The arts stream is one of the most diverse and flexible streams of education in India. It offers a wide range of subjects such as history, geography, political science, sociology, psychology, economics, languages, literature, and more. Students who opt for the arts stream can pursue their interests and passions in various fields of humanities and social sciences.
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However, there is a common misconception that the arts stream does not offer many lucrative and rewarding career opportunities, especially in the government sector. Many people believe that the arts stream students have fewer chances of getting a government job than the science or commerce stream students. This is not true at all. There are several government jobs available for the arts stream students after completing their 12th standard. These jobs are not only well-paid but also offer job security, prestige, and growth prospects.
In this article, we will explore the list of government jobs after 12th arts stream with salary. We will also provide a detailed examination guide for some of the popular government exams for the arts stream students. We will also discuss some other career opportunities that the arts stream students can pursue after their 12th standard. Finally, we will address some of the frequently asked questions and share some success stories of individuals who secured government jobs after 12th arts stream.
Government Job Opportunities
The government sector is one of the largest employers in India. It offers jobs in various departments and ministries at the central and state levels. Some of the major government job sectors are:
- Administration: This sector includes jobs such as Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Revenue Service (IRS), etc. These jobs involve managing and implementing various policies and programs of the government.
- Jurisdiction: This sector includes jobs such as Indian Police Service (IPS), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Intelligence Bureau (IB), etc. These jobs involve maintaining law and order, investigating crimes, and ensuring national security.
- Diplomacy: This sector includes jobs such as Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Trade Service (ITS), etc. These jobs involve representing India’s interests abroad, promoting trade and cultural relations, and handling international affairs.
- Security: This sector includes jobs such as Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, Indian Coast Guard, Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), etc. These jobs involve defending the country from external and internal threats, conducting rescue and relief operations, and maintaining peace and harmony.
The arts stream students can apply for any of these government job sectors depending on their eligibility criteria, interest, and aptitude. However, some of the most sought-after government jobs after 12th arts stream are:
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National Defense Academy (NDA): This is a joint service academy for the three defense forces of India: Army, Navy, and Air Force. The NDA exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) twice a year for candidates who have passed or are appearing in their 12th standard. The selected candidates undergo a three-year training course at the NDA campus in Khadakwasla, Pune. After completing the training, they are commissioned as officers in their respective forces.
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Staff Selection Commission (SSC): This is a central government organization that conducts various exams for recruiting staff for various posts in different ministries and departments. Some of the popular SSC exams for the 12th pass candidates are:
- SSC Combined Higher Secondary Level (CHSL): This exam is conducted for recruiting Lower Division Clerk (LDC), Junior Secretariat Assistant (JSA), Postal Assistant (PA), Sorting Assistant (SA), Data Entry Operator (DEO), etc.
- SSC Multi Tasking Staff (MTS): This exam is conducted for recruiting Multi Tasking Staff (MTS) in various ministries and departments.
- SSC Stenographer: This exam is conducted for recruiting Stenographer Grade C and Grade D in various ministries and departments.
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Indian Railway Recruitment Board (RRB): This is a central government organization that conducts various exams for recruiting staff for various posts in the Indian Railways. Some of the popular RRB exams for the 12th pass candidates are:
- RRB Group D: This exam is conducted for recruiting Track Maintainer Grade IV, Helper/Assistant in various technical departments, Assistant Pointsman, etc.
- RRB Non-Technical Popular Categories (NTPC): This exam is conducted for recruiting Junior Clerk cum Typist, Accounts Clerk cum Typist, Junior Time Keeper, Trains Clerk, Commercial cum Ticket Clerk, Traffic Assistant, Goods Guard, Senior Commercial cum Ticket Clerk, Senior Clerk cum Typist, Junior Account Assistant cum Typist, Senior Time Keeper, Commercial Apprentice and Station Master.
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Forest Guard: This is a state-level exam conducted by various state forest departments for recruiting Forest Guards or Forest Rangers. The candidates have to undergo a physical test, a written test, and an interview for the selection. The Forest Guards are responsible for protecting the forest resources, wildlife, and environment from illegal activities and natural disasters.
