How to Choose the Right Subjects for Your Career | Expert Tips by Kapeel Gupta

If you’re in Class 10, you’ve probably heard the big question a hundred times: ‘Science, Commerce, or Humanities—what are you choosing?’ And let's be honest, it’s overwhelming! One wrong move, and you feel like your entire future is at stake. But don’t worry, by the end of this episode, you’ll have clarity, confidence, and a solid plan!

So, grab a chai ☕, sit back, and let’s figure out how to make the right choice—without the stress!"

Hello all, I am Kapeel Gupta, founder of study abroad academy. I am on a mission to coach and mentor 100,000 high school students and help them realize their dream of studying in the best universities of the world and build happy and successful careers for themselves.

🔍 1. Why Career Planning at an Early Stage is Important?

"Imagine you're about to go on a road trip. Would you just hop into a car and start driving without knowing your destination? Nope, right? You’d check Google Maps, plan your route, and maybe even pack some snacks!

Choosing your subjects is the same—you need a clear direction. Your choice after Class 10 will shape your career path, so it’s important to plan ahead!

🔹 Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam once said, ‘You have to dream before your dreams can come true.’ And the first step to making those dreams a reality? Picking the right subjects!"

🎯 2. Understanding Your Interests and Strengths

"Okay, let’s play a quick game! Think about your favorite subject in school. Now, think about a subject you can’t stand. Easy, right? That’s because we all have natural preferences.

👉 If you love solving puzzles, logic games, or math problems, you might enjoy Science or Commerce.

👉 If you’re a people-person and love debating, maybe Humanities is your thing.

Your career should align with what excites you! Because let’s be real, nobody wants to spend their life doing something they hate.

📌 Pro tip: Try this simple test—ask yourself, ‘Would I do this for free?’ If the answer is ‘Yes!’, you’re on the right track!"

⚖️ 3. Exploring Career Options in Each Stream

🧪 Science (PCM: Physics, Chemistry, Maths)

Career Options: Engineering, Architecture, Data Science, IT, Robotics, etc.

Skills Needed: Analytical thinking, problem-solving, love for numbers and experiments.

✅Pros: High-paying jobs, diverse career paths.

❌Cons: Competitive exams like JEE can be tough!

"If you dream of building rockets like Elon Musk 🚀 or designing the next viral AI tool, PCM is your playground! But be ready to put in the effort—there’s no shortcut in STEM!"

🧬 Science (PCB: Physics, Chemistry, Biology)

Career Options: Doctor, Biotechnology, Pharmacy, Nutritionist, etc.

Skills Needed: Patience, precision, love for science.

✅Pros: Respected professions, opportunities in research & medicine.

❌Cons: Requires years of study (MBBS can take 7+ years!)

"If you’ve ever watched ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and thought, ‘I could do that!’, then PCB might be for you. But remember, being a doctor is not just about the white coat—it’s a lifelong commitment!"

📈 Commerce

Career Options: CA, Investment Banking, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, etc.

Skills Needed: Business sense, number-crunching, decision-making.

✅Pros: Great for starting your own business.

❌Cons: Not much scope if you don’t specialize further.

"Do you love talking about money? Do you find stock markets exciting? Then, my friend, welcome to Commerce—the world of business, finance, and making it big! 💰"

📰 Humanities (Arts)

Career Options: Journalism, Psychology, Law, Political Science, Designing, etc.

Skills Needed: Creativity, communication, critical thinking.

✅Pros: More freedom to explore different careers.

❌Cons: People might underestimate its potential (but that’s changing fast!).

"People often say, ‘Humanities has no scope.’ But tell that to famous lawyers, psychologists, and writers! If you love storytelling, history, or social issues, Humanities can open doors to some amazing careers!"

