List of Vocational Course - Types of Courses, Job Roles, Institutes, Scope, and more
Want to land a high-paying job but not sure where to begin? Thinking about enrolling in a vocational training course but feeling unsure where to start? Wondering what types of vocational programs are available, what job roles they lead to, or which institutes offer the best training?
Vocational Course List - Types of Courses, Job Roles, Institutes, Advantages and more
If yes, this guide has you covered. We will walk you through the list of top vocational courses, highlight their benefits, and help you find the right path through skill-based vocational subjects and, job-ready career.
List of Vocational Courses: You must be in a similar situation where you know the concept but do not have practical knowledge. On the other hand, found a job, but the description includes must-have acquired skills? High-paying jobs nowadays do not rely only on theories. The introduction must have given you the idea of how practical skills and knowledge for careers play an important role. Therefore, today, we will discuss how these vocational courses are a boon for candidates who want to learn new or job-based skills. This article will also include a detailed list of the vocational courses that an individual can take based on their interest, eligibility criteria, and job roles.
Also read:
- What is a Vocational Course?
- Top Entrance Exams in Vocational Courses
- List of Vocational Courses: Based on Qualification
- What You Need to Know about Vocational Subjects
- Top Institutes Offering Vocational Courses
- Top Vocational Courses in Demand
- What are the Advantages of Vocational Courses?
What is a Vocational Course?
Gone are the days when people had to rote learn. Vocational courses are short-term, job-ready courses that provide practical training and knowledge rather than focusing on theoretical learning. These courses impart skills required for particular professions or trades. Vocational courses are for a short duration, designed to provide hands-on experience and to make the students enrolled in the course job-ready.
These courses include certificate, diploma, and advanced diploma programs. After the vocational course completion, the students can join many industries like healthcare, mass media, design, IT (Information Technology), and hospitality to pursue a rewarding career.
BVOC (Bachelor of Vocational Studies), Digital Marketing, and Graphic Design are popular vocational courses. AICTE (All India Council for Technical Education), Jamia Milia Islamia, and Tata Institute of Social Sciences are some of the best vocational education institutes in India.
Also read:
Top Entrance Exams in Vocational Courses
The majority of the vocational courses don’t require entrance exams. Although many institutes have selection processes, like an interview or an aptitude test.
Many government and private institutes use these scores to evaluate an applicant’s suitability for the vocational courses.
List of Vocational Courses: Based on Qualification
People can start enrolling in a vocational course from class 8th until their post-graduation. Below, we have given the list of vocational courses categorized by qualification to help you choose the best one for yourself.
Vocational Courses after Class 8
Cosmetology, Computer Operator, and Programming Assistant are some of the popular vocational courses after Class 8. Industrial Training Institute (ITI) is a renowned institute offering engineering, non-technical, and technical vocational courses for students interested in job seeking after class 8 or 10.
| Courses |
Stream |
Course Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Plumber Engineering |
Engineering |
6 months- 1 year |
| Carpenter Engineer |
Engineer |
1 year |
| Bakery and Confectionery |
Non-technical |
1 year |
| Technical |
1 year |
|
| Typewriting Hindi/English |
Non-technical |
1 year |
| Solar Energy Technician |
Technical |
1 year |
| Welder (Glass & Electric) Engineering |
Technical |
1 year |
| Mechanic Tractor |
Non-technical |
1 year |
| Book Binder |
Non-technical |
1 year |
| Wireman Engineering |
Technical |
2 years |
| Cutting and Sewing |
Non-technical |
1 year |
| Weaving of Fancy Fabric |
Non-technical |
1 year |
| Embroidery and Needlework |
Non-technical |
1 year |
| Pattern Maker Engineering |
Technical |
2 years |
| Jute Production Technology |
Technical |
1 year |
Vocational Courses after 10th
Medical lab technician, automobile engineering, accountancy, and taxation are some of the vocational courses after class 10. Below, we have prepared a list of vocational courses that students can pursue.