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Indian Coast Guard: This is a central government organization that conducts various exams for recruiting staff for various posts in the Indian Coast Guard. Some of the popular Indian Coast Guard exams for the 12th pass candidates are:
- Navik (General Duty): This exam is conducted for recruiting Naviks or sailors in the General Duty branch of the Indian Coast Guard. The candidates have to undergo a written test, a physical fitness test, and a medical examination for the selection. The Naviks are responsible for performing various duties such as patrolling, search and rescue, law enforcement, etc.
- Navik (Domestic Branch): This exam is conducted for recruiting Naviks or sailors in the Domestic Branch of the Indian Coast Guard. The candidates have to undergo a written test, a physical fitness test, and a medical examination for the selection. The Naviks are responsible for performing various duties such as cooking, stewardship, etc.
Detailed Examination Guide
In this section, we will provide a detailed examination guide for some of the popular government exams for the arts stream students. We will cover the eligibility criteria, examination stages, salary packages, and tips and strategies for cracking the exams.
SSC GD Exam
The SSC GD exam is conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) for recruiting Constables (General Duty) in various armed forces such as Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), National Investigation Agency (NIA), Secretariat Security Force (SSF), etc.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for the SSC GD exam are as follows:
- Nationality: The candidate must be a citizen of India.
- Age Limit: The candidate must be between 18 to 23 years of age as on 1st August of the year of examination. However, there are certain relaxations in the upper age limit for candidates belonging to reserved categories as per the government rules.
- Educational Qualification: The candidate must have passed or appeared in the 12th standard or equivalent examination from a recognized board or university.
Examination Stages
The SSC GD exam consists of four stages:
- Computer Based Examination (CBE): This is an online objective type test consisting of 100 questions of 100 marks. The duration of the test is 90 minutes. The questions are divided into four sections: General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Knowledge and General Awareness, Elementary Mathematics, and English/Hindi Language. Each section has 25 questions of 25 marks. There is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer.
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET): This is a physical test consisting of various tasks such as running, long jump, high jump, etc. The candidates have to qualify in this test as per the standards prescribed by the SSC.
- Physical Standard Test (PST): This is a physical measurement test consisting of various parameters such as height, chest, weight, etc. The candidates have to meet the minimum requirements as per the standards prescribed by the SSC.
- Medical Examination: This is a medical test consisting of various tests such as eye sight, hearing, blood pressure, etc. The candidates have to be medically fit as per the standards prescribed by the SSC.
Salary Packages
The salary packages for the SSC GD exam are as follows:
- Pay Scale: The pay scale for the Constables (GD) is Rs. 21,700 – Rs. 69,100 per month.
- Grade Pay: The grade pay for the Constables (GD) is Rs. 2,000 per month.
- Allowances: The Constables (GD) are also entitled to various allowances such as Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance (TA), etc.
RRB Group D
The RRB Group D exam is conducted by the Railway Recruitment Board (RRB) for recruiting staff for various posts in Group D such as Track Maintainer Grade IV, Helper/Assistant in various technical departments, Assistant Pointsman, etc.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for the RRB Group D exam are as follows:
- Nationality: The candidate must be a citizen of India or a subject of Nepal or Bhutan or a Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1st January 1962 or a person of Indian origin who migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire Ethiopia and Vietnam with intention of permanently settling in India.
- Age Limit: The candidate must be between 18 to 33 years of age as on 1st July of the year of examination. However, there are certain relaxations in the upper age limit for candidates belonging to reserved categories as per the government rules.
- Educational Qualification: The candidate must have passed or appeared in the 10th standard or equivalent examination from a recognized board or university. The candidate must also have an ITI certificate or National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC) granted by NCVT/SCVT in the relevant trade for some of the posts.
Examination Stages
The RRB Group D exam consists of three stages:
- Computer Based Test (CBT): This is an online objective type test consisting of 100 questions of 100 marks. The duration of the test is 90 minutes. The questions are divided into four sections: Mathematics, General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Science, and General Awareness and Current Affairs. Each section has 25 questions of 25 marks. There is a negative marking of 1/3 marks for each wrong answer.
- Physical Efficiency Test (PET): This is a physical test consisting of various tasks such as running, lifting and carrying weights, etc. The candidates have to qualify in this test as per the standards prescribed by the RRB.
- Document Verification and Medical Examination: This is the final stage of the selection process where the candidates have to produce their original documents and certificates for verification. The candidates also have to undergo a medical examination to ensure that they are medically fit for the post.
