How to become a software engineer after 12th

Software engineering is one of the most accessible good careers in India, because what you can build matters a lot. Here's a practical path. Degree options - B.Tech/B.E. in CSE or IT (through JEE Main, state exams, BITSAT and others). The most common route, with campus placements. - BCA, then MCA, or B.Sc Computer Science. Often cheaper; you need to build skills actively. - IIT Madras BS programmes online as an add-on. What to learn (start now) 1. One language well: Python, Java or C++. 2. Data structures and algorithms: arrays, linked lists, trees, graphs, sorting. Tested in almost every interview. 3. Core CS: operating systems, databases (SQL), networks, object-oriented design. 4. A development track: web (JavaScript, React, Node), mobile (Kotlin, Flutter), cloud, or data. 5. Git and GitHub. Build real projects - A website for a local business or school club. - An app that solves a small problem you face. - Contributions to open-source projects. Get experience - Internships from the second year. - Hackathons (Smart India Hackathon and others). - Competitive programming (Codeforces, CodeChef) if you enjoy problem-solving. About AI tools: AI coding assistants are changing how code is written. Engineers who understand fundamentals, design systems and review code carefully are the ones in demand. Guidopia's Career DNA shows your fit for Software developer and related careers, including logical reasoning and persistence.