Top Career Options After 12th PCB
May 30th, 2025: 15 min
Choosing a career path after completing 12th with PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) opens the door to numerous opportunities. From medical and paramedical, to life sciences, PCB opens doors to a wide range of dynamic and growing sectors. This blog explores the top career options after 12th PCB, covering average salary, required courses, and other important aspects.
Best Career Options After 12th Science With PCB
Students generally opt for the 12th science stream with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) thinking of medical career opportunities, which is true. However, it is more than medical; it opens doors to diverse job roles in research, academia, and many more. Here are the courses a student can pursue for lucrative career options after 12th PCB:
Medical Courses
If someone is passionate about social service, understanding the human body, and making a meaningful impact through science and healthcare, a medical course is the right choice. Here are the top two courses in the medical field:
- MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery)
An MBBS in India is a 5.5-year program, which is the first step towards becoming a doctor. The curriculum is vast, covering a wide range of subjects from Pathology, Botany, and Medicine, to Surgery.
Eligibility
Students must complete a 10+2 qualification from a recognized board with PCB as core subjects. Moreover, students must pass the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET).
Top 2 Career Options After Completing MBBS
Career Options |
Estimated Salary/Annum |
General Physician |
1.2 lakhs - 24 lakhs |
Surgeon |
3 lakhs - 35 lakhs |
- Bachelor of Dental Surgery
If a student aspires to become a dentist, the Bachelor of Dental Surgery is ideal. It is a 5-year course that focuses on teaching students everything related to dental sciences and surgeries.
Eligibility
Students must complete a 10+2 qualification with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as core subjects. Furthermore, students must score at least 50% marks in their 10+2. Additionally, students must clear the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) exam.
Top 2 Career Options After Completing BDS
Career Options |
Estimated Salary/Annum |
General Dentist |
Rs 1 lakh - Rs 6.5 lakhs |
Oral Surgeon |
Rs 9 lakhs |
Paramedical Courses
Paramedics are the first ones to arrive at the emergency scene and provide life-saving treatment before the patient reaches the hospital. Here are the courses a student can pursue in the paramedical field:
- BSc in Nursing
A Bachelor of Nursing is a 4-year undergraduate program. The course covers a wide range of subjects, including psychology, microbiology, genetics, and others.
Eligibility
Students must complete 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as core subjects. Additionally, students must score at least 50% in their 10+2 qualification. Students must clear entrance exams like NEET UG for admission to top institutions. For specific universities, like AIIMS and JIPMER, students must clear the AIIMS Nursing and JIPMER Nursing entrance exams, respectively.
Top 2 Career Options After Completing a BSc in Nursing
Career Options |
Estimated Salary/Annum |
Nurse Practitioner |
Rs 2,50,781 |
Nurse Manager |
Rs 5,17,180 |
- BSc in Medical Laboratory Technology
The BSc in Medical Laboratory Technology is a 3-4 year degree, perfect for those who aspire to be lab technicians. It focuses on equipping students with technical assistance skills, like medical testing and lab procedures.
Eligibility
Students must complete the 12th grade with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as core subjects from a recognized board. Additionally, students must score at least 50% in their 10+2 qualification. When it comes to entrance exams, students must clear the Common University Entrance Test conducted through the National Testing Agency. Additionally, state universities conduct their entrance exams.
Top 2 Career Options After Completing a BSc in Medical Laboratory Technology
Career Options |
Estimated Salary/Annum |
Medical Technologist |
Rs 2,73,685 |
Clinical Laboratory Scientist |
Rs 2,17,614 |
Life Sciences and Research
If a student is interested in the scientific research of living things, from microorganisms to animals, this course is for them. Here are the top 2 courses in this field:
- BSc in Biotechnology
The BSc in Biotechnology is a 3-year undergraduate program that equips students with the knowledge and skills to apply biological sciences and technological methods to address human needs.
Eligibility
Students must complete their 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as core subjects. Additionally, students in the General Category must score at least 50% in their 10+2. For reserved categories, the minimum cut-off score is 45%.
Top 2 Career Options After Completing a BSc in Biotechnology
Career Options |
Estimated Salary/Annum |
Biotechnology Engineer |
Rs 1 lakh - Rs 10.1 lakhs |
Research Scientist |
Rs 5 lakhs - Rs 15 lakhs |
- BSc in Genetics
A BSc in Genetics is a 3-year undergraduate degree. It deals with the study of the biology of the human body, mainly focusing on genetics and heredity.
Eligibility
Students must have a 12th-grade qualification with PCB as core subjects. The general cut-off marks for this course are around 50%-60%.
Top 2 Career Options After Completing a BSc in Genetics
Career Options |
Estimated Salary/Annum |
Genetic Counselor |
Rs 3 lakhs - Rs 6 lakhs |
Forensic Scientist |
Rs 4,83,669 |
Tips to Pick the Right Career After 12th PCB
Below are some tips to help students choose the right career options after 12th PCB:
- Students must assess their areas of interest, like research or helping others. Additionally, students must understand their strengths. Based on their interests and strengths, they must pick the course that aligns with their career goals.
- Students must take the help of mentors. A career guide can recommend the best path based on qualifications, strengths, and career goals.
- Students should study the current job market in life sciences, biotechnology, or other related fields. They should analyze in-demand jobs, salaries, and employment rates to help them select the right career path.
Conclusion
Choosing career options after 12th PCB can be overwhelming. However, students should choose a field of higher studies according to their interests, strengths, and career goals. Gaining relevant knowledge and skills will help them grab lucrative job opportunities after graduation.
FAQs
- What are the subjects in PCB?
The PCB is an important stream in the 12th grade. It consists of subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
- Does the PCB have other subjects?
The main subjects are Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Additionally, the PCB stream consists of an elective and an English course.
- What courses can a student pursue after 12th PCB without the NEET entrance exam?
Students can explore a wide range of courses, from a Bachelor of Optometry to a Bachelor of Science without NEET. These courses can lead to lucrative career paths, like an optician and optometry researcher.
- What are the top PCB career options after 12th?
It depends on the student’s career goals, interests, and strengths. However, if a student chooses medical and healthcare services, they open doors to top careers like doctor, surgeon, and dental surgeon.
- What are the entrance exams students can take after completing their 12th PCB?
Students can take university-level exams to national-level exams. Some of the common entrance exams include NEET, CUET, and AIIMS-entrance exams.