Published on October 15, 2025
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Graduation Courses after 12th: Trending UG Degree Programs

Explore the top graduation courses after 12th across streams. Discover trending UG degree programs, eligibility, and career opportunities in 2026.

Written by: Editorial Team

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As a student of class 12, worrying over getting a job when you graduate is not unusual, especially given the tough, competitive nature of the market. However, rest assured that with the right qualifications and skills, you can expect to land the role of your choice. This is why choosing the best program after 12th from the exhaustive list of degree courses can be a critical move. 

It is one of the most important decisions that you will make in your academic and professional journey. The good news is that there are so many options after class 12 across different streams. This makes it easier for you to find a program that aligns best with your career goals. This blog outlines the various choices students have after class 12: BA, BSc, B.Com, and other trending professional courses such as BBA, B.Tech, and BCA. 

Graduation Courses for Science Students       

The vast list of degree courses for Science students in India spans Engineering, Medicine, and other areas of specialization, including Biotechnology, Computer Science, and Forensic Sciences.

B.Tech and BE

Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) and Bachelor of Engineering (BE) are both undergraduate engineering degree programs; however, they have different focuses. While B.Tech is more application-oriented, BE courses are more theory-driven. In these programs, you can specialize in the following areas:

  • Computer Science 
  • Mechanical Engineering 
  • Electronics 
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Robotics 

MBBS 

Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) is the foundational degree to practice as a doctor in India. The 5.5-year course includes a 1-year compulsory internship and Physics, Chemistry, and Biology at the 10+2 level.   

BSc

Bachelor of Science or BSc is a three-year undergraduate degree program focusing on Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Math, and Computer Science. You have numerous options for specialization in these programs, such as:

  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Mathematics 
  • Biology
  • Biotechnology

B.Arch.

A Bachelor of Architecture is the ideal degree if you’re interested in designing structures, such as buildings. The five-year program focuses on planning, designing, and building structures.    

BSc in IT 

A BSc in Information Technology is one of the most prominent degree courses to pursue if you want to work in the IT sector in India or overseas, and if you’re looking for a less-intensive alternative to B.Tech.

BDS 

A Bachelor of Dental Surgery is the program to choose if you’re interested in being a dentist. The degree is considered equivalent to an MBBS in India.

Listed below are some other leading programs that you can opt for after your graduation:

Broader Area Specific Subjects 
Engineering and Technology BCA
Medicine and Allied Health B.Pharm
BPT 
BSc programs.
Research and Science BSc in Biotechnology
BSc in Forensic Science 
BSc in Nutrition and Dietetics

Also Read: BCA In Cloud Computing – Course Guide

Graduation Courses for Commerce Students

As a commerce student in class 12, you have plenty of options for graduation courses. This includes both traditional options, such as a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com), and specialized degrees, such as a BBA.

B.Com 

This is a traditional but versatile degree, which means that you can pursue it as a standalone general degree program or combine it with specializations such as accounting and taxation, marketing, banking, and finance.

BBA

In Bachelor of Business Administration programs, you learn the principles of business and management. You can also combine the degree with other programs, such as digital marketing, to earn a specialized degree.  

Commerce students can also choose any of the following subjects in their graduation: 

Broader Area Specific Subjects 
Degree Courses  B.Econ or BSc in Economics 
BAF
BBI
BMS
Professional Certification ProgramsCS
CMA
CFA
ACCA

Read More: MCom vs. MBA: Which Path Should You Choose After Graduation?

Graduation Courses for Arts/Humanities Students 

As an Arts or Humanities student, you have various options to choose from in terms of an after-12th-grade graduation course. 

BA Programs 

The most prominent among Arts courses are Bachelor of Arts programs that offer specializations like: 

  • English 
  • Economics 
  • History
  • Philosophy 
  • Political Science 

BJMC

Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication is the right program if you’re looking to work in journalism, advertising, media, or digital content.  

Digital Marketing

These short-term certificate and diploma courses equip you with the skills to market products and services, as well as the brands that offer them, across various digital channels, such as social media. 

BFA 

Bachelor of Fine Arts could be the best program for you after Class 12 if you’re interested in visual arts, such as sculpture and painting. 

B.Des

Bachelor of Design programs help you specialize in areas like fashion design, interior design, and graphic design. 

The table below shows the different programs you can choose from after class 12 as an Arts or Humanities student, along with the specific options you have:

Broader Area Specific Subjects 
Traditional Degrees  Liberal Arts Programs
Specialized and Professional DegreesBBA 
BA-LLB
BSW
BHM
B.Ed.
BSc in Travel and Hospitality 
Short-Term Programs Graphic Design Multimedia 

Check This Out: How to transition into a data science career after your graduation?

Professional and Skill-Based Courses After 12th

You can be sure of never facing a dearth of after-12th-grade graduation courses because you can take up skill-based and professional courses in various domains, like:

  • Charted Accountancy
  • Engineering 
  • Medicine 
  • Design 
  • Computer Applications 
  • Management 

CA

Chartered Accountancy is one of the most respected professional qualifications in India. It focuses on areas like accounting, taxation, and auditing. These are some of the reasons why so many commerce students in India want to pursue CA after passing their higher secondary exams. 

