A proper understanding and knowledge of the subjects/stream you opt for and the future career options they offer are very important for you to know what is next after 10th class for you some of the streams are
Science (PCM/ PCB)
Science has been the most opted for stream ever since we know, perhaps because of a popular perception that it keeps avenues open for students.
If you study PCM, you can go for careers like Engineering, Computer Sciences, Defence Services, Merchant Navy, etc. Whereas, if you study PCB then you can opt for Medicine, Physiotherapy, Agriculture, Nutrition & Dietetics, Dentistry, and the like.
Apart from these core subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Maths, you will also have a compulsory language subject like English in both the streams. In total, you have to choose 5 main subjects. In addition to these, you will also have practical training in laboratories.
Commerce
If you like Economics and particularly enjoy working with numbers, or plan to start your own business one day, this can be the right choice of stream for you.
The core subjects in Commerce are – Accountancy, Economics and Business Studies. You will also have to study a compulsory language subject, and a choice of Maths against some other subject like Informatics Practices, etc. What is next after 10th for Commerce students are career options like Chartered Accountancy, Banking & Insurance, Finance, Stockbroking, Financial Planning, and much more.
Arts/ Humanities
If you are creative, have strong communication skills and wish to pursue academic research, this can be the right choice for you. Many students are opting for the Humanities stream these days for its diversified, exciting, and interesting career scope, that are no less in comparison to Science or Commerce.
The core subjects offered in Arts are Sociology, History, Literature, Political Science, Psychology, Economics, Philosophy, Fine Arts, etc along with one compulsory language subject. What is next after 10th class for Humanities students are career options like Media/Journalism, Literature, Social Work, Product Designing, Writing, Teaching and many others.
Vocational stream
These subjects prepare you for a job immediately after the completion of class 12. Depending upon the subjects offered by your school, your vocational subject choices could be Accountancy and Taxation, Auto Shop Repair and Practice, Business Operations and Administration, Capital Market Operations, Civil Engineering Technician, Food Nutrition and Dietetics, Food Production, Hospitality Management, Music Production, Textile Design, Web Applications, etc. These subjects undoubtedly enhance your scope of what is next after 10th.
Let us now look at a different side of the picture. There are many students who do not wish to follow the conventional route of choosing a stream in class 11 or pursuing higher education, for various reasons like financial responsibilities towards family, and the like. We shall now discuss some possible options of what next after 10th class for such students.
ITI (Industrial Training Institute)
ITI certificates are offered in more than 100 specializations in technical as well as some non-technical courses. It is a government training institute which trains you and makes you skilled for various industries. The duration for ITI courses ranges from six months to two years.
Top ITI Courses are Computer Hardware & Network Maintenance, Draughtsman (Civil), Mechanic (Auto Electricals & Electronics), Interior Decoration and Designing, Computer Operator and Programming Assistant, Baker and Confectioner, Sheet Metal, Plumbing, etc.
You can be employed in public as well as private sectors like PWD’s or can start your small set-up.
Polytechnic courses
They are cost-effective diploma courses which you can join after class 10 or class 12. You can opt for courses in Mechanical, Civil, Chemical, Computer, Marine Technology, Textile Technology, Automobile, etc. The Polytechnic colleges offer diploma courses for 3 years, 2 years, 1 year. The 3-year diploma course in Engineering gets you a lateral entry in the 2nd year of B.E/B.Tech. For students who do not wish to continue the regular school study pattern, this could be one of the options for what is next after 10th class.
Paramedical Courses
The Paramedical branch is allied to the healthcare sector and offers good opportunities. What is next after 10th for students who take up Paramedical courses are options of becoming an X-Ray Technician, Dialysis Technician, Nursing Assistance, Ophthalmic Technician, etc.
Vocational courses
Vocational training courses are short term courses ranging from 1 to 2 years, which are job centric courses offered by the government under the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and National Skill Qualification Framework (NSFQ).
Some important tips to keep in mind
Apart from focusing on choosing the right stream and subjects, it is also essential to keep working on yourself and building on skills that will prepare you for the immense competition in the job market. The more aware we are of what is happening around the world, the more we become ready to enter the industry. It is always beneficial to start early:
• Start working on your soft skills like communication skills, interpersonal skills, and so on.
• Learn a new language
• Develop a habit of reading
• Dedicatedly pursue your hobbies
Deciding ‘What next after 10th’ often turns out to be one of the most crucial decisions of your life and should not be taken for granted. Keep yourself updated and upgraded with the growing career opportunities in the world and make an informed decision before choosing subject streams and your desired career path.
Opportunities can knock at your door at times, so be well prepared and formulate a career plan of action for a better and brighter future ahead!