How to Become a Software Engineer After 12th - A Complete Guide

In today’s fast-paced world, each and everything is becoming digital, from mobile apps to big data, from websites to smart gadgets, all are running on software. And behind every software, there is the mind of a software engineer.  This area in the world is expanding rapidly, as all businesses transition towards digital solutions, big or small. Software engineering has an important part to play in all areas-whether it's online shopping, banking, healthcare, or even research in the space. 

The high demand in software engineering led many students to opt for a software engineering career, and the best part is that it doesn't matter if one is from a non-medical background or from a different stream in their 12th grade. There are a number of ways one can get into software engineering. You can opt for B.E. in Computer Science & Engineering; B.E. in Information Technology Engineering; Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA); or even a B.Sc (Computer Science). All these courses encompass critical subjects like programming, web designing, app development, and database management-the core areas that every aspiring software engineer must begin to learn with.

What Is Software Engineering and Why Does It Matter?

Software engineering is all about applying engineering principles to develop software, building, designing, testing, and maintaining software tabulates all principles of software engineering. Not only developing a code, however, constructing solutions to facilitate people and firms with such code are the very essence of software engineering.

The world runs on software now — everything from social media to digital payment to booking platforms and customer-care services depends on software. A banking app, for example, enables one to transfer money within a few seconds; an e-learning site allows students to study from home; and spacecraft are software-fitted, so they know where to go and how to get there. All of these things are simply impossible without software engineers.

Who Is a Software Engineer? Key Roles and Responsibilities

Software engineers design, develop, test, and maintain software-based systems and applications. They use programming languages and engineering principles to produce reliable and efficient software solutions, which are applied on everything from small-scale end-user solutions, like mobile applications and websites, to large scale business systems and their internal operating systems. Examples of typical roles include: Software Developer, System Architect, Tester, DevOps Engineer

Key responsibilities include:

• Writing and reviewing code
• Debugging and fixing errors
• Testing software before release
• Deploying apps to servers or cloud
• Maintaining and updating software

Skills and Qualifications Needed to Become a Software Engineer

To become a software engineer, you need both technical and soft skills.

Technical Skills:

• Programming languages like C++, Java, Python
• Algorithms and data structures
• Database Management Systems (DBMS)
• Version control tools like Git
• Operating systems
• Web development
• Cloud computing

Soft Skills:

• Problem-solving
• Logical thinking
• Teamwork
• Communication
• Adaptability

How & Why To Start Your Journey in Software Engineering with Chandigarh University

Whether you studied Non-Medical (PCM) or not, you can still build a successful career in software engineering, all you need to do is to make a wise choice about the university that provides quality education, connects well with the industry, and has great placement support and Chandigarh University is the great option for software engineering. You may choose from among several undergraduate programs offered at CU, such as:

• B.E. in Computer Science Engineering (CSE)
• BCA (Bachelor of Computer Applications)
• B.E. in Information Technology
• B.Sc. in Computer Science

These programs equip you with coding, problem-solving, and analytical skills irrespective of whether you come from a science, commerce, or arts background. So whatever your background is, CU offers the right platform for you to start your journey into the world of software development. 

Why Chandigarh University? 

With amazing rankings, awards and accreditations, Chandigarh University continues to establish itself as a leader in education, innovation and placements.

Chandigarh University won the overall trophy during the AIU Inter-University North Zone Youth Festival. The university also achieved the MAKA trophy awarded by President Droupadi Murmu and has been also ranked No. 1 private university in India in - QS Asia University Rankings 2025 and got the 20th spot in NIRF 2024. 

Securing high rank among the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, the Engineering department at the university has been ranked #231 in Engineering & Technology, #2 among private institutions and #11 in India. 

The university was also ranked 12th among North India's Best Private Engineering Colleges by India Today in 2022 and it is also a national record holder for having the maximum number of company visits for campus placement in a single academic year, as per Limca Book of Records. 

The engineering programs at the university are also accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) and the National Board of Accreditation (NBA). 