👨‍🏫 4. Importance of Career Counseling & Guidance

"Alright, let’s get real. Most students choose their subjects based on one of these three reasons:

1. Mere saare dost Science le rahe hain, toh main bhi!’ (All my friends are taking Science, so I should too!)

2. ‘Mummy-Papa keh rahe hain beta, tu doctor ya engineer ban ja!’ (Parents say, ‘Beta, be a doctor or engineer!’)

3. ‘Humanities lene se kya career banega? Arts wale sirf struggle hi karte hain!’ (If I take Humanities, will I even have a future?)

But guess what? Making decisions based on peer pressure or parental expectations is like letting someone else drive your car while you sit in the backseat—without knowing where you’re headed! 🚗💨

Career counseling is that GPS system that helps you navigate this crazy, confusing highway called ‘Life After Class 10’. So, let’s break it down and see why it’s so important!"

👩‍🏫 What Exactly is Career Counseling?

"Career counseling is NOT just a fancy term for a boring lecture from a school teacher. It’s a personalized guidance system that helps you:

✅Understand your strengths, weaknesses, and interests.
✅ Explore different career options beyond the typical ‘Doctor-Engineer’ route.
✅ Identify subjects that align with your personality and goals.
✅ Avoid career mistakes that people regret later in life!

A good career counselor won’t just throw random advice at you—they’ll ask the right questions, give real insights, and help you make a choice you won’t regret!"

🎭 Why Do You Need Career Counseling?

"Okay, let’s imagine three scenarios:

Scenario 1: The ‘Guesswork Gambler’

You randomly pick a subject in Class 11, thinking, ‘Let’s see what happens.’ Two years later, you’re stuck with a stream you don’t enjoy.

Scenario 2: The ‘Parental Puppeteer’

Your parents decide for you. ‘Science le lo, beta. Doctor ya engineer banna hai!’ (Take Science, beta. Be a doctor or engineer!) But halfway through, you realize you hate Physics and Math!

Scenario 3: The ‘Smart Strategist’

You consult a career counselor, take an aptitude test, research different fields, and make an informed decision. No regrets, no surprises—just a solid plan.

Which one do you want to be? Be honest! 😜

If you picked ‘Smart Strategist’, you already know why career counseling is a game-changer!"

🚀 Where Can You Get Career Guidance?

"Now, you might be wondering—‘Bhai, career counseling lene kahan jaayein?’ (Where do we even get career counseling from?)

Here’s the good news: You don’t need to go anywhere far! Here are some super easy ways to get career guidance:

🔹 School Counselors & Teachers: Most schools have career counselors who can help you explore options. If your school doesn’t, ask your teachers for guidance. Trust me, they know you better than you think!

🔹 Online Career Tests & Platforms: Websites like Studyabroadacademy.in, Careerfutura or even LinkedIn Learning have awesome career assessment tests that can help you understand your strengths and weaknesses.

🔹 Talking to Seniors & Professionals: Have an older cousin who’s already in college? A neighbor working in your dream career? Talk to them! Ask about their experiences—the good, the bad, and the unexpected.

🔹 Career Fairs & Webinars: Attend career expos, student counseling events, and online webinars. These give you insights directly from industry experts.

🔹 Professional Career Counselors: If you’re really confused, book a session with a certified career counselor. It’s an investment that can save you years of regret! Feel free to connect with me for a free session. The link is in the description.

💡 How to Make the Most of Career Counseling?

"Alright, so you’ve decided to take career counseling. Great move! But don’t just sit there nodding while the counselor talks. Here’s how to make the most of it:

✔ Be Honest! Don’t say, ‘I love Science’ just because it sounds good. If you secretly love designing or writing, speak up! Your counselor is there to help YOU, not judge you.

✔ Ask Questions! Treat it like an AMA (Ask Me Anything!). Ask about different career paths, job opportunities, and even salaries. Don’t be shy!

✔ Take Aptitude & Interest Tests! These are like personality tests but for your career. They’ll help you understand what subjects fit you best.

✔ Discuss Multiple Options! Life isn’t just about one career. What if you’re great at both Science and Business? Your counselor can help you mix and match your interests!"

