What Next after 10th Board Results
Every student arrives at his/her crucial point when they clear their 10th board exam. It is one of the important milestones in every student’s life. Also, it is a turning point and a base for further studies and career options. The choices made after 10th standard influence the further decisions that students have to make. In fact, right after 10th, the student is made to decide the next course of action, in short, the student gets first hand experience in decision making; Welcome to Adulthood!
Students who were until then guided and spoon-fed must take charge and most of them find it daunting. There are a plethora of options on what to study next. A student’s career takes its first shape after 10th. With lots of choices and suggestions that come in a student’s way, here are our two cents to help students make a wise decision and walk towards their goal.
Few points to consider before delving into studies and careerA Crucial Point
If you are a student then you will have to decide what is your further course of action. It might be studies or career. The decision is going to affect your future and hence it is the first crucial point that you encounter. Remember, a responsible decision will never create a burden than irresponsible choices.
Board Selection
First things first, the education board plays a vital role in making choices. Selection of board will decide the following course of action. A student may not continue in the same board. That is, if you have studied in state board till 10th, and wish to change the board, you are free to choose either CBSE or IGCSE board. And if you change then keep in mind that there will be challenges ahead and you must be ready to face the challenges the new board might throw and it might be difficult too! So preparedness is must and some research on the same will help you decide the best choice.
Do Your Research
A big decision needs proper research, as the after-effects of this decision will have a long-lasting impact. Research does not just include finding the courses, colleges and asking suggestions from seniors or family members. You have to research your mind too! Know what you like and what interests you more. You might be interested in two subjects and equally well versed in both but then the career prospects and further studies differ heavily, so consider the career path of both options and whichever satisfies you, go for it. Thorough research will always be helpful.
Right after 10th, students can opt for further studies or look for a job depending on their choice. Both the prospects have considerable options to look for.
What to study after completing 10th standard?
So, you have decided to pursue higher studies. What to choose as your subject of study? These are the questions that you need to address and we are here to help you. A student can take up any of the below-given options depending on his/her preference.
Class XI/Class XII
Polytechnic Diploma courses
Paramedical Courses
Industrial Trading Institute (ITI)
Short-term Courses
Other Vocational Courses
1. Class XI – Class XII
It is two years of preparatory studies of a course which decides the path for the upcoming professional learning. Almost every student will opt for Class XI-Class XII. Three main streams are available to study which are given below:
- Science – Most Preferred
Every parent want their child to pursue Science as their stream of study after 10th. Science offers a thriving career option which makes it everyone’s favourite. If you are opting science then you will have to study PCM (Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics – Core subjects) along with Biology or Computer Science or Electronics or IT (depending on further studies). Apart from these core subjects, languages will be a part of the curriculum too. You will have theory and lab sessions. A notable advantage of studying science is that it allows you to shift streams (either to Arts or Commerce). if, in the future, you do not wish to continue in science. Other stream students have no such luck.
Science stream students can further get into Medical or Engineering courses based on the subject of study in Class XII. Biology students go for Medical while Computer Science and Electronics students go for Engineering. If you do not prefer these courses then you can opt for a Degree in Science with a specialization in your preferred area. Many options are available at hand.
- Commerce – Second most preferred
Do you like numbers? Did you enjoy studying economics in 10th? Does finance fascinate you? If your answer is yes then Commerce is for you. The core subjects of commerce are – Business Economics, Accountancy, Business Study and Business Law. Not just these, but you will have exposure to income tax, accounting, marketing, and other related subjects. And of course, the language subject will be compulsory.
Career prospects in Commerce are huge just as Science. A student can go for a career or further studies in Management (BBA/BMS), Economics, Actuarial Science (analysis of risk across various fields. Ex, insurance, business, finance, and healthcare), Chartered Accountancy, Finance, Bank PO, Cost and Management Accounting, Stockbroking, Statistics, and many more. There are lots of thriving options on hand.
- Arts/Humanities – Least Preferred but off-beat and exciting
Though this stream is least preferred it offers some exciting and interesting career options. All this time arts was looked down from the rest two streams but it is finally changing for good.
With a great number of choices to study, arts offers a wide range of options that are no less in comparison to science and commerce. Students can study sociology, history, literature, psychology, political science, philosophy, economics, etc along with compulsory language subject.
Career scope of Arts is diverse. Students can further, specialize in a field on their choice (based on the subjects they studied in Class XII) or start their career in Teaching, Writing, Journalism, Psychology, Literature, Fine arts, Political Science, Economics, etc.
