Quick Summary
Selecting the right courses after 12th arts is a vital decision that impacts your career and personal development. In 2025, students will have many distinctive, fulfilling, and challenging alternatives to a traditional degree in journalism, design, psychology, law, hospitality, and digital marketing. The arts stream builds on creativity, critical thinking, and communication skills, qualities that are in high demand in today’s ever-changing job market.
With your interests in writing, social sciences, visual arts, and public service, there are options for you in a course. Mapping out the eligibility, scope, and career options of the best choices helps you navigate which is best for your future career. Are you ready to consider the best courses after 12th arts? Consider the top courses and learn how to build a career with your passion in the next few years.
The humanities are an academic field that studies many aspects of human society and culture. This discipline encompasses various studies, including anthropology, archaeology, human history, linguistics (ancient and modern languages), law, political science, literature, philosophy, religion, and performing arts. These fields take a systematic, philosophical, and analytical approach to dissecting and comprehending the many facets of human experience.
Opting for the Arts/Humanities stream provides students with the finest route after 12th arts with a wide range of job opportunities. This option encourages the development of strong oral and written communication skills, critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and analytical reasoning. With an overview of the essence of the Humanities stream, let’s look into some of the most promising job options.
| Course Name | Duration | Eligibility | Average Fees (INR/year) | Top Specializations |
| BA (Bachelor of Arts) | 3 years | 12th Pass (Any Stream) | ₹10,000 – ₹1.5 Lakh | English, Political Science, Sociology, Psychology |
| BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) | 3–4 years | 12th Pass (Preferably Arts) | ₹30,000 – ₹2 Lakh | Painting, Sculpture, Applied Arts, Animation |
| BJMC (Bachelor of Journalism & Mass Comm.) | 3 years | 12th Pass with English | ₹50,000 – ₹2.5 Lakh | Print, Digital Media, Broadcasting, PR |
| BA LLB (Integrated Law) | 5 years | 12th Pass + CLAT/LSAT | ₹1 – ₹5 Lakh | Criminal Law, Civil Law, Corporate Law |
| BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration) | 3 years | 12th Pass (Any Stream) | ₹50,000 – ₹2 Lakh | Marketing, HR, Finance |
| BHM (Bachelor of Hotel Management) | 3–4 years | 12th Pass | ₹80,000 – ₹3 Lakh | Hospitality, Catering, Tourism |
| B.Design (Bachelor of Design) | 4 years | 12th Pass + Entrance (NID, UCEED) | ₹2 – ₹5 Lakh | Fashion, Interior, Graphic, Product Design |
| Bachelor in Social Work (BSW) | 3 years | 12th Pass | ₹20,000 – ₹1 Lakh | Community Development, Health, Child Welfare |
| Bachelor in Event Management | 3 years | 12th Pass | ₹50,000 – ₹1.5 Lakh | Corporate Events, Weddings, Promotions |
| Bachelor in Animation & Multimedia | 3–4 years | 12th Pass | ₹1 – ₹3 Lakh | 2D/3D Animation, Game Design, Visual Effects |
| Bachelor of Elementary Education (B.El.Ed) | 4 years | 12th Pass (Arts preferred) | ₹30,000 – ₹1.5 Lakh | Primary Teaching, Child Psychology |
After completing 12th in the Arts stream, students can explore several entrance exams to pursue higher education in diverse fields. These exams help them secure admission to reputed colleges and universities in India. Here are some of the top entrance exams for Arts students:
| Exam Name | Purpose | Popular Courses |
|---|---|---|
| CUET (Common University Entrance Test) | Admission to undergraduate courses in central and state universities. | BA, BBA, BSW, and other Arts programs. |
| CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) | Entrance for law courses in top law universities. | BA LLB, BBA LLB. |
| NIFT Entrance Exam | For admission into fashion and design courses. | B.Des, BFTech. |
| NID Entrance Exam | For design-related undergraduate programs. | Bachelor of Design (B.Des). |
| IHM Entrance (NCHMCT JEE) | For hospitality and hotel management courses. | B.Sc in Hospitality and Hotel Administration. |
| IPU CET (Indraprastha University Common Entrance Test) | For various UG courses at Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University. | BJMC, BBA, BA (Hons.). |
| SET (Symbiosis Entrance Test) | For admissions in Symbiosis International University. | BBA, BA (Mass Communication), B.Sc (Liberal Arts). |
| DUET (Delhi University Entrance Test) (if applicable) | For specific courses at Delhi University. | BA (Hons.), BMS, BBA FIA. |
| TISS BAT (Tata Institute of Social Sciences – Bachelor Admission Test) | For social sciences and social work courses. | BA in Social Sciences. |
Scholarships are available for students based on entrance exam performance, merit, or financial need.
