-26 and is expected to contribute 10% of the country’s total GDP in 2025, indicating high career scope.
• Average Salary in this field is INR 9.69 Lakh/Year.

3. B.Tech in Computer Science

One of the most popular and lucrative courses after 12th Computer Science is B.Tech in Computer Science. B.Tech in Computer Science is widely popular because of its massive demand in the industry and its applications. 

Why Choose B.Tech in CS?

• High industry demand across IT, finance, e-commerce, etc.
• Average Salary: INR 9.41 Lakh/Year 

You may check out these best online computer courses for job readiness and elevate your skills to meet the demands of today’s digital workforce.

4. Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (B.Sc. IT):

Those who are passionate about exploring the dynamic field of technology may choose to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (B.Sc IT) courses after 12th Computer Science. 

The curriculum of this program blends theoretical concepts with hands-on practical learning, providing a holistic understanding of information technology. This, in turn, makes you more job-ready to 

Why Choose It?

• Average Salary: INR 2.16–2.52 Lakh/Year for entry-level roles.
• Application-Oriented – B.Sc. IT tends to be hands-on, focusing on immediate industry needs.
• Good for Non-Engineering Aspirants – Provides a strong tech background without the intense math/engineering focus of B.Tech.

5. B.Sc. in Computer Science

One of the popular courses after 12th Computer Science is a B.Sc. in Computer Science. In a B.Sc. Computer Science course, you study the theory behind Computer Science and related concepts. 

Why Choose  B.Sc. in Computer Science?

• Deeper Theory: f you’re keen on a conceptual understanding, B.Sc. (CS) is a good fit.
• Research Pathway: Often leads to specialized master’s or Ph.D. programs in AI, quantum computing, etc.
• Multiple Career Avenues: From software development to teaching, it has versatile career paths for you

Career Options After 12th Computer Science

Studying computer science in 12th grade acts as a solid base for you to pursue relevant computer and IT roles. As you are presented with a range of options, understanding the top CS career options can help you make an informed decision that aligns with your interests and aspirations. 

Here’s a table with top career options after 12th computer science, along with the approximate yearly salary of each role:

  Source: Glassdoor

Let’s further understand these career options better: 

1. Web Developer

B.Tech is a great scope for computer science students after 12th who have an interest in the world of internet and website development. It helps you come closer to your dream of becoming an IT specialist who creates back-end and front-end website code. 

Web development experts initially ascertain the needs of the business before working with designers to complete the website’s appearance.

Average Annual Web Developer Salary in India: INR 4.3L

Web developers typically use the wireframes created by web designers. They ensure a website is useful, aesthetically pleasing, and secure for users to browse. 

2. Cybersecurity Analyst

A Cybersecurity Analyst is like a digital superhero who protects our online world from cyber threats and villains. They are the guardians of our digital safety. These professionals ensure that computer systems, networks, and sensitive information remain secure from hackers and other malicious activities. 

They might set up firewalls, which are like protective walls around your digital space, and use antivirus programs to detect and remove any digital intruders.

Average Annual Cybersecurity Analyst Salary in India: INR 6.4L

Becoming a Cybersecurity Analyst typically involves pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity or a related field. It is easy for students who are studying computer science after 12th. 

3. Software Engineer

One of the most popular career options after 12th Computer Science is software engineering. Software engineers play a critical role in the development and production of software.  

It is a good option to choose among many demanding computer engineering courses after the 12th, the earlier one gets into the industry the better it is.

Average Annual Software Engineer Salary in India: INR 8.6L

Know Why Software Engineering Ranks Among the Highest-Paying Careers in India in 2025 in this comprehensive blog!

The role of software engineers involves these: 

• Mapping out various programming tasks for the different aspects of software production, combining them to create a fully functioning program.
• Plotting out the automated tasks of the process. 
• Working with software designers and developers to create the product. 

4. Network Security Engineer

One of the best computer engineering courses after 12th, B.Tech opens the gateway to the world of Network Security Profession. An engineer in network security creates and manages security systems for corporate networks.

Average Annual Network Security Engineer Salary in India: INR 7.7L

These experts guard a company’s network infrastructure by updating cybersecurity software, setting up firewalls, and looking for any security flaws. These experts identify the issue during cyberattacks, isolate it, and fix it to stop more attacks. 

5. AI/Machine Learning Engineer:

Becoming an AI/Machine Learning Engineer is one of the most desired computer degree courses after 12th grade. An AI/Machine Learning Engineer is like a digital creator who teaches computers to learn and make decisions on their own.

Average Annual AI Engineer Salary in India: INR 14L

To be an AI/Machine Learning Engineer, one usually pursues a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field. Think of it as attending a school where you learn the language of machines. 

6. Application Developer

Courses after 12th computer help you become an expert in application development. An application developer creates, distributes, and maintains software for a particular hardware platform and operating system is what we refer to as an application developer. These experts fix bugs in software, maintain it, and test security holes in patches.

Average Annual Application Developer Salary in India: INR 11.8L

An application developer may create a desktop or mobile application. To build finished apps, they produce high-quality code. These experts don’t just create programs; they also test them before use, troubleshoot them, and debug them. 

7. Data Scientist

A relatively new and high-paying career for Computer Science students is a data scientist. As a data scientist, you’ll be responsible for collecting and using large quantities of data to solve business problems. 

Average Annual Data Scientist Salary in India: INR 15L

There are many career options to choose from in this field, such as:

1. Data Architect

2. Business Intelligence Developer

3. Data Analyst

4. Statistician

5. Big Data Engineer

Data scientists use machine learning, predictive analysis, and statistical analysis to develop efficient frameworks for data collection as well. 

8. Cloud Computing Professional

You can aim to enter the cloud computing sector too. It is among the highest paying fields in the tech sector. Cloud computing is the field related to the development and implementation of solutions based on the cloud.

You should be familiar with cloud technology and its various features. As more businesses are shifting to using cloud technology, the demand for cloud computing professionals has risen accordingly. It is among the most sought-after skills, and you can easily bag a lucrative job by learning the necessary skills.

There are many career options – listed below, alongside their average annual salaries – to choose from: 

1. Cloud Architect: INR 27 lakhs

2. Cloud Consultant: INR 14.4 lakhs

3. Cloud Security Engineer: INR 10 lakhs

4. DevOps Cloud Engineer: INR 9.5 lakhs

Wrapping Up

After completing your 12th, computer science students can pursue a range of courses that are in demand and offer high salaries. Given the growing need for tech professionals in software development, cybersecurity, and data science, a range of jobs await you!

Other than mainstream education degrees, you can make yourself job-ready with specialized skills and courses. At upGrad, we aim to provide you with industry-relevant skills and knowledge that can help you excel in your dream role. 

Here are some of our top courses that might interest you:

• Advanced Certification in Cloud Computing program
• AI-Driven Full-Stack Development
• Advanced Certificate Program in Generative AI

And if you want expert assistance in your CS career journey, feel free to book a free 1:1 counseling session with us and our mentors will provide you with end-to-end guidance. 

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