Being 17 and just having completed high school, it is difficult to make a decision as big as what career you should pursue. 1 year courses after 12th, though, usually do not tend to carry such long-lasting consequences. Their weight depends on what you make of the degree.
We know choosing a career path is tough for you. We also know choosing from among all the different courses after 12th open to you today can be confusing. This is why we have prepared the following list of 1 year courses after 12th, which include the options that have the most potential.
1 year courses after 12th are not a very well-explored field, as most people decide to pursue a 3-year college education. But just because it’s unconventional doesn’t mean it’s wrong! Pursuing 1 year courses after 12th makes a lot of sense if you’re looking to enter the job market within the next couple years, as most institutions have placement drives, and you can get a job in the industry you desire with a professional diploma.
It also is a reasonable option if you’re pursuing 1 year courses after 12th along with your college studies as an additional skill set, or just something to supplement your knowledge base and CV for a competitive edge!
Without further ado, let me introduce you to some courses after 12th that you might take interest in over the next 1 year, and that are only going to grow in scope in the next decade.
1 Year Courses After 12th Commerce
1. Diploma in Digital Marketing
This is a burgeoning field in the market today, and it has grown immensely in the past few years. It’s also one of the wisest financial investments on this list. Learning digital marketing will not only get you a job working for someone else, but you can eventually start your own business and become a marketing wonder thanks to digital skills!
Recommended for: Those considering a Bachelor’s in Mass Media, or a Bachelor’s in Management Studies courses after 12th
Duration of course: 6 months – 1 year
Top Institutes offering a Diploma in Digital Marketing: Indian Institute of Digital Education (Mumbai, Maharashtra), Manipal Pro Learn (many branches), All India Management Academy (New Delhi, Delhi NCR)
Fees: INR 55,000 – INR 1,20,000
Scope: Search Engine Optimisation, Email Marketing, User Interface Design, Digital Strategy, Digital Analysis, Social Media Marketing, E-commerce Management
This is one of the most versatile courses you can do after 12th. The potential in the digital field is tremendous, especially as everything these days is online!
2. Diploma in Banking and Finance
While this is a course that is open to students of any field after 12th, it is most relevant to commerce students. It deals with, as the name suggests, teaches students about the banking field and allows them to develop an expertise in areas like investment banking.
Recommended for: Students considering B. Com. courses after 12th
Duration of the course: 4 months – 1 year*
Top institutes offering a diploma in Banking and Finance: Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (Mumbai, Maharashtra), MIT College of Management (Pune, Maharashtra)
Fees: Between INR 20,000 to INR 55,000*
Scope: Investment Banking, Market Analysis, Money Managing, Credit and Risk Managing, Loan Counselling, Internal Auditing, Securities Analysis
This is not a very commonly available course, as a Bachelor’s in Banking and Investment, and a Bachelor’s in Accounting and Finance, both 3-year college courses, are commonly offered, and many students prefer those over a 1-year course after 12th.
3. Diploma in Accounting and Finance
This is a diploma course that teaches you the basics of accounting without delving very in-depth, like a CA prep course would.
Recommended for: Students considering B.A.F (Bachelor’s in Accounting and Finance) courses after 12th
Duration of the course: 1 year
Top institutes offering a diploma in Accounting and Finance: GD Goenka University (Gurgaon, Haryana), National Institute of Information Technology (various branches)
Fees: Between INR 40,000 to INR 70,000*
Scope: Tax Accountancy, Cost Accountancy, Accountancy Clerk, Billing Clerk, Book-keeping Clerk
This is a rare course, as a Bachelor’s in Accounts and Finance, a 3-year college course, is growing in popularity. However, it depends entirely on what you want to do after college, and if you want to get into the level of expertise offered by a BAF degree.
4. Diploma in Retail Management
This is a 1-year course that teaches you to run a retail establishment successfully. The best part is that it doesn’t need to be limited to after 12th, this is a useful diploma for any point in your life, so you can even pursue it after your college studies!
