Top PCM Career Options

After passing their 10th board exams, students choose one of the following streams to focus on for the remainder of their secondary school: science, commerce, or humanities. Learners should base their choices on what they think they might want to do for a living, even if they are still deciding. If you intend to pursue a STEM career, choose to enter the science stream. 

PCM students leave secondary school well-prepared for a wide variety of careers. Learn about career paths available to PCM students after 12th and discover 10 of the highest-paying jobs related to the science stream. 

What is PCM?

Physics, chemistry, and mathematics (PCM) educational streams are popular options among learners who want to study medicine or engineering. You can choose your stream after passing your 10th board exams. Some choices have multiple groups to help hone your skills and knowledge according to your career aspirations. 

For example, within the science stream, you can choose from three groups: PCM, PCB, and PCMB. To become a doctor, you’ll need to study biology. That requires you to opt for PCB (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology) or PCMB (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology). If you don’t want to become a doctor, you could opt for PCM.

Beyond those three main subjects, students in this group also study computer science, which covers programming, database management, data modelling, and networks. Choosing PCM will give you plenty of career options to explore.

Highest-Paying PCM Jobs

If you opt for a PCM stream of study, you could unlock various high-paying jobs available to PCM students. Below are 10 top careers to consider and how much you could expect to earn in each.

*All average annual salary data is sourced from Talent.com as of November 2024.

1. Architect

Average annual IN salary: ₹2,158,000 

Requirements: Bachelor of Architecture degree, internship experience, registration with the Council of Architecture (COA)

An architect designs, plans, and oversees the construction of buildings, public spaces, and complexes. Their projects range in size and complexity. They might work on homes, health care facilities, corporate parks, hotels, resorts, or urban development projects. Architects must work within a budget, understand clients’ needs, and adhere to environmental and safety regulations. You’ll find opportunities for architects within government departments such as the Public Works Department. An architect might also work as a consultant or for a private firm.

According to India Today, urbanisation and the growing need for infrastructure will create a high demand for architects for the foreseeable future, making architecture a promising career choice [1].

Three common architect interview questions:

• What computer-aided design software have you used?

• Which architects do you admire?

• What skills will help you succeed as an architect?

2. Data scientist

Average annual IN salary: ₹1,800,000

Requirements: A bachelor’s degree in data science or a related field, a postgraduate (PG) degree, a master’s degree in data science; data science certifications may be helpful 

A data scientist collects large amounts of raw data and transforms it into usable insights that allow them to advise companies on business decisions and predict future trends. In this role, you’ll use data to provide insight beyond statistics, using various technologies like machine and deep learning, data visualisation, and text analytics, making proficiency in computer science vital. They also need to be skilled statisticians and understand the business world since one of their primary roles is to help a company improve its bottom line. 

Three common data scientist interview questions:

• What is the difference between data analytics and data science?

• What are your preferred data modelling techniques? 

• What is the difference between supervised and unsupervised learning?

3. Machine learning engineer

Average annual IN salary: ₹1,750,000

Requirements: A bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science or a related field; experience as a software developer and machine learning certifications may be helpful

Machine learning engineers develop artificial intelligence algorithms to learn from data sets and make predictions. They’re responsible for testing and retraining machine learning systems when necessary. They work closely with data scientists, often using many of the same technologies with similar goals in mind. However, data scientists often focus on helping businesses, while machine learning engineers primarily focus on creating and improving the functionality of machine learning tools. 

NASSCOM’s 2023 report, “State of Data Science and AI Skills in India,” found that the demand for AI professionals has doubled in the past three to five years [2], suggesting a promising outlook for machine learning professionals. 

Three common machine learning engineer questions:

• How do you explain technical issues to a non-technical audience?

• What is A/B testing?

• How do you stay informed of the latest developments in machine learning?

4. Software engineer

Average annual IN salary: ₹1,150,000

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field; a PG or master’s degree in computer science, certifications, and internship experience may be helpful

A software engineer designs, develops, and discovers ways to improve software. They either specialise in systems software, such as operating systems and networks, or applications software, such as mobile apps and internet browsers. They’re responsible for ensuring their software functions correctly while meeting users’ needs. They often collaborate with graphic designers, data scientists, project managers, and other computer science professionals. 

Software engineers are in demand due in part to the mobile manufacturing and communications sector growth, which the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) named one of the country’s top-five employment generators [3].

Three common software engineer interview questions:

• Which programming languages are you most familiar with?

• How would you approach reviewing someone else’s code?

• What is your process for testing for bugs and assuring software quality?

5. Chartered accountant

Average annual salary: ₹8,00,000

Requirements: Institute of Chartered Accountants of India’s Chartered Accountant (CA) course

A chartered accountant helps clients achieve their financial goals and manage their finances. They might work for businesses, individuals, or the government. They’re often responsible for accounting, auditing, taxation, cost control, and weighing in on financial matters such as pricing decisions, mergers, and resource allocation. 

According to FICCI, the financial sector is one of the fastest growing in the country, and there has been an increase in venture capital, investment, and other financial institutions [4]. With these increases comes a growing demand for accountancy professionals. 

