Today's youth has now understood that the traditional college education that was given to earlier generations has not helped in providing the best opportunities for success in today's fast-paced world where employment opportunities are witnessing a major change. They have therefore started looking at other careers & professions to find alternative avenues. These range from "new job-types" such as Fashion Designing / Law / BBA to "older but equally respected types" like Journalism.

Another important aspect that has fuelled the growth of alternative careers is the fact that youth no longer sees 'becoming an engineer like his father' or 'a doctor like his uncle' as the ultimate career opportunity. He would rather explore the world and identify something which suits his aptitude & interests, rather than join a conventional course just because he is getting admission into an "OK" college. This explains why courses like Jewellery Design, Fashion Design, Journalism, and Mass Communication have started becoming increasingly popular.

It can therefore be said that the key reasons for an increasing demand for these courses are:

1. Interest of the students
2. Increased Job & Career Opportunities
3. Value addition when compared with other courses
4. Superior Personal advancement

Career Options after XII

What are the various career options after STD XII for an aspirant, which are not run of the mill?

An aspirant could take up undergraduate education in any of the professional courses like B.B.A., B.C.A., B. Sc. in Electronics / Bio-technology / Computer Science, Hotel Management, Law, Fashion Designing, Footwear Designing, Jewellery Designing, Chartered Accountancy, Company Secretary, Cost Accountancy, etc.

Let us now see in greater detail, some of these popular career choices for those who have just completed Class 12.

The basic eligibility to any of these courses is a "+2" level examination in the 10 + 2 pattern of examination of any recognised Central / State Board of Secondary Examination, such as Central Board of Secondary Education ( CBSE ), New Delhi, and Council for Indian School of Certificate Examination ( ICSE ), New Delhi or +2 exam of any state board. Some of these institutes may also have age limits.

Engineering
Medical
Chartered Accountancy(CA)
BBA/BBS/BMS
BIS / BIT / BCA / B. Sc. (H) (Computer Science)
Hotel Management
Fashion Technology & Design
SAT