Most NEET aspirants are interested in making a career in the field of Medical Science and Healthcare and thus plan to pursue MBBS. However, NEET is one of the toughest medical entrance examinations and not everyone makes up to MBBS courses through NEET. After Class 10th, you might have opted Biology because the subject interests you. However, you may not see yourself making a career in the medical profession.
Once you are in the Biology Stream, all you may hear is about the medical profession, NEET exam or how glorious is the dream of becoming a doctor. There is no doubt that the medical profession is the most respectable in the country and is a prosperous career option. However, anyone must be aware of how demanding a medical study is in terms of time, hard work and commitment. Cracking NEET with top scores is not easy and only those who are truly passionate about the field should invest so much time and effort. If NEET or any other medical entrance examination is not your plan, there is no point in thronging at medical coaching centres and being a part of the already intense competition that the medical field witnesses.
Most PCB students go for either MBBS or other medical degrees such as BDS, Paramedics, etc. However, this does not mean that there are no other options for PCB (Physics, Chemistry and Biology) students after 12th. One needs to think beyond MBBS as there are many other career options that one can choose from.
Following are some career alternatives for PCB students after Class 12:
Microbiology
Microbiology is the study of microscopic organisms such as bacteria, fungi, viruses etc. Microbiology will enable students to learn about the interactions of such microorganisms with humans, animals, plants and other organisms in the environment. The study of Microbiology involves research and investigation on how different microorganisms affect human lives. It is an advanced field of Biology that PCB students can make a promising career in. The various subfields of Microbiology are virology, bacteriology, parasitology, mycology etc. With a Microbiology degree, one can become a clinical researcher, research scientist, lab technician, etc. Some colleges that provide this degree are Delhi University (Various Colleges), The Oxford College of Science, Madras Christian College, Fergusson College, Panjab University, etc.
Botany
Botany is a branch of biology that deals with the study of plants and their structure, processes, growths, life-cycle etc. Botany is a great field for those who have a great affinity towards plants. Botany students get an opportunity to research, observe and discover new species, study the interactions of plants with different organisms in their environment, learn the genetic formation of plants, etc.
A degree in Botany allows you to work in environmental consultancies, landscape industries, natural resource centres, etc. One can also work as a researcher or a teacher/professor, taxonomist, horticulturist, nursery manager and environmental consultant. Some top institutions that offer this degree program are Delhi University, St. Xavier’s College, Loyola College, St. Teresa’s College, Stella Maris College, Mount Carmel College, Christ University, Presidency College, St. Joseph’s College, etc.
Zoology
Zoology involves the study of the animal kingdom. The courses in Zoology include the study of animals and their structure, life processes, genetics, physiology, classification, etc. One will also learn about the interactions of various species in detail by observing animals in their natural habitats as well as laboratories by pursuing the study of Zoology. The opportunities with the Zoology degree includes research, animal breeding, wildlife rehabilitation, wildlife biology, teaching, etc. Zoology courses are offered by colleges like Xavier’s College, Presidency College, Oxford College of Science, Delhi University, Loyola College, Christ University, Madras Christian College, etc.
Biochemistry
Biochemistry is a branch of science that involves the study of various chemical processes related to organisms. It is a laboratory-based science that is an amalgamation of Biology and Chemistry. Chemistry enthusiasts can pursue this profession to solve biological problems through concepts of chemistry. Biochemistry aspirants can become a biomedical scientist, forensic scientist, clinical laboratory technologist, toxicologist, research scientist, healthcare scientist, patient care coordinator, lab technician, medical coder, teacher, etc. Some top colleges include Delhi University, St. Xavier’s College, Presidency University, Banaras Hindu University, Aligarh Muslim University, Christian Medical College, etc.
Environmental Science
In the current scenario where environmental issues are on a rise, Environmental Science is an essential field. Environmental Science will enable students to learn about the physical, chemical and biological components of the environment and their interactions. With this degree, one can investigate and deal with environmental issues such as global warming, waste production, water pollution, etc. as an environmental scientist. However, environmental science as a specialisation in India is offered mostly at the postgraduate level.
Genetics
Genetics is the field of Biological Sciences that involves the study of genes and their functions, genetic variations and heredity of living organisms. One can study how genes are transmitted as well as various genetic diseases, anomalies, traits, mutations, etc in this course. The employment opportunities related to genetics include becoming an immunologist, cytogeneticist, forensic DNA analyst, medical technologist, geneticist, pharmacologist, clinical research associate, research scientist, etc. This is an advanced field of Biology studies and not many universities in India presently offer this stream.
Well, there are endless career possibilities for PCB students and medical study is not the only option available!