Three common chartered accountant interview questions:

• What are the responsibilities of a chartered accountant? 

• What are some accounting challenges you may face?

• What are the three fundamental financial statements used in accounting?

6. Ethical hacker

Average annual IN salary: ₹4,35,000

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity or related field; a master’s degree in cyber security may be helpful

Ethical hackers attempt to bypass the security measures of a business’s computer systems, network, or website to identify vulnerabilities. If you work as an ethical hacker and find any security risks, you will address those issues to ensure your client has better protection from cyber attacks. 

Ethical hacking and other IT security measures are becoming increasingly important. International Data Corporation recently reported that 74 percent of India’s large enterprises prioritised IT security in 2022. Experts expect the global security market to reach 4.6 billion USD by 2026, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.8 percent [5]. 

Three common ethical hacker interview questions:

• How is ethical hacking different from cyber security?

• What are the most common tools used in ethical hacking?

• What are the advantages and disadvantages of ethical hacking?

7. Pilot

Average annual IN salary: ₹3,55,000

Requirements: Flight training, the appropriate licence from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), or a defence licence 

Pilots can fly aircraft commercially or for the Indian Defense Forces. Civil aviation pilots transport passengers or cargo in airplanes or helicopters. They might provide chartered flights, aerial photography, traffic reporting, or assistance in rescue missions. Pilots in the Indian Armed Forces might fly fighter jets, bombers, or future strategic tanker aircraft.

This role will remain in demand for the next 10 years. The CAE 2020–2029 “Pilot Demand Outlook” reported that 260,000 new pilots would be needed in the global civil aviation workforce over the next decade [6]. According to Pilot Job Central, the Asia-Pacific region has the fastest-growing commercial aviation sector in the world [7].

Three common pilot interview questions:

• What is a pilot’s role during an emergency?

• What are the characteristics of a good pilot?

• Have you ever had to change a flight plan unexpectedly?

8. Animator

Average annual IN salary: ₹3,75,000

Requirements: Bachelor of Design in Animation, Bachelor of Fine Arts, or a diploma course in animation 

Working in entertainment, gaming, or advertising, an animator creates images that appear to be in motion. They typically work with computer-generated images (CGI) and animation software. These artists often specialise in a particular animation area, such as character animation, background animation, 3D modelling, or texture. They need to be able to work in large teams since they often collaborate with other animators, designers, and project managers. 

Thanks to its growth rate of 10 per cent CAGR up to 2027 [8], the media and entertainment industry in India provides excellent job prospects for animators. 

Three common animator interview questions:

• Do you prefer working alone or on a team?

• What animation software are you familiar with?

• How do you respond to constructive criticism?

9. Merchant Navy engineer 

Average annual IN salary: ₹3,50,000

Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in marine engineering or a related field, Indian Maritime University Common Entrance Test, fitness certificate, one-year pre-sea training and six months of on-ship training with the Maritime Training Institute, competency exam held by the Directorate General of Shipping; a master’s degree in marine engineering or a related field may be helpful

The merchant navy oversees the international transportation of goods and cargo. Working as a merchant navy engineer will allow you to travel to different parts of the world since it requires you to work aboard ships. Merchant navy engineers seek employment with private companies or the government-run Shipping Corporation of India. Engineers with the merchant navy operate and maintain ships’ engines, boilers, and generators.  

India’s ports play a significant role in the country’s growth. Much of India’s trade moves through maritime transport, including 95 percent of the business by volume and 68 percent by value, according to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways [9]. Given the importance of shipping to the economy, the Merchant Navy will likely continue to be a good option for engineers.

Three common merchant navy engineer interview questions:

• How will you handle long stints onboard?

• Why do you want to join the Merchant Navy?

• What are the parts of a ship’s engine?

10. Research Scientist

Average annual IN salary: ₹8,20,000

Requirements: Bachelor of science degree such as BSc in epidemiology; a master’s or PhD might also be necessary

A research scientist plans and conducts experiments in a laboratory setting, analyses the results of their experiments, and prepares written reports of their findings. They work in various fields, including medicine, epidemiology, botany, microbiology, marine biology, geology, and genetics. A research scientist has to stay abreast of the latest research techniques. They might also write research proposals and apply for funding.

A study conducted by Grand View Research found that the Indian clinical trials market will grow 8.2 per cent between now and 2030 [10], making the industry promising for aspiring scientists. 

Three common research scientist interview questions:

• What are the responsibilities of a research scientist?

• Discuss your research training.

• What areas of science are you most interested in?

Getting started with Coursera

If you aren’t sure which career you’d like to pursue after the 12th, taking courses on Coursera that will introduce you to jobs related to your interests might help you decide which one might be a good fit for you. For example, if you’re interested in computer science, consider Ethical Hacking Essentials, Introduction to Software Engineering, or Introduction to Computer Programming. 

Or, if you’re considering going into medicine, you could get a feel for the field with a course like Vital Signs: Understanding What the Body is Telling Us. Exploring subjects you’re interested in can help determine the type of PCM career options that might be right for you.