Career Opportunities in Arts Stream: Know Eligibility, Scope, Salary & More

Arts is more than just a subject; it is vital for people who like to explore their creativity to enrich our lives in countless ways. While every subject holds value, it is important to remember that the Art field is equally important to learn various ways to express ourselves, understand the world around us, and develop crucial skills like critical thinking and problem-solving. Let's deep-dive into the scope of careers in Arts.

The Arts stream in India is usually undervalued and misunderstood. Many students, get influenced while making their career choices due to societal pressures, and societal misconceptions, and start believing that choosing Arts limits can limit their chances of making a successful career. It is a typical misconception that only girls pursue Arts or that it is a "fallback" career choice for those who are not smart enough to get into Science or Commerce. Nevertheless, in the true sense, Arts is foundational to human understanding, and ideas, and connected to the very foundations of logic, mathematics, languages, and other disciplines.

The Arts help students cultivate empathy, communication skills, and a deep observation and perspective on the world. A background in the Arts opens various career opportunities, there are various global leaders and renowned figures in international organizations like the UN, UNESCO, and UNICEF who come from the Arts backgrounds like History, Sociology, Law, and Political Science – all subjects of the Arts stream. 

Selecting a career should be based on passion and individual interests, not solely on financial considerations. When a person pursues something he/she truly likes to excel in and finds true fulfilment, this is one of the best ways towards making a successful career. It is saddening that societal pressures mostly lead students to prioritize perceived "lucrative" career options over their passions which further lead to regret and dissatisfaction in life.

Also Read: Top MA Sociology Colleges in India

Arts: Highlights

Candidates can check the course details related to the Arts course in the table below

Highlights	Details
Course Level	Certificate (6 months- 1 year) Diploma (1 year- 4 years) Undergraduate (3-4 years) Postgraduate (2 years)
Popular Courses	Certificate: Certificate in Acting, Certificate in Classical Music, Certificate in Kathak etc Diploma: Diploma in Performing Arts (Drama), Diploma in Performing Arts(Vocal), Diploma in Filmmaking and Acting, Diploma in Television Acting, Diploma in Theatre Undergraduate: Bachelor of Performing Arts in Music, Bachelor of Performing Arts in Drama, Bachelor of Performing Arts in Theatre/ Dramatics,Bachelor of Performing Arts in Classical Dance (Kathak/Odissi/Bharatnatyam) Postgraduate: Master of Performing Arts in Music, Bachelor of Performing Arts in Classical Dance Forms, Bachelor of Performing Arts in Acting and Theatre
Admission Process	PUBDET, CUET, URATPG /Merit/Direct Admission
Examination Type	Semester-wise
Course Fee	INR 2-6 LPA
Average Starting Salary	INR 3-10 LPA
Job Positions	Actor, Drama Artist, Choreographer, Musician, Therapist, Theatre Director, Cinematographer, Community Arts Worker,Theatre Teacher
Top Recruiting Companies	Film and Television Institute of India, Balaji Telefilms, YRF Studios, Universal Arts, Iris Media

Arts (Fine/ Visual/ Performing) Eligibility Criteria

Candidates get to know about the detailed eligibility criteria of Arts courses below. 

UG Level: To pursue Arts programme at degree or diploma level candidates should complete Class XII in any stream from a recognised board with a minimum aggregate percentage (usually 50% - 60%). Sometimes universities/ colleges also demand basic knowledge of Arts (Fine/ Visual/ Performing) subjects to which candidates are applying.

Certificate-level: Arts courses are short-term courses that candidates can pursue if they clear Class 10th. 

PG Level: To pursue an Arts programme at degree or PG diploma level candidates should complete their graduation in Arts with the minimum percentage stipulated by a particular university/ college in which they are seeking admission.  

Arts – Career Opportunities

With a degree in Arts, you can explore many career opportunities in various fields. Some of the brightest career choices in the Arts sector are Law, Education, Languages, Media and Publication etc.

For many of these career options, the basic qualifications are either HSC/ grade 12 or an equivalent diploma of 2 years after grade 10. In some cases, you can also show work experience in the relevant field to secure admission. For example, if you have completed your basic elementary schooling till grade 10, then with some work experience or diploma you can move ahead in the areas of writing articles, blogs, content editing, or joining as an intern in an event management company.

