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Published on 25 Feb 2026
11 mins

Best Courses to Do After 12th Arts  

Confused about what to do after 12th Arts? Discover top degree, professional, and short-term courses with salary, scope, and career options.

Written by: Krishnanjali KU

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Completed class 12 in the Humanities stream and contemplating your next steps ahead? There’s no shortage of options for higher studies here, with a vast landscape of rewarding, career-focused opportunities. 

Apart from the traditional Bachelor of Arts (BA) courses that are a natural and logical progression from class 12 in Arts, you also have the choice to pursue a wide range of professional degree programs. These include Integrated Law (BA LLB), BBA, BFA, Hotel Management, BJMC, and the like. 

Then there are the emerging yet already popular fields of study, such as UX/UI Design, Digital Marketing, Fashion Design, and Content Development, all of which pave the way for creative, high-paying career paths. This blog helps you identify and select the right courses after 12th Arts to lay a strong foundation for a rewarding career.

Most In-Demand Courses After 12th Arts

As stated above, the options for higher studies after completing your 10+2 in the Arts stream are countless. The choice can be overwhelming and tricky. Hence, we try and help you here by sharing a comprehensive after 12th Arts courses list of the programs that are in high demand among students like you:

1. Integrated Law Courses (BA LLB)

This is yet another highly popular program among Arts students’ courses after 12th—the perfect combination of legal studies and the humanities. The course combines a traditional BA degree with the Bachelor of Legislative Law (LLB) into a single program, enabling graduates to enter legal training almost immediately after course completion. This helps students save a year, which they would otherwise need to invest. 

ItemsDetails
Duration 5 years
Career opportunities Corporate Law, Judiciary, Litigation, Civil Services, and Law Firms
Top recruiting companies Tata Group, Infosys, ICICI Bank, Capgemini, and KPMG
Average salary (approx)INR 6.6 LPA
Skills developedCritical thinking and analysis, advocacy, effective communication, ethical reasoning, and research and drafting

Source: Indeed

2. Bachelor of Design (B.Des)

This also falls under the category of popular emerging courses after 12th for Arts students. The program is an excellent option for students who wish to develop a blend of technical, creative, and design skills and specialize in Interior, Fashion, UX/UI, or Product Design. Graduates of the B.Des programs can then carve lucrative careers in any of these domains.

ItemsDetails
Duration 4 years
Career opportunities Graphic Designer, Interior Designer, Fashion Designer, Product Designer, and UX/UI Designer
Top recruiting companies Microsoft, Amazon, Raymond, Pentagram India, and Hero MotoCorp
Average salary (approx)INR 5.1 LPA
Skills developedUser research, prototyping, creativity, design thinking, and visual design 

Source: Payscale

3. Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) 

One of the most sought-after study programs, a BBA program is a premier undergraduate program. As the program offers a direct entry route into promising fields such as Marketing, Management, and HR, it is considered one of the best courses after 12th Arts for business aspirants.

ItemsDetails
Duration 3 years
Career opportunities Business Consulting, Retail & E-Commerce, HR, Real Estate, and Tourism & Hospitality
Top recruiting companies KPMG, Capgemini, Kotak, Swiggy, and Reliance Industries
Average salary (approx)INR 4.7 LPA
Skills developedStrategic decision-making, leadership, financial literacy, management, and entrepreneurial mindset

Source: Indeed

Check out our Online BBA Courses at Online Manipal

4. Bachelor of Hotel Management (BHM)

Among the highly suitable courses for Arts students after 12th is the BHM degree program, which prepares students for promising careers in tourism, hospitality, and catering. It is a highly practical, career-oriented study program that focuses on developing a courteous service attitude and soft skills in students.

ItemsDetails
Duration 3-4 years
Career opportunities Resorts, airlines, hotels, cruise ships, and restaurant chains
Top recruiting companies Marriott International, Air India, Starbucks, Sodexo, and SpiceJet
Average salary (approx)INR 4.6 LPA
Skills developedFront office operations, F&B service, customer service, crisis management, and teamwork  

Source: AmbitionBox 

5. Bachelor of Journalism & Mass Communication (BAJMC)

Another popular undergraduate option after 12th Humanities is the Bachelor of Journalism & Mass Communication (BAJMC). The course covers foundational concepts in media reporting, writing, editing, and content creation for digital media.

