Top Paying PCB Career Options for Students

Choosing a career that will suit you best is a life-changing decision you will ever take. It is a tough decision for PCB (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology) students. PCB offers a diverse range of career opportunities, both in the medical and non-medical domains Whether you have a keen interest in healthcare and want to contribute to medical advancements or prefer to delve into the realm of research and development, the world of PCB offers a variety of exciting career options to explore. From discovering cures to developing innovative technologies, professionals in PCB play a crucial role in shaping the future of healthcare and scientific discovery.

This guide will delve into the top 10 career options in the PCB field, highlighting both medical and non-medical paths. We will explore the qualifications, responsibilities, and prospects associated with each career.

Top PCB Career Options (Medical)

Here is a list of popular career options after the 12th PCB in the medical field.

Medical Doctor (MD)

A vast number of PCB students choose this stream aiming to become medical doctors. It is one of the best PCB career options out there. MBBS is a five-and-a-half-year course, after which you can practice as a General Physician.

• Job Description: 
  1. Understand the symptoms of patients.
  2. Diagnose the cause of the illness with appropriate tests.
  3. Prescribe/administer medication and treatment.
  4. Offer follow-up treatments.
  5. Educate the patient and clear misconceptions wherever required.
  6. Stay updated with the latest medical technologies.
  7. Take part in training and guiding in-house doctors.
• Qualifications Required: 
  1. 10+2 with a PCB major
  2. Clearing NEET exam
  3. UG courses: MBBS 
  4. PG courses: Specialise in your desired area
• Average Salary: An MBBS doctor and a few top specialists’ average pay scale is tabulated below – 

Dentist (DDS)

The next popular PCB Career option is Dentistry. As a Dentist, you help people in preventing and treating oral diseases.

• Job Description:
  1. Diagnose and offer proper treatment for oral issues.
  2. Offer regular dental check-ups to maintain oral hygiene.
  3. Educate patients and parents about preventive dental care wherever necessary.
  4. Maintain proper patient records of diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care.
  5. Prescribe proper medication whenever required.
• Qualifications Required: 
  1. 10+2 with a PCB major
  2. UG courses: BDS
  3. PG courses: MDS
• Average Salary: Dentists are offered good pay even at the entry-level. They are offered a package of INR 4,42,000 to 14,04,000 per annum.

Veterinarian (DVM)

Popularly called a Vet, a Veterinary Doctor treats animals and birds for different ailments. You can pursue a Diploma or UG course in Veterinary Medicine after school.

• Job Description:
  1. Regular health check-ups for small animals and pets.
  2. Offer preventive healthcare to animals, such as vaccines.
  3. Diagnose and provide the right medication for animals.
• Qualifications Required:
  1. 10+2 with a PCB major
  2. Diploma: Diploma in Animal Husbandry, Veterinary Science, Animal Health, etc.
  3. UG Courses: BVSc in Animal Production and Management, Animal Genetics and Breeding, Veterinary Surgery and Radiology, etc.
  4. PG Courses: MVSc in Veterinary Science, Veterinary Surgery and Radiology, etc.
• Average Salary: The average salary for a veterinarian at the entry-level is approximately INR 8,26,393 per annum.

Pharmacist (PharmD)

A Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) is another excellent PCB career option for students aiming for a profession in the medical field.

• Job Description:
  1. Ensure that the medicines given to the patients are correct.
  2. Ensure that quality medicines are being given to patients.
  3. Counsel the patients about when and how to take these medicines.
• Qualifications Required:
  1. 10+2 with a PCB major
  2. Clear BV CET, MET, GPAT, etc.
  3. UG Courses: PharmD and B.Pharm
• Average Salary: The average pay for a beginner ranges from INR 2,28,000 to 7,65,600 per annum.

Physician Assistant (PA)

A PA is a qualified and skilled professional authorised to assist a specialist. They can offer diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive healthcare treatment to patients. PA is a four-year course that equips them with medical, managerial, and communication skills.

• Job Description:
  1. Take medical histories.
  2. Examine patients.
  3. Write case summaries.
  4. Counsel patients.
  5. Manage emergencies until the specialist arrives.
  6. Wound management.
• Qualifications Required:
  1. 10+2 with a PCB major
  2. UG courses: B.Sc. in Physician Assistant
  3. PG courses: M.Sc. in Physician Assistant
• Average Salary: The average pay scale for Physician Assistants is approximately INR 6,17,000 per annum.

