courses after 12th arts

15+ Best Arts Courses After 12th with High Salary in 2025

Published on June 13, 2025
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11 Min read time
courses after 12th arts

Quick Summary

  • The top arts courses after 12th include BA in Fine Arts, English, Sociology, Economics, Political Science, and more.
  • The best high salary arts courses include Bachelor of Design, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Arts in Economics, etc.
  • Graphic design, interior design, digital marketing, and photography are a part of the list of 1-year diploma courses after 12th arts.

Table of Contents

Choosing the right arts courses after 12th is crucial for your academic growth. This critical decision shapes your future career prospects, setting the stage for your professional growth. You must also consider your interests and career aspirations when exploring the best courses after 12th arts.

After 12th Arts, students can pursue a variety of degree and diploma courses. Popular options are Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Integrated Law courses (BA-LLB/BBA-LLB), and Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication (BJMC). Other options include Bachelor of Hotel Management (BHM), Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), Bachelor of Design (BDes), and Bachelor of Education (BEd). 

Several factors may influence your decision when choosing arts courses, including the course curriculum, faculty expertise, campus facilities, and future career growth. Additional considerations may include excellent financial aid options and scholarships. This article will discuss important arts courses after 12th that you can select for your career growth. 

courses after 12th arts

What is the Arts/ Humanities Stream?

The humanities are an academic field dedicated to studying many aspects of human society and culture. This discipline encompasses a wide range of 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 12 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.

List of Courses After 12th Arts: Detailed Course Information

Course NameDurationEligibilityAverage Fees (INR/year)Top Specializations
BA (Bachelor of Arts)3 years12th Pass (Any Stream)₹10,000 – ₹1.5 LakhEnglish, Political Science, Sociology, Psychology
BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts)3–4 years12th Pass (Preferably Arts)₹30,000 – ₹2 LakhPainting, Sculpture, Applied Arts, Animation
BJMC (Bachelor of Journalism & Mass Comm.)3 years12th Pass with English
₹50,000 – ₹2.5 LakhPrint, Digital Media, Broadcasting, PR
BA LLB (Integrated Law)5 years12th Pass + CLAT/LSAT₹1 – ₹5 LakhCriminal Law, Civil Law, Corporate Law
BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration)3 years12th Pass (Any Stream)₹50,000 – ₹2 LakhMarketing, HR, Finance
BHM (Bachelor of Hotel Management)3–4 years12th Pass₹80,000 – ₹3 LakhHospitality, 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 years12th Pass₹20,000 – ₹1 LakhCommunity Development, Health, Child Welfare
Bachelor in Event Management3 years12th Pass₹50,000 – ₹1.5 LakhCorporate Events, Weddings, Promotions
Bachelor in Animation & Multimedia3–4 years12th Pass₹1 – ₹3 Lakh2D/3D Animation, Game Design, Visual Effects
Bachelor of Elementary Education (B.El.Ed)4 years12th Pass (Arts preferred)₹30,000 – ₹1.5 LakhPrimary Teaching, Child Psychology

How to Choose Courses After 12th Arts

  1. Reflect on Interests: Reflect on your interests and identify areas of proficiency to narrow down your course choices.
  2. Research Different Courses: Explore available methods, course structure, syllabus, and career pathways. Engage in discussions with seniors or experts for insights.
  3. Consider Job Opportunities: Evaluate job prospects in the chosen field and prioritize courses with high demand and promising salary potential.
  4. Think about Future Prospects: Consider the potential for advanced studies, job advancement, and career development trajectory in the chosen field. This holistic assessment aids in making an informed choice.

Essential Skills for Arts Students

  1. Strong Communication Skills: The ability to clearly express ideas through speaking and writing.
  2. Analytical and Critical Thinking: Evaluating information carefully and forming logical conclusions.
  3. Creative and Innovative Thinking: Developing original ideas and bringing new perspectives to work.
  4. Research and Writing Skills: Gathering relevant information and presenting it effectively through well-structured writing.
  5. Problem-Solving Abilities: Finding innovative solutions to challenges using practical approaches.

Top Entrance Exams and Scholarships After 12th Arts

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 NamePurposePopular 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 ExamFor admission into fashion and design courses.B.Des, BFTech.
NID Entrance ExamFor 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.