- Stream independent courses/studies
No worries if you as a student do not opt for science/commerce/arts as your career path. The world today offers a multitude of options regarding studies and work. Let us introduce you to such choices which you can choose from
2. Polytechnic Diploma courses
Polytechnic Diploma courses are Diploma courses one can join after Class X or Class XII. It is a 3-year course after which one can start working or go for B.E/B.Tech as a lateral entrant. The 3 year course offers many options to study – Mechanical, Computer Science, Civil, Automobile, Bio-Technology, Agriculture, Architecture, Textile technology, Chemical, Marine technology, Bio-Medical etc.
3. Paramedical Courses
The Paramedical branch is related to allied healthcare sector and just like Medical courses, paramedical courses provide good opportunities with regard to career. This course trains the students who later work as healthcare workers and technicians. Healthcare industry is huge and the roles that are to play are numerous. Not only doctors and nurses, but there are many other workers who are behind the screen helping the industry function smoothly. The demand for healthcare workers is huge in India and abroad.
4. Industrial Trading Institute (ITI)
ITI comes under Directorate General of Employment & Training (DGET). It is a government training institute which trains students and makes them skilled in various industries. Training will be provided in Mechanical work, Electronics, Information Technologies, Fabrication, Automobile, Diesel Mechanics, Lift Mechanics, Computer Software, Sheet metal, Electrical, Plumbing, Wiring etc. It is similar to a diploma, but the duration of the course varies. Certain courses last for 6 months while other course lasts for 2 years. The training makes the students’ job-ready and the trained students will be a part of the manpower in the industry they work in.
5. Short-term Courses
These are the courses which usually span for short duration i.e., 3 to 6 or 12 months which aim to provide the learner with job-ready skills. Some courses under this category are - Diploma in Computer Applications, Certificate Course in Web Designing, Certification Course in SEO (Search Engine Optimization)/Digital Marketing, Diploma in Graphic Designing, Certificate Programme in MS-Office, Diploma in 2D and 3D Animation, Certificate Course in Programming Language (JAVA, C, C++). The courses are offered according to the trend that is in demand, these courses help students refine and enhance their skills, and they provide certificates after the completion of the course which can be helpful to get the desired job.
6. Other Vocational Courses
Just like short term courses, even these are job centric courses which span around 1 or 2 years and impart technical skills required for a job. Different courses are available, such as – Fashion Designing, DTP, Jewellery Designing, Diploma in Insurance and Marketing and many more.
The above options will give you an idea of what to do next. There are some students who would want to take up a job and start earning. The job opportunities for such students are listed below.
Job Opportunities: After 10th Standard
Students can join defence sector – Army, Air Force and Navy. Entry level technical and non-technical posts are available which requires the students to appear for the job related examination. Those who qualify the exam will get called for subsequent rounds.
Apart from defence there are lots of other Government jobs which require 10th Standard passed candidates. Every year plenty of jobs are advertised in the newspapers, online portals, and through referrals. Departments like Staff Selection Commission, Railways, Police, and state government make vacancy announcement frequently. Other than these there are data entry jobs, clerk jobs which recruit 10th Standard passed out candidates.
So, how do you select what’s right for you?
Interests/Passion
Analyse your interest, see where your heart leads you. Which subject excites you most? Have you ventured out of textbooks and studied something? What do you truly enjoy doing? Which subject holds your attention and makes you want to know more about it? Answer these questions first. There might one subject or two or more which gets you thrilled. No problem, list them all. After listing the subjects ask yourself about the intent you have for these subjects. Just being interested is not enough. You should possess the right skills to understand the subject and prove your worth to it.
Strength and Performance
As mentioned above, after analysing your favourite subject(s), evaluate your strength in the subject. How was your performance in the tests/exams? Do you have the ability to study further about the subject? You must keep in mind that the subjects taught in school are basic, and it is only going to get more advanced and detailed in the future. Do you have the potential to deal with it? How do you deal with any subject if it gets difficult? Question about the advanced level to your teachers and seniors, they will certainly throw some light which will guide you further.
Don’t be shy to ask
Though it will be your decision to study, do not say no to advice and suggestions which come your way. At the end of the day, you have to decide what you want and some help in choosing the further course of action is always beneficial. Discuss with your parents and teachers about your interests. Ask for guidance from your seniors, and someone who has been in that field of study. You can find many Career Counsellors too. Ask a relevant question and know the scope of the study, understand the career prospects. With the right exposure, you can make the right decision. Balance the advice you get and the interests you have. Identify the right choice for your career.
Opportunity knocks when you are well-prepared. So just a little planning will make you have a better and brighter future ahead.
