Professional Courses You Can Pursue After 12th With or Without Entrance Exams
This article explores the top professional courses students can pursue after Class 12 both with and without entrance exams. It covers popular fields like law, hotel management, design, BBA, aviation, and more, helping students make informed career choices based on their interests, stream, and exam readiness.
Professional Courses You Can Pursue After 12th With or Without Entrance Exams
Introduction: What to Do After Class 12?
Finishing school brings both excitement and pressure. While some students have a clear goal in mind, many others feel lost when faced with the question: What now?
For decades, the answer seemed simple — engineering, medicine, or commerce. But the truth is, the world has changed. So have career opportunities.
Today, students can choose from a wide range of professional courses — some of which require entrance exams, and some that don't. Your decision should depend on your interests, goals, and learning style — not just what everyone else is doing.
Let’s break it down clearly.
Section 1: Professional Courses That Require Entrance Exams
These courses are structured, regulated, and often lead to careers with clear growth paths. However, they typically require passing competitive entrance tests.
1. Law (BA LLB / BBA LLB - 5-Year Integrated)
Entrance Exams: CLAT, AILET, LSAT India, MHCET Law
Top Colleges: National Law Universities (NLUs), Symbiosis Law School, Jindal Global Law School
Career Paths: Corporate Lawyer, Civil Judge, Legal Consultant
2. Design (B.Des, BFA, Bachelor in Design)
Entrance Exams: NID DAT, UCEED, NIFT, Pearl Academy Entrance
Top Institutes: NID, NIFT, IITs, MIT Institute of Design
Career Paths: Product Designer, UI/UX Designer, Fashion Designer, Illustrator
3. Hotel Management
Entrance Exams: NCHMCT JEE, IIHM eCHAT, Oberoi STEP
Top Institutes: IHM Mumbai, IHM Delhi, WGSHA Manipal, IIHM
Career Paths: Hotel Manager, Chef, Cruise Line Executive, Event Coordinator
4. Mass Communication & Journalism
Entrance Exams: CUET, IPU CET, DUET, SET
Top Institutes: Symbiosis Centre for Media & Communication, Delhi University, Xavier Institute
Career Paths: Journalist, Radio Jockey, Content Creator, PR Executive
5. Architecture (B.Arch)
Entrance Exams: NATA, JEE Main Paper 2
Top Institutes: SPA Delhi, CEPT University, IIT Roorkee, NITs
Career Paths: Architect, Urban Planner, Interior Designer
6. Defense Services (NDA)
Entrance Exam: NDA (UPSC)
Eligibility: Only for male students from Science (PCM) stream
Career Paths: Indian Army Officer, Navy Officer, Air Force Pilot
7. Chartered Accountancy (CA)
Entrance: CA Foundation (conducted by ICAI)
Career Paths: Chartered Accountant, Tax Consultant, Audit Manager
8. Company Secretary (CS)
Entrance: CSEET (by ICSI)
Career Paths: Corporate Secretary, Legal Compliance Manager
9. Integrated MBA (IPM)
Entrance: IPMAT (IIM Indore, Rohtak), JIPMAT
Career Paths: Management Professional, Business Strategist
10. B.Sc Nursing & Physiotherapy (BPT)
Entrance: NEET or state CET
Career Paths: Staff Nurse, Clinical Physiotherapist, Hospital Administrator
Section 2: Professional Courses Without Entrance Exams
These programs offer direct admissions based on merit, interviews, or 12th-grade marks. They are ideal for students who want to skip the entrance exam stress but still pursue job-oriented careers.
1. BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration)
Admission: Merit or interview-based
Career Paths: Business Analyst, Marketing Executive, Startup Founder
2. BCA (Bachelor of Computer Applications)
Admission: Direct or through college-level entrance
Career Paths: Software Developer, IT Consultant, Web Developer
3. Event Management
Admission: Direct admission or interview
Top Institutes: NIEM, NAEMD
Career Paths: Event Planner, Wedding Manager, Corporate Event Executive
4. Animation, Multimedia & VFX
Admission: Portfolio or interview-based
Institutes: MAAC, Arena Animation, MITID
Career Paths: Animator, Game Designer, Video Editor, Motion Graphics Expert
5. Aviation & Airport Management
Admission: Direct in private institutes
Career Paths: Ground Staff, Cabin Crew, Aviation Operations Manager
6. Interior Design
Admission: Portfolio or direct entry
Institutes: Pearl Academy, Vogue Institute, JD School of Design
Career Paths: Interior Designer, Space Planner, Retail Designer
7. BA in Psychology / Sociology / Political Science
Admission: CUET or direct merit-based
Career Paths: Counselor, Social Worker, Public Policy Analyst
8. Digital Marketing Diploma / Certification
Admission: Direct enrollment
Career Paths: SEO Specialist, Social Media Manager, Paid Ads Expert
9. Bachelor in Tourism & Travel Management
Admission: Merit-based
Career Paths: Tour Manager, Travel Consultant, Tourism Officer
10. Fashion Designing (B.Des / B.Sc Fashion)
Admission: Entrance or direct depending on the institute
Career Paths: Fashion Stylist, Apparel Designer, Boutique Owner
Also Consider: Courses That Accept CUET
CUET is now the gateway to many top central and private universities for general degrees like:
BA (Hons), BCom, BSc, BA Economics, BA English, BA Psychology
Offered by: Delhi University, Banaras Hindu University, Jamia Millia Islamia, JNU, Allahabad University
How to Choose the Right Course
Know Your Strengths and Interests
Don’t pick a course just because your friends are doing it. Choose based on what you’re good at and what excites you.
Check Future Demand
Look at the career scope and industry demand in the next 5–10 years.
Try Aptitude and Career Tests
Platforms like CareerGuide, Mindler, or MapMyTalent can help match your personality and interests with potential careers.
Talk to Experts and Alumni
Reach out to seniors, mentors, or professionals in that field.
Look for Course Flexibility
Opt for programs that allow internships, live projects, and certifications during the course.
Conclusion: You Have More Options Than You Think
Career choices after Class 12 are no longer limited to just engineering or medicine. There’s a whole world of professional courses that allow you to grow, earn, and make an impact — whether you give an entrance exam or not.
What matters is not the entrance exam, but whether the course aligns with your long-term goals and personality.
If you're still unsure, start by exploring short-term internships, online workshops, or career discovery programs. Clarity often comes from exposure.
