PCM (Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics) offers diverse career options like engineering, medicine, data science, and government jobs, providing high growth and stability.
Students can choose paths based on their interests, eligibility, and salary expectations, with opportunities in both private and public sectors across India.
Popular pcm career options include roles in ISRO, DRDO, AI, architecture, and teaching, making it a versatile stream for long-term success.
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Authored by, Amay Mathur | Senior Editor
Amay Mathur is a business news reporter at Chegg.com. He previously worked for PCMag, Business Insider, The Messenger, and ZDNET as a reporter and copyeditor. His areas of coverage encompass tech, business, strategy, finance, and even space. He is a Columbia University graduate.
Choosing the right career after completing 12th with PCM (Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics) is a crucial decision for students. PCM career options open up numerous opportunities in engineering, architecture, research, aviation, defense, and even commerce-related fields. This guide will help you explore the best career paths, required education, top entrance exams, job prospects, and salaries to make an informed decision.
What is PCM in 12th?
12th PCM refers to studying Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics in your senior secondary (10+2) education. It’s an important stage because it marks the end of school and the start of your career journey. By exploring career options in the science field, you can choose one that aligns with your interests and build a successful and satisfying career.
With PCM, you can pursue careers in areas like technology, healthcare, planning, multimedia, and infrastructure, depending on what you enjoy and are passionate about. It’s a gateway to many exciting opportunities!
List of Courses You Can Choose After PCM
After completing 12th PCM, students have a wide range of popular courses to choose from. Here’s a list of some top career-oriented courses after 12th PCM:
Engineering and Technology
B.Tech/B.E. in:
Computer Science
Mechanical
Civil
Electrical
Electronics and Communication
Aerospace
Biotechnology
Marine Engineering
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Mechatronics
Robotics
B.Arch (Architecture)
BCA (Bachelor of Computer Applications)
B.Sc. IT (Information Technology)
Diploma in Engineering
Science and Research
B.Sc. in:
Physics
Chemistry
Mathematics
Data Science
Environmental Science
Statistics
Nanotechnology
Applied Sciences
Integrated M.Sc. (5-year program combining B.Sc. and M.Sc.)
B.A. in Economics, History, or Political Science (if interested in humanities)
Data, Analytics, and Finance
Bachelor in Statistics
Actuarial Science
B.Sc. in Data Analytics and Big Data
Vocational and Skill-Based Courses
Diploma or Certification in:
Ethical Hacking
Digital Marketing
Web Development
Artificial Intelligence
Blockchain Technology
Other Unique Options
Hotel Management (BHM)
Event Management Courses
Mass Communication and Journalism
This list covers a best course after 12 PCM range of possibilities across science, technology, management, creativity, and more.
Top 10 PCM Career Options with Highest Salary
Students who have completed their 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) have a wide range of career opportunities available. PCM opens doors to various fields like engineering, data science, architecture, and even roles in the Indian Armed Forces. If you are wondering what career path to choose, here are the top 10 PCM career options after 12th PCM, along with their eligibility criteria, job roles, salary expectations, and growth opportunities.
1. Engineering – The Most Popular PCM Career Option
Engineering remains one of the most sought-after career options for PCM students due to its vast scope, high salaries, and numerous specializations. Engineers play a crucial role in designing, developing, and maintaining various structures, systems, and technologies.
Eligibility & Entrance Exams:
Students must complete 10+2 with PCM from a recognized board.
Must qualify for engineering entrance exams like JEE Main, JEE Advanced, BITSAT, or state-level CETs.
Top Engineering Specializations:
Mechanical Engineering – Deals with designing machines and mechanical systems.
Civil Engineering – Involves construction and infrastructure projects.
Electrical Engineering – Focuses on electrical circuits and power systems.
Computer Science Engineering – Deals with programming, software development, and AI.
Aerospace Engineering – Involves designing aircraft and spacecraft.
Salary & Career Growth:
Starting Salary: ₹6–15 LPA (Lakhs Per Annum), depending on specialization.
With experience, salaries can rise to ₹20 LPA or more.
