India is a land of engineers, doctor and MBAs. We are so focused on a few career options that we overlook the others available to us. There are plenty of great careers that we may have not noticed if we look around, and here is a list of 21 underrated yet lucrative careers in India.
- Nursing
One of the most noble professions, it is not only rewarding in terms of satisfaction but also offers high monetary perks. With the private sector entering healthcare, nursing is definitely one of the most lucrative careers that one can look forward to!
What to Study – Choose PCB in class 12th and complete graduation in B.Sc. Nursing or allied courses.
Where to Study – The Indian Nursing Council offers many undergraduate and postgraduate courses in nursing such as B.Sc. Nursing, General Nursing and Midwifery, Auxiliary Midwifery, etc.
- Teaching
Teachers are the guides who shape our life, throughout school, college and beyond. It is not only a satisfactory job, but is highly rewarding in terms of salary and perks.
What to Study – Any subject can be chosen at the graduate or postgraduate level. A B.Ed. is required to start teaching in a school whereas college teachers have to complete their post-graduation as well as clear the UGC-NET Examination in the subject one is interested in.
Where to Study – Any College or University that is UGC and AICTE recognized.
- Fire-fighting
Fire-fighting is a brave and noble profession, where fire-fighters ensure safety of life and property in life-threatening situations. This skill-based career combines the love for adventure and helping people into one!
What to Study – Any stream can be chosen in 12th as well as in graduation. However, some bachelor’s courses require that students come from a science background.
Where to Study – Indian Institute of Fire Engineering, National Fire Service College , National Institute of Fire Engineering and Safety Management are a few institutes providing fire-fighting courses.
- Sound Engineering
Have you ever admired the sound quality when you go to a live concert, or while watching your favorite Batman Flick? It is the effort of a Sound engineer who works with Composers, Editors, Technicians to bring you the best quality sound. Sound engineers have great opportunities in varied fields such as Radio Stations, TV Channels, Advertising, Music Studios, and Live Concerts etc.
What to Study – Choose PCM in Class 12th and pursue bachelor’s in sound engineering or bachelor’s in any other discipline and postgraduate courses in sound engineering.
Where to Study – Film and Television Institute of India, Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute, Asian Academy of Film and Television (AAFT), SoundideaZ Academy are a few institutes.
One of the most upcoming fields, Psychology is here to stay, and for good reason. It is best for people who have a desire to help people as well as earn well. The increasing population and globalization has made the work of psychologists more crucial than ever. They are needed to manage and understand human behavior in every space, be it industrial, personal or social.
What to Study – Any stream in class 12th with or without Psychology and graduation and postgraduation in Psychology.
Where to Study – The prestigious Delhi University, Banaras Hindu University, and Christ University all provide graduate as well as undergraduate courses in Psychology.
Read: Exhaustive Guide To Becoming A Psychologist And Its Scope In India
- Social Work
Social Work is not considered “Work” in India. It is not a career per say, just a hobby, according to most people. But people who have enough experience will tell you that it is a great and exciting career option for individuals who want to bring changes in the society and earn handsomely too.
What to Study – Choose any stream in Class 12th and complete graduation in social work/psychology.
Where to Study – To be a social worker, one needs at least a master’s degree in social work from a recognized University.
We are all mesmerized by the hospitality of Cabin Crew while we are up in the air, and it is more than just a glamorous profession. Cabin crew requires a pleasing personality, ability to work under pressure and immense resilience.
What to Study – Choose any Stream in Class 12th and pursue graduation in any subject.
Where to Study – Frankfinn, All India Institute of Aeronautics, Indira Gandhi Institute of Aeronautics are some of the institutes providing Cabin Crew training.
- Police Service
A career in the Indian Police Services is not only a career, but a responsibility to protect the citizens of the country. Our policemen serve us day and night, while earning the respect of millions.
What to Study – Choose any stream in Class 12th and complete at least an undergraduate degree and then appear for entrances like CSE, SSC.
Where to Study – Pursue graduation in any subject from a recognized University.
- Security Providers
Security Providers offer protection services to private or public clients, in lieu of some fee. They charge hefty amounts from wealthy clients to keep them safe! A great option for those who have networking skills and have an entrepreneurial streak!
What to Study – There is no minimum educational requirement to become a security provider, except for good networking, contacts and entrepreneurial skills. A course in Entrepreneurship may come in handy.
Where to Study – Pursue graduation in any subject (management /entrepreneurship may come in handy) from a recognized University.
- Agriculture
The dominant sector of India has evolved into a modern and rewarding field. Most of us are not aware of fields like Agronomy, Horticulture, and Dairy Technology etc. that have great scope in India. A goldmine for those looking for unconventional careers and innovation in their job, it is definitely worth the efforts.
What to Study – Choose PCB/PCM in class 12th and complete graduation in agricultural studies.
Where to Study – Colleges such as Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Punjab Agricultural University, Acharya NG Ranga Agricultural University etc. provide courses in agriculture.
- Driving
Driving has always been considered a part-time job and not a “Career Option”. But the likes of Ola and Uber have changed the game in the country. A skill-based career for those who would want to turn their passion for driving into their profession.
