15+ Best Professional Courses After Graduation (Stream-wise)

March 11, 2024
courses after graduation

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Graduation is an important step in your career as well as life journey. However, it is not enough in today’s competitive world. To improve your chances of getting hired, you can pursue professional courses after graduation like MBA, PGDM, M.Tech, etc.

But the question arises what after graduation courses should students apply for better success in their careers?

To answer this question here is the information about the best post-graduation and professional courses that students can go with. And as upskilling is essential to grab a position in the upsurged competitive environment. Pursuing courses after graduation not only enhances your skill set but also opens you to multiple career paths.

Top Professional Courses After Graduation

Course

Course Duration

Institutes Offering Course

Eligibility Criteria

MBA

2 years

1. Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad

2. Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bangalore

3. Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Calcutta

4. Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), Delhi University, Delhi

5. Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies (JBIMS), Mumbai

1. Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university.

 2. Minimum aggregate of 50% is required for general category candidates and 45% for other reserved categories.

 3. Graduation final year candidates are also eligible for an MBA.

 4. Professional Degree holders such as CA/CS/CMA/ICWAI and others can also pursue an MBA. 

MTech

2 years

1. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay

2. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee

3. Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore

4. Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani

5. National Institute of Technology (NIT) Trichy

 

 1. BE/BTech degree from a recognized university.

 2. Master’s degree in applied science is also eligible for an MTech Programme.

 

PGDM

2 years

1. Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ahmedabad

2. Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Bangalore

3. Institute of Management Technology (IMT), Ghaziabad

4. Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS), Mumbai

5. T. A. Pai Management Institute (TAPMI), Manipal

 

1. Undergraduate course in any discipline from a recognized institution are eligible for PGDM.

2. Candidates must have secured a minimum aggregate of 50% in their bachelor’s degree.

3. Considerable knowledge of mathematics, English, and logical capability for entrance exam.

MA / MSc Economics

2 years

1. Delhi School of Economics, University of Delhi

2. Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi

3. Madras School of Economics, Chennai

4. Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics, Pune

5. Centre for Economic Studies and Planning, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi

 

1. Candidates with an undergraduate course in any discipline from any recognized university.

 2. Candidates with a minimum aggregate of 50% in their bachelor’s degree.

MA / MSc Statistics / Mathematics

2 years (can vary with institutes)

1. Indian Statistical Institute (ISI), Kolkata

2. Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi

3. Chennai Mathematical Institute (CMI), Chennai

4. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi

5. Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune

 

1. Candidates with graduation in Statistics, Mathematics, or equivalent discipline from a recognized university.

2. A minimum aggregate of 50% for the general category and 45% for the reserved category is required.

3. Final year students

MCA / MSc Computer Science

2 years

1. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi

2. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Roorkee

3. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur

4. Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani

5. Delhi University, Delhi

1. Candidates with graduation in BSc Honours or BCA or any equivalent discipline from a recognized institution.

2. BSc general students

3. Merit and entrance exam-based admission

Digital Marketing

6-12 months

1. Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (SIBM), Pune

2. Amity University, Noida

3. Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT), Manipal.

1. Candidates with bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university.

2. Candidates with minimum aggregate of 50% in their graduation.

3. Final year students who have appeared for their examinations.

PGD Hotel Management

1-2 years

1. Christ University, Bangalore

2. Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) Hyderabad

3. Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) Delhi

4. Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) Bangalore

5. Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) Chennai

1. Graduates in any discipline through a recognized board.

2. Passing entrance exams

PGP – Business Accounting & Taxation

4 months

1. Indian School of Business (ISB), Hyderabad

2. Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ahmedabad

3. SP Jain Institute of Management and Research (SPJIMR), Mumbai

4. Symbiosis Institute of Business Management (SIBM), Pune

5. Institute of Management Technology (IMT), Ghaziabad

1. Candidates from bachelor’s degree from commerce background are eligible for this course.

2. Freshers or candidates with a job experience of fewer than 2 years are preferred for this course.

 

Tally

1-3 months

1. Tally Education Pvt. Ltd.

2. National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT)

3. Aptech Computer Education

1. Candidates completed their 10+2 examinations in any stream from any recognized board.

2.Commerce stream students are preferred.