You may pursue different types of high-salary courses after the 12th. These enable you to have positive career prospects in the future. These undergraduate courses can be sought from government or private institutions, allowing you to apply for various job positions upon completion.
Refer to the after 12th arts courses list for a better understanding:
These courses after 12th arts offer high salaries and specialize in numerous subjects. Examples include English, Political Science, History, and Economics. A BA in private colleges can cost around ₹10,000 to ₹1,50,000 in a year. The same fees range from ₹14000 to ₹45,000 per year in government colleges. College fees as per IES online
After completing your BA degree, you can choose various professions. For instance, you may become an HR analyst, a content writer, or a sales executive. The average salary is around ₹4,84,000 per year.
BA is a bachelor’s degree in subjects related to social sciences, liberal arts, and fine arts. An undergraduate degree requires one to have completed their 10+2 from the Arts stream for this course. Additionally, even Science and Commerce students can pursue a BA degree.
This course is perfect for students interested in creative arts such as painting, sculpture, dance, music, and theatre. The fee range is around ₹60,000 to ₹2,00,000. After completing this degree, you can become a music director, illustrator, or photographer. There is potential for a higher salary; for example, you can earn ₹14,191 per month as an art associate. There are many premium art studio’s that offer art classes and art parties for recreation.
BA in Arts is the bachelor’s degree undertaken to study courses in Fine Arts, Performing Arts and Performing Arts. A BA in Arts is an undergraduate degree; one needs to have completed their 10+2 from the Arts stream for this course. However, even Science and Commerce students can pursue a BA in Arts degree.
A BSW degree allows you to work in social services, community development, and welfare organizations. Fees for BSW programs usually range between ₹18,000 and ₹50,000 per year. Career options include becoming a research assistant, health educator, or social work intern, with a research assistant earning around ₹4.2 lakhs per year.
Several Courses After 12th Arts offer better job opportunities, including career prospects. Professional undergraduate courses provide a scope for various job opportunities, including:
These Courses After 12th Arts enable students to make a career in print, digital, and broadcast media. Fees for journalism courses range between ₹30,000 and ₹2,00,000 per year. After earning this degree, you can become a journalist, editor, or media specialist, with a journalist’s salary of around ₹26,458 per month.
A degree in Hotel Management makes you eligible to work in the hospitality sector, including hotels, resorts, and event planning. Fees for Hotel Management programs are around ₹1,79,000 per year. After this degree, you can become a hotel manager with a salary of around ₹25,500 per month. Other professions in this field include event manager, catering manager, and chef.
Event Management involves organizing, planning, and executing events such as weddings, corporate meetings, and concerts. Course fees for the same are between ₹80,000 and ₹86,000 in a year. A career in this field offers a salary of around ₹7,50,000 per year, with successful event managers earning substantially more depending on the scale and number of events managed.
This course is for creative individuals interested in clothing, accessories, and footwear design. Fees for fashion design courses range from ₹15,000 to ₹72,000 annually. A fashion designer in India can earn around ₹34,417 in a month, with successful designers earning upwards of ₹84,833 per month.
A BA LLB is an integrated law course that combines Arts and Law, preparing students for legal careers. Fees for BA LLB programs are between ₹1,00,000 and ₹2,00,000 per year. Law graduates can expect salaries of around ₹1,120,000 per year, potentially increasing over time with experience.
Completing a course after class 12 in the Arts stream opens up a plethora of job opportunities. After pursuing the Arts/ Humanities stream at the Class 12 level, aspirants can either opt to pursue a pure Humanities course or make a future in the fields of design, mass communication, hospitality, law, aviation, teaching, and the like.
Some popular job profiles that candidates can pursue after completing an Arts course at the graduation level are as follows:
| Job profiles after Class 12 Arts | |
|---|---|
| Desk Writer | Designer |
| Flight Steward/ Airhostess | Housekeeping Executive |
| Front Office Executive | Chef |
| Floor Supervisor | Web Designer |
| Animator | Govt Jobs |
Government courses after 12th arts offer benefits such as affordability, quality education, and diverse specializations. These programs also provide scholarships and financial aid to deserving students. Below is a list of standard Government Courses After 12th Arts.
