Vidya (name changed) from a small town in Orissa dazzled her family as well as her extended family when she topped her state boards with both Mathematics and Biology as her subjects. Instantly, she became the star kid of the town and intense family discussion ensued about whether Vidya should become an engineer or a doctor - what would help her earn more, which profession would be easier to manage after she gets married etc, with only minimal inputs from her.

Her idea of joining the field of Clinical Research was written off as laughable because no one had even heard of the field at the time. Well, Vidya went on to become a doctor. Being diligent and bright, she managed to clear all her exams but till today, she finds it repulsive to see patients every day from morning to evening or bear the smell of hospital!

On the other hand, Ravi Shankaran was an average student all his life and had no clue what to do with his life or what career might suit him. Everybody he met gave him a list of professions to choose from but he had no clue which one will suit him best or which one would actually keep him glued enough for lifetime. Hence, he followed his friends and joined B.Com. Ravi had been an excellent cricketer but sports as a career rarely gets taken seriously in India and so he jumped on the Pied Piper's wagon.

Peer pressure, parental pressure, and pressure of the society play key roles in the choice of education streams of a student at higher education level in India. One feels same heat while choosing a career and the type of lifestyle one wants to adopt. The herding effect is clearly visible in families and regions - you see families of doctors, engineers and lawyers and you see places where most students prepare for Civil Services, join Defense Services, or become Scientists. It is important for students to realize that they have to snap out of the Pied Piper's Effect, do research and explore different education and career options before they choose what to study after 12th, if they really want to be happy in life.

Step-by-step guide on choosing what to study after 12th:

Draw up a Chart like the one given below:

Explore Your Options:

Based on the list drawn above, research online about education and career options available for you. Shiksha.com offers you many interesting career articles online. Armed with this list, even a career counselor will find it easy to recommend most suitable subject options or professional courses for you.

Once you have determined which course you want to pursue, it is time to figure out the best institutes that offer it. Shiksha has a list of number of institutes in India and abroad offering a range of courses. Check the accreditation and recognition of the institute by the concerned authorities and the value of its course in the job market.

Assess your Scores and Family Circumstances:

Two main criteria that might limit your options are:

• Your scores in 10th and 12th, as well as your performance in entrance exams and interviews of your target institutes, and
• The fees of the courses.

If you don't make it to the cut-off list of your target institute, you might want to consider other institutes or prepare better for its entrance exam next year.

If the fees is more than what your parents can pay, you may consider taking an education loan or sit for exams that may earn your scholarships or financial aids.

For more information about what to study after 12th, post your questions with specific details in our Shiksha Café Q&A section.

Source: Ruchi Shrimali (Shiksha Team)

Date: 25th May, 2011