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 under graduate and post graduate courses in nursing such as B.Sc. Nursing, General Nursing and Midwifery, Auxiliary Midwifery, etc.
Money Matters – Nurses earn about INR 40-50k per month on an average in government as well as private hospitals.
- 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 post-graduate 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.
Money Matters – School teachers earn between INR 20k to 40k depending on their subject and experience. College professors start from about INR 45k and go up 2 lacs (and more) per month with experience.
- 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.
Where to Study – Indian Institute of Fire Engineering, National Fire Service College, National Fire Academy, are a few institutes providing fire-fighting courses.
Money Matters – Fire-fighters earn about INR 20-25k per month.
- 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 engineering (any stream) in graduation/Diploma (3 year) in Sound engineering.
Where to Study – Digital Academy-The Film School, SoundideaZ Academy, Ramoji Academy of Film and Television etc. are a few institutes.
Money Matters – Sound Engineers can earn anywhere from INR 20-50k on an average, depending on their experience.
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 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.
Money Matters – Psychologists earn anywhere from INR 25-45k on an average depending upon their education and experience.
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 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.
Money Matters – Social Workers earn about INR 20-30k per month and more, depending upon their skill and experience.
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, and is one of the most highly rewarding career options for extroverted people.
What to Study – Choose any Stream in Class 12th and pursue graduation in any subject.
Where to Study – Frankfinn, Emirates, and Air Hostess Academy are some of the institutes providing Cabin Crew training.
Money Matters– Cabin Crew are paid handsomely, about INR 30-50K on an average, depending on the Airline.
- 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, especially Traffic 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.
Where to Study – Pursue graduation in any subject from a recognized University.
Money Matters – Their salary as per the 6th pay commission is INR 16 to 21k (excluding other perks), depending on their City, while entry level IPS Officers earn about INR 70k per month.
- 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.
Money Matters – Security Providers can earn profits ranging from INR 50K to 2 lacs (and more), depending on the scale of service and client base.
- 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.
Money Matters – A fresher can earn anywhere between INR 10-30k, depending upon their education and skill.
- 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.
Money Matters –A full-time driver will be able to earn INR 30-80k every month.
- 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 after graduation.
Where to Study – IIMs, ISB, and XLRI are some of the top institutes offering MBA in Sales. EduCart.com, WLC College, etc. are a few institutes providing Diploma and training in Sales.
Money Matters – A sales manager, sales engineer or a marketing executive can earn anywhere from INR 25-45k on an average, depending upon one’s qualifications and experience.
- 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 pre-requisites to making a career in Outsourcing.
Where to Study – Pursue graduation in any subject from a recognized University.
Money Matters – A talented BPO professional can earn up to INR 45-50k easily.
- Writing
“What? It 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 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.
Money Matters – Established writers earn royalty on the copies of their sold books, so it depends upon the popularity of the written material.
- 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 Boston Bartending Academy, Cocktails & Dreams etc. also offer Bartending Courses.
Money Matters – A good bartender can even earn up to INR 10k per night on an average.
- 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.
Where to Study – College of Arts (DU), Sri Aurobindo Centre for Arts & Communication, and Sir JJ School of Applied Arts are a few institutions offering courses in Photography.
Money Matters – Photographers can earn up to INR 50-70k (and more!) for one shoot, fresh photographers earn lesser than that.
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.
Money Matters – Fresh architects are able to earn up to INR 45k on an average in private practice or an architecture firm.
- Sports
Sports is the new fad among the youth, and there is 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 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 Bombay Physical Culture Association’s College offer great courses in sports training.
Money Matters – Every sport has a different but great earning potential. Cricket players earn in crores while other sportspersons can earn anywhere between INR 20-60k on an average.
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 Pusa, and International Institute of Culinary Arts are some of the best institutes for Culinary Arts.
Money Matters – Chefs are paid handsomely in private hotels, as well as private cafes and bistros. An executive chef can make up to INR 50k a month on an average.
- 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 foe 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, Mudra School of Indian Classical Dances, and Bharata Kalanjali are a few schools of Classical Dance Training in India.
Money Matters – Classical dancers earn well with international and national level shows, up to INR 20-25K (and more) per show. But more importantly, they are very connected to their dance form.
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 DECCAN College of Medical Science are a few colleges offering this course.
Money Matters – Vets can earn anywhere between INR 20-60k depending upon their experience and popularity.
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!