Details on Top Courses after 12th for Arts students

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, enabling you to apply for various job positions upon completion.

 Look at the list of after 12th arts courses for a better understanding. 

Pure Humanities Courses after 12th

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 in Humanities & Social Sciences

BA is a bachelor’s degree in subjects related to social sciences, liberal arts and fine arts. BA is an undergraduate degree, one needs to have completed their 10+2 from Arts stream for this course. Apart from this, even Science and Commerce students are eligible to pursue a BA degree.

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)

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. 

BA in Arts (Fine/Visual/Performing)

BA in Arts is the bachelor’s degree undertaken to study courses in Fine Arts, Performing Arts and Performing Arts. BA in Arts is an undergraduate degree, one needs to have completed their 10+2 from Arts stream for this course. However, even Science and Commerce students are eligible to pursue a BA in Arts degree.

Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

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. 

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Career Prospects and Job Opportunities After 12th Arts

Several Courses After 12th Arts offer better job opportunities, including career prospects. Professional undergraduate courses provide a scope for various job opportunities, including:

Journalism and Mass Communication

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.

Hotel Management

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

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.

Fashion Designing

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.

Law (BA LLB)

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.

Jobs and Career Opportunity after 12th Arts

On completing a course after class 12 in the Arts stream aspirants have a plethora of job opportunities before them. After pursuing Arts/ Humanities stream at the Class 12 level, aspirants can either opt to pursue a pure Humanities course or they can even make a future in the field of design, mass communication, hospitality, law, aviation, teaching and the likes.

Some popular job profiles that candidates can pursue after completing an Arts course at the graduation level are as listed below:

Job profiles after Class 12 Arts
Desk WriterDesigner
Flight Steward/ AirhostessHousekeeping Executive
Front Office ExecutiveChef
Floor SupervisorWeb Designer
AnimatorGovt Jobs

Government Courses After 12th Arts

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.

Government Diploma in Cooperation and Accountancy 

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.

Diploma in Education (D.Ed)

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.

Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) in Government Institutions

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.

1-year Diploma Courses After 12th Arts

These are some of the best high-salary courses after 12th arts that offer numerous benefits. These include:

  • Time-saving: A traditional degree program may require several years of study. However, a 1-year diploma course allows you to enhance your knowledge and skills in a shorter time frame.
  • Cost-effective: Diploma courses are more affordable than degree programs, enabling you to save on tuition fees and other expenses associated with longer-term education.
  • Specialized knowledge: Diploma courses offer a unique curriculum highlighting specific subjects or industries, allowing you to gain knowledge and expertise in areas related to your interests and career goals.
  • Flexibility: These courses can accommodate the needs of working professionals or individuals with other commitments, as some courses do not require regular class attendance.

Here is a list of the top 1-year diploma Courses After 12th Arts.

  • Diploma in Digital Marketing

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. 

  • Diploma in Graphic Design

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. 

  • Diploma in Photography

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. 

  • Diploma in Interior Design

This course helps you understand all the fundamentals of interior design with specialized training. The fee ranges between ₹3,000 and ₹2,50,000. As an interior designer, you can get a salary of ₹29,458 per month. 

Short-Term Courses After 12th Arts

Course NameDurationCareer Opportunities
Digital Marketing3 to 6 monthsSEO Specialist, Social Media Manager
Graphic Designing3 to 6 monthsGraphic Designer, Illustrator
Content Writing3 to 6 monthsCopywriter, Blogger
Event Management6 monthsEvent Coordinator, Planner
Photography3 to 6 monthsPhotographer, Photo Editor
Foreign Language Course (French, etc.)6 months to 1 yearTranslator, Interpreter
Interior Designing6 months to 1 yearInterior Decorator
Fashion Designing (Certificate)6 monthsFashion Stylist, Boutique Owner
Travel and Tourism Management6 monthsTravel Consultant, Tour Guide
Computer Applications (Basic IT)3 to 6 monthsOffice Assistant, Data Entry

