Exploring the Top 5 Courses After 12th PCM
May 30th, 2025: 15 min
Students who have completed their 12th with PCM as core subjects equip themselves with analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. These skills make them well-suited for courses like engineering and science. Pursuing degrees in these areas can lead to better employability. About 72% of Indian engineering graduates are employable in 2025 compared to 65% in 2024.
This blog explores the best courses after 12th PCM. It covers all the relevant details, like eligibility, specializations, and potential jobs related to the courses.
An Overview of 12th PCM
PCM stands for Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics—core subjects commonly studied by students in their 12th grade. In Physics, students explore the fundamental laws of nature, matter, and energy. Chemistry covers topics such as the properties of matter, as well as organic and inorganic chemistry. Mathematics helps students develop logical thinking and problem-solving skills, laying the foundation for analytical reasoning and quantitative analysis.
Top Degree Courses After 12th PCM
Here is the list of top courses after 12th PCM:
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B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering
B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering is one of the most preferred courses in the engineering field. It offers a comprehensive curriculum and involves internships, equipping students with industry-relevant skills. Upon graduation, students can explore jobs, like software developer, IT consultant, and database administrator.
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B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering |
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Course Duration |
4 years |
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Eligibility Criteria |
Students must secure a 10+2 certificate with at least 50% score. Additionally, students should complete their 12th with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as core subjects. |
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Entrance Exams |
Merit or entrance exams like JEE Mains and BITSAT |
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Estimated Salary/Year |
Rs 1.5 lakh-Rs 4.5 lakh |
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B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering
B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering is one of the prominent courses in the engineering field. The program focuses on teaching students about the functioning, designing, and manufacturing of mechanical systems. Upon graduation, students can explore a wide range of jobs, including mechanical and maintenance engineers.
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B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering |
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Course Duration |
4 years |
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Eligibility Criteria |
Students must have a 12th-grade certificate with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as core subjects. Additionally, students must secure a score of at least 60% to be eligible for this course (marks vary by university). |
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Entrance Exams |
Merit or entrance exams like JEE Mains and state-level exams. |
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Estimated Salary/Year |
Rs 4.5 lakh-Rs 8 lakh |
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B.Tech in Electrical Engineering
This course is ideal for students who want to become electrical engineers. It covers a wide range of subjects, focusing on design, maintenance, and development of electrical machinery and systems. After completing the degree, students can work as a site engineer, a senior electrical engineer, or a professor.
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B.Tech in Electrical Engineering |
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Course Duration |
4 years |
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Eligibility Criteria |
Students must have a 10+2 certificate with PCM as core subjects. Additionally, students must have a score of at least 50% in their 12th PCM. |
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Entrance Exams |
There are several entrance exams, including JEE Mains, BITSAT, AP & TG EAMCET, and state-level exams. |
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Estimated Salary/Year |
Rs 0.5 lakh-Rs 6.5 lakh |
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BSc in Mathematics
This course is well-suited for students who like working with numbers. It covers subjects that are found in other courses, such as computer science, finance, and accounting. During the course, students gain theoretical and practical knowledge that lays the foundation for further studies or career opportunities. Upon graduation, students can work in industries such as finance, insurance, banking, and IT companies.
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BSc in Mathematics |
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Course Duration |
3 years |
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Eligibility Criteria |
Students must have a 12th certificate in the science stream with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as core subjects. Students must secure a minimum of 50% in their 12th qualification. |
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Entrance Exams |
Merit or entrance exam like CUET UG. Common University Entrance Test (CUET) is a national-level exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). |
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Estimated Salary/Year |
Rs 2.5 lakh-Rs 5 lakh |
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Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA)
The Bachelor of Computer Applications is similar to B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering, but they are not identical. The course focuses more on software applications, thereby equipping students with diverse IT skills, like C++, Java, and Python. Upon graduation, students can explore job roles, such as programmer, web developer, and network administrator.
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Bachelor of Computer Applications |
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Course Duration |
3 years |
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Eligibility Criteria |
Students must have a 12th certificate with Physics, Chemistry, and especially Mathematics as core subjects. The students must secure at least 50% marks in their 12th grade. |
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Entrance Exams |
The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) is a national-level exam for a BCA course. Additionally, there are other university-specific entrance exams. |
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Estimated Salary/Year |
Rs 3 lakh-Rs 11 lakh |
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Course After 12th PCM
Students have plenty of courses to choose from after completing 12th with PCM as core subjects. The process can get overwhelming. To make decision-making easier, here are some key factors to consider when choosing a course:
- Students should choose a course that aligns with their interests, career goals, and strengths.
- Students should pick a course based on the current job market. For instance, if the computer science field is witnessing a high employment rate, students can consider CSE as an option.
- The course duration is another important factor. Students who want to seek employment immediately should choose a course with a short duration.
FAQs
- What are some of the popular science courses after 12th PCM?
Students who want to pursue courses after 12th PCM can focus on the science stream, which is the BSc. Some of the BSc courses include BSc in Mathematics, BSc in Chemistry, and BSc in Physics.
- Can students pursue medicine after completing 12th PCM?
Students with a 12th PCM qualification cannot pursue courses in medicine. However, students with 12th PCB (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology) can pursue courses in medicine.
- What is the typical duration of courses after 12th PCM?
It depends on the course. However, in general, the duration of courses ranges from 3-5 years.
- Can 12th PCM students take the NEET exam?
The NEET exam is primarily for medical courses. Students with a 12th PCM qualification cannot pursue medicine, hence, they are not eligible for the exam.
- What are the main entrance exams for courses after 12th PCM?
Students can appear for state-level and national-level exams. Some popular national-level exams include JEE and CUET.
Conclusion
Students looking for courses after 12th PCM have several options to explore in fields like engineering and science. Pursuing courses in these can enhance employability and provide access to high-paying jobs. All they have to do is choose the right course based on market trends, interests, and strengths.