Top Professional Courses in India after 12th and Graduation

Abhinav Chamoli

Updated On: December 11, 2024 11:42 AM

Completed class 12 or graduated college and looking for professional courses? Then check out this article for a list of top professional courses in India that will prepare you for the job market through training, practical experience, and industry exposure.

List of Top Professional Courses in India

Top Professional Courses in India after 12th and Graduation: Are you looking for a list of top professional courses in India after 12th or graduation to choose from based on your interests? If yes, then this article is your one-stop solution for all types of professional courses irrespective of stream. Professional courses, also known as vocational courses, prepare students for jobs in specific industries. These courses depart sharply from the academic-oriented approach of traditional courses and emphasise more on practical aspects such as skill development, gaining hands-on experience, learning the latest industry methods and trends, and so on. Professional courses, in contrast to general courses, are designed to meet the unique needs of a subject matter and place a strong emphasis on the practical application of concepts.

The top professional courses in India include Animation and Multimedia, Architecture, Chartered Accountancy (CA), Company Secretary (CS), Cost and Management Accountant (CMA), Data Science and Analytics, Fashion Design, Hotel Management, and more. In this article, we will discuss different types of professional courses for all streams, their eligibility criteria, course duration, top colleges, etc. for class 12 and college graduates.

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Types of Professional Courses

As discussed, a professional course is a type of educational programme designed to improve a student's training, knowledge, and abilities in a particular field of work. The list of top professional courses in India is set up to give students the professional and practical skills necessary for a given field. These courses, which are typically shorter than regular courses, allow students to start their professional endeavours sooner and, upon completion, advance in their careers. There are mainly four types of professional courses as shown in the infographic below:

Certification: These are quick courses that give students training and foundational knowledge in a specific field. While certification courses help develop skills, starting a career in a field based only on them is more difficult.

Training: These courses are more practically focused and are intended to give students the specialised skills needed for a career in a given field. These courses are designed for students who wish to advance their professional careers or become more proficient in a particular field.

Diploma: Even though these courses are shorter than degree programmes, many students choose them after completing their secondary education. In a shorter amount of time, these courses assist students in developing the skills and prerequisites needed for a professional field.

Degree: These courses are full-time professional education programmes that give students all the information and preparation they need to pursue a career in that field. To start and advance their careers in their chosen fields, students greatly value and prefer these courses.

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Professional Courses in India: Diploma & Certificate Level

For students who wish to start their careers early, there are a lot of options for diploma courses after 12th or certificate courses after class 12. These courses offer excellent prospects for professional growth and can form a solid base before one pursues a degree.

Course

Duration

Colleges

Certificate in Digital Marketing

3 - 6 months

-

ITI Courses

1 - 3 years

--

Diploma in Nursing Care Assistant (DNCA)

1 - 2 years

Diploma in Nursing Assistant Colleges in India

Diploma in Rural Healthcare

1 year

--

Certificate in General Duty Assistant

2 - 6 months

--

Certificate in Home Health Aide

2 - 6 months

--

Diploma in Construction Management

1 year

Diploma in Construction Management Colleges in India

Diploma in Hotel Management (DHM)

3 years

Diploma in Hotel Management Colleges in India

Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology (DMLT)