Also Read:Courses after 12th in Arts and Humanities

If you have completed a regular course till grade 12 then options are wider and better for you. For example, you can focus on obtaining degrees like BMS, BMM, BA, five years integrated law etc. In case of such professional courses, you may be asked to give entrance exams to get admission in some good colleges or universities.

You can also complete regular graduation of three years and then start applying for post-graduation courses in the subject of your graduation. Also, if you wish to do post-graduation in another subject (for example, you did BA in History and wish to study politics), then you need to give an entrance for that subject to fulfil the eligibility criteria. If you are in the same university, then your documentation and admission process becomes smooth. Before selecting a course, always ask for the prospectus of that course so that you are well aware of what you are going to face. Many a times students make mistakes in subjects being offered in the course for that academic year as an elective and once they are pursuing it, they regret their choice. To avoid yourself in that position it is advisable you look into course syllabus carefully and select the course according to your interest and capacity.

Below are few popular career choices out of many options for an Arts graduate:

Law – LLB   (3 years)

Academic eligibility: Graduation of three years of study in any university

Or

Passed grade 12 followed by five years integrated law course. This option is very limited as not all law colleges offer this program.

Also, you need to give entrance test to get admission in different law courses. Check complete details on various law entrance exams conducted in India.

Scope: Wide scope in terms of practicing criminal law, property law, corporate law etc.

Earning: Depends whether you choose to practice individually or under a law firm. Initially, as an intern you won’t be paid much, however, after gaining experience you may be hired on the panel of any corporate if your interest lies in that area. This option if for people looking to be on a payroll of corporates. Another option is to practice on your own and earn as per your experience by charging your clients on the basis of consultation.  

Media, Films, Journalism, Advertising, Public Relations, Event Planning – BMM (3 years)

Academic eligibility: Passed grade 12

You also need to take entrance exam to secure admission in some colleges. Get complete details on different mass communication and journalism entrance exams conducted in India.  

Scope: Very broad as you may explore many fields under this degree. In three years of study you can try many things and decide your career wisely.

Earning: Mostly you’re an employee of some corporate and earn Rs 25,000-30,000 at an entry level. This figure increases as per your role and experience in the organisation.

History, Philosophy, Political Science, Geography, English, Hindi, Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Economics etc. – BA (3 years)

Academic eligibility: Passed grade 12

Scope: These are subjects which are used in many professions and business houses. Therefore, the best option for such students is to study further for post-graduation as it improves the job prospects. Normally, these graduates can work at banks, restaurants, marketing firms, retail and logistics companies, food and beverage organisations etc.

Earning: You can expect Rs 15,000 - 20,000 at an entry level.

Education - BEd (2 years)

Academic eligibility: Passed graduation with three years of study from any university.

Note: The rule is likely to change soon as there is news that this course will become for four years and the academic eligibility will change to grade 12.

If you wish to teach as a Professor in a college of a university then a master’s degree in that subject with UGC NET qualification is mandatory. Some institutions also require you to complete PhD or MPhil.

Scope: Very broad in terms of not only teaching but careers in curriculum planning as well.

Earning: You can expect to earn Rs 20,000 – 25,000 as a school teacher and Rs 50,000 as an Assistant Professor at any university. If you get hired by an international school, you can expect a salary of Rs 40,000 depending on your qualification, skills and experience.

UPSC Civil Services and other government exams

Simultaneously, you can prepare for UPSC Civil Services and other government exams if you wish to become a government employee which is again a very rewarding and secure career choice. Many Arts graduates are keen to get into civil services such as IPS, IAS, IFS, IRS etc.

Eligibility: Minimum graduation of 3 years study and there three rounds of examination.

1^st round: Prelims

2^nd round: Mains

3^rd round: Interview

Remember that many career choices which are currently in trend may not be the only option in future. It is highly possible that in next 5-10 years there will be more job options and new careers. Therefore, continuous learning and developing various skills is advisable for stepping up the career ladder.

Read More: 

• DU Cutoff 2023: Check DU 1st, 2nd, 3rd Cutoff list here
• Top 5 DU Arts Colleges
• Top 10 Humanities Colleges in India and their Admission Process

About the Author:

Shujaat Ali is an International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) educator and examiner of History and Theory of Knowledge at Podar International School, Mumbai. Shujaat has completed BA in History from Wilson College and MA in Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archaeology from St Xavier's College, Mumbai.