⚠️ Common Myths About Career Counseling

"Let’s bust some myths, shall we?

🚫 Myth 1: Career Counseling is Only for Weak Students.

💡 Reality: Nope! Even toppers take career counseling to explore the best options for them.

🚫 Myth 2: Career Counselors Will Decide My Future for Me.

💡 Reality: Career counseling is not about someone deciding for you—it’s about helping you make an informed decision.

🚫 Myth 3: Only Science & Commerce Students Need Counseling.

💡 Reality: Humanities students need guidance too! There are amazing career options in Psychology, Law, Design, and Journalism that most people don’t even know about!"

🎙️ Final Thoughts: Your Career, Your Choice!

"At the end of the day, career counseling is like having Google Maps for your future. 🚀 You might still change directions, take detours, or discover new paths—but at least you’ll never be lost!

So, don’t leave your future to chance. Get the right guidance, explore your interests, and make a choice that YOU are proud of. Because as Steve Jobs once said, ‘The only way to do great work is to love what you do.’

And trust me, ‘What you do’ starts with the right subjects. Choose wisely!"

📚 5. Researching and Gathering Information

"Alright, picture this. You’re planning a trip to an exotic destination—let’s say, the Maldives. 🌊 Do you just wake up one day, pack your bags, and hop on a plane? Nope! You probably research the best hotels, budget-friendly flights, must-visit beaches, and even check YouTube vlogs for real experiences.

Now, choosing your career is way bigger than a vacation—so why wouldn’t you do the same level of research before selecting your subjects?

When it comes to career planning, knowledge is power.The more information you gather, the better decisions you’ll make. And guess what? You don’t need a Ph.D. in ‘Google Searching’ to do this. Let’s break it down into easy steps!"

🕵️‍♂️ Step 1: Use the Internet—But Smartly!

"The internet is your best friend if you know how to use it wisely. No, I don’t mean just watching Instagram reels or random YouTube videos. I mean deep-diving into trusted websites, career platforms, and expert blogs. Here’s where you should start:

✅ Official Educational Websites – Sites like NCERT, CBSE, and university portals can give you insights into courses, entrance exams, and eligibility.

✅ Career Platforms – Websites like LinkedIn, Coursera, and EdX not only provide insights into different career paths but also offer free courses to explore your interests.

✅ YouTube Career Vlogs – Watching people who are actually living your dream career can give you a reality check. Just be sure to follow credible professionals, not just ‘motivational’ fluff.

✅ Reddit & Quora – These platforms have real people sharing real experiences. Look for threads like ‘Is Computer Science a good career in 2025?’ or ‘What is it like to be a psychologist in India?’ for brutally honest answers!"

📞 Step 2: Talk to People Who Have Been There, Done That!

"Let’s be honest. Your parents, teachers, or relatives might think they know about careers, but their info could be outdated. (Sorry, Dad, but Engineering is not the only career option in 2025! 😜)

So, talk to people who are already in the field you’re interested in! Here’s how:

👨‍💻 Connect with Professionals – Have a cousin in the IT industry? An uncle in finance? A neighbor in journalism? Take them out for chai ☕ and ask them about their work, challenges, and what they wish they had known in school.

🎤 Attend Career Seminars & Webinars – Many universities, coaching institutes, and career platforms conduct free webinars on career options.

🎓 Reach Out to College Students – Who better to tell you about a career than someone who is actually studying it? Join college forums, Telegram groups, or LinkedIn communities to ask questions.

💼 Internships & Shadowing – Some companies offer ‘job shadowing’ programs where you can observe professionals at work for a day or two. Even a short internship can give you real exposure to a career before committing to it!"

📚 Step 3: Books, Podcasts & Career Magazines—Your Secret Weapons!

"If you’re serious about researching your career, don’t just rely on school textbooks. The world is full of amazing books, podcasts, and magazines designed to help students like you!