ItemsDetails
Duration 3 years
Career opportunities Reporter, News Anchor, PRO, Copywriter, and Content Creator
Top recruiting companies Zee Network, Hindustan Times, Ogilvy, All India Radio, and Google
Average salary (approx)INR 4.4 LPA
Skills developedNews writing, video editing, investigative research, social media analytics, and teamwork

Source: AmbitionBox 

Professional Courses After 12th Arts

The best part about taking up the Humanities stream in class 12 is that you have tons of options to pick a course from for higher learning. In addition to the top 5 listed in the section above, there is a wide range of professional study programs that you can consider as well:

1. Digital Marketing Diploma

A highly relevant and career-focused program, this course is featured on the list of the best after 12th Arts courses in India. Several students pursue Digital Marketing program because the field is rapidly evolving and creating numerous job opportunities in a thriving, competitive landscape.

ItemsDetails
Duration 6-12 months (approx)
Career opportunities SEO Managers, Social Media Experts, and Content Marketers
Top recruiting companies Amazon, Nykaa, and Social Beat
Average salary (approx)INR 5.6 LPA
Skills developedSMM, SEO, and Copywriting

Source: AmbitionBox

2. Fine Arts

There is a wide range of diploma and certificate courses you can pursue in this field after completing 12th Arts. These programs offer professional training to interested students in fundamental concepts of art and painting and pave the way for a specialized, focused career path.

ItemsDetails
Duration 1-2 years (approx)
Career opportunities Graphic Designer, Sculptor, and Multimedia Artist
Top recruiting companies Bennett Coleman & Co., Ogilvy, and Technicolor
Average salary (approx)INR 4.7 LPA
Skills developedThinking out of the box, portfolio management, and visual communication.

Source: Indeed

Skill-Based & Short-Term Courses After 12th Arts

And then there are specific short-term programs for busy (yet interested) learners who wish to develop particular specialized skills in a certain field of work for a rewarding career path. Listed below are a few short-term yet skill-oriented courses, also famously referred to as Arts side courses after 12th, which you can pursue:

1. Web Development

This is a widely preferred course among many 12th Arts stream students, as it unlocks rewarding career opportunities in both front-end and back-end development. The pay packages are attractive, and so is career growth.

ItemsDetails
Duration 3-12 months (approx)
Career opportunities Frontend Developer, Full-Stack Developer, Web Developer
Top recruiting companies Cognizant, HCLTech, LTIMindtree
Average salary (approx)INR 4.7 LPA
Skills developedResponsive design, database management, collaboration

Source: AmbitionBox

2. Travel & Tourism

This is another high-demand course for 10+2 pass students and is among the most popular professional courses after 12th Arts. You can either opt for a Diploma in Travel & Tourism Management or a Certificate Course in Tour Guiding.

ItemsDetails
Duration 6-12 months (approx)
Career opportunities Tour operators, travel consultants, event planners
Top recruiting companies SOTC Travel, GoAir, Club Mahindra Holidays
Average salary (approx)INR 4 LPA
Skills developedItinerary planning, customer service, crisis management

Source: Indeed

How to Choose the Best Course After 12th Arts?

