After 10th, 12th: Choosing Between Arts, Commerce, and Science

Md Reyaz Alam
9 min readMar 19, 2023

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Choosing a stream after 10th standard is one of the most crucial decisions a student has to make. The decision not only determines the student’s academic career but also influences their future job prospects. Students are usually presented with three options — Arts, Commerce, and Science. In this blog, we will discuss each of these streams in detail and the career options available in each of them.

Arts Stream:

Arts stream offers a wide range of subjects like History, Political Science, Economics, Sociology, Psychology, Geography, English, Hindi, Sanskrit, etc. This stream is suitable for students who have a keen interest in humanities and social sciences. Students who enjoy reading, writing, and have a passion for language and literature can opt for this stream.

Career Options:

  1. Journalism and Mass Communication
  2. Law
  3. Social Work
  4. Teaching
  5. Psychology
  6. Public Relations
  7. Content Writing
  8. Civil Services
  9. Archaeology
  10. Anthropology

Journalism and Mass Communication:

Journalism and Mass Communication is a popular career choice for students who are interested in writing, reporting, and media. This field involves various job roles, such as journalists, editors, reporters, news anchors, content writers, and social media managers. Students can pursue a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication to enter this field.

Law:

Law is a challenging but rewarding career option for students who are interested in the legal field. This field offers various job roles, such as lawyers, legal advisors, judges, and legal researchers. Students can pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Law (LLB) after completing their 12th standard. After completing LLB, students can also pursue a Master’s degree in Law (LLM) for specialization.

Social Work:

Social work is a noble profession that involves working for the betterment of society. Social workers work with individuals, families, communities, and organizations to promote social justice and improve the quality of life of people. Students can pursue a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Social Work to enter this field.

Teaching:

Teaching is a fulfilling and rewarding career option for students who are interested in educating and shaping young minds. Teaching offers various job roles, such as school teachers, college professors, private tutors, and educational consultants. Students can pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Education (B.Ed.) after completing their 12th standard. After completing B.Ed., students can also pursue a Master’s degree in Education (M.Ed.) for specialization.

Psychology:

Psychology is a fascinating field that involves studying the human mind, behavior, and emotions. Psychologists work in various settings, such as schools, hospitals, research institutes, and private clinics. Students can pursue a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Psychology to enter this field. After completing their education, students can also pursue a career as a counselor or therapist.

Public Relations:

Public Relations is a field that involves building and maintaining relationships between organizations and their stakeholders, such as customers, employees, investors, and media. Public relations professionals work in various settings, such as corporate offices, public sector organizations, and public relations agencies. Students can pursue a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Public Relations to enter this field.

Content Writing:

Content Writing is a field that involves creating written content for various platforms, such as websites, blogs, social media, and marketing campaigns. Content writers work in various settings, such as digital marketing agencies, media companies, and content creation firms. Students can pursue a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication or English to enter this field.

Civil Services:

Civil Services is a challenging but prestigious career option for students who are interested in serving the country. Civil services offer various job roles, such as Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Foreign Service (IFS). Students can pursue a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline and then appear for the Civil Services Examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to enter this field.

Archaeology:

Archaeology is a field that involves studying human history and culture through artifacts, fossils, and other physical evidence. Archaeologists work in various settings, such as museums, universities, research institutes, and government agencies. Students can pursue a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Archaeology or History to enter this field.

Anthropology:

Anthropology is a field that involves studying human societies, cultures, and behaviors. Anthropologists work in various settings, such as universities, research institutes, and government agencies. Students can pursue a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Anthropology or Sociology to enter this field.

Commerce Stream:

Commerce stream offers a range of subjects like Accountancy, Business Studies, Economics, Mathematics, and Entrepreneurship. This stream is suitable for students who have a keen interest in business, finance, and economics. Students who are good with numbers and have analytical skills can opt for this stream.

Career Options:

  1. Chartered Accountancy
  2. Company Secretary
  3. Cost and Management Accountant
  4. Banking and Finance
  5. Business Management
  6. Investment Banking
  7. Stockbroker
  8. Insurance
  9. Actuary
  10. Economist
  11. Teaching

Chartered Accountancy:

Chartered Accountancy is a highly respected and challenging career option for students who are interested in accounting, finance, and taxation. Chartered Accountants (CA) work in various settings, such as accounting firms, corporate offices, and government agencies. Students can pursue the Chartered Accountancy course offered by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) after completing their 12th standard.

Company Secretary:

Company Secretary (CS) is a career option for students who are interested in corporate governance and legal compliance. Company secretaries work in various settings, such as corporate offices, legal firms, and government agencies. Students can pursue the Company Secretary course offered by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) after completing their 12th standard.

Cost and Management Accountant:

Cost and Management Accountant (CMA) is a career option for students who are interested in cost accounting, management accounting, and financial management. CMAs work in various settings, such as manufacturing companies, service industries, and government agencies. Students can pursue the Cost and Management Accountant course offered by the Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICAI) after completing their 12th standard.

Banking and Finance:

Banking and Finance is a popular career option for students who are interested in the financial sector. This field offers various job roles, such as bank managers, financial analysts, investment bankers, and financial advisors. Students can pursue a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Banking and Finance to enter this field.

Business Management:

Business Management is a career option for students who are interested in managing businesses and organizations. This field offers various job roles, such as business managers, project managers, operations managers, and marketing managers. Students can pursue a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business Management to enter this field.