3. Candidates must possess a basic knowledge of business management and accounting.

4. Graduated Candidates

M.com

2 years

1. Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), Delhi

2. Loyola College, Chennai

3. St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata

4. Hindu College, Delhi

5. Hansraj College, Delhi

1. Candidates from BCom or BCom Honours, or any equivalent discipline from a recognized university.

2. Candidates must have minimum aggregate of 50% (45% for reserved category) in graduation.

3. Economics Honours, BBA, BFIA, and BBE graduates.

Machine Learning

6-18 months

1. Delhi Technological University (DTU), Delhi

2. International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT), Hyderabad

3. Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani

4. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur

5. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Roorkee

1. Candidates who completed bachelor’s in Artificial Intelligence or any equivalent discipline from a recognized institution.

2. Entrance exams like GATE, SUAT, IIT-JEE, AND UPSEE have to be cleared.

Mobile App Development

6-12 months

1. Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal

2. Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani

3. PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore

4. Delhi Technological University (DTU), Delhi

5. Symbiosis Institute of Computer Studies and Research (SICSR), Pune

1. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline from a recognized university.

2. Candidates clearing common entrance test.

Finance & Accounts

1 year

1. Indian School of Business (ISB), Hyderabad

2. Xavier School of Management (XLRI), Jamshedpur

3. National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM), Mumbai

4. Faculty of Management Studies (FMS), University of Delhi

5. Department of Management Studies (DMS), Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi

1. Candidates with bachelor’s degree in the equivalent discipline from a recognized university.

2. Candidates with minimum aggregate percentage stated by their respective institutes.

3.Institute entrance exams.

 

Mass Communication

3 years

1. Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Delhi

2. Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication, Pune

3. Xavier Institute of Communication, Mumbai

4. AJK Mass Communication Research Centre, Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhi

5. Amity School of Communication, Noida

1. Candidates with bachelor’s degree in any stream from a recognized university.

2. A minimum aggregate of 50% is required in graduation.

steps to choose course after graduation

Top 15 Professional Courses after Graduation

Having the required skills and knowledge can help you find better career opportunities. And by doing the best courses after graduation, your chances to better career increase. So, here is the detail about some of such great courses.

1. MBA (Master of Business Administration)

Since an MBA can be pursued by a student from any stream, many students from diverse domains apply for an MBA as a post graduation course. Did you know that 80% of MBA graduates land a job within three months.? A degree in MBA provides you with a wide range of experience in different analytical fields that uplifts your confidence and boosts your communication skills.

Top MBA Specializations to consider are Marketing, HR, International Business, Business Analytics, Finance, and Operations. It is one of the most recognized courses among the other professional courses after graduation.

Job Prospects

Average Salary (in INR)

Investment Banker

4 LPA

Project Planner

7.2 LPA

Business Development Manager

5.7 LPA

Marketing Manager

7 LPA

Management Consultant

22 LPA

Salary Source: Ambition Box

Also Read:
Salary after MBA: Highest-Paying MBA Specializations
15 Short-term Courses after MBA to Boost Your Career
Online MBA vs Full-time MBA: Which is Better?

2. MTech (Master of Technology)

The Master of Technology degree is one of the courses after graduation that is more inclined toward technology and engineering. This is a two-year long course that requires you to accomplish your BTech degree first. One can also apply for MTech in India after completing their MSc degree from any reputed university. MTech Degree helps you improvise your engineering skills and abilities to generate new and innovative ideas.

Job Prospects 

Average Salary (in INR) 

Senior Engineer

6 LPA

Research Analyst

3.5 LPA

Mechanical Engineer

3 LPA

Software Developer

4.8 LPA

Data Analyst

4.2 LPA

Salary Source: Ambition Box

3. PGDM

PGDM refers to Post Graduate Diploma in Management. Many students from diverse domains tend to go for PGDM. The course structure of the PGDM program is like an MBA and is offered by various reputed universities. The curriculum of a PGDM program prioritizes the core of the management field that invokes flexible and creative thinking in the candidate. There is a huge demand for PGDM among the other professional courses after graduation.

Read about PGDM vs MBA- Which is better?

Job Prospects

Average Salary (in INR) 

Talent Manager

8.5 LPA

IT Project Manager

15 LPA

Information Systems Manager

17.7 LPA

Marketing Executive

2.8 LPA

Finance Executive

3.2 LPA

Salary Source: Ambition Box

4. MA/MSc Economics

All of us hear a lot about the economy on a daily basis. A master’s degree in economics like Master of Arts Honours in Economics or Master of Science Honours in Economics is a 2-year postgraduate degree providing training in economic theory, econometrics, and applied economics.