Top Recruiters:
ISRO, DRDO, TCS, Infosys, L&T, Google, Microsoft
2. Medicine & Biomedical Engineering – Healthcare PCM Career Options
While traditional medical careers require Biology, PCM students can still enter the healthcare sector through Biomedical Engineering, Medical Research, or Pharmaceutical Sciences.
Eligibility & Entrance Exams:
NEET is required for MBBS and certain medical research roles.
For Biomedical Engineering, students must clear JEE Main or private university entrance exams.
Career Opportunities:
Biomedical Engineer – Develops medical devices and healthcare technology.
Medical Researcher – Conducts research on diseases and treatments.
Pharmaceutical Scientist – Works in drug development.
Salary & Career Growth:
Starting Salary: ₹8–20 LPA
High growth opportunities in research and development.
3. Data Science & Artificial Intelligence – The Future of PCM Careers
With the rise of AI, machine learning, and big data, careers in Data Science and AI are booming. PCM students have strong mathematical and analytical skills, making them ideal candidates for these fields.
Eligibility & Skills Required:
Graduation in Mathematics, Statistics, or Engineering (B.Tech, B.Sc, or BCA preferred).
Knowledge of Python, Machine Learning, Data Analysis, and SQL.
Career Opportunities:
Data Scientist – Analyzes large datasets to make business decisions.
AI Engineer – Develops artificial intelligence models and algorithms.
Business Analyst – Uses data insights to guide companies.
Salary & Career Growth:
Starting Salary: ₹7–25 LPA (can go up to ₹50 LPA for experienced professionals).
High demand in IT, finance, healthcare, and e-commerce industries.
4. Indian Armed Forces – Serving the Nation with Technical Skills
Students with a PCM background can join the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force in technical roles through various entry schemes.
Eligibility & Entrance Exams:
NDA Exam (National Defence Academy) for officer-level training.
TES (Technical Entry Scheme) for direct technical roles.
Career Opportunities:
Technical Officer – Manages defense equipment and systems.
Pilot (Indian Air Force) – Requires additional flying training.
Engineering Roles in DRDO & ISRO – Contribute to defense technology.
Salary & Career Growth:
Starting Salary: ₹8–15 LPA
Additional benefits include government housing, medical facilities, and pensions.
5. Architecture – A Creative and Technical PCM Career Option
Architecture blends design, creativity, and technical knowledge, making it a great career option for PCM students.
6. Chartered Accountancy (CA) – A Finance Career for PCM Students
Though CA is typically associated with Commerce students, PCM students can also pursue it if they have strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Chartered Accountants play a crucial role in managing finances, auditing businesses, and advising on taxation.
Eligibility & Entrance Exams:
10+2 in PCM or any stream (Commerce background is not mandatory).
Must clear CA Foundation, Intermediate, and Final exams conducted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI).
A mandatory Articleship (internship) of 3 years under a practicing CA.
Career Opportunities:
Auditor – Reviews company accounts to ensure compliance.
7. Actuarial Science – High-Paying PCM Career Option
Actuarial Science is one of the best PCM career options for students interested in mathematics, statistics, and finance. Actuaries analyze financial risks and help companies make strategic decisions.
Eligibility & Entrance Exams:
Graduation in Mathematics, Statistics, or Engineering.
Pass actuarial exams conducted by the Institute of Actuaries of India (IAI).
Career Opportunities:
Actuary – Works in insurance, banking, and investment sectors.
Risk Analyst – Assesses financial and business risks.
Investment Consultant – Helps clients in financial planning.
Salary & Career Growth:
Starting Salary: ₹8–20 LPA
With experience, actuaries can earn ₹50 LPA+.
Top Institutes for Actuarial Science:
Institute of Actuaries of India (IAI), ISI Kolkata, IIT Kharagpur
8. Aviation & Aerospace – Exciting PCM Career Options
India’s aviation sector is rapidly growing, making it a great career after 12th PCM students. Careers in aviation offer both technical and operational roles, including piloting and aircraft engineering.
Eligibility & Entrance Exams:
Diploma or Degree in Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering from IITs, NITs, or private universities.