2 years

DMLT Colleges in India

Diploma in X-Ray Technician

2 years

Diploma in X-Ray Technician Colleges in India

Certificate in X-Ray Technician

1 year

Certificate in X-Ray Technician Colleges in India

Diploma in Gemology

2 months - 1 year

Diploma in Gemology Colleges in India

Certificate in Gemology

2 - 6 months

Certificate in Gemology Colleges in India

Diploma in Photography

1 year

Diploma in Photography Colleges in India

Certificate in Photography

3 months - 1 year

Certificate in Photography Colleges in India

Diploma in Nutrition and Dietetics

1 year

Diploma in Nutrition and Dietetics Colleges in India

Diploma in Airline, Travel and Tourism Management

1 year

--

Diploma in Food and Beverage Services

6 months - 1 year

Diploma in Food and Beverage Colleges in India

Diploma in Bakery and Confectionery

1 - 1.5 year

Diploma in Bakery and Confectionery Colleges in India

Advanced Diploma in Cosmetology

8 months

Advanced Diploma in Cosmetology Colleges in India

Certificate in 2D/3D Animation

3 months - 1 year

Certificate in 2D/3D Animation Colleges in India

Diploma in Animation and Multimedia

1 year

--

Diploma in Visual Merchandising

3 months - 1 year

Diploma in Visual Merchandising Colleges in India

Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication (DJMC)

1 year

DJMC Colleges in India

Diploma in Office Management

1 year

Diploma in Office Management Colleges in India

Diploma in Communicative English

1 year

Diploma in Communicative English Colleges in India

Diploma in Scriptwriting/Creative Writing

1 year

Diploma in Creative Writing Colleges in India

Top Professional Degree Programs in India

If you have the time and resources to pursue a professional degree course, it is highly recommended that you take admission into one of the colleges offering vocational degrees in India. A professional degree course will not only open more pathways for you to find a job but it will also keep the door open for you to pursue a master's degree. Plus, a degree course covers multiple subjects and widens the scope for the future. The following table highlights the degree-level list of top professional courses in India:

Stream-wise List of Top Professional Courses in India After 12th

Professional courses imply that students will be taught industry-specific skills along with hands-on experience. Following completion of these courses, students become job-ready. A degree programme, on the other hand, aims to provide students with a solid academic foundation and expertise in a single subject. The following table highlights the 10 best or a list of top professional courses in India after 12th grade:

Top Professional Courses After 12th in Science Stream

Course Name

Eligibility Requirements

Top Colleges

Engineering

  • 12th Science PCM with 50-75% aggregate marks
  • IIT-JEE Mains & Advanced, BITSAT, SRMJEE or State level entrances

IITs, BITS, VIT, NITs, DTU, etc.

Architecture

  • 12th Science PCM with 50-75% aggregate marks
  • NATA, IIT-JEE Main Paper-2

SPA, IIT Roorkee, IIT Kharagpur, Sir JJ College of Architecture, etc.

Commercial Pilot

  • 12th Science PCM with at least 50% aggregate marks
  • Written test + Interview

IGRUA

Medicine

  • 12th Science PCB with at least 50% aggregate marks
  • NEET-UG

AIIMS Delhi, CMC, JIPMER, AFMC- Pune, BHU, etc

Top Professional Courses After 12th in Commerce Stream

Course Name

Eligibility Requirements

Institutions

Chartered Accountancy

  • 10+2 with a minimum 55% aggregate marks
  • CA Foundation after 12th or IPCC after graduation

Registration with ICAI

Cost and Management Accountant

  • After 10+2- Foundation course or Intermediate course after graduation

Registration with- ICMAI

Company Secretary

  • After 10+2- Foundation, Or Exec. Programme after graduation

Registration with- ICSI

Top Professional Courses After 12th in Arts Stream

Course Name

Eligibility Requirements

Top Colleges

Law

  • Entrance exams like CLAT, LSAT

NLSIU, NLU, NALSAR, etc.

Design

  • Min 50% aggregate marks in 10+2
  • NID, NIFT, UCEED, etc.

NID Ahmedabad, IIT Bombay, NIFTs, Pearl Academy, etc.

Mass Communication & Journalism

  • Min 50-60% aggregate marks in 10+2 from a recognised board

GGSIPU, VIPS, St Xavier’s, etc.

If you are still undecided, you can take this psychometric test to choose the best career option! Career Compass is an intuitive test that will answer a very important question - can career counselling help ?

How to Choose the Best Professional Course in India?