| Courses |
Stream |
Course Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Non-technical |
6 months- 1 year |
|
| Preservation of Fruits and Vegetables |
Technical |
1 year |
| Non-technical |
1 year |
|
| Play Centre Management |
Non-technical |
6 months |
| Technical |
6 months |
|
| Typewriting Hindi/English |
Non-technical |
6 months |
| Secretarial Practice |
Non-technical |
6 months |
| Non-technical |
6 months |
|
| Word Processing (MS Word) |
Technical |
6 months |
Vocational Courses after 12th
A medical lab technician, hospitality, and hotel management have the highest salary in a vocational course after 12th class.
| Courses |
Stream |
Course Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Technical |
6 months- 1 year |
|
| Non-technical |
1-2 years |
|
| Graphic Designing |
Non-technical |
6 months- 1 year |
| Non-technical |
1-3 years |
|
| Digital Marketing |
Non-technical |
6 months- 1 year |
| Non-technical |
1 year |
|
| Medical Lab Technician |
Technical (Science Qualification) |
1-2 years |
What You Need to Know about Vocational Subjects
Skill-based subjects are that help students in choosing their profession and job after completing their class 12. CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) offers 39 vocational subjects.
| Trades |
Job Roles |
Skills Learned |
|---|---|---|
| Automotive technician, mechanic, service manager |
Students will be able to understand various vehicle systems and related components which will help them be proficient in diagnostic tools and repair techniques. |
|
| Chef, pastry chef, restaurant manager |
Master cooking techniques also learn menu planning and cost control. Knowledge of dietary requirements and nutrition. |
|
| Electrician, electrical engineer, lineman, industrial technician. |
Understand electrical codes and standards and gain proficiency in using electrical tools and equipment. Learn the ability to read and interpret blueprints and diagrams in complex infrastructural developments. |
|
| Welder, fabricator, welding inspector |
Proficiency in welding techniques such as (MIG, TIG, arc welding). Understanding of metallurgy and material properties along with safety and quality control. |
|
| Plumber, pipefitter, plumbing inspector, HVAC technician. |
Understand plumbing codes and standards. |
|
| Hairstylist, makeup artist, etc |
Learn hair cutting, coloring, and styling along with skincare treatments and products. Also proficient in knowing manicure and pedicure services. |
|
| Carpentry |
Carpenter, cabinetmaker, construction manager |
Proficiency in using carpentry tools and machinery. |
| IT technician, network administrator, cybersecurity analyst |
Proficiency in programming languages and software development. |
|
| Medical Assisting |
Medical assistant, phlebotomist, medical office manager |
Proficiency in clinical procedures and patient care. Learn medical terminology and billing practices. |
| Graphic designer, web designer |
Learning softwares such as (Adobe Creative Suite) and the ability to create visual content. |
Top Institutes Offering Vocational Courses
Leading institutes include ITIs, polytechnics, and private academies that offer vocational courses. Several renowned institutes in India offer vocational courses, including:
- National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS)
- Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs)
- Polytechnic Institutes
- Vocational Training Centers (VTCs)
- Private Training Institutes
- Delhi Institute of Tool Engineering (DITE)
- Lovely Professional University (LPU)
- Institute for Design of Electrical Measuring Instruments (IDEMI)
- YMCA Institute for Office Management
Also read:
Top Vocational Courses in Demand
The top 10 Vocational Courses that are in Demand in India currently are listed below:
-
Digital Marketing
As digital technology continues to evolve, businesses increasingly need professionals who can handle their online presence and manage marketing strategies. Digital marketing includes various fields such as search engine optimization, social media marketing, email campaigns, and content creation.
Vocational courses in this area help students build practical expertise, preparing them for roles in the fast-growing digital marketing sector. Digital marketers in India earn between ₹0.3 Lakhs and ₹9.4 Lakhs annually, with the average salary around ₹3.0 Lakhs.
-
Data Analytics
As organizations rely more on data for strategic decisions, professionals who can collect and interpret data are highly valued. Vocational courses in data analytics teach students to use various tools and methods for data analysing. Topics covered often include visualization, statistical analysis, and data modeling.
These skills are applicable across sectors such as finance, healthcare, and retail. Data analysts in India average salary is between ₹1.6 Lakhs and ₹11.7 Lakhs annually.