Chandigarh University also has several industry collaboration within its engineering programs, offering specialized courses and resources in partnership with leading companies like Microsoft, IMB, Red Hat, Microsoft Azure, EMC² Academic Alliance, Virtusa, CISCO Networking Lab, etc. 

A Guide to Right Course for Software Engineering

For Students with Medical & Non-Medical Background (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics), you can choose

B.E. in Computer Science Engineering (CSE)

A B.E. in Computer Science Engineering (CSE) from Chandigarh University offers the best route to becoming a software engineer. The program trains students in the design, development, and management of both software and hardware systems; this gives students a solid foundation in computing and problem-solving. 

This course is ranked among the top CSE programs in North India, whose syllabus offers a blend of advanced theory and practice, including industry-aligned labs and exposure to next-gen technologies like IoT, mobile computing, and open-source standards. 

Students participate in real-time skills training through lab setups of the Data Science and Cognitive Computing Lab, KPIT Lab, IBM Software Lab, CISCO Networking Lab, and many more. Global standards are upheld through ABET and NBA accreditations for the program. Excellent placement records are held in top MNCs such as Microsoft, Amazon, HPE, IBM, etc. CU also offers specialization in Machine Learning, Cyber Security, Big Data, and Mobile Technology, all of which are critical for a career in software engineering. 

Well-qualified faculty members, international transfer opportunities, modern teaching methodology, and strong industry collaboration make CU's CSE program a great fit for aspiring software engineers.

B.E. in Information Technology (IT)

Choosing to pursue a B.E. in Information Technology (IT) at Chandigarh University will be a wise move toward becoming a software engineer. The program has been created in such a way that will build up your core coding skills and also equip you with the latest in-demand technologies in the field of Information Technology like Artificial Intelligence, Web Development, Networking, Data Analytics, and Cloud Computing.

At CU, students enjoy a practical environment with advanced industry-sponsored labs set up by global tech leaders like Microsoft Innovation Center, IBM Software Lab, Oracle Academy, EMC² Academic Alliance, Unisys Innovation Labs, and many more. These setups give students hands-on experience with real-world tools used in the tech industry. 

Data Structures, Web Technologies, Java Programming, and Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS) are the key subjects that make the core of the curriculum and are essential skills for any software engineer. With expert faculty, live projects, and corporate tie-ups, CU's IT program is honing students into future-ready professionals.

For Students without Non-Medical Background (Commerce, Arts & Humanities), you can choose

Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA)

If you have interest in programming then the BCA program at Chandigarh University consists of 3 years of programming, software development, and computer application. This program will begin at the ground level to work on computer knowledge, learning coding, and addressing real-world problems with applications and software. The students will learn a number of programming languages and web development, designing apps, and even cloud computing, AR/VR, and UI/UX design through specialized courses during those three years.

BCA students get to work with the same tools used by top companies through in-house laboratories supported by hardware giants such as Google, Microsoft Azure, Red Hat, and Automation Anywhere. Starting from the second year, students also get internship opportunities and full-time internships at leading organizations in their final year.

The university moreover enhances your employability. Besides, there are extra classes for aptitude, soft skills, and regular workshops on trending topics such as Java, SQL, Data Science, Web Designing for all students. Students learn programming concepts through hands-on lab sessions in C++, Java, Python, Linux, Web Designing, Cloud Computing Mobile Application Development such as: 

• Web Designing Lab
• Linux Administration Lab
• C++ Programming Lab
• Mobile App Lab
• Cloud Computing Lab.
• AR-VR and UI/UX Labs 

B.Sc in Computer Science

Taking the B.Sc. Computer Science program at Chandigarh University is a wise move toward your dream of being a software engineer. Strong technical foundations in computer science are acquired through this 3-year undergraduate program, preparing students to be a part of the fast-growing IT industry. If you want to develop apps, manage systems, or work with the top tech companies that exist today, this program gives you all the essential tools you need.

