As you prepare to step into the world of higher education, one question looms large: which course will guide you to your dreams? The stakes are high, and the choices are endless. But amid the sea of options, certain courses emerge as clear favourites — trusted by students and valued by employers alike. 
These popular courses are trends and lead you to some of the most exciting and rewarding careers available today. Whether you’re drawn to the precision of data science, the creativity of hotel management, the scientific realm of research, or the tech expertise of computer applications, these fields offer a promising future.
According to a recent report of the All India Survey of Higher Education (AISHE), engineering and technology, Bachelor of Arts, science and research, and management courses are most popular at the undergrad level.  
Students choose these courses for their academic merit and the opportunities they unlock. So, what makes these courses so appealing, and why should they be on your radar? Let’s explore the possibilities together.
Understanding Course Popularity 
Various factors, including job prospects, personal interests, emerging industry trends, and the reputation of the educational institution can influence course popularity. Popular courses often provide students with practical skills and knowledge that are highly sought after in the job market.  
Popularity can be measured by the number of enrollments, student satisfaction, and reputation of courses. Some of the most common fields that students gravitate towards include business management, engineering, computer science, research, and social sciences. 
Popular Courses in India 
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 aims to transform the education system, including colleges and universities, by encouraging learning across different subjects, developing practical skills, and promoting research and new ideas. It also plans to increase the number of students in higher education to 50% by 2035. 
This focus on multidisciplinary learning and skill development is expected to make education more flexible and aligned with industry needs. As a result, the most popular courses in India may shift towards more diverse and innovative programs.
Let’s explore some of the most popular courses after 12th:
1. Data Science Course Â
Data science has emerged as one of the most popular courses in recent years. With the exponential growth of data in various industries, there is a significant demand for professionals who can analyse and interpret this data to make informed decisions. A data science course equips students with skills in statistical analysis, machine learning, programming, and data visualisation. Â
Why It’s Popular: Data Science offers excellent career opportunities with high salary packages. Companies across sectors such as finance, healthcare, retail, and technology seek data scientists to help them use data for strategic advantages.
Career Prospects: Data Analyst, Data Scientist, Machine Learning Engineer, Business Analyst. 
2. Hotel Management Course Â
The hospitality industry is thriving, and a hotel management course can open doors to various opportunities in this dynamic field. This course covers a wide range of subjects, including hospitality management, food and beverage management, housekeeping, and customer service. Â
Why It’s Popular: The hospitality industry offers a vibrant and exciting career path with opportunities to work in hotels, resorts, cruise ships, and event management companies. It also allows for global career opportunities. 
Career Prospects: Hotel Manager, Event Planner, Restaurant Manager, Hospitality Consultant. 
3. Computer Courses Â
With the digital revolution, computer courses have become incredibly popular. These courses range from basic computer literacy to specialised fields such as software development, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Â
Why It’s Popular: The tech industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors, with a constant demand for skilled professionals. Computer courses provide a strong foundation in technology applicable across various industries. 
Career Prospects: Software Developer, Cybersecurity Analyst, IT Consultant, Web Developer.
4. B Pharm Course Â
The Bachelor of Pharmacy (B Pharm) course is among the most popular courses these days due to advancements in research and drug discoveries. This course is designed for students interested in the pharmaceutical industry. Covering subjects like pharmacology, pharmaceutical chemistry, and pharmacy practice, B Pharm degree prepares students for roles in healthcare and pharmaceuticals. Â
Why It’s Popular: The healthcare industry is ever-growing, and there is a consistent demand for qualified pharmacists. Such a degree offers a stable career with opportunities for growth and specialisation. 
Career Prospects: Pharmacist, Clinical Research Associate, Pharmaceutical Sales Representative, Quality Control Analyst. 
5. BCA Courses Â
The Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) is another popular course, particularly for students interested in IT and computer science. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of computer applications, programming languages, and software development. Â
Why It’s Popular: BCA offers a blend of theoretical and practical knowledge in computing, preparing students for various roles in the IT sector. The course is also a stepping stone for further studies in computer science and related fields. 
Career Prospects: Software Developer, System Analyst, Network Administrator, Database Administrator. 
6. Environmental Sciences Courses  Â
The bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences is increasingly popular, especially among students passionate about sustainability and the environment. This course provides an in-depth understanding of ecological systems, environmental issues, and sustainable practices with various specialisations.  
Why It’s Popular: These popular courses offer a mix of theoretical knowledge and practical skills in environmental management, preparing students to address pressing ecological challenges.  
Career Prospects: Environmental Consultant, Conservation Scientist, Environmental Educator, Sustainability Coordinator. 
Factors Influencing Course Popularity 
Now you might be thinking, what makes these courses so popular among students? Several factors contribute to the popularity of these courses, which are:  
Job Market Trends 
Courses that align with job market needs are often more popular. For example, the demand for IT professionals has made Computer Science a popular choice.  
Also read:
- Data Job Market 2024: Insights You Need to Boost Your Career
- Computer Science in Today’s Job Market
Government Initiatives 
Government policies and initiatives can influence student preferences. For example, the Indian government’s focus on healthcare has increased interest in medical and research courses. 