Recommended for: Those who want to run their own retail shops/restaurants etc in the near future.
Duration of course: 1 year
Top Institutes offering a diploma in Retail Management: Lovely Professional University (Jalandhar, Punjab), Bharat Institute of Technology (Meerut, Uttar Pradesh)
Fees: INR 55,000 – INR 1,20,000
Scope: Store Management, Retail Account Management, Retail Banking Officer, Management, Senior Sales Management
The biggest plus about this course is that you get a lot of practical knowledge about managing a retail establishment, for which it often doesn’t make sense to sit through a 3-year college course.
5. Diploma in Business Management
While this 1-year course after 12th is similar to a diploma in retail management, it differs in the sense that it teaches a more broad course i.e it isn’t just limited to retail establishments, but also business in general, like a service industry business, for example.
Recommended for: Those considering a Bachelor’s in Management Studies, or a similar courses after 12th
Duration of course: 1 year
Top Institutes offering Diploma in Management Studies: Symbiosis International University (Pune, Maharashtra), Indian School of Business Management (Bengaluru, Karnataka), Indian School of Business Management and Administration (Hyderabad, Telangana), GD Goenka University (Gurgaon, Haryana)
Fees: INR 13,000 – INR 3,00,000
Scope: Production Management, Marketing Management, Finance Management, Business Analysis
This is, again, a course you may pursue later on in your scholastic career as well, without worrying about being too late, as most of the course material involves practical knowledge that will arm you to face the industry as you step into it.
If you’re looking for something 6 month courses after 12th in commerce, you might be interested in checking out this article we made: 6 Courses After 12th Commerce in 6 Months or Less. If you’re a math phobe, we have another list specifically for you, a student of commerce: Courses After 12th: Without Maths. If you want to read about some alternate career options that are tried-and-tested, you could check out this article: Which Courses After 12th In Commerce Are Right For You?
1 YEAR COURSES AFTER 12TH ARTS
1. Diploma in Graphic Design
Wondering what graphic design is? Well, think of your favourite advertisement. Or favourite brand. Look at what they post online, and their logos. All of it was created by a digital designer, and it is indeed a growing space! Having good design is something brands are increasingly focusing on as the social media continues to ensure that our attention spans become shorter.
Recommended for: Those considering a Bachelor’s in Mass Media courses after 12th
Duration of course: 6 months – 1 year
Top Institutes offering a Diploma in Graphic Design: Indian Institute of Digital Education (Mumbai, Maharashtra), Aligarh Muslim University (Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh)
Fees: INR 12,000 – INR 1,20,000
Scope: Digital Designer, Multimedia Programmer, Creative Director, Advertising Art Director, Editorial Designer, Packaging Designer, Corporate Identity Designer
A great thing about a diploma in graphic design is that it’s a useful skill to have for starting your own venture as well. You don’t always have to work for someone else!
2. Diploma in Journalism And Mass Communication
Being a highly respected field, journalists are known for their passion for justice and strong resolve. If you feel like you have what it takes, this is the perfect 1 year course after 12th for you.
Recommended for: Those considering a Bachelor’s in Mass Media, or a Bachelor’s in Arts courses after 12th
Duration of course: 1 year
Top Institutes offering a Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication: Xavier Institute of Communications (Mumbai, Maharashtra), Amity Institute of Vocational and Industrial Training (Noida, Uttar Pradesh), Madras Christian College (Chennai, Tamil Nadu), GD Goenka University (Gurgaon, Haryana)
Fees: INR 12,000 – INR 1,00,000
Scope: Journalism,Content Writing,Social Media Management, News Reading, Teaching, Translation, Blogging
Not only will this 1 year course after 12th arm you with the skills to step into the journalistic field, but it will also allow you to explore writing-related media options that are a little off the beaten path (meaning less competition and more money for you!) and are quite fun as well. Like content writing! You can work freelance or for an agency or organisation, whatever suits your fancy.