Many Institutes like Delhi University and Ambedkar University offer a Master’s degree in economics. Most economists usually become a lecturer and devote their time to the research of innovative ideas. Although it is one of the most complex courses after graduation, a person can make a huge amount of money out of it.

Job Prospects

Average Salary (in INR) 

Finance Manager

12.5 LPA

Credit Analyst

5 LPA

Statistician

4 LPA

Financial Analyst

4.6 LPA

Market Research Analyst

3.3 LPA

Salary Source: Ambition Box

Suggested Read: Scope of Economics & Top 10 Careers in Economics

5. MA/MSc Statistics/Mathematics

If you like to play with complex ideas like topology, calculus, and number line then mathematics/statistics can be appropriate courses after graduation. This is 2-year semester-based course that provides you with a postgraduate degree in Statistics or Mathematics major. With a sudden boom in technology, companies need employees to manage huge data that they encounter every day.

Many mathematics and statistics graduates prefer becoming lecturers and moving toward the research field that also pays you well. It is always a priority for Maths/statistics graduates in the list of professional courses after graduation.

Job Prospects

Average Salary (in INR)

Content Analyst

3.5 LPA

Statistical Analyst

5 LPA

Economist

14 LPA

Risk Analyst

5.5 LPA

Mathematician

9 LPA

Salary Source: Ambition Box, Payscale

Read about:
All about BSc Statistics
Career Options & Courses after BSc Mathematics

Limitless learning. Limitless Earning with Chegg

6. MCA/MSc Computer Science

In the present scenario, all of us are surrounded by gifts of technology. With so much demand in the latest software technology, firms need huge masses of computer science graduates. In India, the MSc degree is considered to be equivalent to BTech in Computer Science. One can also pursue MCA (Masters in Computer Application) in order to become a professional software engineer.

Both the courses are 2-year postgraduate courses offered in the science stream. An MSc degree is more inclined toward theoretical terms and research while an MCA degree is more about the application of the concepts. An MCA/MSc Graduate can also start a great career as it is high salary job oriented course. It can be a rewarding choice among the other best courses after graduation.

Job Prospects

Average Salary (in INR)

Database Manager

10 LPA

Hardware Engineer

3.2 LPA

Software Programmer

4 LPA

Technical Writer

5.7 LPA

Troubleshooter

3.6 LPA

Salary Source: Ambition Box

Read about:
Best Career Options after MCA in India
Top 20 Careers for Computer Science Engineering Freshers

7. Digital Marketing

With a sudden boom in technology, it becomes necessary to promote most of the products on the digital platform so that they reach huge masses of people. The field of Digital Marketing requires experience, practice, knowledge, and consistency. There are many institutes that offer year-long digital marketing certifications courses to make a candidate aware of recent techniques and processes. A Digital Marketing expert also has an option to work as a freelancer. This field is one of the highest-earning jobs among the other best courses after graduation.

Job Prospects 

Average Salary (in INR) 

SEO Specialist 

3.6 LPA

Web Analyst

3.3 LPA

Digital Marketing Manager

6.5 LPA

Social Media Marketer

4.5 LPA

Brand & Marketing Manager

10.8 LPA

Salary Source: Ambition Box

Also read about 2023 Guide to Become a Freelance Digital Marketing Professional.

8. PGD Hotel Management

Post Graduate Diploma in Hotel Management is a full-time course of 1 to 2 years at the postgraduate level. This post graduation course exposes you to various techniques of hospitality management. You get to learn innovative skills in the hotel or hospitality industry, food and beverage preparation, operations, and resource & personnel management. Students may also gain an experience in the international business setup. This field is an exciting option among the list of professional courses after graduation.

Job Prospects

Average Salary (in INR) 

Hotel Manager

2.4 LPA

Restaurant Manager

4.2 LPA

Sommelier

6 LPA

Event Manager

3.8 LPA

Executive Chef

8.4 LPA

Salary Source: Ambition Box. Payscale

9. PGP – BAT (Business Accounting and Taxation)

With an increase in the number of huge firms, Business accountants are in huge demand. Post graduation course in Business Accounting and Taxation is an integrated course with a duration of around 6 months. This course focuses on training the students on various industry-specific skills and making them job-ready. It is best among the other professional courses after graduation and is an apt choice for students belonging to the commerce background.