To become a Pilot, students must train at DGCA-approved flying schools and obtain a Commercial Pilot License (CPL).
Career Opportunities:
Pilot – Flies passenger or cargo aircraft.
Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) – Ensures aircraft safety and performance.
Aerospace Engineer – Works on aircraft design and research.
Salary & Career Growth:
Starting Salary: ₹6–18 LPA
Senior Pilots earn ₹50 LPA+ in major airlines.
Top Recruiters:
Air India, Indigo, ISRO, HAL, Boeing, Airbus
9. Teaching & Academia – A Stable PCM Career Option
Students with a passion for learning and teaching can build a career in academia by becoming school teachers, college professors, or research scholars.
Eligibility & Entrance Exams:
B.Ed (for School Teaching) or M.Sc/M.Tech followed by NET/SET (for College Teaching).
Clearing CSIR-NET or GATE is required for lectureship positions.
Career Opportunities:
School Teacher – Teaches PCM subjects in high schools.
College Professor – Teaches in universities and colleges.
Researcher – Conducts scientific studies and writes research papers.
Salary & Career Growth:
Starting Salary: ₹5–15 LPA
Professors at IITs/NITs earn ₹20–30 LPA with research grants.
Top Employers:
IITs, NITs, IISc, State and Central Universities, Private Schools
10. Government Jobs – Secure PCM Career Options
PCM graduates have numerous opportunities in the government sector, including roles in scientific research, defense, and public services.
Eligibility & Entrance Exams:
Must clear exams like UPSC, SSC CGL, GATE, or PSU-specific exams.
For scientist roles, students need a B.Tech/M.Tech degree.
Career Opportunities:
Scientist (ISRO/DRDO/BARC) – Works on space, defense, and nuclear research.
Engineer (PSUs like ONGC, BHEL, NTPC) – Works on infrastructure and power projects.
Indian Engineering Services (IES) – Manages government engineering projects.
Salary & Career Growth:
Starting Salary: ₹6–20 LPA
Senior government officers earn ₹25–50 LPA with perks and benefits.
Top Recruiters:
ISRO, DRDO, BARC, ONGC, NTPC, Indian Railways, UPSC Civil Services
These PCM career options with high salary provide students with diverse opportunities in engineering, finance, aviation, teaching, and government jobs. Whether you are interested in technology, research, business, or public service, PCM offers a strong foundation for various high-paying and stable careers.
If you are unsure which career to choose, consider:
Your interests and strengths (e.g., math skills for actuarial science, problem-solving for engineering).
Job market demand and future growth (e.g., AI and data science are booming).
Work-life balance and career stability (e.g., government jobs and academia offer long-term security).
By carefully assessing these factors, you can select the best career options after 12th science PCM that aligns with your goals and aspirations!
Best High-Paying Courses to Pursue After 12th Science PCM
Here are some of the best high-paying courses you can pursue after completing 12th Science PCM:
Engineering and Technology
B.Tech/B.E. in Computer Science, Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, or Aerospace Engineering
B.Arch (Bachelor of Architecture)
B.Tech in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
B.Tech in Nanotechnology
Aviation and Defense
Commercial Pilot Training
Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME)
National Defence Academy (NDA) courses for Army, Navy, and Air Force
Data and Analytics
Bachelor in Statistics
Actuarial Science
B.Sc. in Data Science and Big Data Analytics
Healthcare and Allied Fields
B.Pharma (Pharmacy)
B.Sc. in Radiology or Medical Imaging
Bachelor in Physiotherapy (BPT)
Business and Management
BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration)
Integrated MBA Programs
Creative and Design
B.Des. (Bachelor of Design) in Fashion, Product, or Graphic Design
Animation and Multimedia Courses
These courses can lead to lucrative careers in fields like technology, healthcare, aviation, and management.