Nurse Practitioner (NP)

AN NP is a health professional offering patients acute, primary, and emergency care. To become an NP, you must have a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSc).

• Job Description:
  1. Examining and diagnosing patients.
  2. Conducting research.
  3. Engage with the patient and their families.
  4. Documenting medical histories.
• Qualification Required: 
  1. 10+2 with a PCB major
  2. UG courses: B.Sc. in Nursing
  3. PG courses: M.Sc. in Nursing 
• Average Salary: The average pay ranges from INR 2,50,000 to 3,00,000 per annum.

Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS)

An MLS is a healthcare professional who performs lab tests on samples to diagnose the disease.

• Job Description:
  1. Day-to-day operations of the laboratory.
  2. Maintain supply inventory, quality control and calibration.
  3. Perform clinical laboratory testing.
  4. Communicate the data to the respective healthcare professional.
  5. Pre-analytic specimen collection, specimen handling and storage. 
• Qualifications Required:
  1. 10+2 with a PCB major
  2. UG courses: B.Sc. MLS
  3. PG courses: M.Sc. MLS
• Average Salary: The average pay in India is INR 8,09,000 annually.

Biomedical Research Scientist

A Biomedical Research Scientist conducts laboratory research and scientific tests to help diagnose and treat diseases. It is one of the best careers after the 12th PCB.

• Job Description:
  1. Initiate, execute and manage validations for new AND ESTABLISHED METHODS.
  2. Author and review batch records and reports. 
  3. Prepare a formal end-project report. 
  4. Review production costs, quality and demand.
  5. Develop test cases and code to validate new features.
• Qualifications Required:
  1. 10+2 with a PCB major
  2. UG courses: B.Sc. Biomedical Sciences
  3. PG courses: M.Sc. Biomedical Sciences
• Average Salary: The starting salary is approximately INR 10,76,305 per annum.

Genetic Counselor

Genetic counsellors work directly with patients to determine the risks and advantages of their genetics. For example, they work with couples wanting to have a child to assess the risks of genetic diseases.

• Job Description:
  1. Collecting and managing patients’ family medical histories.
  2. Determining the best genetic test to be done.
  3. Arranging genetic testing of patients and their family members, if needed.
  4. Analysing the genetic test results.
  5. Communicating the results and educating the patients about hereditary diseases and their prevention.
• Qualifications Required:
  1. 10+2 with a PCB major
  2. UG courses: B.Sc. / B.Tech. in Genetic Sciences
  3. PG courses: M.Sc. / M.Tech. in Genetic Sciences.
• Average Salary: The average starting salary for a Genetic Counselor is INR 5,87,690 per annum.

Biomedical Engineer

A Biomedical Engineer develops medical products, software, and computer systems to find a solution to healthcare problems.

• Job Description: 
  1. Design, develop and test new materials and technologies.
  2. Create and assess prototypes.
  3. Debugging and redesigning to achieve an optimal solution.
  4. Checking the economic and manufacturing feasibility of the design.
  5. Maintaining medical equipment.
  6. Report research findings in publications, presentations and other formal documents.
  7. Clarify new equipment used for medical practitioners and hospitals.
• Qualifications Required:
  1. 10+2 with a PCB major
  2. UG courses: BE / B.Tech. in Biomedical Engineering
  3. PG courses: ME / M.Tech. in Biomedical Engineering
• Average Salary: The salary depends upon the industry you choose to work in. However, the average is INR 3,23,000 per annum approximately.

Top PCB Career Options (Non-Medical)

There are ample PCB career options not just in the medical field, but also in non-medical streams. Popular PCB courses for non-medical career options for PCB students are listed here.

Biotechnologist

Developing new technologies by combining Biology and Technology is the work of a Biotechnologist. They study and manipulate a cell’s chemical, physical, and genetic attributes to issues like vaccines, medicines, energy efficiency, food shortage, etc.

• Job Description:
  1. Creating, conducting and monitoring experiments on live organisms.
  2. Perform data analysis using scientific methodologies to interpret findings.
  3. Record and document findings for publications.
  4. Develop new products, processes and techniques.
• Qualifications Required:
  1. 10+2 with a PCB major
  2. Clear entrance exams like JEE, WBJEE, BHU UET, JMI EE, UPCET, etc.
  3. UG Courses: B.Sc. in Biotechnology or B.Tech. / BE in Biotechnology
  4. PG Courses: M.Sc. / M.Tech. / ME in Biotechnology
• Average Salary: The average Junior Biotechnologist’s salary is INR 4,96,000 per annum approximately.