Salary Packages
The salary packages for the RRB Group D exam are as follows:
- Pay Scale: The pay scale for the Group D posts is Rs. 18,000 – Rs. 56,900 per month.
- Grade Pay: The grade pay for the Group D posts is Rs. 1,800 per month.
- Allowances: The Group D staff are also entitled to various allowances such as Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance (TA), etc.
SSC Stenographer
The SSC Stenographer exam is conducted by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) for recruiting Stenographers Grade C and Grade D in various ministries and departments.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for the SSC Stenographer exam are as follows:
- Nationality: The candidate must be a citizen of India or a subject of Nepal or Bhutan or a Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1st January 1962 or a person of Indian origin who migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire Ethiopia and Vietnam with intention of permanently settling in India.
- Age Limit: The candidate must be between 18 to 27 years of age as on 1st August of the year of examination for Grade D and between 18 to 30 years of age as on 1st August of the year of examination for Grade C. However, there are certain relaxations in the upper age limit for candidates belonging to reserved categories as per the government rules.
- Educational Qualification: The candidate must have passed or appeared in the 12th standard or equivalent examination from a recognized board or university. The candidate must also have a stenography skill of 100 words per minute for Grade C and 80 words per minute for Grade D.
Examination Stages
The SSC Stenographer exam consists of two stages:
- Computer Based Examination (CBE): This is an online objective type test consisting of 200 questions of 200 marks. The duration of the test is two hours. The questions are divided into three sections: General Intelligence and Reasoning, General Awareness, and English Language and Comprehension. Each section has different number of questions and marks. There is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer.
- Skill Test: This is a practical test where the candidates have to transcribe a given dictation on a computer within a specified time limit. The dictation will be in English or Hindi language at different speeds depending on the grade applied for. The candidates have to qualify in this test as per the standards prescribed by the SSC.
Salary Packages
The salary packages for the SSC Stenographer exam are as follows:
- Pay Scale: The pay scale for the Stenographers Grade C is Rs. 35,400 – Rs. 1,12,400 per month and for the Stenographers Grade D is Rs. 25,500 – Rs. 81,100 per month.
- Grade Pay: The grade pay for the Stenographers Grade C is Rs. 4,200 per month and for the Stenographers Grade D is Rs. 2,400 per month.
- Allowances: The Stenographers are also entitled to various allowances such as Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance (TA), etc.
Tips and Strategies for Cracking the Exams
Here are some tips and strategies that can help you crack any government exam after arts stream:
- Know your syllabus and exam pattern: Before starting your preparation, you should have a clear idea of the syllabus and exam pattern of the exam you are applying for. You should also be aware of the marking scheme, negative marking, cut-off marks, etc. This will help you plan your study schedule and focus on the important topics.
- Practice previous year papers and mock tests: One of the best ways to prepare for any exam is to practice the previous year papers and mock tests. This will help you familiarize yourself with the difficulty level, question types, and time management of the exam. You should also analyze your performance and identify your strengths and weaknesses.
- Revise the basics and current affairs: You should revise the basic concepts and formulas of the subjects you are studying. You should also keep yourself updated with the current affairs and general knowledge of national and international importance. You can read newspapers, magazines, online portals, etc. to enhance your awareness.
- Improve your speed and accuracy: You should practice solving questions as fast and accurately as possible. You should also avoid guesswork and skip the questions that are too difficult or time-consuming. You should also check your answers carefully and avoid silly mistakes.
- Develop your stenography skill: If you are applying for the SSC Stenographer exam, you should develop your stenography skill by practicing regularly. You should also learn the shorthand symbols, abbreviations, and phrases that are commonly used in stenography. You should also improve your typing speed and accuracy on a computer.
Other Career Opportunities
Apart from the government jobs, there are many other career opportunities that the arts stream students can pursue after their 12th standard. Some of them are:
- Further Studies: The arts stream students can opt for various bachelor’s and diploma courses in various fields such as humanities, social sciences, languages, law, journalism, mass communication, hotel management, tourism, etc. These courses can open up many avenues for higher education and employment in various sectors.
- Career Opportunities in Creative Fields: The arts stream students can also explore their creative potential and pursue careers in fields such as fashion designing, photography, graphic designing, animation, web designing, interior designing, etc. These fields require a lot of imagination, innovation, and artistic skills.