3. Diploma in Creative Writing
They say writers are born, not made. But a 1 year course after 12th surely can’t hurt to refine your skills and to make sure that you’re truly prepared to step into the career you’ve chosen. After all, they also say practice makes perfect, and a good institute for creative writing can also help you network with like minded people and future industry peers.
Recommended for: Those considering a Bachelor’s in Arts, or a Bachelor’s in Mass Media courses after 12th
Duration of course: 6 months – 1 year
Top Institutes offering a Diploma in Creative Writing: Sri Aurobindo Centre for Arts and Communication (Delhi, Delhi NCR), Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning (Pune, Maharashtra) , Indira Gandhi National Open University (Delhi, Delhi NCR)
Fees: INR 20,000 – 40,000
Scope: Journalism,Content Writing,Teaching, Fiction Writing, Copywriting, Scriptwriting, Editing
This course offers job versatility as you can choose to be your own boss and write on your own terms, or work for a media company in the form of a journalist, content writer, copywriter, or any other. It is totally dependent on your preferences.
4. Diploma in a Language
English, once considered an in-demand language and spoken only by the elites, is now a universally spoken language. Many other languages have arrived to take its place– Mandarin, Japanese, German, French, Korean, Spanish, and even regional languages, are becoming quite widely used in the business world. A 1 year course after 12th in any one of these might not be too far off the mark.
Recommended for: Those considering a Bachelor’s in Arts
Duration of course: 4 months – 1 year
Top Institutes offering a Diploma in a language: Jamia Millia Islamia University (New Delhi, Delhi NCR), University of Delhi (Delhi, Delhi NCR), Indira Gandhi National Open University (Delhi, Delhi NCR), Jawaharlal Nehru University (Delhi, Delhi NCR), Amity University (Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra), University of Mumbai (Mumbai, Maharashtra), Christ University (Bengaluru, Karnataka), Madras Christian College (Chennai, Tamil Nadu), Lucknow University (Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh), Ashoka University (Sonipat, Haryana)
Fees: INR 20,000 – 40,000
Scope: Journalism,Content Writing,Teaching,Translation,Diplomacy
The best part about this 1 year course after 12th is the variety of options that are open to you. You can choose between so many languages, levels of expertise, and careers! If you choose to do so, you may even select multiple languages to learn. It depends entirely on your ambitions.
5. Diploma in Fashion Design
Fashion designing is a dream career for many, and as many humanities-related careers, it does require a certain inborn knack. If you think you have this knack, then this 1 year course is for you!
Recommended for: Those considering a Bachelor’s in Fashion Designing courses after 12th
Duration of course: 1 year
Top Institutes offering a Diploma in Creative Writing: National Institute of Fashion Technology (many branches), Pearl University (many branches), International Institute of Fashion Technology (many branches)
Fees: INR 55,000 – 8,00,000
Scope: Fashion Design, Fashion Styling, Fashion Retailing, Pattern Making, Modelling, Fashion Photography, Fashion Journalism
Fashion is widely considered to be one of the most glamorous industries, and if it’s what you’re choosing to get into, make sure that you’re well-prepped with your background knowledge with a 1 year course after 12th!
If you want to have a look at a few professional career paths you can undertake as an arts student, it might be worth your while to take a look at this article: Courses After 12th Arts: A Comprehensive List
1 YEAR COURSES AFTER 12TH SCIENCE
1. Diploma in Radiological Therapy
Also known as therapeutic radiology, this is a treatment used in oncology (the study and treatment of cancer). If you were always interested in biology or the medical sciences, this is a 1 year course after 12th that might catch your attention.
Recommended for: Those considering M.B.B.S courses after 12th
Duration of course: 1 year – 2 years
Top Institutes offering a Diploma in Radiological Therapy: Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (Bengaluru, Karnataka), Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute (Puducherry, Union Territory of Puducherry)
Fees: INR 66,000 – 1,00,000
Scope: Radiation Therapy, X-Ray Technology, Radiation Protection, Diagnostic Radiography
This 1 year course after 12th will not only be a diploma unto itself, but can also supplement another degree or diploma in biology.