Environmental Scientist

You will study the impact of natural and artificial phenomena on the environment. It focuses on ecology, geology, meteorology, biology, chemistry, engineering, and physics. This is an essential field of study that shapes international environmental policies.

• Job Description:
  1. Plan for prevention and fixing of environmental issues.
  2. Collect and analyse geological, geochemical and geophysical information.
  3. Interpret the data to provide solutions for environmental issues.
  4. Investigate soils, minerals, fossil remains, etc.
  5. Assess groundwater movement.
  6. Offer advice regarding waste management, site selection, restoring contaminated sites, etc.
  7. Locate and estimate natural resources such as oil, minerals, etc.
  8. Identify and warn about natural adversaries such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, etc.
• Qualifications Required: 
  1. 10+2 with a PCB major
  2. UG courses: B.Sc. in Environmental Science or B.Tech. in Environmental Science.
  3. PG courses: M.Sc. in Environmental Science or M.Tech. in Environmental Science.
• Average Salary: The average salary for a fresher is approximately INR 6,16,000 per annum.

Bioinformatician

This is one of the best career choices for people who love Biology and Information Technology. Complex biological data can be analysed faster with computational capabilities. The process is accurate and time-saving.

• Job Description:
  1. Develop codes to analyse biological samples and databases.
  2. Develop software for data studies and comparisons.
  3. Design tools for data modelling, visualisation, exploring and interpreting.
  4. Provide global biological databases that scientists can access to search and analyse information.
  5. Develop new tools as per project and research requirements.
• Qualifications Required:
  1. 10+2 with a PCB major
  2. UG Courses: B.Sc. or B.Tech. in Bioinformatics
  3. PG Courses: M.Sc., PG Diploma or M.Tech in Bioinformatics
• Average Salary: The average salary for a fresher is more than INR 3,42,000 per annum.

Geneticist

This is a great PCB career option if you are interested in studying qualities and heredity passed down through the ages. Geneticists study all living organisms, from plants, animals, and humans, to microbes.

• Job Description:
  1. Collecting DNA samples.
  2. Conducting lab research on collected samples.
  3. Analysing and interpreting genetic lab results.
  4. Documenting the evaluation results.
  5. Dissecting the information load to arrive at concrete conclusions.
  6. Publishing these results in publications, conferences and research papers.
• Qualifications Required:
  1. 10+2 with a PCB major
  2. Clear JEE Main or CUET
  3. UG Courses: B.Sc. or B.Tech. in Genetics Engineering, B.Sc. Biology, etc.
  4. PG Courses: M.Sc. or M.Tech. in Genetics Engineering, M.Sc. Biology, etc.
• Average Salary: The average salary for a fresher is more than INR 11,73,134 per annum.

Agriculturist

This is the best career option if you are passionate about agriculture and want to improve the field through scientific methods. The primary objective is to develop the best ways for cultivating soil, livestock rearing, and growing crops.

• Job Description:
  1. Designing the best pieces of equipment for harvesting while reducing crop damage.
  2. Expertise in crop management, ecosystems, weed and pest control, etc.
  3. Increasing productivity and profitability of livestock farmers.
  4. Focus on animal breeding, living conditions, emergency, disease control, etc.
  5. Genetically modifying crops to make them resistant to certain adverse conditions.
• Qualifications Required:
  1. 10+2 with a PCB major
  2. Diploma Courses: Agriculture, Agriculture and Allied Practices, Food Processing, etc.
  3. UG Courses: B.Sc. in Agriculture, B.Sc. in Crop Physiology, B.Tech. in Agriculture.
  4. PG Courses: M.Sc. in Agriculture, M.Sc. in Biological Studies, M.Sc. in Agriculture Botany, etc. 
• Average Salary: The average salary for a fresher is more than INR 5,42,000 per annum.

Marine Biologist

If you are excited by the oceanic world, this is one of your best career choices. Marine Biologists research and understand aquatic life and ecosystem.

