Career paths
Twelve paths, each with what the work is, the steps, the examinations, the time it takes and honest notes.
- Engineering Four years after 12th. Six years after 10th by the diploma route (three years of polytechnic, then entry into the second year of B.Tech).
- Medicine (doctor) Five and a half years for MBBS. With specialisation, expect nine to twelve years of study and training after 12th.
- Nursing and allied health Two to four and a half years after 12th, depending on the course.
- Law Five years after 12th, or three years after a degree.
- Chartered accountancy and commerce professions About four to five years after 12th if every stage is cleared at the first attempt. Many students take longer.
- Teaching Two years after 12th for D.El.Ed. Four years for the integrated degree. Five years by the degree plus B.Ed route.
- Civil services One examination cycle takes about a year. Most selected candidates needed more than one attempt.
- Defence forces NDA training is three years at the academy and one at the service academy. Agniveer service is four years.
- Banking and insurance A recruitment cycle takes a few months from examination to joining.
- Design and architecture Four years for B.Des. Five years for B.Arch.
- Computers and IT without engineering Three to four years after 12th. Five with MCA.
- Skilled trades: ITI and polytechnic One to two years for ITI. Three years for a diploma.
Check the official notice. This page describes how the path works in general, as understood in November 2026. Age limits, eligibility, exam patterns, dates and fees change. Before you apply or pay for anything, read the current notice on the official website named on this page. This is general information, not personal career advice.