Finished your 12th with PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)? Excellent! This is a crucial milestone for students, but it often comes with a big question: “What’s Next?”. It is a common perception that qualifying for NEET and becoming a doctor is the only best way to build your career. And yes, MBBS is a great way forward, but there are plenty of other fulfilling PCB career options out there.
In this article, we are going to explore the top 10 career options for PCB students, analysing the eligibility criteria, expected salary, and the top recruiting companies. Let’s get started!
Beyond MBBS: Best PCB Students Career Options
Students often find themselves in a dilemma when it comes to choosing the right course after 12th Science PCB. For the past years, the journey after 12 PCB career options has been narrowly defined. However, today the healthcare, agriculture, paramedical and life sciences industries are offering abundant opportunities for those skilled and qualified. To help you make a wise career decision without confusion, we have curated a list of the best PCB career options. Let’s explore.
Category | Course Name | Duration | Entrance Exam | Career Path |
Medical and Healthcare | MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery) | 5 Years | Medical Officer | |
BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) | 5 Years | NEET-UG | Dentist, Dental Surgeon | |
BAMS (Ayurvedic Medicine) | 5.5 Years | NEET-UG | Ayurvedic Doctor, Ayurveda Consultant | |
BHMS (Homoeopathy) | 5.5 Years | NEET UG | Homoeopathy Doctor, Wellness Practitioner | |
BUMS (Unani Medicine) | 5.5 Years | NEET UG | Unani Medical Officer, Herbal Medicine Expert | |
BVSc (Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry) | 5.5 Years | NEET UG (for 15% AIQ seats), State-level veterinary exams | Veterinary Doctor, Animal Health Inspector | |
B.Pharm (Bachelor of Pharmacy) | 4 Years | State CETs (Primary), CUET, University Exams (NEET score accepted by a few institutes) | Pharmacist, Drug Inspector, Medical Representative) | |
Paramedical | B.Sc. Nursing | 4 Years | State/University Nursing exams (primary), NEET (for selected central institutes like AIIMS) | Registered Nurse, Critical Care Nurse |
Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT) | 4.5 Years | State/University Exams | Physiotherapist, Rehab specialist | |
4.5 Years | State/University Exams | Occupational Therapist, Rehab Consultant | ||
B.Sc. Medical Lab Technology (MLT) | 3 years | University-level exams | Lab Technician, Pathology Assistant | |
3–4 Years | University-level exams | Radiographer, MRI/CT Scan Technician | ||
3–4 Years | University-level exams | OT Technician, Surgical Assistant | ||
Life Sciences & Research | B.Sc. Biotechnology | 3 years | CUET, University exams | Biotech Researcher, Lab Technician |
3 years | CUET, College-level exams | Microbiologist, Pathology Lab Technician | ||
B.Sc. Biochemistry | 3 years | CUET, University-specific tests | Biochemist, Clinical Analyst, Research Assistant | |
B.Sc. Genetics / Molecular Biology | 3 years | University-level entrance exams | Geneticist, Biomedical Scientist, Research Associate | |
B.Sc. Zoology / Botany | 3 years | CUET, Merit/University exams | Ecologist, Wildlife Biologist, Botanist | |
Integrated M.Sc. in Life Sciences | 5 years | University-level entrance tests | Research Scientist, Academician, Lab Scientist | |
Agriculture & Food Sciences | 4 Years | ICAR AIEEA, State Agriculture Exams | Agricultural Officer, Farm Manager, Agronomist | |
3–4 years | CUET, University-specific exams | Food Technologist, Quality Control Analyst | ||
B.Sc. Horticulture / Forestry | 4 years | ICAR AIEEA, State-level exams | Horticulturist, Forest Officer, Nursery | |
B.Sc. Dairy Science | 4 years | State-level agriculture exams | Dairy Technologist, Quality Analyst | |
B.Sc. Fisheries Science | 4 years | ICAR AIEEA, State entrance exams | Fisheries Officer, Aquaculture Specialist |
Top 10 PCB Career Options In-Depth
1. MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery)
Becoming a Doctor is one of the noblest and highly rewarding career options. MBBS stands to be one of the top career options for PCB students. MBBS graduates can practice as a general physician or pursue a Master’s for specialisation in General Surgery, Cardiology or Neurology
Eligibility: Must clear the NEET-UG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) with a high rank. You should score a minimum of 50% on the 12th with PCB to be eligible for this profession.