- Career Opportunities in Teaching and Research: The arts stream students can also pursue careers in teaching and research in various fields such as history, geography, political science, sociology, psychology, economics, languages, literature, etc. These fields require a lot of knowledge, analytical skills, and academic excellence. The arts stream students can pursue various degrees such as Bachelor of Education (B.Ed), Master of Philosophy (M.Phil), Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D), etc. to become teachers, professors, researchers, etc.
Salary Packages
The salary packages for the various jobs and careers that the arts stream students can pursue after their 12th standard depend on various factors such as the nature of the job, the qualification of the candidate, the experience of the candidate, the location of the job, the sector of the job, etc. However, some of the approximate salary ranges for some of the popular jobs and careers are as follows:
| Job/Career | Salary Range (per month) |
|---|---|
| Constable (GD) | Rs. 21,700 – Rs. 69,100 |
| Group D Staff | Rs. 18,000 – Rs. 56,900 |
| Stenographer | Rs. 25,500 – Rs. 1,12,400 |
| NDA Officer | Rs. 56,100 – Rs. 2,50,000 |
| Forest Guard | Rs. 5,200 – Rs. 20,200 |
| Navik | Rs. 21,700 – Rs. 47,600 |
| Bachelor’s Degree Holder | Rs. 15,000 – Rs. 50,000 |
| Diploma Holder | Rs. 10,000 – Rs. 30,000 |
| Fashion Designer | Rs. 20,000 – Rs. 1,00,000 |
| Photographer | Rs. 15,000 – Rs. 80,000 |
| Graphic Designer | Rs. 15,000 – Rs. 60,000 |
| Teacher | Rs. 10,000 – Rs. 50,000 |
| Professor | Rs. 25,000 – Rs. 1,00,000 |
| Researcher | Rs. 20,000 – Rs. 80,000 |
Read: Government Jobs with 1 Lakh Salary in India
Growth and Promotion Opportunities
The growth and promotion opportunities for the various jobs and careers that the arts stream students can pursue after their 12th standard also depend on various factors such as the performance of the candidate, the availability of vacancies, the seniority of the candidate, the qualification of the candidate, the experience of the candidate, the skills of the candidate, etc. However, some of the general growth and promotion opportunities for some of the popular jobs and careers are as follows:
- Constable (GD): The Constables (GD) can get promoted to the ranks of Head Constable, Assistant Sub Inspector, Sub Inspector, Inspector, etc. based on their performance, seniority, and departmental exams.
- Group D Staff: The Group D staff can get promoted to the ranks of Group C staff such as Technician, Junior Engineer, Senior Clerk, etc. based on their performance, seniority, and departmental exams.
- Stenographer: The Stenographers can get promoted to the ranks of Senior Stenographer, Personal Assistant, Private Secretary, etc. based on their performance, seniority, and departmental exams.
- NDA Officer: The NDA officers can get promoted to the ranks of Lieutenant, Captain, Major, Lieutenant Colonel, Colonel, Brigadier, Major General, Lieutenant General, General, etc. based on their performance, seniority, and service exams.
- Forest Guard: The Forest Guards can get promoted to the ranks of Forest Ranger, Assistant Conservator of Forests, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Conservator of Forests, etc. based on their performance, seniority, and departmental exams.
- Navik: The Naviks can get promoted to the ranks of Yantrik, Uttam Navik, Pradhan Navik, Adhikari, etc. based on their performance, seniority, and service exams.
- Bachelor’s Degree Holder: The bachelor’s degree holders can pursue higher education such as master’s degree or doctorate degree in their respective fields. They can also apply for various competitive exams such as UPSC Civil Services Exam (CSE), State Public Service Commission (PSC) Exam, Banking and Insurance Exam, Teaching and Research Exam, etc. They can also apply for various jobs in the private and public sectors such as management, administration, journalism, law, etc.
- Diploma Holder: The diploma holders can pursue higher education such as bachelor’s degree or advanced diploma in their respective fields. They can also apply for various jobs in the private and public sectors such as technical, clerical, supervisory, etc.
- Fashion Designer: The fashion designers can work as freelancers or join various fashion houses, brands, magazines, etc. They can also start their own fashion labels or boutiques. They can also participate in various fashion shows, events, contests, etc.