Investment Banking:

Investment Banking is a challenging but rewarding career option for students who are interested in the financial sector. Investment bankers work in various settings, such as investment banks, private equity firms, and hedge funds. Students can pursue a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Finance or Economics to enter this field.

Stockbroker:

Stockbroking is a career option for students who are interested in the stock market and financial investments. Stockbrokers work in various settings, such as stockbroking firms, investment banks, and asset management companies. Students can pursue a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Finance or Economics to enter this field.

Insurance:

Insurance is a field that involves managing risk and providing financial protection to individuals and businesses. Insurance professionals work in various settings, such as insurance companies, brokerage firms, and consulting firms. Students can pursue a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Insurance or Risk Management to enter this field.

Actuary:

Actuary is a career option for students who are interested in risk management and data analysis. Actuaries work in various settings, such as insurance companies, consulting firms, and government agencies. Students can pursue a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Actuarial Science to enter this field.

Economist:

Economics is a field that involves studying the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. Economists work in various settings, such as universities, research institutes, and government agencies. Students can pursue a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Economics to enter this field.

Teaching:

Students who are interested in teaching can pursue a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degree after completing their Bachelor’s degree in Commerce. This degree program focuses on teaching methodologies, classroom management, educational psychology, and subject-specific knowledge.

Science Stream:

Science stream offers a range of subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, and Computer Science. This stream is suitable for students who have a keen interest in science and technology. Students who are good at problem-solving, logical thinking, and analytical skills can opt for this stream.

Career Options:

  1. Engineering
  2. Medical
  3. Research and Development
  4. Biotechnology
  5. Agriculture
  6. Architecture
  7. Astronomy
  8. Defense Services
  9. Data Science
  10. Aviation

Engineering: Engineering is a popular career option that involves the application of science, mathematics, and creativity to solve real-world problems. Students who are interested in engineering can pursue a Bachelor’s degree in various fields such as mechanical, electrical, civil, computer, and many more. They can also pursue Master’s and Ph.D. programs in specialized fields. Engineering graduates can find employment opportunities in various industries such as automobile, manufacturing, construction, aviation, and technology.

Medical: Medical is a highly respected and rewarding career option that involves the study and practice of medicine to diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases. Students who are interested in the medical field can pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Medicine and Surgery (MBBS) and then specialize in various fields such as cardiology, neurology, orthopedics, pediatrics, and many more. Medical graduates can find employment opportunities in hospitals, clinics, research institutes, and private practice.

Research and Development: Research and Development (R&D) is a critical aspect of innovation and development in various fields such as science, technology, and engineering. Students who are interested in R&D can pursue Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. programs in specialized fields such as chemistry, physics, biology, and engineering. R&D professionals can find employment opportunities in various industries such as pharmaceuticals, technology, and aerospace.

Biotechnology: Biotechnology involves the study and application of biological systems to develop products and services. Students who are interested in biotechnology can pursue Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. programs in specialized fields such as genetic engineering, molecular biology, and bioinformatics. Biotechnology graduates can find employment opportunities in various industries such as healthcare, agriculture, and environmental conservation.

Agriculture: Agriculture is a career option that involves the cultivation and management of crops, livestock, and other agricultural products. Students who are interested in agriculture can pursue Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. programs in specialized fields such as agronomy, horticulture, and animal science. Agriculture graduates can find employment opportunities in various sectors such as government, non-governmental organizations, and private businesses.

Architecture: Architecture is a career option that involves the design, planning, and construction of buildings and other physical structures. Students who are interested in architecture can pursue Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. programs in specialized fields such as architectural engineering, urban design, and landscape architecture. Architecture graduates can find employment opportunities in various sectors such as construction, real estate, and urban planning.

Astronomy: Astronomy involves the study of celestial objects such as planets, stars, galaxies, and other phenomena in the universe. Students who are interested in astronomy can pursue Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. programs in specialized fields such as astrophysics, cosmology, and planetary science. Astronomy graduates can find employment opportunities in various sectors such as research institutes, observatories, and academia.

Defense Services: Defense Services involve the protection and defense of a nation’s security and sovereignty. Students who are interested in defense services can pursue Bachelor’s and Master’s programs in specialized fields such as defense studies, strategic studies, and military science. Defense Services professionals can find employment opportunities in various sectors such as the armed forces, intelligence agencies, and defense manufacturing.

Data Science: Data Science is a career option that involves the analysis and interpretation of large data sets to derive insights and inform decision-making. Students who are interested in data science can pursue Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. programs in specialized fields such as data analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. Data Science graduates can find employment opportunities in various sectors such as finance, healthcare, and technology.

Aviation: Aviation involves the study and practice of flying aircraft and managing air transportation services. Students who are interested in aviation can pursue Bachelor’s and Master’s programs,

Note: Some of the options can be chosen by all streams like Civil Service, Teaching etc. Science Stream can also choose some of the Arts & Commerce Stream and so on, Whatever you choose or decide, just do a bit research about it.

In conclusion, after 10th, students have a variety of options to choose from, based on their interests, aptitude, and career goals. The three streams available are Arts, Commerce, and Science, with each stream offering its own set of subjects and career opportunities. It is important for students to understand their strengths and interests before making a decision about which stream to choose.

Ultimately, the key to a successful career is to pursue one’s interests and passions, while also acquiring the necessary skills and qualifications to succeed in the chosen field. With dedication, hard work, and perseverance, students can build a fulfilling career that aligns with their strengths and interests.

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