Technology and Engineering 

This domain offers the best degrees for science students after class 12. For example, you can study B.Tech programs in domains such as computer science, mechanical engineering, AI, and electrical engineering.  

Healthcare and Allied Sciences 

Here, you can study BSc programs in domains like Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery and Nursing, or take up allied health sciences courses such as Medical Laboratory Technology. 

Management and Business 

These are definitely the best after-graduation courses in commerce. The most prominent degree programs in this domain are the B.Com and BBA programs with various specializations. 

Media and Design 

The best degree programs in media and design are the BA courses in mass communication and journalism.

IT and Computer Applications 

Among all the degree programs in this domain, the best option for you is the Bachelor of Computer Applications. The course emphasizes learning IT applications and computer science.  

Event Management and Hospitality 

The primary degree program in this field is the Bachelor of Hotel Management, which prepares students for careers in the hospitality industry and other service businesses.  

The following are the other leading skill-based and professional options for class 12 students in India: 

  • Law
  • Architecture 
  • Agriculture 
  • Education 
  • Technology and IT 

Interesting Read: Top 10 job-oriented professional courses after graduation

High-Salary and Trending UG Courses 

High-paying, popular UG courses in India are primarily available in sectors such as medicine, AI, computer science, and data science. 

BBA 

BBA, regarded by many as the best degree after 12th for commerce students, focuses on subjects such as finance, business analytics, and management. This is why it can help you land high-paying roles following graduation.

LLB

Bachelor of Legislative Law is an integrated five-year program that can help you access well-paying legal roles. It equips students with foundational skills to take up careers in law. 

B.Tech in Computer Science Engineering

This domain enjoys consistent high demand and helps you specialize in areas such as AI, data science, and machine learning. These are all trending domains right now. They are also the highest-paid professionals in India.

The following are the other top degrees that you can choose after class 12 for a prestigious career and to earn well:

Broader Area Specific Subjects 
Technology and Science  B.Tech in Aerospace or Aeronautical Engineering 
B.Pharm 
BSc in Cybersecurity
B.Tech in Biotechnology
Management and BusinessB.Com 
Humanities and ArtsB.Des 

You Might Also Like: Regular vs online graduation: What should you choose?

Why Choosing the Right UG Course Matters   

You must always choose the best graduation courses after class 12 because they have a significant impact on your career trajectory, earning potential, and personal development. 

Selecting the best programs at this stage provides you with the skills and foundational knowledge that you need to land entry-level positions. It also sets the stage for you to pursue specialized postgraduate studies. 

These programs prepare you well to satisfy the prerequisites of postgraduate programs. When you select a relevant UG course, it helps you pursue higher education, which, in turn, helps you land advanced roles later on.  

UG Programs from Online Manipal 

Online Manipal offers you the best online UG courses from some of the leading universities in India – Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal University Jaipur, and Sikkim Manipal University. All of these institutions guarantee high-quality education to students. 

The Online Manipal platform offers you a flexible learning schedule and UGC-recognized degrees. You also gain access to a vast alum network and many opportunities to advance your career by gaining practical skills.

Pursuing these undergraduate programs also provides you with a clear picture of your career path. Moreover, these programs are more economical than their on-campus counterparts, which also adds to their popularity.  

Conclusion  

Choosing the best degree after 12th offers you the best holistic development. Factors like stimulating curricula and university life help you develop crucial soft skills — such as problem-solving, time management, and communication — and employers value these highly. 

The right graduation courses after class 12 help you land a career you are passionate about. This is because you can pick a subject you are genuinely interested in here. 

Studying these courses can be a life-altering experience for you – one that helps you realize your fullest potential. 

FAQs 

1. What are the best graduation courses to pursue after 12th?

The best graduation course for you after class 12 depends on your areas of interest and the stream you are currently studying. 

2. Which undergraduate degree has the highest career scope in 2025?

Computer science, data science, and engineering have the highest career scope in 2025. This is because of the immense demand for AI, data analysis, and machine learning skills in the job market. 

3. What are the top professional UG programs after 12th science?

The leading professional UG programs for class 12 science students are:

  • MBBS
  • BDS 
  • B.Tech
  • BBA 
  • BCA
  • BSc in Nursing

4. Which are the best degree courses after 12th commerce without math?

The best degree courses for commerce students without math after class 12 are B.Com and BBA. Other alternatives here are BA-LLB and BA in mass communication and journalism. 

5. What are the trending arts courses after 12th for creative students?

The best arts courses for creative students after class 12 are digital marketing, graphic design, and fashion design.

6. How do I choose the right graduation course after 12th

To select the right course for graduation after class 12, focus primarily on your academic strengths and interests.

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Online Manipal's Editorial Team brings you informative and interesting articles on the recent developments in online education. We enable readers to gain insights into the trending online degrees, their scope & benefits, and help them make informed decisions that will result in career advancement and transitions.

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