• Job Description:
  1. Study marine life, including underwater plants, animals, fish, whales and dolphins.
  2. Gather samples from oceanic floors to learn about species distribution, diseases, etc.
  3. Study the behaviour of marine life and its effects on the ecosystem.
  4. Determine the level of pollution and formulate methods to reduce it.
  5. Discover new species of plants, animals and microorganisms.
  6. Document their discovery and publish research papers.
  7. Educate people about marine life preservation.
  8. Treat marine animals for diseases and reduce invasive species in the area.
• Qualifications Required:
  1. 10+2 with a PCB major
  2. UG Courses: B.Sc. in Marine Biology, Oceanography, Marine Sciences, Earth Sciences, etc.
  3. PG Courses: M.Sc. in Marine Biology
• Average Salary: The average salary for a fresher ranges from INR 8,45,140 to 14,64,829 per annum.

Forensic Scientist

Does Crime laboratories enthral you? You must choose to become a Forensic Scientist. The Forensic scientist analyses evidence from the crime scene and provides opinions based on chemical and physical examinations.

• Job Description:
  1. Examine evidence from the crime scene.
  2. Conduct investigative physical and chemical analyses of the evidence.
  3. Generate reports based on the findings in a written document.
  4. Coordinate with other departments, such as Police or CBI.
  5. Mentor forensic scientist interns.
• Qualifications Required:
  1. 10+2 with a PCB major
  2. UG Courses: B.Sc. in Forensic Science, Biology, Forensic Anthropology or Genetics; B.Tech. in Genetic Engineering, Biotechnology, Computer Science in Cybersecurity and Forensics, Information Security, etc.
  3. PG Courses: M.Sc. in Forensics, Chemistry, Biology, Toxicology, etc. M.Tech. in Biotechnology, Genetic Engineering, Information Security and Digital Forensics, etc.
• Average Salary: The average salary for a fresher ranges from INR 7,96,477 to 13,67,324 per annum.

Food Scientist

Are you interested in the science behind food production, processing, and preservation? You should consider becoming a Food Scientist, as it is one of the best career options after 12th science PCB. It involves science in food preparation, processing, packaging and preservation.

• Job Description:
  1. Evaluating the nutritional value, flavour and texture of food.
  2. Designing and producing equipment to produce and package food on a large scale.
  3. Testing food samples.
  4. Ensuring adherence to government norms.
  5. Exploring optimal alternative methods at low cost.
  6. Inspecting for safety and quality.
• Qualifications Required:
  1. 10+2 with a PCB major
  2. UG Courses: B.Sc. in Food Science, B.Tech. in Food Technology
  3. PG Courses: M.Sc. in Food Science, M.Tech. in Food Technology
• Average Salary: The average salary for a fresher is approximately INR 5,13,000 per annum.

Zoologist

If you are interested in animals and their evolution, you must consider becoming a zoologist. It is one of the best career options for PCB studentsYou have a variety of industries to work for as a zoologist.

• Job Description:
  1. Conduct experiments on animals in a controlled or natural setting.
  2. Research and analyse behaviours such as reproduction, population, illnesses, etc.
  3. Study the impact of human actions on wildlife.
  4. Improve breeding and preserve endangered animals.
  5. Monitor and explore invasive species.
• Qualifications Required:
  1. 10+2 with a PCB major
  2. UG Courses: B.Sc. in Zoology, Animal Ecology, Animal Science, etc.
  3. PG Courses: M.Sc. in Zoology, Animal Ecology, Animal Science, etc.
• Average Salary: The average pay scale is approximately INR 11,70,257 per annum.

Microbiologist

Microbiologists study microscopic organisms and their interactions with humans and other organisms. They are employed in various industries like food, green technologies, climate studies, etc.

• Job Description:
  1. Plan and carry out research projects.
  2. Perform lab experiments for disease diagnosis and treatment.
  3. Isolate and keep cultures of microorganisms. 
  4. Identify and classify microorganisms. 
  5. Make recommendations based on research findings.
• Qualifications Required:
  1. 10+2 with a PCB major
  2. UG Courses: B.Sc. in Microbiology, Biology, Zoology, Botany, etc.
  3. PG Courses: M.Sc. in Microbiology, Biology, Zoology, Botany, etc.
• Average Salary: The average pay scale for a fresher is INR 8,38,000 per annum.

Choose the Best PCB Career Path for You

There are numerous PCB career options including several medical and non-medical career options described here. Students should be educated about the various options available for them to make an informed choice. The above list will give a comprehensive outlook of the PCB career options available. 

However, the best PCB career options for you will depend on your skills and interests. With the above information regarding each job description and skill, choose the one that excites you. Making the right choice that suits you will make or break your career. Make an informed career choice and excel in your endeavors.

Evaluate numerous career choices to choose the right career path for yourself. Dive in to our guide on Career Advice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

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