So we looked at the various options that you can pick from – both degrees after 12th Arts as well as short-term diplomas/professional skill-based programs that you can easily pursue after completing your school. With many options available, how do we know which is the right one for our long-term career growth and stability? Some pointers below can help:

  • Sit with yourself: It’s very important to assess your personal and academic interests as well as your skills and strengths before making any decision in this regard. This would help you make an informed decision and also stay motivated on the path you choose.
  • Assess your career goals: Once you have shortlisted programs aligned with your personal/academic interests, define your long-term career objectives and align them with your choices. This would help you make the right choice for future stability.
  • Evaluate earning potential: Along with career growth and advancement, the average salary range after completing a specific study program is critical. It can serve as a great motivator to make an informed choice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Choosing a Course

When choosing the best courses for Arts students after 12th, it’s important to review your options carefully to avoid mistakes. Any wrong choice made in this regard can have a long-term ill effect on your overall career path. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for when making a decision:

  • Avoid picking a course only because it’s “trending”. Make sure it aligns with your overall academic and career aspirations.
  • Don’t ignore researching the course curriculum thoroughly. This would help you get an idea of the specializations offered and whether they appeal to you.
  • Avoid getting influenced by peer or parental pressure. The study program you choose after 12th grade paves the way for your future career, and it should be your sole choice. You may consult friends and family, but don’t be pressured by anyone.

Conclusion       

The decision on the best degree after 12th Arts is crucial and should not be made hastily. It is important to spend sufficient time researching all possible options, reviewing them thoroughly, and consulting your mentors (friends/family/industry experts) to make the right choice for your career.

We have shared an exhaustive list of arts courses after 12th that you can refer to before making your decision. You can choose the courses shared in this blog or conduct your own research to make an informed decision. However, the best course for an Arts student after 12th depends entirely on their personal interests, academic background, and career aspirations. It is therefore important to consider all three when making your decision.

The Bachelor of Arts is one of the most popular undergraduate programs for 12th Arts students. You can now pursue the program online through the reputable Sikkim Manipal University on the Online Manipal platform.

FAQs

1. Can I do BBA after 12th Arts?

Absolutely! A BBA is a very popular choice among students completing 10+2 in the Arts stream. Although there is no admissions restriction, many Arts students prefer the program because it offers a broad range of foundational concepts from the Humanities stream.

2. Which is the best course after 12th Arts?

The “best course” for every student may vary depending on their expectations, aspirations, and academic interests. However, some of the most popular study programs chosen by 12th Arts students include:

  • BA (Hons) in multiple specializations
  • BBA
  • BA LLB
  • B.Des
  • BAJMC

3. What are the top careers for Arts students?

Some of the best career options that students can consider pursuing after a background in Arts in class 12 are:

  • Animator 
  • Fashion Designer
  • Art Therapist
  • Architect 
  • News Reporter

4. Can Arts students pursue Management courses?

Yes. Arts students can pursue a wide range of Management study programs, including BBM, BBA, and integrated MBA.

5. Is law a good career option after 12th Arts?

Yes, many 12th Arts students consider pursuing a career in Law after completing a relevant professional course, such as a BA LLB.

6. Which courses offer high salary potential after 12th Arts?

Regarding pay, top choices for 12th Arts students include Digital Marketing, Law, Psychology, Design, and Economics, among others.

7. Are creative career options available for Arts students?

Yes, there are multiple creative career paths after completing Class 12 in Arts. Some creative fields to consider include Interior Design, Fashion Design, and Fine Arts.

8. Can Arts students go into the IT or tech field?

Of course! Arts students can enroll in tech courses, such as a BA in Computer Applications, UX/UI Design, Animation, or Data Analytics, before entering suitable roles in the tech industry.

9. Do I need maths to pursue good career options after 12th Arts?

No, a math background is not required to pursue lucrative career roles for students with a Humanities background. Several career options that promise high growth do not require Math, such as Journalism, Law, or Psychology.

10. Is it necessary to pursue post-graduation after an Arts degree?

Not necessarily. It is entirely a personal choice if you wish to pursue higher learning by way of a PG degree after completing an undergraduate degree or a diploma/certification course after 12th Arts. A PG program, however, improves your employability prospects and earning potential.

Sources:

https://in.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/career-after-bba
https://in.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/jobs-in-law
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/news-reporter-salary
https://www.payscale.com/research/IN/Degree=Bachelor_of_Design_(BDes)/Salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/hotel-manager-salary
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/digital-marketer-salary
https://in.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/careers-in-fine-arts
https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/web-developer-salary
https://in.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/jobs-in-tourism

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