- Photographer: The photographers can work as freelancers or join various media houses, magazines, studios, etc. They can also start their own photography business or studio. They can also participate in various photography exhibitions, competitions, festivals, etc.
- Graphic Designer: The graphic designers can work as freelancers or join various advertising agencies, web designing firms, gaming companies, etc. They can also start their own graphic designing business or studio. They can also participate in various graphic designing contests, workshops, seminars, etc.
- Teacher: The teachers can work in various schools, colleges, universities, coaching centers, etc. They can also pursue higher education such as master’s degree or doctorate degree in their respective fields. They can also participate in various teaching and research projects, workshops, seminars, etc.
- Professor: The professors can work in various colleges, universities, research institutes, etc. They can also pursue higher education such as post-doctoral fellowship or research grant in their respective fields. They can also participate in various teaching and research projects, publications, conferences, etc.
- Researcher: The researchers can work in various research institutes, organizations, foundations, etc. They can also pursue higher education such as post-doctoral fellowship or research grant in their respective fields. They can also participate in various research projects, publications, conferences, etc.
The Bottom Line
In this article, we have discussed the list of government jobs after 12th arts stream with salary. We have also provided a detailed examination guide for some of the popular government exams for the arts stream students. We have also discussed some other career opportunities that the arts stream students can pursue after their 12th standard. We have also discussed the salary packages and growth and promotion opportunities for various jobs and careers.
We hope that this article has cleared some of the misconceptions and doubts that the arts stream students may have regarding their career prospects. We also hope that this article has motivated and encouraged the arts stream students to pursue their dreams and goals with confidence and determination.
FAQs
Here are some of the frequently asked questions about government jobs after 12th arts stream students:
Q: Can I apply for UPSC CSE after 12th arts stream?
A: No, you cannot apply for UPSC CSE after 12th arts stream. You need to have a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or equivalent qualification to be eligible for UPSC CSE.
Q: Can I apply for SSC CGL after 12th arts stream?
A: No, you cannot apply for SSC CGL after 12th arts stream. You need to have a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or equivalent qualification to be eligible for SSC CGL.
Q: Can I apply for IBPS PO after 12th arts stream?
A: No, you cannot apply for IBPS PO after 12th arts stream. You need to have a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or equivalent qualification to be eligible for IBPS PO.
Q: Can I apply for NDA after 12th arts stream without maths?
A: Yes, you can apply for NDA after 12th arts stream without maths. However, you can only opt for the Army wing of NDA. You need to have maths as a subject in your 12th standard to opt for the Navy or Air Force wing of NDA.
Q: Can I apply for RRB NTPC after 12th arts stream?
A: Yes, you can apply for RRB NTPC after 12th arts stream. However, you can only opt for the posts that require 12th standard as the minimum educational qualification such as Junior Clerk cum Typist, Accounts Clerk cum Typist, Junior Time Keeper, Trains Clerk, Commercial cum Ticket Clerk, Traffic Assistant, etc. You need to have a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or equivalent qualification to opt for the posts that require graduation as the minimum educational qualification such as Goods Guard, Senior Commercial cum Ticket Clerk, Senior Clerk cum Typist, Junior Account Assistant cum Typist, Senior Time Keeper, Commercial Apprentice and Station Master.
Testimonials
Here are some of the success stories of individuals who secured government jobs after 12th arts stream:
- Ravi Kumar: Ravi Kumar is a Constable (GD) in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). He completed his 12th standard from the arts stream in 2020. He applied for the SSC GD exam in 2021 and cleared all the stages of the selection process. He is currently posted in Jammu and Kashmir and is happy with his job.
- Priya Sharma: Priya Sharma is a Stenographer Grade D in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). She completed her 12th standard from the arts stream in 2019. She applied for the SSC Stenographer exam in 2020 and cleared both the stages of the selection process. She is currently working in New Delhi and is satisfied with her job.
- Rajesh Singh: Rajesh Singh is a Navik (General Duty) in the Indian Coast Guard. He completed his 12th standard from the arts stream in 2018. He applied for the Indian Coast Guard exam in 2019 and cleared all the stages of the selection process. He is currently serving on board a ship and is proud of his job.