What Is a 12th Class Degree Called in India? Understanding the Indian School System
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In India, there’s no such thing as a "12th class degree." That phrase doesn’t exist in official education terms. If you hear someone say they have a "12th class degree," they’re mixing up language. What they really mean is the completion of higher secondary education - the final two years of school before college.
What Actually Happens After 10th Grade?
After finishing 10th grade, Indian students enter what’s called the higher secondary stage. This is a two-year program, split into 11th and 12th grades. It’s not a degree. It’s not a diploma. It’s the last phase of school education before university. Students choose a stream - Science, Commerce, or Arts/Humanities - and study subjects tied to that path. For example, a Science student might take Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Math. A Commerce student might study Accountancy, Business Studies, and Economics.This system is standardized across most boards in India, including CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education), ICSE, and state boards like Maharashtra State Board or UP Board. While the syllabus and exam patterns vary slightly, the structure stays the same: 10th grade ends with a board exam, then 11th and 12th grades build toward another major exam at the end of 12th.
What Do You Get After Passing 12th Grade?
When you pass the 12th-grade board exam, you receive a Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) or a Senior Secondary Certificate. The exact name depends on the board. CBSE calls it the Senior Secondary School Certificate. ICSE calls it the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ISC) for 12th. State boards usually say Higher Secondary Certificate.This certificate is proof you completed school. It’s not a degree. Degrees come later - after college. A Bachelor’s degree (like BA, BSc, or BCom) is the first actual degree you earn, usually after three or four years of university study.
Think of it like this: 12th grade is the finish line of high school. A degree is the finish line of college. You don’t get a degree after high school. You get a certificate that lets you apply for college.
Why Does This Confusion Happen?
People often say "12th class degree" because they’re trying to explain something familiar in a way that makes sense to others - especially abroad. In countries like the US or UK, people say "high school diploma" after 12th grade. In India, there’s no single word like "diploma" for this. So when someone says "degree," they’re probably just trying to sound official or make it easier for someone overseas to understand.It’s also common in job applications or visa forms where people need to describe their education level. If you’re applying to a university in Australia or Canada and you write "12th class degree," it might confuse the admissions team. They’ll look for "Grade 12 completion" or "Higher Secondary Certificate." Using the wrong term doesn’t hurt your chances, but it can cause delays.
How Is 12th Grade Used in Real Life?
Your 12th-grade marks matter more than you think. They’re not just a formality. Here’s how they’re used:- College admissions: Top universities like Delhi University, IITs, and NITs use your 12th-grade scores as a cutoff. For example, IITs require at least 75% in 12th (or 65% for reserved categories) just to be eligible to sit for JEE Advanced.
- Scholarships: Many government and private scholarships require a minimum percentage in 12th grade to apply.
- Competitive exams: Exams like NEET (for medical), JEE (for engineering), and CLAT (for law) use your 12th-grade marks as a qualifying criterion.
- Job applications: Some entry-level jobs, especially in government sectors, list "12th pass" as the minimum education requirement.
So while it’s not a degree, your 12th-grade result is one of the most important academic documents you’ll ever hold - until you earn your first real degree.
What’s the Difference Between a Certificate and a Degree?
This is where people get tripped up. Let’s break it down:| Feature | 12th Grade Certificate | Bachelor’s Degree |
|---|---|---|
| Level | Post-school, pre-university | Post-secondary, university level |
| Duration | 2 years (11th and 12th) | 3-4 years |
| Awarding Body | CBSE, ICSE, State Boards | Universities (e.g., DU, Mumbai University) |
| Official Name | Higher Secondary Certificate / Senior Secondary Certificate | Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BSc), etc. |
| Can you use it to apply for a job? | Yes, for entry-level roles | Yes, for professional roles |
| Is it a degree? | No | Yes |
The key takeaway? A certificate proves you finished school. A degree proves you finished college. One leads to the other - but they’re not the same thing.
What Happens If You Don’t Pass 12th Grade?
If you fail your 12th-grade exam, you don’t get stuck forever. Most boards allow you to reappear for the exam as a private candidate. CBSE, for example, offers compartment exams for subjects you failed. You can also retake the entire exam the next year. Many students who didn’t clear 12th the first time go on to get into great colleges after clearing the exam.Some students also switch to vocational courses after 10th grade - like polytechnic diplomas in engineering or ITI courses - which don’t require passing 12th. But if your goal is college, especially in fields like medicine, engineering, or law, then clearing 12th with the right subjects and marks is non-negotiable.
How Do International Institutions View 12th Grade?
If you’re applying to universities in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, or Europe, they don’t look for "12th class degree." They look for your Higher Secondary Certificate and your marks. Most universities will ask for:- Your 12th-grade marksheet
- A certificate of completion
- Subject-wise breakdown (especially for STEM programs)
Some countries, like the UK, compare your 12th-grade percentage to their A-level system. For example, a 70% in CBSE might be seen as equivalent to AAB in A-levels. The US looks at your overall GPA and SAT/ACT scores more than your 12th-grade percentage alone.
Always check the specific requirements of the university you’re applying to. Some may require you to get your certificate evaluated by an agency like WES (World Education Services) or ICAS.
Final Thoughts: Stop Saying "Degree"
The next time someone asks what you got after 12th grade, say: "I completed my Higher Secondary Certificate." Or, if you’re talking to a friend, "I finished 12th grade." Avoid saying "degree." It’s not wrong in casual talk, but in official settings - college applications, job forms, visa paperwork - precision matters.And remember: your 12th-grade result isn’t the end of your journey. It’s the launchpad. It opens doors to entrance exams, scholarships, and college admissions. But it’s not the destination. That comes later - with a real degree.
Is 12th class the same as a diploma?
No, 12th class is not a diploma. A diploma is a post-secondary qualification, usually after 10th grade, and takes 2-3 years to complete - like a polytechnic course in engineering or ITI. 12th class is the final year of school, leading to a Higher Secondary Certificate, not a diploma.
Can I get a job after 12th grade?
Yes, you can get entry-level jobs after 12th grade. Many government jobs like constable, clerk, or data entry operator require only a 12th pass. Private sector roles like retail assistant, call center agent, or office helper also accept 12th-grade candidates. But for professional careers like engineering, medicine, or law, you need a bachelor’s degree.
What is the difference between CBSE and ICSE for 12th grade?
Both CBSE and ICSE conduct 12th-grade exams, but they differ in structure. CBSE focuses more on science and math, with a standardized syllabus across India. ICSE has a broader curriculum with more emphasis on English, literature, and project-based learning. For competitive exams like JEE and NEET, CBSE is often preferred because the syllabus aligns closely. But both are equally valid for college admissions.
Is 12th grade required for studying abroad?
Yes, 12th grade is mandatory to apply for undergraduate programs abroad. Universities in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Europe require proof of completion of 12 years of schooling. Your 12th-grade marks, subject choices, and board results are used to assess your eligibility. Some countries may also require standardized tests like SAT, ACT, or IELTS.
Can I skip 12th grade and go straight to college?
No, you cannot skip 12th grade in India. The education system requires completion of 12 years of schooling before entering university. Even if you’re academically advanced, you still need to pass the 12th-grade board exam to be eligible for college admissions. There are no shortcuts.
What if I passed 12th grade with low marks?
Low marks in 12th grade don’t close all doors. Many colleges admit students based on entrance exams like JEE, NEET, CUET, or state-level tests - not just 12th marks. You can also start with a diploma, vocational course, or open university programs. Later, you can upgrade to a degree. Your 12th-grade score is important, but not the only factor.