Top Recruiting Companies: Private and Government Hospitals like Fortis Healthcare, AIIMS, Apollo Hospitals
Salary of a Doctor: The annual salary range is from Rs. 1.1 Lakh - 20 Lakhs. This salary structure depends on specialisation, experience, and the organisation you work with.
(Salary: Ambitiobox)
Read More - Career Options After 12th Commerce with Math
2. BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery)
A Dentist is a professional who specialises in curing the problems of teeth, gums and mouth. Dentistry is one of the best after 12 PCB career options, with great scope both in India and abroad. Hence, BDS is a popular choice after MBBS among 12th science PCB students.
Dentistry has several specialisations such as Endodontists, Prosthodontists, Orthodontists, and Oral surgeons. As a Dentist, you can either work for a hospital or establish your clinic for private practice. Both ways it will be rewarding as it is one of the best PCB jobs after 12th.
Eligibility: Qualify the the NEET-UG Exam
Top Recruiting Companies: Private and Government Hospitals like AIIMS, Clovia Dental Clinic, Max Hospital, Fortis
Salary: A dentist in India earns an average of Rs. 1 Lakh - 7.2 Lakhs per annum
(Salary: Ambitiobox)
3. B.Sc. Nursing
Nursing is among the well-known career options for PCB students. A Nurse is a caregiver who is trained to serve and provide medical assistance to patients. They support doctors from both front and back ends, educate and counsel the patients and family members about their health condition, administer medications, maintain medical records and more. This role can be dynamic and high in demand, hence it is one of the best jobs for PCB students after 12th.
Eligibility: 10+2 with PCB, appear for State/University Nursing exams
Top Recruiting Companies: Private and Government Hospitals like AIIMS, Apollo, Nursing Homes
Salary: A nurse earns Rs. 3.5 LPA - Rs. 5 LPA in the beginning of the career.
(Salary: Ambitiobox)
4. Pharmacy (B.Pharm and Pharm D)
Pharmacy is a profession comprising science, health care, direct patient contact, computer technology application and business management. They are health specialists who have sound knowledge of medications and their ingredients.
And as the term suggests, the field is a mixture of chemistry, healthcare, and technology, offering career paths in patient care, pharmaceutical research, drug regulation, and even business management. This is one of the top-paid career options after 12 PCB career options other than the medical field.
Eligibility: 10+2 with PCB/M, appear for State level exams
Top Recruiting Companies: Cipla, Lupin, Dr Reddy's, Glenmark, Sun Pharma, Pfizer, Apollo Pharmacy
Salary: As a Pharmacist, you can expect a salary of Rs 1.2 Lakh - 4.1 Lakhs per year with an experience range of 0-7 years.
(Salary: Ambitiobox)
5. Biotechnology (B.Sc. or B.Tech)
Biotechnology is a unique fusion of biology and technology with applications in both scientific and administrative sectors. It is one of the most highly paid career options apart from medical. A Biotechnologist studies the physical, chemical and genetic aspects of cells, tissues and organisms.
They invent useful technologies and products in the field of health, medicine, agriculture, and environmental management in order to tackle some of the greatest challenges facing mankind and the planet at large. Biotechnology is one of the promising and rewarding jobs for PCB students after 12th.
Eligibility: 10+2 with PCB
Top Recruiting Companies: Biocon, Serum Institute, Novartis, Panacea Biotec, Wockhardt
Salary: A biotechnologist can earn a salary between Rs. 1 Lakh - 7.2 Lakhs with an experience up to 7 years in the industry.
(Salary: Ambitiobox)
6. AYUSH ( BAMS, BHMS, BNYS)
AYUSH is the acronym for Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy. It is based on ancient medical philosophies which are holistic, purely natural and highly effective. It is an unconventional yet promising career options for PCB students.
The undergraduate courses relevant to this medical system are- BHMS, BAMS, BUMS and BNYS. With increasing demand for Natural Medicine and Yogic Sciences across the world, this system of medicine is already becoming a game changer as professionals earn huge money through private practice.
Eligibility: NEET-UG qualification
Top Recruiting Companies: Pvt and Govt. Hospitals and clinics, Organisations like- Patanjali Ayurveda Limited, Dabur, The Himalaya Drug Company
Salary:
An Ayurvedic Doctor: Rs. 1.2 Lakh - 7.8 Lakhs
Homoeopathic Doctor: Rs 1 Lakh - 7.6 Lakhs
(Salary: Ambitiobox)
7. Physiotherapy (BPT)
Physiotherapists focus on helping patients recover from physical illnesses, injuries and disabilities through exercise, massage and movement therapy. This is one of the best jobs for PCB students after 12th, due to the number of opportunities available and financial benefits present.
