What to Do After 12th: Courses, Entrance Exams and Jobs
Updated · LKOJobs
Dates, fees, age limits and amounts change every year. Always read the latest official notice on the website named below before you apply.
After Class 12 you have three broad paths: study further, prepare for a government job, or start working with a short course. Many students combine two — for example a regular or distance degree along with exam preparation.
Courses by stream
| Stream | Popular courses | Main entrance route |
|---|---|---|
| Science (PCM) | B.Tech, B.Sc, BCA, B.Arch, NDA, merchant navy | JEE Main, CUET, state and university tests, NDA exam |
| Science (PCB) | MBBS, BDS, BAMS, B.Sc Nursing, B.Pharm, paramedical, B.Sc Agriculture | NEET, CUET, state nursing and paramedical tests |
| Commerce | B.Com, BBA, CA, CS, CMA, BMS | CUET, university tests, CA Foundation, CSEET |
| Arts | BA, BA LLB, B.El.Ed, journalism, hotel management, design, social work | CUET, CLAT, NCHM JEE, NIFT/NID tests |
CUET, JEE Main and NEET are run by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Central universities such as BHU, Allahabad University and BBAU Lucknow admit through CUET. Lucknow University and many state universities have their own admission portals.
Government jobs you can apply for after 12th
- SSC CHSL — clerk, data entry operator and postal assistant posts (Staff Selection Commission, ssc.gov.in).
- UP Police Constable — Uttar Pradesh Police Recruitment and Promotion Board.
- Railway — 12th-level posts under RRB NTPC and other notices (rrbapply.gov.in).
- Agniveer — Army, Navy and Air Force entry.
- NDA — officer entry through UPSC for those who took 12th with the required subjects.
- UPSSSC — state Group C posts, most of which first need the Preliminary Eligibility Test (PET).
Short courses that lead to a job in under a year
- Tally with GST and basic accounting
- CCC and O Level computer courses (NIELIT) — CCC is asked for in many UP government clerical posts
- Hindi and English typing
- Digital marketing, graphic design, web development
- GNM / ANM nursing, lab technician, pharmacy assistant
- Retail, hospitality and BPO training
How to decide
- Write down three things you are good at and three you enjoy.
- Check what your family can afford for fees and for how many years.
- Talk to two people already working in the field you are considering.
- Keep a backup: a degree through regular or distance mode keeps graduate-level jobs open later.
Looking for work now? See 12th pass jobs and fresher jobs on LKOJobs.
Next step: make your free CV and see the latest jobs in Uttar Pradesh.
Frequently asked questions
Which course is best after 12th?
There is no single best course. Choose by your stream, your interest and what your family can afford. Check the entrance exam and the kind of jobs the course leads to before you decide.
Can I get a government job after 12th?
Yes. SSC CHSL, UP Police Constable, Railway 12th-level posts, Agniveer and several UPSSSC posts are open to 12th pass candidates.
What if I cannot afford college?
You can study through IGNOU or a state open university at low cost while working, and apply for the UP Scholarship and National Scholarship Portal schemes.
Is the CCC course useful?
Yes. Many clerical posts in Uttar Pradesh ask for a CCC certificate from NIELIT, and it is also a good basic computer course for private jobs.