Top 10 Diploma Courses After 10th: A Pathway to Career Success

If you are looking for a fulfilling career but don’t want to take the familiar academic route, opting for diploma courses after 10th can be a great way to kickstart your professional journey.

Most people take the known path of completing 10+2, followed by an undergraduate degree and pursuing master’s and doctoral programs or entering the job market. While this allows them some flexibility to choose managerial positions and specialized roles and gain comprehensive knowledge, diplomas are more focused on providing job-specific vocational training and help you join the workforce early, and make the most out of your skills.

With the right diploma, you can improve your skills, get well-paid entry-level jobs, and skill-up to aim for better opportunities in the future.

Read ahead to learn more about the top diploma courses after 10th.

What Is The Difference Between Degree And Diploma Courses?

A degree course is lengthier in duration as compared to a diploma courses. It is also comprehensive and focuses on providing theoretical knowledge, enhancing analytical skills, and improving practical skills. Most degree courses span 3-5 years and require students to have a minimum qualification of 10+2 from a recognized board.

Degree courses include core subjects, electives, and interdisciplinary subjects that will empower you with a holistic knowledge of the field and prepare you for managerial and specialized jobs and pursuing higher education such as a Master’s degree or a PhD.

Diploma courses, on the other hand, are shorter in duration and focus on providing industry-relevant, practical, and job-specific training. These typically span from 6 months to 2 years, with some exceptional ones offering a 3-4 year diploma program. You need to complete at least 10/10+2 years of schooling to enroll and will be focusing on hands-on work throughout the course.

With emphasis on skill development and vocational training, diploma graduates can apply for entry-level technical positions across industries. Although it has limited scope for pursuing higher education, some courses allow credit transfer or lateral entry to degree courses.

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How To Choose A Diploma Course After 10th?

With an overwhelming amount of information everywhere, it might seem daunting to decide the right path for yourself. We have simplified the process and provided a step-by-step guide that will help you understand your skills and decide which diploma is best after 10th.

Ask yourself these questions and shortlist diploma courses based on the answers.

• What key areas or disciplines are you interested in/passionate about?

Start by assessing your skills. Make a list of all the things you are good at and things you would love to pursue a career in. For instance, if you love photography, you might want to look into diplomas in the field, or if you love to spot new fashion trends and design your own outfits, you can look into fashion design diplomas.

• What are the career prospects you have?

Blogs, job vacancies listed on professional sites like Indeed and LinkedIn, and following relevant subreddits are great for evaluating the kind of jobs you will land after completing your diploma, salary expectations, growth opportunities, and so on.

• Are recognized institutions offering diploma courses matching your skills and interests?

Check for accreditations, faculty expertise, alumni base, curriculum, subjects offered, infrastructure, and placement opportunities to finalize the college best suited to your needs. Don’t forget to check the location, staying arrangements, and fee structures before enrolling in a diploma.

• What is the course duration and fee like?

Course duration depends on the depth of the curriculum, projects including practical experiences, learning goals, and study mode. Make sure you choose a program based on your ideal learning goal.

Fee structures also vary from one institution to another – depending on course duration, infrastructure, opportunities, medium of learning, and so on. While government and government-aided colleges typically have lesser fees, private institutions might charge higher. Ensure the college you are choosing aligns with your budget.

Top 10 Diploma Courses After 10th With High Salary

If you are looking for diploma courses you can enroll in right after completing the 10th, we have got you covered. While some diplomas require you to take an aptitude/entrance test, some allow merit or performance-based selection.

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Here is a list of diplomas that are highly in demand and will help you make a thriving career in the field you are passionate about –

1. Diploma in Fashion Design

Course Fee – ₹20,000 – ₹1,00,000

Typically spanning 1-2 years, fashion design diplomas focus on the fundamentals of fashion and developing the essential skills required to excel in the field.

Throughout the course, you will explore different aspects of fashion, learn about its evolution, and explore different textiles. With access to industry-standard tools and resources, you will look at the works of the renowned designers of the country and be ready to delve deeper into the discipline.

From theoretical knowledge of fashion basics, elements and principles of design, and how the Indian fashion industry works, to emphasizing hands-on skills like pattern making, sewing, illustration, and digital proficiency – a diploma is perfect if you want to hone your skills.

2. Diploma in Graphic Design

Course Fee – ₹30,000 – ₹1,00,000

Graphic design is one of the most sought-after skills in today’s digitally advanced world. Over 70% of businesses have increased their digital marketing budgets, which means more graphic designers are needed to join the fresh projects.

If you are tech-savvy and love to make cool digital art, a graphic design diploma could be your first step toward a successful career.