-
Beauty and Wellness
This industry is expanding quickly, leading to increased demand for trained professionals in hair care, skin treatment, makeup, and spa services. Vocational programs offer hands-on training in these areas and introduce students to business management skills. Graduates may work in salons, hotels, wellness centers, or run their own services.
In India, beauticians usually earn between ₹0.3 Lakhs and ₹4.5 Lakhs per year, with an average income of ₹2.0 Lakhs.
-
Financial Planning and Analysis
As the economy expands, there is a growing demand for people who can help businesses and individuals manage finances. Courses in this field teach students how to evaluate financial data, create plans, and give investment advice. Training often includes budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling.
Financial planning analysts in India earn between ₹3.3 Lakhs and ₹20.0 Lakhs per year, with an average salary of ₹8.0 Lakhs.
-
Fashion Design
India’s growing fashion sector is creating new job opportunities for trained designers. Courses in fashion design cover sketching, textile selection, pattern making, and sewing. Graduates can take on various roles in design, merchandising, or production across both established brands and new labels.
Fashion designers average salary is between ₹0.3 Lakhs and ₹7.2 Lakhs annually, with an average salary of ₹3.3 Lakhs.
-
Hospitality and Tourism
Given India’s popularity among travelers, the hospitality and tourism sector offers many career paths. Training programs teach customer service, event coordination, and hotel or restaurant operations. Graduates can pursue roles in hotels, travel companies, and restaurants or even launch their own tourism businesses.
Salaries in this field generally range from ₹0.2 Lakhs to ₹9.4 Lakhs annually, with an average income of ₹1.8 Lakhs.
-
Photography and Videography
The increasing importance of visual content in media and marketing has created a strong market for skilled photographers and videographers. Vocational training helps students learn camera operations, lighting techniques, and editing software. It also covers essential elements like composition and post-production.
These professionals can find opportunities in sectors such as advertising, journalism, and online retail. Their earnings in India range from ₹0.3 Lakhs to ₹8.9 Lakhs per year, with an average income of ₹3.5 Lakhs.
-
Mobile App Development
As smartphone usage grows, so does the demand for developers who can create mobile applications. A vocational program in this field teaches students how to develop apps for platforms such as Android and iOS. Training will deal with user interface design, mobile frameworks, and programming in Java or Swift.
These developers are highly sought after by tech firms and startups. Mobile app developers in India earn anywhere from ₹1.6 Lakhs to ₹12.1 Lakhs annually, with an average salary of ₹4.4 Lakhs.
-
Web Development
With more companies establishing websites, the need for web developers is growing steadily. Vocational training in web development provides students with the knowledge of programming languages and tools needed to build websites. This includes HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and server-side scripting.
Due to the lack of qualified developers in the country, these graduates are in high demand. Web developers in India earns around ₹1.0 Lakhs and ₹7.0 Lakhs per year, with an average salary of ₹2.8 Lakhs.
-
Graphic Design
Graphic design is essential across fields like advertising, publishing, and online media. Students in vocational graphic design programs learn how to use software such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. They also study principles like typography, layout, and color theory. Graduates are equipped to support branding and marketing initiatives for a variety of companies.
In India, graphic designers can expect to earn between ₹1.0 Lakhs and ₹6.4 Lakhs per year, with an average salary of ₹3.0 Lakhs.
What are the Advantages of Vocational Courses?
Vocational courses have many benefits, making them easily accessible and ensuring a job after completing the course. These courses benefit candidates with job readiness, affordability, and shorter durations, with career roles like technicians, designers, assistants, and more.
- Job-Ready: Vocational courses are designed to prepare students for immediate employment and make them job-ready.
- Skill-Based Learning: Vocational courses provide skill-based learning as they give hands-on training that ensures students are well-versed in the practical aspects of their job.
- Affordability: Vocational courses are less expensive than traditional degree programs, hence they are affordable for all categories of audience.
- Flexible Learning Options: Many vocational courses offer flexible learning options like online learning, evening classes, or weekend batches, allowing students to learn while they are still working.
Vocational courses provide a great way for students who are looking for job-oriented training. It helps them get quicker employment opportunities across various industries, which ensures a broad range of opportunities based on their interests and skills.
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