
Are you looking for how to become software engineer after 12th? Yes! Then you are not alone.software is one of the best highest paying job in india. Many students want to enter the software industry after school. But they do not know where to start. Do not worry! This guide will explain step by step how you should proceed.
Why Study Software Engineering?
Software developers are in great demand all across the world. They create apps, websites, and software that we use every day. The career has stable jobs, career progression, and financial rewards. If you like coding and problem-solving, then this career is for you.
But then arises the question – how to be a software engineer after 12th? Let’s get into the details.
Step 1: Choose the right stream at class 12
You start your education to become a software engineer in school. You need to study the Science stream with Mathematics in 11th and 12th.
Why? Because PCM is mostly required as a subject in all major engineering admission exams.
But suppose you did not choose PCM? No problem. Students of Commerce or Arts stream can become software engineers through different routes as well. (This we observe later.)
Step 2: Complete Your 12th Class
Maximum priority should be given to getting good marks in 12th. At least 50-60% marks in PCM are needed in most of the best colleges. Logic and Maths will assist in coding in the future.
This is the first milestone in responding to how to become software engineer after 12th.
Step 3: Take Entrance Exams
To get admission to India’s top engineering colleges, you must clear entrance exams.
Some popular exams are:
- JEE Main and JEE Advanced – For IITs and NITs
- BITSAT – For BITS Pilani and other campuses
- VITEEE – For VIT University
- State-level exams – Like MHT-CET, WBJEE, etc.
These tests check your PCM concepts. Prepare from the beginning of 11th or 12th for securing a good rank.
Step 4: Choose the Right Degree
After clearing an entrance exam, you should join a college that offers software-related courses. The best-suited degrees for software engineering are:
B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering (CSE)
B.Tech in Information Technology (IT)
Other B.Sc. in Computer Science
The most desirable choice is a B.Tech CSE. It gives you a great technical background and leads to top IT companies. Such a program usually takes 4 years to complete.
Step 5: Learn Programming Languages

In university, begin learning coding languages. Some popular ones include:
- Python
- Java
- C++
- JavaScript
You are also able to learn web development, app development, or data structures. These are all relevant skills for a software engineering job.
Remember, becoming a software engineer after class 12 is not a matter of degrees alone. Practical skills also matter.
Step 6: Create Projects and Internships
Don’t wait till your degree. Start developing small projects like:
A calculator app
A personal website
A simple game
College internships also matter. They give you hands-on learning and boost your resume.
Step 7: Get Certified (Optional but Helpful)
You can also become certified to improve your skills. They are:
Google IT Automation Certificate
Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate
AWS Certified Developer
These certifications help you distinguish yourself to employers.
Step 8: Apply for Jobs
In your final year, look for jobs through:
- Campus placements
- Employment websites like Naukri, LinkedIn, etc.
- Professional networking and seniors
India’s leading software firms like TCS, Infosys, Wipro, and Tech Mahindra hire freshers.
What If You Are From Commerce or Arts?

You haven’t studied PCM in 12th? No worries, you can still become a software engineer. Here’s how:
- Pursue a BCA (Bachelor of Computer Applications) after 12th
- After BCA, opt for an MCA (Master of Computer Applications)
- Study software programming and coding alongside your studies
- Most successful software programmers started this way.
Skills Needed to Become a Software Engineer
To become a successful software engineer, you must possess the following skills:
- Problem-solving ability
- Critical thinking
- Effective communication
- Collaboration
- Continued learning
- Remuneration of Indian Software Professionals
A new software engineer is offered around ₹3-6 LPA in India. With experience, your salary goes up to ₹10-20 LPA and more. There are others like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft with even more packages. Other Options to be a Software Engineer If you do not want to earn a degree, you can enter into this career by Learning on websites like Coursera, Udemy, or freeCodeCamp
Building a strong portfolio of work. Self-taught programmer career applications at entry level. Numerous startups employ self-taught coders for their skills, rather than their degrees.
Final Thoughts
Now you know how to become a software engineer after 12th. Whether you take the degree path or the self-study path, both of them require effort and commitment. Start early, learn to code, and just keep practicing. Software engineering is a good profession if you are persistent.