GDCA focuses on cooperative management, finance, and accountancy. To pursue this course, you must appear for an exam with a fee of ₹800. Completing the course enables you to find jobs in cooperative banking, finance, and related sectors. An accountant can earn an annual salary of around ₹7,00,000 after this course.
This program helps train numerous elementary-level teachers. The course fee for this teacher training program is reasonable, between ₹5,700 and ₹60,000. After completing this course, you become eligible to work in government schools. A diploma teacher’s salary is around ₹26,301 per month. After completing this course, you can pursue a career as a primary school teacher or teaching assistant.
This is an undergraduate program that teaches you about social and community development. The course covers several topics, such as sociology, rural development, and research methods. The fee for BSW is usually between ₹20,000 and ₹1,20,000. After completing this course, you can become a school counsellor, health educator, social worker, or mental health counsellor. In India, a social worker earns around ₹35,986 per month.
These are some of the best high-salary courses after 12th arts that offer numerous benefits. These include:
Here is a list of the top 1-year diploma Courses After 12th Arts.
This short-term course focuses on the concepts and strategies of digital marketing. The annual fee for this diploma course is around ₹15,900. After completing this course, you can become a digital marketing specialist with a current salary range of around ₹6,09,247 per year.
This special diploma teaches you the basic fundamentals of visual communication. The average for this special diploma is between ₹30,000 and ₹2,50,000. As a graphic designer, you can earn an average annual salary of ₹5,55,000.
This specialized course enables you to learn various aspects of photography for professional purposes. The fee for this diploma course ranges from ₹10,000 to ₹55,000 per year.
This course provides specialized training in interior design, helping you understand all the fundamentals. The fee ranges between ₹3,000 and ₹2,50,000. As an interior designer, you can earn a salary of ₹29,458 per month.
| Course Name | Duration | Career Opportunities |
|---|---|---|
| Digital Marketing | 3 to 6 months | SEO Specialist, Social Media Manager |
| Graphic Designing | 3 to 6 months | Graphic Designer, Illustrator |
| Content Writing | 3 to 6 months | Copywriter, Blogger |
| Event Management | 6 months | Event Coordinator, Planner |
| Photography | 3 to 6 months | Photographer, Photo Editor |
| Foreign Language Course (French, etc.) | 6 months to 1 year | Translator, Interpreter |
| Interior Designing | 6 months to 1 year | Interior Decorator |
| Fashion Designing (Certificate) | 6 months | Fashion Stylist, Boutique Owner |
| Travel and Tourism Management | 6 months | Travel Consultant, Tour Guide |
| Computer Applications (Basic IT) | 3 to 6 months | Office Assistant, Data Entry |
| Course Name | Average Salary (INR) | Popular Job Roles | Top Recruiters |
|---|---|---|---|
| BA in Journalism & Mass Comm | ₹4 – ₹8 LPA | News Anchor, Content Writer | Times of India, NDTV, Hindustan Times |
| BA LLB (Law) | ₹5 – ₹12 LPA | Advocate, Legal Advisor | Law Firms, Corporate Companies |
| Bachelor of Fashion Designing | ₹4 – ₹10 LPA | Fashion Designer, Stylist | Raymond, Fabindia, Lifestyle |
| Bachelor of Hotel Management | ₹3 – ₹8 LPA | Hotel Manager, Front Office Executive | Taj Group, Oberoi, Marriott |
| Bachelor of Event Management | ₹3 – ₹7 LPA | Event Planner, Wedding Coordinator | Event Management Firms, PR Agencies |
| Digital Marketing Course | ₹3 – ₹9 LPA | SEO Specialist, Social Media Manager | Wipro, Infosys, Digital Agencies |
| BA in Foreign Languages | ₹4 – ₹10 LPA | Translator, Language Expert | Embassies, MNCs, Tour Companies |
| Bachelor of Interior Designing | ₹4 – ₹9 LPA | Interior Designer, Space Planner | Architectural Firms, Design Studios |
Choosing the best arts courses after 12th is essential for your future endeavors. This decision helps determine your career path and nurtures your talent. Therefore, it is necessary to take the time to explore the course options, considering factors like curriculum and career opportunities. Scholarships can also address your financial concerns, so choose a course that offers financial aid if needed. Remember to conduct thorough research to select the course that best suits you.
You can also choose courses after 12th arts with high salary, such as a Bachelor of Fine Arts or Mass Communication. Ensure the course aligns with your long-term goals and personal aspirations for professional growth. Your decision after your higher secondary, i.e., 12th, will shape your career and future. It is crucial to reflect on your passions, strengths, and the type of work environment you prefer. Seek advice from career counsellors, talk to professionals in the field, and gain experience through internships or volunteering. With dedication and the right resources, you will be on your way to a rewarding career.