What to Study – There is no minimum educational requirement for Driving.
Where to Study – The only qualification you need for this job is a Commercial driving license.
- Sales
Sales requires a high verbal aptitude, a pleasing and polished personality combined with resilience and quick thinking, and is a highly rewarding career option in terms of money.
What to Study – Choose any stream in class 12th. Pursue MBA in Sales & Marketing or general MBA after graduation.
Where to Study – IIMs, ISB, and XLRI are some of the top institutes offering MBA in Sales.
- BPO
Many youngsters join the BPO Sector and raise up the ladder to become talented, well-rounded professionals. This field gives them an opportunity to groom themselves as well as earn well.
What to Study – A graduate degree in any field and good communication skills are the only prerequisites to making a career in Outsourcing.
Where to Study – Pursue graduation in any subject from a recognized University.
- Writing
“What? Is that what you do for a living? We thought that was just your hobby!” Is what people will say if you tell them you are a writer. We are always going gaga over the likes of J.K. Rowling, George R.R. Martin, and even authors such as Chetan Bhagat, Khushwant Singh, Arundhati Roy, etc. have carved a niche for themselves, which in itself speaks to what this profession is worth.
What to Study – Choose any stream in Class 12th. Pursue graduation in English Literature/Hindi Literature, History or allied courses.
Where to Study – Institutes like the British Council, JNU, and Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning etc. offer courses in creative writing, which one can pursue alongside or after graduation
- Bartending
Bartending is a fast emerging career in India as well as in abroad. Bartenders are employed not only in Private Hotels, restaurants, but also cruise ships and other big events. The profession is as exciting as it sounds folks!
What to Study – Choose any stream in class 12th and complete graduation in any subject.
Where to Study – Indian Institute of Bartending Training is a premier institute providing courses in this field. Other institutes like Cocktails & Dreams etc. also offer Bartending Courses.
- Photography
Photography has created a huge stir in the Career “Market”, and they are in vogue. More and more people are realizing what a great career option it is, both in terms of fulfillment of passion as well as the money it gets them. Newer branches like Fashion Photography, Food Photography, and Wildlife Photography are something to look forward to!
What to Study – Choose any stream in class 12th and pursue graduation in any subject followed by diploma or certificate courses in photography or graduation in photography and design courses.
Where to Study – , Sri Aurobindo Centre for Arts & Communication, National Institute of Design and Symbiosis School of Visual Arts and Photography are a few institutions offering courses in Photography.
Architects are literally the builders of our society. They are generally accredited for increasing the visual appeal of any building, but there is so much more to what they do. They not only conceptualize, but are involved in every aspect of creating a new structure from scratch.
What to Study – Choose PCM in class 12th. Pursue B.Arch. from a recognized college.
Where to Study – Department of Architecture (IIT-Roorkee), School of Planning and Architecture Sir JJ College of architecture are a few top notch institutes providing education in this domain.
- Sports
Sports is the new fad among the youth, and there is a good reason for it. Not only does it give a platform to showcase the talent of our country, but is also rewarding in terms of the money you can make out of it. The likes of P.V. Sindhu, Abhinav Bindra, Sakshi Malik, Neeraj Chopra have made us proud, and have managed to make people look at Sports as a full-fledged career option.
What to Study – Choose any stream in Class 12th. Pursue graduation in Physical Education or any subject.
Where to Study – Colleges such as Lakshmibai National College of Physical Education, Indira Gandhi Institute of Physical Education and Sports Science, and Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports offer great courses in sports training.
Culinary Arts is swiftly evolving into a high demand high paying field. Driven by passion for food, it is perfect for people who want to add flavor to everyone’s life. With the Hospitality industry boom, culinary arts is expected to be the next big thing in the industry!
What to Study – Choose any stream in class 12th. Pursue graduation in Catering & Nutrition or Hotel Management, Diploma in Culinary Arts, Baking & Patisserie etc.
Where to Study – The Culinary Academy of India, IHM and International Institute of Culinary Arts are some of the best institutes for Culinary Arts.
- Classical Dancing
Dancing, especially classical dancing, has taken a backseat when it comes to visibility and popularity in the last decade. Various forms of dances like Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Odissi, etc. require 2-3 years of training, and are highly valued by the NRI and foreign population. This career is for those who love their culture and want to celebrate it!
What to Study – Choose any stream in class 12th.
Where to Study – Natyanjali School of Classical Dance,, Kalakshetra Foundation, Kathak Kendra and Bharata Kalanjali are a few schools of Classical Dance Training in India.
Veterinary Doctors are very much in demand due to people realizing the importance of animal health. The government has made a huge investment in the form of the National Livestock Policy for improving this sector. Perfect for people passionate about animals!
What to Study – Choose PCB in class 12th. Pursue Bachelors and Masters in Veterinary Science.
Where to Study – College of Veterinary Science, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, and Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences are a few colleges offering this course.
We hope you enjoyed reading about the underrated but lucrative careers in this article. If you have any other suggestion, post in the comments below!