Not every student can feel equally comfortable pursuing the same trade. A top-tier student in a Bachelor of Technology (BTech) programme may suffer if they have to sit through a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) programme. The following steps can help you simplify things if you are confused about which course should you go for after school.

1. List Areas of Interest: Your interests may be shaped by factors such as your surroundings, family businesses/trades, city/place of growth etc. and your priorities may include pursuing higher education, research, getting a job as early as possible, building a career in a particular organisation such as Banks, Civil Services etc.

2. Research: The internet can be your best friend here. Use it to find courses related to your interests and note down attributes such as:

  • Type (Degree/Diploma/Certificate or Full-Time/Part-Time/Distance Learning etc.)
  • Duration
  • Broad Curriculum
  • Average Fees
  • Career Prospects

3. Opt for Career Counselling: Match the courses that you find with your interests and priorities and shortlist the best courses for you. Once you have shortlisted the courses, talk to a career counsellor and professionals in the field. These are experienced people who can help you find your way to your goal but for that, you will have to realise what your goals are.

4. Consider Other Factors: Entry requirements, availability of seats, cost of education (and return on investment) are all valid concerns that may also shape your choice but these should not be the defining factors in your decision.

Also Read: Top Vocational Courses After 10th and 12th

Top Professional Courses in India with Highest Salary

The following is a list of top professional courses in India that pay well after graduation:

Course Name

Duration

Average Salary (in INR)

MBA

2 years

8-18 LPA

MTech

2 years

6-12 LPA

MCom

2 years

5-12 LPA

PGDM

2 years

5-20 LPA

LLB (Hons)

3 years

5-10 LPA

MA/MSc Economics

2 years

8-14 LPA

MA/MSc Statistics/Mathematics

2 years

8-14 LPA

MCA/MSc Computer Science

2 years

7-20 LPA

PGP-BAT

3-4 months to 1 year

5-12 LPA

PGD Hotel Management

1 to 2 years

6-14 LPA

Note: The figures mentioned above are subject to change.

Top Recruiters after 12th Grade and Graduation

Here’s a broad overview of top recruiters for professional courses after 12th and after graduation, based on fields of study:

After Class 12

1. Engineering (B.Tech/B.E.)

  • Core Sectors: Larsen & Toubro (L&T), Tata Steel, ONGC, Indian Oil, DRDO.
  • IT Sector: Google, Microsoft, TCS, Infosys, Wipro, Cognizant.
  • Automotive: Tesla, Mahindra, Maruti Suzuki, Ashok Leyland.
  • Consulting/Analytics: Deloitte, KPMG, Accenture.

2. Medicine (MBBS, BDS, B.Sc Nursing)

  • Hospitals: Apollo Hospitals, Fortis Healthcare, AIIMS, Max Healthcare.
  • Research: ICMR, WHO, Novartis, Biocon.
  • Medical Companies: Johnson & Johnson, Medtronic.

3. Management (BBA, Hotel Management, Event Management)

  • BBA: HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Aditya Birla Group, Reliance Industries.
  • Hotel Management: Taj Group, Marriott, Oberoi Hotels, Hyatt.
  • Event Management: Wizcraft, Percept, E-Factor Entertainment.

4. Design & Arts (Fashion, Interior, Graphic Design)

  • Fashion Design: Raymond, Titan, FabIndia, Zara.
  • Interior Design: Livspace, IKEA, Godrej Interio.
  • Graphic Design: Adobe, BYJU’s, Swiggy, Canva.

5. Law (Integrated BA/BBA LLB)

  • Law Firms: Amarchand Mangaldas, Khaitan & Co, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas.
  • Corporate Houses: Reliance, Tata Group, Infosys (Legal Teams).
  • Government Sector: Judiciary exams, Public Prosecutor roles.

After Graduation

1. MBA

  • Consulting: McKinsey & Co, BCG, Bain & Co, Accenture.
  • Finance: Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley.
  • FMCG: Hindustan Unilever, Procter & Gamble, ITC.
  • E-commerce: Amazon, Flipkart, Zomato.