2. Diploma in Computer Programming
Programming and web development is the closest you can get to science without actually being in an explicitly scientific career. In fact, it’s a field open to people from any specialisation, but would be ideally suited for those that prefer a logical, analytical approach to their work.
Recommended for: Those considering a Bachelor’s in Mechanical, Technical or Electrical Engineering
Duration of course: 6 months – 1 year
Top Institutes offering a Diploma in Computer Programming: Indian Institute of Digital Education (Mumbai, Maharashtra), University of Mumbai (Mumbai, Maharashtra)
Fees: INR 20,000 – INR 1,20,000
Scope: Web Development, Computer Programming, Graphic Designing, Accounting, Software Programming, User Interface/User Experience Development, App Development
Honestly, coding and programming is a 2020 skill that everybody should be learning. More businesses are going digital now more than ever, so it only makes sense that this 1 year course after 12th could help kick start your entry into the industry.
3. Diploma in Data Science
Data Science is a popular postgraduate study option. But did you know you can pursue it as a 1 year course after 12th as well? No, not abroad– right at home! Online courses are not an option you should rule out as not only do they save you time, they are lighter on the pocket as well!
Recommended for: Those considering a Bachelor’s in Engineering (Either mechanical, electrical or any other) courses after 12th
Duration of course: 4 months – 1 year
Top Institutes offering a Diploma in Data Science: Harvard University’s CS109, Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Statistics and Data Science MicroMasters on edX, University of Michigan’s Applied Data Science with Python Specialisation on Coursera
Fees: INR 1,00,000 – 1,40,000
Scope: Data Science, Machine Learning, Applications Architecture, Data Engineering, Enterprise Architecture, Web Development, App Development
This is a modern skill in a field that is growing by leaps and bounds each passing year. Also, with the era of work-from-home, learning from home isn’t an option that should be eschewed!
4. Diploma in Computer Science
Being skilled in front of a desktop or laptop these days is no longer a plus point but an absolute must in order to survive in the current job market. If you’re not skilled with computers, it’s all the more important for you to opt for such a 1 year course after 12th.
Recommended for: Those considering Bachelor’s in Information Technology or Bachelor’s in Engineering (any stream) courses after 12th
Duration of course: 1 year – 3 years
Top Institutes offering a Diploma in Computer Science: Annex College of Management Studies (Kolkata, West Bengal), Usha Martin University (Ranchi, Jharkhand), Dev Bhoomi Group of Institutions (Dehradun, Uttarakhand)
Fees: INR 45,000 – INR 58,000
Scope: Software Engineering, Technical Writing, Systems Analysis
This 1 year course hands you the tools to be fully proficient with the machines that have become man’s new best friend. Ensure that you make the most of it.
1 YEAR COURSES AFTER 12TH MIXED STREAMS
1. Diploma in Yoga
Yoga being an Indian discipline, it is but obvious that the best yoga-related education is imparted in our own country. The multitude of 1 year courses after 12th relating to yoga allows you to pick and choose your specialisation as well– weight loss, strength training, meditation, healing and recovery etc. Yoga also opens the door to a bunch of mentally fulfilling careers.
Recommended for: Those interested in spirituality and fitness
Duration of course: 4 months – 1 year
Top Institutes offering a Diploma in Creative Writing: Indira Gandhi National Open University (Delhi, Delhi NCR), DY Patil University (Mumbai, Maharashtra), Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth (Pune, Maharashtra)
Fees: INR 13,000 – 30,000
Scope: Yoga Instruction, Yoga Therapy, Yoga Studio Management, Yoga Expert, Research
The reason I mentioned that this is a mentally rewarding field is because not only will you be earning a livelihood, but it will be through the means of helping others along their journeys of spirituality and wellbeing, and going down this path yourself.
2. Diploma in Library and Information Science
Did you spend your whole school life in the library? If so, you must have been on friendly terms with many librarians. But did you know about the amount of work that goes behind being able to sit at the librarian’s desk?