📖 Books to Read – If you love Science, check out ‘Surely You’re Joking, Mr. Feynman!’ by Richard Feynman. For business lovers, ‘Rich Dad Poor Dad’ is a must-read.

🎙️ Podcasts to Listen to – Try ‘The Career Mentor Podcast’ or ‘Kapeel Gupta Career PodShow’ for expert career insights.

📰 Career Magazines & Blogs – Follow websites like ‘Career360’ and ‘Shiksha’ to stay updated on career trends and entrance exams."

📋 Step 4: Compare & Evaluate Before Deciding!

"Okay, so now you’ve done your research—but how do you make sense of all this information? Simple! Create a Career Research Sheet.

Take a piece of paper (or an Excel sheet if you’re tech-savvy) and write down:

📝 Career Name – Engineering, Medicine, Psychology, etc.
🎯 Required Subjects – PCM, PCB, Commerce, Humanities.
💰 Job Demand & Salary in India – Research market demand and earning potential.
🎓 Required Degrees & Entrance Exams – JEE, NEET, CLAT, etc.
👍 Pros & Cons – Is it future-proof? Do you have the right skills?

This way, when the time comes to decide, you’re not just following bhaiyya, papa, or Sharma Ji’s beta—you’re making a well-informed choice based on facts!"

💡 Final Thought: Be Curious, Stay Informed!

"Choosing your subjects and career is not a ‘one-time decision’—it’s a journey of exploration. The more research you do today, the fewer regrets you’ll have tomorrow. 🚀

Remember, information is like a flashlight in a dark tunnel. The better your research, the clearer your path becomes! So, get curious, stay informed, and make the choice that’s right for YOU.

And hey, if you’re still confused, don’t worry—I’ve got your back! Drop your career questions in the comments, or DM me and let’s figure this out together! 💪🎤"

🎯 6. Setting Goals and Planning Ahead

"Alright, imagine this—you’re on a road trip with your friends. 🚗💨 You’ve packed your bags, got your snacks, and turned up the music. But wait! You have no idea where you’re going, no GPS, no destination in mind. You’ll probably end up lost, wasting time and fuel, right?

Well, choosing a career without setting goals is exactly like that aimless road trip—exciting at first, but confusing and frustrating later. That’s why setting goals and planning ahead is crucialif you want to build a successful future. But don’t worry, we’re not talking about some boring, robotic goal-setting process. We’re going to make this fun, realistic, and Gen Z-friendly! 🚀"

📌 Step 1: Break It Down—Short-Term vs. Long-Term Goals

🎙️ Host:
"Setting goals doesn’t mean saying, ‘I want to be a doctor’ and stopping there. Nope! You need to break it down into short-term and long-termgoals.

👉 Short-Term Goals (Next 1-3 Years): These are small, achievable steps that help you move forward. For example:

✔️Score well in Class 10 board exams.

✔️Research and finalize your subject stream (Science, Commerce, Humanities).

✔️Start exploring career options through online courses, workshops, and mentorship.

👉 Long-Term Goals (Next 5-10 Years): These define the bigger picture. For example:
✔️ Get admission into a top university for Engineering/Medicine/Law, etc.
✔️ Gain relevant skills like coding, public speaking, or financial literacy.
✔️ Intern at reputed companies to get real-world experience.

Basically, think of short-term goals as stepping stonesto your ultimate career destination!"

📝 Step 2: SMART Goals—Because ‘I Just Want to Be Successful’ is NOT a Plan!

"Ever heard of SMART goals? No, it’s not just some fancy corporate buzzword. It’s a practical way to ensure your goals actually lead somewhere. Here’s how you do it:

✔️ S - Specific: Instead of saying ‘I want to be rich’, say ‘I want to become a Chartered Accountant and work at a Big 4 company in 5 years’.

✔️ M - Measurable: Track your progress. If you want to crack NEET, set a goal to complete 100 mock tests before the exam.

✔️ A - Achievable: Dream big, but be realistic. If you hate Science, becoming a doctor might not be the best idea.

