Programming is a highly demanded and beneficial career in this digital world. As technology practices are mushrooming into the various sectors of the industry, students who are finishing their 12th grade are also gravitating towards programming classes in order to gear up to meet the ever-changing future. Among the possible programming directions after the 12th class, there can be software development, data science, mobile application development, video game design, etc.
This article will help you browse through the best programming courses you can take after class 12, eligibility criteria, top colleges, career opportunities, and salary expectations.
Why choose programming after the 12th?
Programming combines creativity, logic and problem solving exclusively. To aficionados of technology and innovation, it presents endless opportunities to the students.
First, there are a lot of employability opportunities in many fields like IT, finance, healthcare, education, and entertainment that require programming skills. Coding also trains your critical and analytical thinking skills that can be applied in every industry.
Second, the field of programming has good career opportunities with the compensation being high salaries, flexibility in working hours and the ability to work remotely. You can work in foreign outfits or at home as a freelancer since it is one of the few skills that enable you to work internationally.
Finally, the fact that businesses are becoming digitalised after the pandemic has only intensified the demand for skilled developers. Students who learn programming early gain an advantage towards adapting to this dynamic world.
Top programming languages to learn after 12th
Learning the right programming languages is crucial for success in the tech industry. Here are some of the most popular and in-demand languages:
| Programming Language | Primary Use | Difficulty Level | Job Demand |
| Python | Web Dev, Data Science, AI | Easy | Very High |
| JavaScript | Web Development | Medium | Very High |
| Java | App Development, Enterprise Apps | Medium | High |
| C/C++ | System Programming, Gaming | High | Medium to High |
| Swift | iOS App Development | Medium | Medium |
| PHP | Backend Web Development | Easy | Medium |
| Kotlin | Android Development | Medium | High |
Python and JavaScript are excellent starting points for beginners due to their simple syntax and large communities.
Programming courses after 12th
The programming courses can be classified into degree programs, diploma programs and certification programs. They are all different in their length, subject of study, and entry requirements.
Degree programs
It is the type of program that is approximately 3 to 4 years of undergraduate studies and offers a comprehensive study of programming and computer science.
- Bachelor of computer applications (BCA): A bachelor’s degree centring on software development, programming language and database.
- B.Sc. computer science: It deals with theory on one hand and programming on the other.
- B.Tech in computer science and engineering: A technical course which involves both the studying of hardware and software.
Diploma courses
They are long-term courses, typically lasting 1-2 years, and are more skills-based, i.e. by programming.
- Diploma Speciality Computer Programming
- Software engineering diploma
- Web Development Diploma
Certificate courses
Standalone lessons of several months that assist in studying certain programming languages or technologies.
- Javascript Programming Certificate
- Python Programming Certificate
- Web development Full Stack Certification
Online platforms such as Coursera, Udemy and edX, as well as individual institutes, provide these courses.
Top programming courses after 12th commerce, science, and arts
Contrary to popular belief, students from any stream—Science, Commerce, or Arts—can learn programming after 12th.
For science students
Students with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) have an edge due to prior exposure to logical subjects.
- B.Tech in Computer Science
- B.Sc. in Information Technology
- Integrated M.Sc. in Computer Applications
For commerce students
Commerce students can opt for application-oriented programs.
- BCA
- Diploma in Software Development
- Certificate in Python/JavaScript
For arts students
Creative minds can thrive in areas like web design, front-end development, and game programming.
- Diploma in Web Design
- Certificate in UI/UX and Front-End Technologies
- App Development Courses
These opportunities demonstrate that your stream in 12th doesn’t restrict you from learning programming.
Eligibility criteria
Each course has specific eligibility criteria, depending on the level and institution.
| Course Type | Eligibility | Duration |
| B.Tech (CSE/IT) | 10+2 with PCM; JEE or state entrance exam | 4 Years |
| BCA | 10+2 with Mathematics (varies by university) | 3 Years |
| B.Sc. CS/IT | 10+2 with PCM or Computer Science | 3 Years |
| Diplomas | 10+2 in any stream | 1–2 Years |
| Certificates | Open to all; some need basic computer knowledge | Few weeks–1 year |
In general, basic computer literacy and an interest in technology are more important than your academic stream.
Top colleges and institutions offering programming courses
| Category | Institution Name | Location | Notable Courses Offered |
| Government Colleges | IIT Bombay | Mumbai, Maharashtra | B.Tech CSE, Data Science, AI |
| IIT Delhi | New Delhi | B.Tech CSE, Software Engineering | |
| NIT Trichy | Tiruchirappalli, TN | B.Tech CSE, IT | |
| Delhi University | New Delhi | B.Sc CS, BCA | |
| JNU (Jawaharlal Nehru University) | New Delhi | MCA, Integrated M.Sc. in CS | |
| Jamia Millia Islamia | New Delhi | B.Tech CSE, BCA | |
| Private Colleges | VIT (Vellore Institute of Technology) | Vellore, Tamil Nadu | B.Tech CSE, IT, AI |
| SRM Institute of Science and Technology | Chennai, Tamil Nadu | B.Tech CSE, BCA | |
| Amity University | Noida, Uttar Pradesh | BCA, B.Tech in IT | |
| Manipal Academy of Higher Education | Manipal, Karnataka | B.Tech CSE, B.Sc. CS | |
| Christ University | Bengaluru, Karnataka | BCA, B.Sc. Computer Science |
Some of the popular careers after programming courses
A post-12th year course in programming gears one up for a career in a number of fields.
Software developer
Software developers develop desktop, web and mobile applications. They collaborate on teams to design, develop and maintain software systems.
Web developer
The web developers are professional Web designers. Their speciality can be front-end, back-end or full-stack development.
Developer app mobile
App developers deal with Android and iOS. Such languages as Java, Kotlin, and Swift, are obligatory in this sphere.
Data scientist/analyst
Programming languages Data scientists often analyse and visualise data using programming, in languages such as Python and R. It is a fast-developing area.
Expected salary and scope
The earning potential in the programming field depends on skills, experience, and the company.
| Role | Starting Salary (INR/year) | Experienced Salary (INR/year) |
| Software Developer | ₹3.5 – ₹6 LPA | ₹10 – ₹20 LPA |
| Web Developer | ₹2.5 – ₹4.5 LPA | ₹8 – ₹12 LPA |
| Mobile App Developer | ₹4 – ₹7 LPA | ₹10 – ₹18 LPA |
| Data Scientist | ₹6 – ₹9 LPA | ₹15 – ₹30 LPA |
| Game Developer | ₹3 – ₹6 LPA | ₹10 – ₹15 LPA |
Online vs offline courses: what to choose?
Students now have a larger variety of options than ever due to the emergence of online learning. The online courses provide flexibility, low costs, and international visibility. They suit self-motivated persons in learning.
On the other side, offline courses offer orderly education, peer process, and physical lab access. They suit people who want to learn in a practical and face-to-face manner.
The hybrid approach is also common among the students: they complete a formal degree and complement it with certifications via the web.
Conclusion
Coding is an ability that pays off not only in the form of professional skills but also as a ticket to the global world. The opportunities available to the students after the 12th to venture into the coding world are abundant, as it is open to anyone irrespective of their ambitions. Anyone can learn to be a good programmer with time and effort, and the proper course.
Which degree course or certificate program should you take could be an issue, but the most important thing is to remain curious and to continue constructing projects. However, the ultimate lesson with regards to learning programming is doing, so now is the best time to start, and one line of code is the first step of creating your future.