Recommended for: Those considering Bachelor’s in Arts courses after 12th
Duration of course: 6 months – 1 year
Top Institutes offering a Diploma in Library and Information Science: Jadavpur University (Kolkata, West Bengal), Government Polytechnic College for Girls (Jalandhar, Punjab)
Fees: INR 3,000 – INR 6,000
Scope: Librarian, Store Management, Documentation Office, Director of Libraries
The life of a librarian is peaceful, quiet, and surrounded by books. If that sounds like your dream, then you can begin this 1 year course after 12th!
3. Diploma in Photography
Fancy yourself a wanderer? A preserver of moments? Do you get the sudden urge to capture a moment and find yourself reaching for the camera feature on your phone? If so, then I think it’s time for you to admit that a 1 year course after 12th in photography would do you good.
Recommended for: Those considering Bachelor’s in Arts, or Bachelor’s in Mass Media courses after 12th
Duration of course: 1 year
Top Institutes offering a Diploma in Photography: YMCA Institute for Media Studies and Information Technology (New Delhi, Delhi NCR), Bharati Vidyapeeth School of Photography (Pune, Maharashtra)
Fees: INR 1,22,000 – INR 5,00,000
Scope: Fashion Photography, Photojournalism, Still Life Photography, Photography, Photo Editor, Creative Director, Camerawork
The best part about being a photography student is that every single assignment you turn in will be a part of your portfolio, so getting a diploma is not just a degree on paper, but you’re doing real, tangible work that you can use to build your career!
4. Diploma in Tourism and Travel Management
Tourism is a mainstay in the Indian economy. If you’ve always been a fan of exploring new places, and are a people’s person, this could be just the right 1 year course after 12th for you.
Recommended for: Those considering Bachelor’s in Arts, Bachelor in Hotel Management courses after 12th
Duration of course: 6 months – 1 year
Top Institutes offering a Diploma in tourism and Travel Management: SNDT Women’s University (Mumbai, Maharashtra), Institute of Logistics and Aviation Management (Mumbai, Maharashtra), University of Mumbai (Mumbai, Maharashtra), Guru Nanak Dev University (Amritsar, Punjab)
Fees: INR 25,000 – 45,000
Scope: Tourism Operation, Tour Management, Travel Planning, Travel Analysis
Even if the tourism industry isn’t something you’re strictly looking to get into, pursuing a 1 year course after 12th along with a traditional college degree will help you get an edge over your competition in related fields, like hotel management and event planning.
5. Diploma in Cosmetology
With a 1 year course after 12th in Cosmetology, you’ll be able to open up your own salon, become a professional makeup artist and work with high-profile celebrities, be a famous hairdresser, or whatever else you might want to be!
Recommended for: Those considering Bachelor’s in Fashion Designing courses after 12th
Duration of course: 4 months – 1 year
Top Institutes offering a Diploma in Creative Writing: Sandip University (Madhubani, Bihar), Shri Shivaji Science College (Amravati, Maharashtra)
Fees: INR 4,200 – 20,000
Scope: Makeup Professional, Hairdressing, Nail Care Professional, Skincare Professional
One of the best parts about this 1 year course after 12th is that you can choose to specialise or pursue any of the above lines– or all of them! — as a freelancer, working on your own terms only. Or, you could open up your own salon. Or, you could write about them for a fashion magazine! The possibilities are truly endless, and limited only by your own ambition.
I hope you were able to find something to your liking in the above list. If not, don’t worry! You have plenty of time to decide what to do with the rest of your life. There’s no need to monomaniacally obsess over one career option from the outset. You have to be flexible and patient, success will come wherever you choose to put in effort.
Thanks for reading so far, and if you have any questions or would like us to write about a particular topic, feel free to let us know in the comment section below. Have a great future ahead, and good luck with whichever courses after 12th you choose to pursue!
If you’re not willing to commit to a particular course for a year, you can also have a look at a few short-term 6 month courses you could pursue here: 6 month courses after 12th based on your student personality