The fresh possibilities in the world after the 12th arts are never-ending. Creative industries and the media are not the only avenues for arts students. Career paths extend beyond the arts, including working in law, finding employment in education, and breaking into business. The best tools for securing sustainable, fulfilling employment begin with evaluating the opportunities you may be drawn to, gaining insight into emerging career opportunities, and staying tuned into the relevant industries in 2025 and beyond. Use your mentors, speak to your career counselor, and engage in hands-on learning opportunities, such as co-op placements, during your learning journey.
Remember, you do not have to take a linear path; flexibility in learning and working will keep you competitive. The education you’re getting now, along with some planning and industry knowledge, will ignite your learning journey for the future. While you are granted some time to explore your talents and interests as part of your 12th-grade arts experience, everything you do to learn about the world of work will ultimately help you decide on the career problems you want to address.
Bachelor of Laws (LLB): Become a lawyer or legal advisor.
Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication: Work in media or PR.
Fashion Designing: High demand in the fashion industry.
Psychology (BA or MA): Counseling, HR, and research careers.
Hotel Management: Good pay in hospitality and tourism.
Example: A lawyer can earn well above average once experienced.
Tip: Choose courses with growing demand and scope for specialization!
Bachelor of Arts (BA) programs are generally available from most government Universities in history, political science, sociology, psychology, etc.
The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program prepares students for careers in the social service sector or as part of an NGO.
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) program at a government art college in Painting, Sculpture, etc.
Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication (BJMC) program in a government media institute.
Diploma/Certificate courses in languages, tourism, or cultural studies from a government diploma center.
For example, a BA in Political Science from a government university is a very popular option.
Tip: Check government colleges for course details and admission updates! Enjoy!
Definitely! Here are some of the top 1-year level diploma courses after 12th Arts:
Digital Marketing Diploma
Graphic Designing Diploma
Event Management Diploma
Fashion Designing Diploma
Interior Designing Diploma
Foreign Languages Diploma (French, German, etc.)
Example: The Digital Marketing Diploma course will help you quickly kickstart your career in online marketing.
Tip: Take a diploma that fits your interests and has good job prospects!
Absolutely, you can avail scholarships after completing 12th in Arts!
For instance, the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) provides scholarships to students in the Arts based on merit and category.
Tip: You should check all the central and respective state schemes and apply as early as possible by uploading the required documents.
Best Scope courses after 12th Arts:
Fields with strong growth and good pay include:
Law (BA LLB) – Legal advisor, lawyer
Journalism & Mass Comm – Media, PR, digital content
Psychology – Counselor, HR, therapist
Designing – Fashion, graphic, or interior design
Civil Services Prep – UPSC, SSC, state exams
Example: Law offers a high salary and respect in both private and public sectors.
Tip: Choose a field that matches your passion and has long-term career potential.
Definitely! For example, you may apply for BSF Constable or Assistant Commandant posts even if you have an Arts background, if you fulfill the education and physical criteria.
Tip: Always watch the latest BSF recruitment notifications to determine your exact eligibility and prepare well for the written and physical tests.
With a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology, you can become a counselor and an HR professional.
Tip: Choose a course you are passionate about that offers good career prospects.
After completing 12th arts, there are one-year courses, such as Digital Marketing, Graphic Design, Event Management, and certificates in foreign languages.
Tip: Choose a course that suits your interests and profession.
Yes, English as an arts subject opens doors to careers in teaching, content writing, journalism, and communication.
Tip: Improve your communication skills alongside your arts subject.
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology great for counseling, HR, and social work careers.
Tip: Choose what you love and feel confident doing, regardless of gender!
Yes, with a BA degree, you can often study a combination of arts subjects like history, economics, and sociology.
Tip: Combining complementary arts subjects broadens your career options.
Authored by, Gagandeep Khokhar
Career Guidance Expert
Gagandeep is a content writer and strategist focused on creating high-performing, SEO-driven content that bridges the gap between learners and institutions. He crafts compelling narratives across blogs, landing pages, and email campaigns to drive engagement and build trust.
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Chegg India does not ask for money to offer any opportunity with the company. We request you to be vigilant before sharing your personal and financial information with any third party. Beware of fraudulent activities claiming affiliation with our company and promising monetary rewards or benefits. Chegg India shall not be responsible for any losses resulting from such activities.