Job Prospects

Average Salary (in INR)

Senior Associate

5 LPA

Senior Manager

16 LPA

Accounts & Finance Executive

3.3 LPA

Deputy General Manager

25 LPA

Lecturer

2.6 LPA

Salary Source: Ambition Box

10. Tally

Tally ERP 9 is accounting software that is available for small firms and industries. It offers a comprehensive business approach. This is an apt choice for students belonging to a commerce background who are interested in dealing with accounts every day. You acquire skills to regulate the various accounting operations of a business enterprise. It is one of the most preferred professional courses after graduation for students interested in accounting and maths.

Job Prospects

Average Salary (in INR)

Account Assistant  

2.2 LPA

Tally Operator

1.5 LPA

Data Entry Operator

1.8 LPA

Account Executive

2.8 LPA

Accounts Clerk

2.2 LPA

Salary Source: Ambition Box, Glasscoor

11. M.com (Master of Commerce)

MCom graduates are in huge demand due to evolution in the corporate sector. The Master of Commerce is a 2-year post graduation course. It is a specialized area of knowledge for commerce students. M.com exposes you to the various sectors of accounting, taxation, and management.

Many prestigious universities like Ambedkar University and Delhi University offer master’s degrees in commerce. If you are a commerce graduate and looking for the best courses after graduation, this might turn out to be your dream job.

Job Prospects

Average Salary (in INR)

Bank Manager

7 LPA

Auditor

2.7 LPA

Security Analyst

5 LPA

Finance Executive

3.2 LPA

Tax Consultant

4.8 LPA

Salary Source: Ambition Box

12. Machine Learning

If you can handle complex ideas of computer science, the machine learning field may excite you. This is one of the courses after graduation that receives a high response from students. Machine learning consists of different algorithms of pattern recognition that a computer can learn without being programmed. Every recommendation you get on your favourite apps is the result of Machine Learning. Most of the students working in this domain belong to a computer science background.

Job Prospects 

Average Salary (in INR) 

Machine Learning Scientist 

15 LPA

Software Developer

4.8 LPA

Business Intelligence Developer

6 LPA

Data Scientist

10 LPA

Computer vision engineer

6.9 LPA

Salary Source: Ambition Box

13. Mobile App Development

Most of the essential services you utilize nowadays are available on your mobile. Due to the immense utilization of Mobile Applications, developers are in huge demand. Candidates from any domain can start learning app development. It is supposed to be comfortable for the students who are good coders.

Mobile App Development can be pursued as a 2-year post graduation course. Many institutes offer Mobile App Development diploma courses with assured placement offers. Moreover, many prestigious colleges also offer App development as a subject to make it one of the professional courses after graduation for students.

Job Prospects

Average Salary (in INR)   

App Developer 

5.5 LPA

Software Engineer

5.5 LPA

Project Leader

13 LPA

Mobile Application Developer

4.4 LPA

Freelance Software Developer

6 LPA

Salary Source: Ambition Box, Payscale

14. Finance and Accounts

Finance and accounts are a comprehensive field that will help you understand market risk and where a company or a client should invest. Students from commerce backgrounds can make it their full-time career. However, a student from a non-commerce background can also opt for this course. This field is always prioritized by finance students in the list of professional courses after graduation.

Job Prospects 

Average Salary (in INR)

Financial Assistant

3 LPA

Business Consultant

9.5 LPA

Tax Accountant 

3.4 LPA

Billing Clerk

1.9 LPA

Compliance Analyst

5.3 LPA

Salary Source: Ambition Box

15. Mass communication

Mass communication is one of the essential domains nowadays. A person with a considerable amount of communication skills and management skills can go for this course. A candidate from any academic discipline can undertake this course and make their career in the field of Mass Communication. Many prestigious universities in India offer full-time mass communication courses with the necessary experience. It is the best among the other professional courses after graduation.

Job Prospects    

Average Salary (in INR)

Reporter

2.1 LPA

Screen Writer

3.3 LPA

Film Director 

5 LPA

Fashion Photographer

4.4 LPA

Radio Jockey

3.2 LPA

Salary Source: Ambition Box

Suggested Read: 
Top 10 Entrance Exams after Graduation in India
Top 5 Govt Jobs after Graduation in India

Courses after Graduation: Stream-wise

Science

Commerce

Arts

Masters

1. Masters in science (MSc): This course provides you with specialization in various science-related subjects. It is a vital career-enhancing option for students.

2. Masters in Astrophysics: This course gives a comprehensive knowledge of subjects like physics, mathematics, etc. It focuses on the study of various elements of Astrophysics.

