Best Arts Courses after 12th for a Growing Career
- UPES Editorial Team
- Published 04/08/2025

Table of Contents:
The 21st century global market is not crowded with just science geniuses! Thanks to the broadening of mentality, and growing needs of understanding of humanities, students from arts background are in huge demand in the global market. Be it mass communication, law, policy, arts, literature, music, drama, or more, arts courses after 12th offer the intellectual stimulation craved by at least 40% of the Indian student community.
With industries increasingly valuing creativity, empathy, and interdisciplinary knowledge, a career in Arts can be both impactful and high paying.
Whether you’re from an Arts, Commerce, or even a Science background, this blog will walk you through the top arts courses after 12th, emerging domains, government opportunities, and high salary prospects.
Become future-ready with our Liberal Studies programs
Know MoreBest Arts Courses After 12th
Here are the most popular and industry-relevant Arts courses after 12th that offer great future potential:
1. B.A. in Journalism and Mass Communication
With the explosion of digital media, this course equips students with skills in reporting, content creation, digital marketing, advertising, and public relations.
- Job Roles: Journalist, Content Writer, Digital Editor, PR Manager
- Average Salary: ₹4–9 LPA (can go up to ₹15 LPA for digital marketing managers)
2. B.A. in Psychology / Counselling Psychology
Mental health awareness is growing, leading to an increased demand for psychologists in schools, hospitals, HR departments, and therapy clinics.
- Job Roles: Clinical Psychologist, Behavioral Therapist, HR Executive
- Average Salary: ₹5–10 LPA (₹20+ LPA for PhD holders in psychology)
3. B.A. in Economics with Data Science
A future-ready course blending economics and analytics—ideal for students wanting to work in banking, policy, or consulting.
- Job Roles: Economist, Data Analyst, Financial Consultant
- Average Salary: ₹7–12 LPA (higher for roles in analytics or with foreign companies)
4. B.A. in Legal Studies / BA LLB
An excellent foundational degree for aspiring lawyers, judicial officers, or civil servants.
- Job Roles: Legal Consultant, Policy Advisor, Compliance Officer
- Average Salary: ₹6–15 LPA (varies by firm and specialization)
5. B.A. in International Relations / Political Science
With India’s growing global footprint, there’s a rising demand for professionals in foreign policy, diplomacy, and international NGOs.
- Job Roles: Diplomat, Foreign Service Officer, Political Analyst, NGO Director
- Average Salary: ₹5–10 LPA
Explore these programs at UPES School of Liberal Studies and Media, a premier institute offering interdisciplinary, industry-aligned arts degrees.
Courses After 12th for Girls
Girls today are breaking barriers across sectors—from media and law to design and diplomacy. Here are some popular and empowering arts courses after 12th for girls:
- B.A. in Sociology – for careers in development, research, and gender advocacy
- B.Des in Fashion Communication – for aspirants in visual storytelling, brand design
- B.A. in English Literature – for teaching, publishing, creative writing
- B.A. in Public Administration / Governance – excellent for civil service aspirations
- B.A. in Psychology – highly preferred for empathetic, care-based professions
Pursuing liberal arts courses for undergraduate degree offers a broad and interdisciplinary approach to education. These courses are ideal for women aiming for financial independence, leadership roles, and social impact.
Free Govt Courses After 12th
For students with limited financial resources, several free government courses after 12th can offer a stepping stone to employment and higher studies:
Platform / Provider | Course Types Offered | Certification |
SWAYAM (GoI, MHRD) | Humanities, psychology, public policy, history | Free (₹1,000 for cert.) |
IGNOU | BA, diploma in journalism, creative writing | ₹3,000–₹10,000 (nominal fee) |
NSDC / Skill India | Digital marketing, content creation, etc. | Mostly free or low-cost |
NIOS | Vocational Arts, painting, journalism |
These courses are not only accessible but also contribute to skill-based employability.
Govt Courses with 12th Arts with High Salary
Several government job-oriented arts courses after 12th can lead to lucrative public sector careers:
Course | Future Opportunities | Avg. Salary (Govt Jobs) |
B.A. + UPSC Prep (Pol. Sci / History) | IAS, IFS, IRS, IPS | ₹56,000–₹2.5 Lakhs/month |
B.A. + LL.B. (Law) | Judicial Services, Govt Legal Dept | ₹60,000–₹1.5 Lakhs/month |
B.A. in Public Administration | Municipal/Urban Planning, Policy Research | ₹50,000–₹1.2 Lakhs/month |
B.A. in Social Work / Sociology | Govt-run NGOs, Welfare Departments | ₹35,000–₹80,000/month |
Sources: Glassdoor, Indeed, PayScale, Byju’s, Shiksha |
High Salary Courses After 12th Arts Stream
If salary is your top priority, consider these arts courses after 12th with high salary outcomes:
Course Name | Career Roles | Avg. Salary (LPA) |
B.A. Economics with Data Science | Data Analyst, Policy Advisor | ₹7–12 LPA |
B.A. LL.B. | Corporate Lawyer, Legal Advisor | ₹8–15 LPA |
B.A. Journalism and Mass Comm | Digital Editor, PR Manager | ₹5–9 LPA |
B.A. International Relations | Foreign Affairs, NGO Management | ₹5–10 LPA |
B.Des Fashion / Communication Design | Brand Strategist, Creative Director | ₹6–12 LPA |
Arts Courses After 12th Science
Switching from Science to Arts is becoming increasingly common, especially among students interested in human-centric or creative careers.
Top arts courses after 12th science include:
- BA Psychology / Sociology
- BA Economics / Political Science
- BA Media Studies / Journalism
- B.Des in Communication Design
These degrees open up pathways into research, design, education, and policymaking.
Arts Courses After 12th Commerce
Commerce students often switch to Arts for careers in governance, law, policy, or mass communication.
Popular arts courses after 12th commerce:
- BA Public Policy – Excellent for civil services or think tanks
- BA Legal Studies – Ideal pre-law foundation
- BA English / Media Studies – Content, PR, marketing roles
- BA in Liberal Studies – Flexible career foundation in research or consulting

Our counsellors are just a click away.
Conclusion
The Arts stream is no longer limited to low-income, theory-heavy careers. With the rise of interdisciplinary education, AI, behavioral sciences, and policy studies, Arts courses after 12th can offer you financial growth, career diversity, and intellectual satisfaction.
Institutions like UPES School of Liberal Studies and Media are pioneers in offering cutting-edge, globally relevant programs in Liberal Arts, Media, Design, and Governance. Their industry-integrated curriculum ensures you graduate job-ready and future-proof.
Want help choosing the right Arts course?
Drop a message below or visit the UPES website to explore their new-age offerings in Economics, Psychology, Public Policy, Media, and Liberal Studies.

UPES Editorial Team
Written by the UPES Editorial Team
UPES Admission Enquiry
Subscribe to UPES Blogs
Join our community for exclusive stories, insights, and updates
By clicking the "Subscribe" button, I agree and accept the privacy policy of UPES.