High-salary Courses After 12th Arts stream for girls

Course NameAverage Salary (INR)Popular Job RolesTop Recruiters
BA in Journalism & Mass Comm₹4 – ₹8 LPANews Anchor, Content WriterTimes of India, NDTV, Hindustan Times
BA LLB (Law)₹5 – ₹12 LPAAdvocate, Legal AdvisorLaw Firms, Corporate Companies
Bachelor of Fashion Designing₹4 – ₹10 LPAFashion Designer, StylistRaymond, Fabindia, Lifestyle
Bachelor of Hotel Management₹3 – ₹8 LPAHotel Manager, Front Office ExecutiveTaj Group, Oberoi, Marriott
Bachelor of Event Management₹3 – ₹7 LPAEvent Planner, Wedding CoordinatorEvent Management Firms, PR Agencies
Digital Marketing Course₹3 – ₹9 LPASEO Specialist, Social Media ManagerWipro, Infosys, Digital Agencies
BA in Foreign Languages₹4 – ₹10 LPATranslator, Language ExpertEmbassies, MNCs, Tour Companies
Bachelor of Interior Designing₹4 – ₹9 LPAInterior Designer, Space PlannerArchitectural Firms, Design Studios

Note: Salaries may vary based on experience, location, and company.

Pursuing the Courses After 12th Arts 

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.

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Conclusion

Choosing the right arts courses after 12th is crucial for shaping your career. Students can explore diverse career opportunities With various high-salary arts courses, including Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), Journalism, Fashion Design, Hotel Management, and Digital Marketing. Short-term diploma courses in graphic design, event management, and photography offer quick career advancements.

Before finalizing a course, consider job opportunities, salary potential, skill development, and career growth. Research thoroughly, compare institutions, and assess financial aid options to make an informed decision. Whether you aim for creative arts, business management, law, or mass communication, selecting the right arts stream course will lay the foundation for a successful and fulfilling career.

Stop hustling from 9 to 5. Work at your Own Pace.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

What are the Courses After 12th Arts for high salaries?

Several courses after the 12th arts promise higher salaries. These include diplomas in travel and tourism, psychology, visual arts, and 3D animation. These courses lead to excellent career paths across various industries and offer growth opportunities. Refer to the guide above to learn more about these courses.

Which government arts courses are available after the 12th?

You can select various govt courses after 12th arts. This includes undergraduate programs like a bachelor’s degree, typically lasting three years. For example, you can pursue a BA in English literature, political science, sociology, and more. Additionally, you can opt for diploma courses, which usually last for a year, such as digital marketing, web design, and VFX.

Are there any 1-year diploma courses available after 12th arts?

Yes, you will find several diploma courses after 12th arts. These programs cover photography, web design, graphic design, animation, and filmmaking. They provide specialized skills and practical training within a short timeframe, preparing students for immediate entry into creative industries or further academic pursuits.

What factors should I consider when choosing an arts course after the 12th?

You must consider several factors when choosing arts courses after the 12th. Start by exploring your career options. Attend workshops and seminars to seek guidance from other professionals. This will help you decide which course works best for your career goals. You may also consider the cost of the courses in some instances.

Can I get scholarships for arts courses after the 12th?

You can get numerous scholarships for arts courses after the 12th. Check your eligibility before applying. Many private and government colleges offer these scholarships to deserving students. Researching and applying early can increase your chances of securing funding for your education.

Can Arts students switch to other fields like management or digital marketing after the 12th?

Yes, absolutely! Arts students can easily transition into fields like management, digital marketing, graphic design, hotel management, and even entrepreneurship through relevant degree programs, diplomas, and certifications. These fields are growing rapidly and offer excellent career opportunities with high earning potential

Can an Arts stream student become a doctor?

No, an Arts stream student cannot become a doctor. To pursue career as a doctor, one needs to do MBBS course, for which one needs to have Science stream in Class 12.

Which scope is best after 12 arts?

No, an Arts stream student cannot become a doctor. To pursue career as a doctor, one needs to do MBBS course, for which one needs to have Science stream in Class 12.

Is arts Stream hard?

The arts stream is generally considered easier than the science or commerce stream by some, but ultimately the difficulty of any stream depends on individual aptitude and interests. 

Can I join BSF with arts Stream?

An arts career option for arts students with the BSF is a noble choice for those who want to contribute to national security.

Authored by, Amay Mathur | Senior Editor

Amay Mathur is a business news reporter at Chegg.com. He previously worked for PCMag, Business Insider, The Messenger, and ZDNET as a reporter and copyeditor. His areas of coverage encompass tech, business, strategy, finance, and even space. He is a Columbia University graduate.

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