Eligibility: 10+2 with PCB, admission can be done through CETs or direct entry
Top Recruiting Companies: Hospitals, Sports Teams (e.g., BCCI, IPL franchises), Fitness Centres, Rehabilitation Centres, and Private Practice.
Salary: A physiotherapist earns an annual average salary of Rs 1 Lakh - 6 Lakhs
(Salary: Ambitiobox)
8. Veterinary Science (B.V.Sc & AH)
Do you love animals and taking care of them? If yes, a career as a veterinarian could be the ideal career for you. The Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry (B.V.Sc & AH) is a 5.5-year course that equips you with the knowledge and skills needed for animal treatment, surgery, and disease prevention.
Eligibility: NEET-UG qualification or state-level veterinary tests (AIPVT).
Top Recruiting Companies: Government veterinary hospitals, Animal welfare NGOs, Zoos, Dairy Farms, Poultry Farms, and Private Clinics.
Salary: The salary of a veterinary doctor is around Rs 1.8 Lakh - 10.4 Lakhs on an annual basis.
(Salary: Ambitiobox)
9. Medical Lab Technology (B.Sc. MLT)
Medical Lab Technology is also known as clinical laboratory science. MLT complements medical science as the technologists help diagnose, treat and prevent diseases through clinical laboratory tests. They analyse bodily matter like fluids, tissues, and blood. Often underrated, becoming an MLT can be one of the most lucrative career options after 12th Science PCB. MLT is definitely one of the best career options after 12th PCB.
Due to the growth in the private sector, the demand for laboratory technologists is high across hospitals, pathology labs, and nursing homes. They play an important role in collecting samples, testing, reporting and documenting medical investigations. Hence, a Medical Lab Technologist can be considered the ideal PCB career option for students after 12th.
Eligibility: 10+2 with PCB
Top Recruiting Companies: Government and Private Labs/ hospitals/ clinics- Dr Lal Path Labs, Max Healthcare.
Salary: You can earn Rs. 1 Lakh - 6.8 Lakhs as a Medical Lab Technologist in India
(Salary: Ambitiobox)
10. Nutrition and Dietitian
Nutrition & Dietetics focuses on principles of nutrition, human physiology, food science and biochemistry. This is one of the highly popular non-medical career options after 12th Science PCB, due to the growing awareness of people towards health and fitness.
Eligibility: 10+2 with PCB. Admission is generally based on merit or university-specific entrance tests.
Top Recruiting Companies: Hotels and Restaurants, Government and Private Hospitals and Clinics
Salary: A Dietitian and Nutritionist in India earns an average salary of Rs 1 Lakh - 6 Lakhs per year
(Salary: Ambitiobox)
Read More: Courses after 12th PCB
Start exploring the best PCB Career Options
This guide to the top 10 PCB career options has highlighted opportunities from various fields for students who are unsure about their next step after the 12th. Don’t worry if you are not interested in conventional career pathways. There are a plethora of jobs for PCB students after 12th, that go beyond the traditional options. With research, preparation and by qualifying for the relevant examination, you can pursue a course that truly aligns with your goals and interests.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
There are plenty of high paying career options without NEET such as Nursing, BHMS, BNYS, BUMS, BAMS, Psychology, Pharmacy, Biotechnology and many more.
MBBS, BDS, AYUSH Courses, Nursing, Pharmacy, Biotechnology, Psychology, Medical Lab Technology, Para-medical courses like Physiotherapy, Radiology, Speech & Language Pathology etc.
You can pursue Para-medical Sciences if you want to be in the healthcare industry. Other profitable options are Biotechnology, Psychology, Nutrition & Dietetics or Pharmacy. Other Alternative Medicine courses are BHMS, BAMS BUMS, BNYS.
If you like biology then some high paying options for you would be BDS, Biotechnology, Bioinformatics, Nursing, and Nutrition & Dietetics.
You can also do M.Sc Physics and get hired by top IT firms like Google or Microsoft as a Data Scientist.
You can pursue M.Sc Chemistry and work with Oil & Gas industries like ONGC or work with top pharmaceutical companies like Abott, Cipla, Pfizer etc.
Administration & Management related careers are highly paid options as well.
If you are a student of PCB but want to pursue a career other than science then some promising options are- Law, Data Analytics, Management, Hotel management, Finance Management & Analysis, Psychology etc.