Technological Advancements 
The rapid pace of technological change has created new fields of study, such as Data Science and Cybersecurity, attracting students interested in innovation. 
Cultural and Social Factors 
Social perceptions of certain professions can also play a role. For example, engineering and medicine have long been considered prestigious and stable career paths in India. 
Institutional Reputation 
The reputation of the university offering the course also impacts its popularity. Institutions known for their academic excellence, industry partnerships, and research opportunities, like Shoolini University, tend to have more popular courses. 
Shoolini University: A Hub for Popular Courses 
Shoolini University is recognised as the top private university in India by the QS and Times Higher Education World University Rankings. Shoolini is ranked number 12 among all Indian Universities by the Best Global Universities Rankings by US News & World Report. The clean and green campus is just a 90-minute drive from Chandigarh Airport.  Â
The university provides top-notch education with 104+ state-of-the-art laboratories and 11 dedicated Centres of Excellence for the students. The research-focused and growth-oriented curriculum makes Shoolini the third-highest patent filer in the country, with over 1500 patents filed by students and faculty. The unique ‘One-Student One-Patent’ policy and the fully residential Summit Research Program (SRP) encourage students to conduct quality research, publish papers and file patents in the first year.  Â
The university has a world-class faculty comprising trained industry leaders, professionals, and academicians from top national and international institutions. These include top educational institutions IITs, IIMs, IISc, ISB, NIITs, NIH (USA), and Oxford, along with renowned companies like McKinsey, PwC, Citi, Bank of America, and others.  
The Placement Cell at Shoolini is very active. It holds a track record of 100% placements in popular courses like hotel management, business management, computer science engineering, biotechnology, law and life sciences. ‘Mission 130’ aims at achieving 100% employability with 30% jobs in top companies like Mercer, Deloitte, Algo8, Incedo, HDFC Life, Fitelo, Biocon, and Sun Pharma.  
Popular Courses at Shoolini University 
Shoolini offers a diverse range of popular courses that meet the evolving demands of the job market. The courses at the university are accredited and approved by agencies like NBA, NAAC, UGC, and ACCA. The university’s focus on research, innovation, and industry collaboration ensures that its courses are relevant and provide students with the skills needed to succeed.  
Here are the popular courses that students choose to study at the No.1 Private University in India:  Â
Data Science at Shoolini 
Shoolini University offers a comprehensive data science program that includes hands-on experience with real-world data sets, access to state-of-the-art laboratories, and collaboration with industry experts. 
Courses include:  
- B Tech CSE Data Science 
- MSc Data Sciences 
- PhD Data Sciences 
Hotel Management at Shoolini 
The university’s hotel management courses emphasise practical training with internships at top hotels, exposure to international hospitality standards, and mentorship from industry leaders. 
Courses include:  
- BSc Hospitality and Hotel Administration  Â
Computer Courses at Shoolini 
Shoolini provides various computer courses, from BCA, B Tech to advanced degrees in computer science, with a curriculum that keeps pace with technological advancements and industry needs. 
Courses include:  
- B Tech Artificial Intelligence with specialisations  
- B Tech CSE with specialisations  
- BCA with specialisations  
- MCA with specialisations  
- M Tech CSE  
- PhD CSE  
Biotechnology at Shoolini 
The Biotechnology courses at Shoolini provide students a strong foundation in the life sciences, enhanced by advanced research opportunities and access to modern laboratories and facilities. 
Courses include:  
- B Tech Biotechnology  
- B Sc (Hons) Biotechnology  
- M Tech Biotechnology  
- MSc Biotechnology  
- MSc Microbiology  
- PhD Biotechnology  
- PhD Microbiology  
- PhD Genetics  
Pharma Courses at Shoolini 
The Pharma courses at Shoolini equip students with a solid foundation in pharmaceutical sciences, supported by cutting-edge research and state-of-the-art facilities. 
Courses include:  
- B Pharmacy  
- M Pharmacy Pharmaceutical Chemistry 
- M Pharmacy Pharmaceutics  
- M Pharmacy Pharmacology  
- PhD Pharma  
Management Sciences at Shoolini 
The management courses at Shoolini equip students with comprehensive business knowledge, supported by practical experiences and access to industry-leading resources and expert faculty. 
Courses include:  
- BBA with Specialisatons  
- B Com (Hons)  
- MBA Marketing  
- MBA Business Analytics  
- MBA Finance  
- MBA Human Resources  
- MBA Pharma and Healthcare  
- PhD Human Resource  
- PhD Management  
End Note  
Choosing the right course is crucial to shape a successful career and understand the most popular courses can help guide this decision. At Shoolini University, students have access to a wide array of in-demand programs tailored to the evolving needs of the job market.Â
With its focus on research, innovation, and industry collaboration, Shoolini ensures its courses are relevant, offering practical skills and knowledge. From data science to hotel management, computer courses to biotechnology, Shoolini provides a comprehensive education that prepares students for the future. Whether you’re looking to specialise in a specific field or explore multidisciplinary learning, Shoolini University offers a path to your dreams. 