Alternative Career Paths After 12th Science PCM
After completing 12th Science PCM, there are numerous alternative career paths that don’t involve engineering. Here are some exciting after 12 PCM career options to explore:
B.Sc. in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, or Statistics
B.Sc. in Environmental Science
Integrated M.Sc. programs for specialized science fields
Actuarial Science (Great for careers in finance and risk analysis)
B.Pharma (Pharmacy)
Bachelor in Physiotherapy (BPT)
B.Sc. in Radiology or Medical Imaging
Nutrition and Dietetics
Forensic Science
Commercial Pilot Training
Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME)
Join the National Defence Academy (NDA) for Army, Navy, or Air Force careers
B.Des. (Bachelor of Design) in Fashion, Interior, or Graphic Design
Animation and Multimedia Courses
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration)
BMS (Bachelor of Management Studies)
Hotel Management (BHM)
Event Management
B.Sc. in Data Science
Bachelor in Statistics
Digital Marketing and Blockchain Certifications
Certification programs in Ethical Hacking, Artificial Intelligence, and Web Development
Mass Communication and Journalism
These options provide diverse opportunities across fields like healthcare, design, aviation, business, and more.
Choosing the right pcm career option depends on your interests, strengths, and long-term goals. Here’s how you can decide:
Identify Your Passion : Do you enjoy solving problems (engineering), analyzing data (data science), or working in healthcare (medicine)?
Assess Eligibility : Check if you meet the requirements for your desired career.
Research Growth Opportunities : Some pcm career options, like AI and Data Science, have higher growth potential than others.
Consider Salary Expectations : While passion matters, financial stability is equally important.
PCM Career Options and Chegg
After PCM, if you choose SME as your career, you can choose many subjects as a subject matter expert. Here are some of the subjects that you can opt for as subject matter experts.
Information Technology
Mathematics
Biology
Physics
And many more other subjects which you like to choose as SME.
The major responsibility of an SME is to guarantee the accuracy of any content or information related to their area of expertise. To a project, they contribute their specialized knowledge. They can work as independent specialists and respond to questions from students about their fields.
Chegg employs subject-matter specialists in a variety of subjects. They serve as online tutors for learners all over the world. Chegg Study is a 24/7 portal where experts provide online answers to questions. According to their training and experience, they can become authorities on any subject.
Conclusion
PCM career options are vast and varied, offering something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in engineering, medicine, data science, or teaching, there’s a path for you. By understanding your strengths and researching thoroughly, you can choose the right pcm career option that aligns with your goals. Remember, success comes not just from choosing a career but from excelling in it.
We hope this guide helps you make an informed decision about your future. If you found this article helpful, feel free to share it with others exploring PCM career options!
Evaluate numerous career choices to choose the right career path for yourself. Dive in to our guide on Career Options.
PCM students have access to high-demand jobs like Software Engineer, Data Scientist, Architect, Commercial Pilot, Research Scientist, or Defense Officer. Choose based on your interests and career goals.
Q2. What is the salary of a PCM career?
The salary of a PCM-based career varies depending on the field and experience level. Here are some estimates:
Salaries increase with experience, specialization, and skill development.
Q3. Which course after 12 has a highest salary?
After the 12th, high-paying courses include MBBS (₹10–50 LPA), Engineering in AI/Data Science (₹8–40 LPA), BBA+MBA in Finance (₹10–50 LPA), Pilot training (₹50 LPA), CA (₹8–30 LPA), and Law (₹8–25 LPA). Choose based on your interests and skills for the best career growth.
Q4. Can I give NEET with PCM?
No, you cannot give NEET with PCM alone. NEET requires Biology as a mandatory subject along with Physics and Chemistry (PCB) in 12th grade. If you are a PCM student, you must take Biology as an additional subject to be eligible for NEET.
Q5. Does PCM have scope in future?
Yes, PCM has excellent scope, offering careers in fields like engineering, technology, healthcare, aviation, and data science. With advancements in these areas, the demand for skilled PCM graduates continues to grow.
Q6. PCM career options without JEE?
PCM students can explore non-JEE options like B.Sc. in Sciences, BCA (Computer Applications), BBA (Business Administration), Architecture, Design (B.Des.), Commercial Pilot Training, or Data Science. These offer exciting opportunities beyond engineering.
