Far more than engineering and medicine
Most families hear about two careers. Here are many more, grouped by the kind of work a student enjoys, each with the streams that lead there and one common way in.
The careers
Thinkers like asking why
You like working out how things work: asking why, testing ideas, solving problems.
- Data scientistMPC, MECB.Tech, or a BSc in maths or statistics
- BiotechnologistBiPC, MPCB.Tech or BSc in biotechnology
- Forensic scientistBiPC, MPCBSc in forensic science
- EconomistMEC, CEC, HEC, MPCBA or BSc in economics (maths in Inter helps), often through CUET, then a master's
- Research scientistMPC, BiPCBS-MS at an IISER, through the IISER Aptitude Test, or a BSc
- Clinical psychologistAny streamBA or BSc in psychology, then a master's and RCI-recognised training
- PharmacistBiPC, MPCB.Pharm, through EAPCET
- Satellite engineerMPCB.Tech (IIST takes JEE Advanced ranks), then ISRO's recruitment exam
- Naval architectMPCB.Tech in naval architecture, through IMU CET
- MeteorologistMPCBSc in physics or maths, then an MSc in meteorology
- Urban plannerMPC, MECB.Plan, through JEE Main paper 2B
- Defence scientistMPCB.Tech, then GATE for DRDO's scientist posts
- VeterinarianBiPCBVSc, through EAPCET, or NEET UG for the all-India quota
- Food technologistBiPC, MPCB.Tech in food technology, through EAPCET or JEE Main
- Marine biologistBiPCBSc in zoology or fisheries, then an MSc in marine biology
- Genetic counsellorBiPCA life-science degree, then an MSc in genetic counselling
- DietitianBiPCBSc in nutrition, a master's and an internship, then the Registered Dietitian exam
- ArchaeologistAny streamBA in history, then an MA in archaeology
- Patent agentMPC, BiPCA science or engineering degree, then the Patent Agent Exam
- EngineerMPCB.Tech, through JEE Main or EAPCET
- DoctorBiPCMBBS, through NEET UG
Creators like making new things
You like making things that didn't exist before: designs, stories, videos, spaces.
- ArchitectMPCB.Arch, through NATA or JEE Main paper 2A
- UX designerAny streamB.Des, through UCEED or NID DAT
- AnimatorAny streamB.Des or BSc in animation
- Fashion designerAny streamB.Des, through the NIFT entrance
- JournalistAny streamBA in journalism and mass communication
- FilmmakerAny streamA degree or diploma in film-making
- Interior designerAny streamB.Des or BSc in interior design
- TranslatorAny streamA language degree, such as at EFLU through CUET, then an MA in translation
- Product designerAny streamB.Des, through UCEED or NID DAT
- Footwear designerAny streamB.Des in footwear design, through FDDI's AIST
Helpers like working with people
You like teaching, caring and listening, and making things better for someone.
- TeacherAny streamA degree, then a B.Ed and TET, or the four-year ITEP after Inter
- NurseBiPCBSc Nursing
- Social workerAny streamBSW, then an MSW
- Speech therapistBiPC, MPCBASLP (audiology and speech-language pathology)
- Occupational therapistBiPCBOT (occupational therapy)
- Sports coachAny streamA BSc in sports science or a four-year BPES, or a degree then a BPEd
- PhysiotherapistBiPCBPT (physiotherapy)
- Special educatorAny streamA degree, then an RCI-recognised B.Ed in special education
Leaders like making things happen
You like persuading people, leading a team and making things happen.
- HR managerAny streamBBA, then an MBA in HR
- LawyerAny streamFive-year LLB, through CLAT or LAWCET
- EntrepreneurAny streamAny degree; start small, and early
- Civil services officerAny streamAny degree, then the UPSC exam
- Marketing managerAny streamBBA, then an MBA
- Hotel managerAny streamHotel management, through NCHM JEE
- Investment bankerMEC, CEC, MPCB.Com or economics, then an MBA or CFA
- Agribusiness managerAny streamA degree, then an MBA or PGDM in agribusiness
- JudgeAny streamFive-year LLB, a year's practice as a lawyer, then the state's civil judge exam
Organisers like order and detail
You like numbers, plans and systems that work, and getting the details right.
- Chartered accountantAny streamCA Foundation, then Intermediate and Final
- ActuaryMPC, MECActuarial exams, starting with ACET
- Company secretaryAny streamCS, starting with CSEET
- Bank officerAny streamAny degree, then the IBPS or SBI exams
- Air traffic controllerMPCA BSc with physics and maths, or a B.Tech, then the AAI exam
- StatisticianMPC, MECBSc in statistics, or B.Stat at ISI
- Supply chain managerAny streamBBA or B.Com, then an MBA
- GIS analystMPC, HECB.Tech in civil engineering or geo-informatics, or a geography degree, then GIS training
- Cost accountantAny streamCMA Foundation, then Intermediate and Final
Makers like hands-on work
You like working with your hands, with tools, machines, plants or the outdoors, and seeing something real at the end.
- PilotMPCA DGCA Class 1 medical, then a commercial pilot licence
- Agricultural scientistBiPCBSc Agriculture, through EAPCET, then an MSc or PhD
- ChefAny streamHotel management or culinary arts
- Merchant navy officerMPCThrough the IMU CET
- Wildlife biologistBiPCBSc in zoology, then an MSc in wildlife science
- Armed forces officerAny streamNDA after Inter (air force and navy need MPC)
- Aircraft maintenance engineerMPCA DGCA-approved AME course, then the DGCA licence exams
- Fisheries scientistBiPCBFSc, through EAPCET
- Prosthetist-orthotistBiPC, MPCBPO, through the entrance tests of national institutes such as NILD and SVNIRTAR
- Forest officerMPC, BiPCA science or engineering degree, then UPSC's forest service exam
Ways in change from year to year, and a course may ask for particular subjects or marks. Your counsellor checks the current rules with you.
MPC maths, physics and chemistry. BiPC biology, physics and chemistry. MEC maths, economics and commerce. CEC civics, economics and commerce. HEC history, economics and civics.
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