3. Masters in Agribusiness: You get to acquire in-depth knowledge in multiple fields like agriculture, horticulture, and many more in this post graduation course.

4. MSc Economics: You get to equip the various tools used by professional economists in this branch of knowledge.

1. Masters in business administration (MBA):  It is one of the best courses after graduation for Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) graduates. Students from other streams can also highly grow in this career. Comprehensive knowledge of Business Administration is given through this course.

2. Master of Commerce: M.com refers to the master’s course in commerce. You learn the professional implications of the concepts you studied in BCom.

3. Master of Finance (M.Fin): This is a one or two-year program that focuses on advanced financial concepts and prepares you for careers in finance, investment banking, and related fields.

1. Master in Arts (MA): It is a 2-year program at the post-graduate level offering specialization in multiple fields like English, Political Science, History, Geography, and many more. More.

2. Master in Data Science: It is the course to gain the skill and knowledge used in data science through this course.

3. Fashion Designing: Fashion Designing is one of the most common courses after graduation. You can earn a master’s degree in this field and prosper throughout your career. An impressive portfolio can lead you to great career opportunities.

Diploma and Certifications

1. Diploma in Fisheries Technology: This course teaches professional level of knowledge about aquaculture and various technologies prevailing in the fisheries department.

2. Diploma in Biotechnology: This course which teaches students about biotechnology. It covers topics such as genetic engineering, cell culture techniques, and the development of new drugs and vaccines. 

3. Certified Data Scientist (CDS): CDS certification course is for you if you are interested in data science. It equips individuals with the skills to analyse, interpret, and make decisions based on data. CDS certification courses focus on data analytics, machine learning, data visualization, and statistics.

1. Certified Management Accountant (CMA): By undertaking this course, you can acquire a firm grip on the fields of financial management and management accounting.

2. Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA): The course is designed to groom the students in different aspects of financial analysis. CFA is a high salary job oriented course. 

3. Financial Risk Manager (FRM): The Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP) offers the designation of Financial Risk Manager. FRM is one of the prominent courses after graduation for students interested in the financial and risk management industry.

1. PG Diploma in Arts: It is a course of vital importance in your career as its field of specialization is almost equivalent to that of a master’s degree.

2. Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication: This diploma course is suitable for you if you are interested in a career in media and journalism. It covers subjects such as news writing, media ethics, broadcast journalism, advertising, and public relations.

3. Graphic Design Certification: If you are interested in a career in graphic design, you may consider obtaining a certification in this field. A graphic design certification will teach you how to use design software and create visually appealing graphics for websites, marketing materials, and other digital media.

Summing Up

The zestful environment in the educational field brings up a plethora of career options for students. All the educational streams comprise great opportunities which can land you on your desired goals. Students can find a legitimate career path based on their field of interest. A huge variety of specialization areas are open to students.

The mentioned list of various courses after graduation can assist you to make your choice. You can head towards any of these courses depending on your interests and potential. Opportunities lie everywhere, you have to discover and conquer them through your competency and efforts.

Evaluate numerous career choices to choose the right career path for yourself. Dive in to our guide on Career Advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is a 1-year course after graduation?

Post Graduate Programme in Management (PGPM) is a one-year course after graduation. When it comes to pursuing courses after graduation for short duration, PGPM is the ideal choice. It is a well-designed management-oriented course that primarily focuses on providing advanced knowledge to students in the field of management studies. You get an interactive learning process assisted with practical knowledge in this course. There is a wide scope in PGPM.

What can I do after my graduation?

There is no limit to learning and you can keep expanding your knowledge. After your graduation, you can always head towards a post-graduate degree. There are a number of professional courses after graduation which you can undertake. Some of the best courses to pursue are:

1. MBA
2. M.com
3. Digital Marketing
4. Machine Learning

Which field is best after graduation?

You can choose to proceed in any field you want after your graduation. You can make the choice depending upon your interests and specialization. All courses have a wide scope in the career field. However, it is found that a Master of Business Administration (MBA) is one of the most preferred courses after graduation. A large number of students move towards pursuing an MBA after their graduation. MBA opens up enormous opportunities in the management field.

Can I change my career after graduation?

You can definitely change your career after graduation if you want. All you need to keep in mind while transitioning is that you fulfil the requirements. You can move toward a different field based on your ultimate goals. A lot of professional courses after graduation are available for students. For instance, many students take up an MBA after pursuing BTech. It is a common choice students make, as the combination offers a bright scope.

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