The University Institute of Computing (UIC) at CU stands out as one of the best B.Sc. Computer Science colleges in India. The B.Sc. Computer Science course is advanced in its treatment of modern technologies and programming languages, thus ensuring a fair degree of industry preparedness at the moment. This program also focuses on designing, implementation and managing the information systems, encompassing both software and hardware processes. Students can specialize in the theory of computation and design of computational systems.

Various in-house industry sponsored labs like Red Hat Lab, Microsoft Azure Lab, Google Android Lab, Cloud Computing Lab, Web Designing Lab C++ Programming Lab, Linux Administration Lab, etc., enrich student experience through real-time exposure and hands-on training. The study path followed by CU for B.Sc. Computer Science, under the supervision of expert faculty and industry experts and with global exposure, goes a long way toward the career of successful software engineers.

Placement Opportunities After Degree from CU in Software Engineering

Software engineers are needed everywhere. After your degree, you can work in Software companies, Banks and finance companies, E-commerce and startups, Game development, Government sectors, Research and space organizations, etc. 

Engineering streams attracted the highest number of lucrative packages with 532 top notch Multinational Companies (MNCs) turning up with record 6047 offers for students of Engineering streams which also attracted the highest number of lucrative packages. The top MNCs which selected engineering students in the drive included Microsoft, Amazon, Hewlett Packard, Bank of America, NOKIA, Deloitte, IBM, DELL and SAP Labs. Brilliant among the students of CU have also set a new benchmark in securing high pay packages.

While 31 companies offered Rs 20 Lakh Per Annum (LPA) salary package, 52 companies offered over Rs 15 LPA package, over 100 companies offered over Rs 10 LPA and over 304 companies offered over Rs 5 LPA package to CU students making it to the final list of successful among them. CU’s CSE/IT Engineering students received highest 3,548 job offers from 350 companies including IT giants such as Microsoft, IBM, SAP Labs and Hewlett Packard.

CU Admissions 2025 | Application Procedure & Selection Process 

The admission process for Chandigarh University undergraduate programs is very easy. CUCET is an entrance test that assesses the potential and credibility of the students, which is then used to determine the eligibility of a candidate to pursue a higher study in the institution. CUCET is mandatory for courses and programs, which will lead you to become a software engineer like B.E. in Computer Science & Engineering, B.E. in Information Technology Engineering but not mandatory for Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA), or even a B.Sc (Computer Science)

How to Apply for CUCET? 

You can apply for CUCET through two methods: Online (CUCET Registration) and Offline (Admission Form Submission).

Online Application – CUCET Registration

1. For the online application, you need to visit https://cucet.cuchd.in.
2. Select the CUCET phase which is currently active (CUCET-1 or CUCET-2).
3. Then you have to register with your First and Last Name, Email, Contact Number and hometown.
4. Choose the course in which you wanna take admission. 
5. Log in using the credentials sent via Email/SMS.
6. Get Confirmation via Email/SMS.

Offline Application

1. CUCET brochure and application form are avaliable from authorized university offices.
2. Next, potential candidates can browse to the CUCET website at https://cucet.cuchd.in to initiate the registration process. 
3. After creating a profile and entering personal details, registration is complete upon receiving a confirmation through SMS or email. 
4. Registered users then fill out the unique identification number printed on their form using the digital options provided. 
5. Test-takers further input their secondary school, studied subjects, and preferred exam date from the dropdown menu. 
6. On the scheduled day and selected time slot, candidates login to https://cucet.cuchd.in to engage with the computerized exam utilizing their registered credentials. 
7. Results will be electronically distributed via email and viewable on the CUCET portal within individual user accounts.

Conclusion

Software engineering is one of the best careers for the future. With growing tech use, there is no limit to what you can achieve. The first step is to choose the right course and university. Chandigarh University offers top-notch programs like BTech CSE, BCA, and B.Sc CS to prepare students for global tech careers. With the right guidance, practical exposure, and placement support, CU helps you turn your dream into reality.

If you are ready to start your journey as a software engineer, visit the official website of Chandigarh University, download the brochure, and apply for CUCET. This one step can change your life.

Note: The views expressed in this article are of Chandigarh University and do not reflect/represent those of Shiksha