2. Data Science/AI

  • IT Companies: Google, IBM, Microsoft, Amazon.
  • Startups: Paytm, Zomato, Ola.
  • Finance: Citibank, Wells Fargo.

3. Engineering (M.Tech/MS)

  • Tech Giants: Intel, Nvidia, Samsung R&D, Qualcomm.
  • Research Institutions: ISRO, DRDO, BARC.
  • Automotive & Robotics: Tesla, Boston Dynamics, GE.

4. Law (LLM or Corporate Law)

  • Law Firms: AZB & Partners, Trilegal, JSA.
  • MNCs: Amazon (Legal), Apple (Compliance), Shell (Contracts).

5. Medicine (Post MBBS, MD, MS)

  • Hospitals: AIIMS, Medanta, Apollo Hospitals.
  • Pharma Companies: Pfizer, GSK, Sun Pharma.
  • Research: NIH, WHO.

6. Media & Mass Communication

  • Media Houses: Times Group, NDTV, BBC, Zee Media.
  • Advertising: Ogilvy, Dentsu, Leo Burnett.
  • Digital Media: Google, Netflix, Facebook.

7. CA/CS/CFA

  • Audit Firms: Big 4 (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG).
  • Finance: BlackRock, UBS, HDFC Bank.

After the 12th grade or graduation, a professional course places a greater emphasis on the acquisition of workplace-relevant skills and practises. It bridges the gap between an employee's current skill set and what is required on the job. As discussed in this article, the list of top professional courses in India after 12th as well as after graduation is the clear choice among today's youth because employees are rewarded with extraordinarily generous packages in exchange for meeting industry demands.

Stay tuned to CollegeDekho for more such updates and information. Aspirants can also check out our QnA Zone to get their queries resolved by our experts.

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FAQs

What are the qualifications needed for professional courses?

To be considered eligible for any professional courses, a student must have completed the 10th or 12th grade with a minimum of 40 to 50% aggregate marks. If candidates want to enrol in professional courses after 12th grade, they must also take entrance exams required by their respective college/university.

What exactly is a professional course?

A professional course is one that teaches you practical skills and prepares you for employment at the end of the course. In contrast, the goal of a degree programme is to provide you with a solid academic foundation in a specific subject, not necessarily to prepare you for employment.

What professional course should I pursue after graduation?

Some of the the top 10 best courses to take after graduation: Management Postgraduate Diploma (PGDM), MBA (Masters in Business Administration), MTech, Hotel Management PGD, PGPM, Project Management Certification in Finance and Accounting (CFA), etc.

Which 6 month professional course is the best?

Some of the top 6 months Certificate Programs are: Laboratory Techniques Certificate, Organic Farming Certification, Clinical Psychology certification, Certificate in Naturopathy & Yoga Science, Beekeeping Certificate, PG Certificate in Agriculture Policy, Sericulture Auxiliary Nursing Midwifery (ANM) Certificate, etc.

What is the best one-year course after high school?

Some of the top Science 1 Year Diploma Courses after 12th are: Interior Design Certificate, Advertising diploma, Medical Laboratory Technology Diploma (DMLT), Animation Diploma, Banking Diploma, Diploma in Business Administration, Hotel Management Diploma, Foreign Language Diploma, etc.

What are the most high-paying professional courses in India?

The list of the most high-paying professional courses in India includes MBA, MTech, MCom, PGDM, LLB (Hons), MA/MSc, Economics, MA/MSc Statistics/Mathematics, MCA/MSc Computer Science, PGP-BAT, PGD Hotel Management, and more.

What are the best professional courses in India to pursue after 12th grade?

The list of top professional courses in India after 12 includes Engineering, Architecture, Commercial Pilot, Medicine, Chartered Accountancy, Cost and Management Accountant, Company Secretary, Law, Design, Mass Communication & Journalism, etc.

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