✔️ R - Relevant: Choose goals aligned with your interests, not what your parents, friends, or Sharma Ji ka beta are doing.

✔️ T - Time-bound: Set deadlines. Saying ‘I will start preparing for JEE someday’ means nothing. Instead, say ‘I will complete my JEE syllabus by October 2025’.

So, before you sleep tonight, write down 3 SMART goals for your career. Trust me, this small habit can change your life!"

📅 Step 3: Plan Your Action Steps—Turn Your Goals into Reality!

"Setting goals is great, but without a plan, they’re just wishes. 🪄 Let’s say you decide to become a lawyer. What’s next? Sitting around and hoping for a law degree to magically appear? Nope! You need an action plan.

📌 Example Action Plan for a Future Lawyer:

1️⃣ Research the best law colleges in India & abroad.
2️⃣ Join online courses to improve critical thinking & communication.
3️⃣ Prepare for CLAT (Common Law Admission Test) with a structured study plan.
4️⃣ Intern with a legal firm to gain practical experience.

Basically, break your big goal into small, manageable tasks and stick to the plan!"

⚖️ Step 4: Be Flexible—Because Life is Unpredictable!

"Let’s be real. Life is not a straight highway—it’s a road full of speed breakers, detours, and sometimes, traffic jams. 🚦

Maybe you start preparing for Engineering but realize you actually enjoy Business. Maybe you dream of being a pilot, but a medical condition changes your path. It’s okay to pivot! Many successful people changed careers midway:

🔹 Elon Musk studied Physics but became a tech entrepreneur.
🔹 Oprah Winfrey started as a news anchor but became a media mogul.
🔹 Amitabh Bachchan wanted to be in the Indian Air Force but became Bollywood’s ‘Shahenshah’ instead!

So, while planning ahead is important, stay open to new opportunities and be willing to adapt!"

💪 Step 5: Stay Motivated and Track Your Progress!

"Setting goals is one thing, but staying motivated is a whole different challenge. We all start with excitement, but then… procrastination hits! (Yes, I see you scrolling Instagram instead of studying! 😜)

To stay on track:

✔️ Use a Vision Board – Put up pictures of your dream college, career, and role models to stay inspired.

✔️ Keep a Career Journal – Write down achievements, setbacks, and learnings.

✔️ Find an Accountability Partner – A friend, mentor, or even an app like Notion or Google Keep can help you stay committed.

✔️ Reward Yourself – Set milestones and celebrate your wins, big or small!"

🚀 Final Thought: You Hold the Pen to Your Future!

"Here’s the deal. No one else—not your parents, not your teachers, not even your favorite influencer—can plan your career for you. YOU are the author of your own success story! 📝

Setting goals and planning ahead isn’t just about academics—it’s about building the life YOU want. So take charge, start today, and create a future that excites you!

And hey, if you need help setting career goals, DM me. I’d love to guide you on this journey. Link is in the description. So go ahead and avail the opporutunity.

🤔 7. Making the Final Decision

"Alright, let’s sum it up:

🔹 Choose based on YOUR interests, not peer pressure.

🔹 Research before deciding.

🔹 Talk to mentors, but trust your gut!

Remember, no choice is ‘wrong’—what matters is making an informed one!"

🌟 8. Real-Life Success Stories

"Still worried? Let’s talk about people who didn’t follow the ‘traditional’ path:

🔥 Ritesh Agarwal (Founder of OYO) – Dropped out of college but became a billionaire!

🔥 Dr. B.R. Ambedkar – Fought against all odds to become India’s greatest economist.

🔥 A.P.J. Abdul Kalam – Started as a newspaper boy and became the ‘Missile Man of India’!"

The takeaway? Success isn’t about which stream you choose, but what you do with it!"

I hope you find this blog useful. I would request all of you to please write comment and give feedback. This also helps in our learnings and we get to prepare content that is most required by our readers.

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