Top Career Options for PCM Students After 12th

It’s that time of the year again, where as a class 12th student, you have started worrying about your future. When you are taking the tension for both your board exams and entrance exams at the same time. Just like thousands of other students your age, you are all set to take the JEE this year with a plan you yourself are not so sure about.

As everyone around you keeps saying that board exams followed by entrance exam is the only way to a fruitful career in PCM, how about you decide to take the psychometric test first? Yes, you have all the rights to be worried about your board and entrance exams, but without knowing where do they lead, you are taking unnecessary tension.

To help you have a clear mind about your future plans, here we are to help you. Today, in this blog, we are sharing what are the top career options for PCM students after 12th. But before that, we would like to suggest you something. So, let’s get to that first, okay?

A Psychometric Test Before Anything Else!

In this competitive world, where everyone from the PCM background is running behind the engineering degree so bad that everyone wants to take admission in the best engineering colleges.

As you could be one of them, running behind excellence without purpose, because that’s what you have been told, today, here we are to help you. Rather than following the footsteps of your peers, who with a PCM background are pursuing a career in engineering, we want you to first know what you are good at.

A psychometric test is a scientifically curated assessment that help you know what your strengths, interests, skills, and personality traits are. Based on this in-depth analysis, it becomes easier for you to pick a career path rather than listening to the unwanted advice from the “elders.”

Now you must be wondering you need to study for another exam amidst your board and entrance exams. Well, the good news is, a psychometric test contains a set of hypothetical questions that checks your emotional intelligent and not academic one.

Why it is important for you to take a psychometric test before you take the board or entrance exam is because this will ease you career path ensuring you make informed career decisions and not regret them 40 years later.

So, as you make up your mind about taking a psychometric test, here we are sharing top 5 career options for PCM students after 12th. Now, let’s explore them.

Top 5 Career Options for PCM Students

After 10th, when it came to deciding which stream to pick, you went for Science, PCM. But today, when you look for your career options in the PCM field after 12th, you have no idea which one is right for you. To your assistance, here we are sharing the top 5 career options for PCM students after 12th that you can think of pursuing.

1. Engineering (BTech/BE)

Engineering is one of the most preferred career options for PCM students after 12th, as it offers diverse specialisations such as Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, and Electronics Engineering. To pursue this path, students must complete a BTech or BE degree from a recognised institution. Admission is primarily through JEE Main, JEE Advanced, or state-level engineering entrance exams. Engineering graduates are in demand across sectors like IT, manufacturing, infrastructure, automation, renewable energy, and research & development. With rapid technological advancement, fields like AI, robotics, and data-driven engineering offer strong future growth. Strating salaries typically range from ₹4-8 LPA, while experienced professionals and those in top companies can earn ₹20-40 LPA or more, depending on skills and expertise.

2. Architecture (BArch)

Architecture is a rewarding career option for PCM students after 12th who have a strong interest in design, creativity, and practical problem-solving. To become an architect, students need to complete a Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) degree from a recognised institution, followed by professional registration. Admission to architecture colleges is through entrance exams such as NATA or JEE Main Paper 2. which test aptitude, drawing skills, and mathematical understanding. Architects are required across urban development, real estate, sustainable construction, interior design, and smart city projects, making this a future-oriented career. Graduates can work with architectural firms, construction companies, or start their own practice. Entry-level salaries range between ₹3-6 LPA, while experienced architects and successful consultants can earn ₹15-30 LPA or more, depending on expertise and projects.

3. Data Science & Artificial Intelligence

Data Science and Artificial Intelligence are among the most future-ready career options for PCM students after 12th, especially for those who enjoy logic, numbers, and problem-solving. Students can pursue a BSc or BTech in Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, or Machine Learning, along with relevant certifications to strengthen their skills. Admissions are usually through JEE Main or university-specific entrance exams. With industries increasingly relying on data-driven decisions, professionals in this field are in high demand across IT, healthcare, finance, e-commerce, and fintech sectors. Career roles include Data Scientist, Machine Learning Engineer, and AI Analyst, offering strong global exposure. Entry-level salaries typically start from ₹6-10 LPA, while experienced professionals with advanced skills can earn ₹25-50 LPA or even higher, depending on expertise and industry.

4. Pure Sciences (BSc in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics)

Pure Sciences is an ideal career path for PCM students who have a deep interest in concepts, theory, and analytical thinking. Students can pursue a BSc in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, or related fields, followed by MSc and PhD for advanced research or academic roles. Admissions are usually through CUET, IISER Aptitude Test, or university-level entrance exams. This field opens doors to careers in research organisations like ISRO, DRDO, and CSIR, as well as academia, data analytics, and applied science roles in private industries. With strong quantitative skills, many graduates also transition into finance and analytics. Starting salaries generally range from ₹4-6 LPA, while experienced researchers, professors, and specialists can earn ₹15-25 LPA, depending on qualifications and expertise.

5. Aviation & Aerospace

Aviation and Aerospace is an exciting career option for PCM students who are fascinated by aircraft, space, and advanced technology. Students can choose between becoming a commercial pilot by obtaining a Commercial Pilot License (CPL) or pursuing a BTech in Aerospace Engineering. Admissions are through DGCA-approved examinations, AME CET, or JEE Main depending on the chosen path. With the rapid growth of the aviation industry and increasing investments in space research, career opportunities are expanding globally. Graduates can work as pilots, aerospace engineers, aircraft designers, or space research professionals with organisations like ISRO and private aviation companies. Pilots can earn between ₹12-35 LPA, while aerospace engineers usually start at ₹6-10 LPA, with growth potential as experience increases.

Easily Decide Your Career Path After PCM With MetaApply Career Counselling

Besides these five mentioned career paths above, there are a list of other conventional and unconventional career options too that you can pursue after 12th with PCM background. The point is, at this time, there will be people around you giving you advice that you might not want to listen.

As everyone else seems to confuse you even more with their unwanted suggestions, knowing what suits you the best depends on what your strengths and interests are. This is where MetaApply Psychometric Test help you as the first step.

Before you take tension of your board and entrance exams, how about you take the MetaApply Psychometric Test and get clarity of what you are good at. To help you compare a list of options and come to the conclusion of what suits you the best, there is our team of experts.

At MetaApply Career Counselling, our team of professionals give you a personalised career roadmap helping you know which exams to take and how to prepare for the same. This eventually helps you have a better understanding of where your future career path is headed.

So, if you also need the much-needed clarity, all you need to do is connect with our counsellors today!