Most graphic design diplomas span 1 year and focus on building a foundation in visual design and helping you master the relevant software –  Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, and more.

The curriculum will acquaint you with color theory, typography, and other elements and principles of design while also helping you explore compositions and designing logos, brochures, print ads, posters, and packaging.

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3. Diploma in Interior Design

Course Fee – ₹80,000 – ₹1,60,000

If you notice every little detail of the interior when you walk into a hotel or a cafe, interior design could be your call.

Spanning from 6 months to 2 years, interior design diplomas teach the basics of design, spatial awareness, marketing, and communication skills, and help familiarize with the relevant software. You will learn how to transform a space to make it functional, comfortable, and visually appealing through a client-centric approach incorporating color theory, color psychology, trends, and design principles.

4. Diploma in Post-Production

Course Fee – ₹50,000 – ₹3,00,000

By enrolling in a diploma in post-production, you can learn editing, sound recording and design, and the basics of VFX. With most programs having a total academic duration of 1 year, it is perfect for anyone who wants to master the key skills and kickstart their career.

From video editing techniques for film, TV, and animation to creating foley effects, sound mixing, color correction, and making animated titles – the course will equip you with skills integral to landing a job in the industry.

5. Diploma in Cinematography

Course Fee – ₹35,000 – ₹1,25,000

Diplomas in cinematography can span 1-4 years, depending on the complexity of the course, areas covered by the curriculum, and projects/internship opportunities included.

The programs will help you develop an understanding of different cameras, lenses, and other cinematography gears and allow you to learn the fundamentals of the field. You will explore different camera angles and techniques, camera operation, and lighting, and experiment with framing and composition.

The goal of the diploma is to provide you with all the necessary tools and resources needed to master visual storytelling and create compelling narratives that evoke the intended emotions and guide the audience’s mood. By the end of the course, you will be proficient in handling the camera and well-versed in the basics of post-production software.

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6. Diploma in Photography

Course Fee – ₹50,000 – ₹2,00,000

Ranging from six months to 1 year, photography diplomas are perfect for mastering technical skills and exploring the craft to find your unique voice.

You will learn how to use different cameras and lenses and experiment with genres and styles of photography. From lighting techniques, camera handling, and studying color theory and framing to post-production and editing – the curricula will take you through the ABCs of the field.

A deep understanding of composition and visual storytelling will allow you to build a strong portfolio and start your photography journey.

7. Diploma in Web Development

Course Fee – ₹8,000 – ₹1,50,000

Web development diplomas typically range from six months to 1 year and focus on HTML for structuring the webpage, CSS for styling, and relevant programming languages like JavaScript, Python, and R.

You will also learn how to adapt websites to different screen sizes and devices, understand the basics of web and graphic design, and get acquainted with database management systems.

8. Diploma in Animation

Course Fee – ₹50,000 – ₹2,00,000

Diplomas in animation typically last one year. The curricula aim to impart a basic knowledge of animation theories and emphasize technical aspects. You will learn key drawing skills, including quick sketching, perspective drawing, human anatomy, and figure drawing.

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Over this one year, you will explore different styles of animation and master character and background design, storyboarding, concept development, and perfect your editing and post-production skills using the latest software.

9. Diploma in Hotel Management

Course Fee – ₹30,000 – ₹2,00,000

Most hotel management diplomas span 1-2 years. They are designed to equip students with the foundational knowledge and key skills required to pursue a career in the field. You will come across food and beverage services, front office management, housekeeping management, accounting and financial management, and human resource management.

The curriculum also stresses the importance of knowing the tidbits of tourism, understanding business communications, developing soft skills, and valuing cultural sensitivity.

10. Diploma in Journalism

Course Fee – ₹8,000 – ₹2,00,000

As misinformation, AI-generated deepfakes, and fake news become rampant, journalists are needed more than ever. They are professionals working in news and media who uphold the fourth pillar of democracy and keep citizens informed and aware.

Spanning 1-2 years, diplomas in journalism will teach you news writing, conducting interviews, reporting, writing features and editorials, fact-checking, and copy editing. You will get acquainted with different media, understand journalistic ethics and empathetic listening, and perfect your communication skills.

Conclusion

If you want to develop a particular skill, get vocational training, start your professional journey sooner than most people, or get a lateral entry into degree courses, industry-oriented diploma courses after 10th are your way forward. They allow you to improve your skills, gain practical, hands-on experience, and skill up continuously to aim for better opportunities and higher-paying jobs in the industry.

After completing your diploma, you can work in the fashion, entertainment, real estate, tourism, and hotel industries and carve your path to success.

Check out the diploma programs offered by AAFT, Noida, and get a headstart in your career.