Do you love cooking? Or are you simply a foodie? Then a career in Home Science might be the beginning of a fantastic food journey. That’s right! The world of food isn’t just limited to the kitchen. You can build a whole career around it and earn well. This is the ultimate guide to a career in Home Science after class 12.
What is Home Science?
Home Science, also known as home economics, is a course that involves studying the science of food and nutrition, health, environment, and human development. You can pursue it after class 12 as an undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma or even a certification course provided by many universities and colleges in India. Like any other course, it is quite a flexible stream that offers various career opportunities for both boys and girls.
Home Science in India generally involves the study of general subjects at a socioeconomic level. These subjects include Food and nutrition, Resource management, Human development, Fabric and apparel science, Communication and extension, Child rights and social action, Physiology and promoting health, Sustainable development, etc.
So let’s move on to the details about starting a career in Home Science and the related opportunities.
How to Start a Career in Home Science
Generally, aspirants can start their career in Home Science in India after completing their 10+2. Although many schools in India teach home science at the higher secondary level, a good career in this domain begins with an undergraduate course (BSc) in Home Science. This course’s minimum duration is 3 years, but it can vary, depending on the curriculum structures provided by various universities and institutions. Similarly, the fee structure in the field highly depends on the institution where one is pursuing this course. It is an excellent option to build a career in food and related subjects like nutrition, resource management, fashion, etc.
You can even go for higher studies in this field. The best part is that most universities and institutes across India welcome candidates for this course, regardless of their streams in 10+2.
Eligibility Criteria
- Candidates seeking admission to an undergraduate course in Home science in India should have completed higher secondary education (10+2) or any equivalent examination.
- Many institutions in India demand a minimum score of 50% in the 12th or any equivalent exam. Also, some institutions require physics, chemistry or biology as subjects in 10+2 to be eligible for a BSc. in Home Science.
- To be eligible for diploma courses in home science, you must have completed 10+2 or any equivalent course.
- If you are applying for a post-graduation course in it, you must have a graduate degree in Home Science or any equivalent field from a recognised university.
- Candidates opting for a Ph.D. in this domain must have completed their master’s degree in home science or in any equivalent field from a recognised university.
Course Options in Home Science
Once you complete your 10+2, you have several Home Science opportunities ahead. You need to meet the eligibility criteria mentioned above and apply for the following courses:
- B.Sc in Home Science
- Diploma in Home Science
- B.A in Home Science
- Post Graduate Diploma in Home Science
- M.Sc in Home Science
- Ph.D. in Home Science
Job Responsibilities in Home Science
Home Science opportunities in various sectors are mentioned below.:
1. Healthcare and Nutrition
In India, the demand for dietitians is rapidly increasing. Thus, if you get appropriate qualifications in Home Science with a specialisation in nutrition and physical education, you can even start your own support centres. Here, major job responsibilities would include food analysis, nutrition, food therapy, and food management.
2. Service and Tourism Industry
By completing a course in Home Science or hotel management, you can grab several job opportunities in the hospitality industry. Various job roles include those of interior designers, cooks, catering agents, bakers, and health care professionals. You can get jobs in schools, hospitals, hotels, colleges, and various other organisations.
3. Teaching and Research
If you want to be a teacher in this field, various opportunities await you. For example, to become a secondary-level teacher, you need to complete a master’s degree in Home Science. You need to clear the UGC NET exam for a graduate-level lecturer post after completing a master’s degree in Home Science. You can also grab research positions based on your NET and JRF score.
4. Clothing and Textile
The job responsibilities in the textile industry mainly revolve around fabric construction, dyeing, printing, assessing performance, and selecting fabrics. Such jobs are usually offered by various apparel and textile designers.
5. Food Production Industry
It is an excellent career option if you love food. Grab job opportunities in food preservation, frozen food manufacturing, cooking, etc. After graduating, you can apply for several posts such as quality analysts, quality controllers, food analysts, and quality managers in the food processing industry.
6. Resource Management
This includes home management, where you must organise resources with effective use of labour, incurring minimum expenses.
Is Home Science a Course Only For Girls?
No, like any course in India, Home Science isn’t limited to a specific gender. It is a vast domain that fosters socio-economic skills and knowledge. After all, both girls and boys must succeed in an increasingly competitive world. Here’s how:
- Both need to share household responsibilities and tasks.
- Both need to manage resources.
- In case of any problem or emergency, they have to solve it together with other family members.
- This course in India offers varied vocational and professional opportunities suitable for all.
- It provides knowledge and skills that help improve the overall standard of living.
Conclusion
It is one of the most promising career options if you love food, nutrition, fashion, hospitality, etc. A degree in this domain after class 12 opens the doors to a thriving industry of food, resource management, and relevant fields. However, taking the first steps can be baffling and challenging. Need a helping hand to choose between Home Science and hotel management? Sign up for a professional one-on-one career counselling online on Mindler and get one step closer to your dream career.
