Are you confused about the best career option after the 12th? Well, the good news is that there are plenty of options, and the bad news is that you will need to work hard to get there. Class 12 or 10+2 is a very crucial phase of your life because now is the time when you have to choose the career path you want to follow once your board exams are over. You might find yourself confused about what you should do after the 12th — whether to prepare for an entrance test, take a gap year, or go for a traditional degree. But there are many other options too. In this article, we will discuss in detail the best career options after the 12th in 2025 and the various career paths available to students after class 12.
Traditional Degree
Most people out there want to pursue higher education — and rightly so, as it helps shape your future. The most common way of doing this is by opting for a traditional degree in India. Of course, an undergraduate degree is the most popular choice among students. It provides you with the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue your career goals. After class 12, you can opt for an undergraduate degree in fields like medicine, engineering, commerce, arts, and many more. Later, if you’re interested in research, you can go for a master's degree or even a doctoral degree in your chosen field.
Advantages of pursuing a traditional college degree:
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Provides specialized knowledge and skills for your chosen profession.
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Offers better career prospects and higher salaries.
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Creates opportunities for networking and connecting with like-minded people in person.
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Prepares students for advanced degrees such as a master's or doctoral program.
Best Career Options in Science After 12th in 2025
If you belong to the science stream, here are the best career options after the 12th:
Engineering
Engineering remains one of the most popular courses for science students in India in 2025. If you have core science subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, you can pursue a degree such as a Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.)/Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech), diploma courses, or integrated engineering programs. The course duration is four years, conducted in various colleges and institutes. Admission is through entrance exams such as JEE Mains or other state/national-level exams.
List of B.E./B.Tech Courses After the 12th in 2025:
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Computer Science Engineering
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Mechanical Engineering
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Electronics and Communication Engineering
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Electrical Engineering
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Electrical and Electronics Engineering
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Civil Engineering
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Chemical Engineering
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Information Technology
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Instrumentation and Control Engineering
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Electronics Engineering
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Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering
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Petroleum Engineering
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Aeronautical Engineering
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Aerospace Engineering
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Automobile Engineering
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Mining Engineering
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Power Engineering
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Production Engineering
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Biotechnology Engineering
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Genetic Engineering
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Plastics Engineering
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Food Processing and Technology
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Agricultural Engineering
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Environmental Engineering
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Dairy Technology and Engineering
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Agricultural Information Technology
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Infrastructure Engineering
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Motorsport Engineering
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Metallurgy Engineering
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Textile Engineering
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Marine Engineering
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Naval Architecture
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Geoinformatics
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Petrochemical Engineering
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Polymer Engineering
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Geotechnical Engineering
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Nuclear Engineering
Medical
If you have studied Biology, Physics, and Chemistry in your 12th, you can pursue a career in the medical field. The following medical courses can be pursued after the 12th through the NEET exam for both qualified and non-qualified candidates:
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MBBS – Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery
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BDS – Bachelor of Dental Surgery
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BAMS – Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery
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BHMS – Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery
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BUMS – Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery
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BSMS – Bachelor of Siddha Medicine and Surgery
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B.V.Sc – Bachelor in Veterinary Science
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BPT – Bachelor of Physiotherapy
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Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
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B.Sc. in Biotechnology
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B.Tech in Biomedical Engineering
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B.Sc. in Microbiology (Non-Clinical)
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B.Sc. in Cardiac or Cardiovascular Technology
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Bachelor of Respiratory Therapy
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Bachelor in Psychology
Other Popular Science Careers After 12th in 2025:
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B.Sc. in Sound Engineering
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B.Sc. in Biotechnology
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B.Sc. in Oceanography
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B.Sc. in Biochemistry
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B.Sc. in Forensic Science
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Career in Aviation
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Career in Cell Therapy
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Career in Genetic Engineering
Best Career Options in Commerce After 12th in 2025
If you studied commerce in class 12, you are eligible to pursue careers in business studies, accounting, management, marketing analysis, mathematics, economics, statistics, and more.
One major advantage for commerce students:
They are eligible for both commerce and arts courses.
Popular Courses in Commerce After 12th in 2025:
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B.Com (Bachelor of Commerce)
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B.E. (Bachelor of Economics)
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BAF (Bachelor of Accounting and Finance)
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BBI (Bachelor of Commerce in Banking and Insurance)
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BFM (Bachelor of Commerce in Financial Market)
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BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration)
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BBA-IB (BBA in International Business)
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BBA-CA (BBA in Computer Application)
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Industry-Oriented Integrated Courses
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Chartered Accountancy (CA)
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Company Secretary (CS)
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Cost and Management Accountant
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Journalism and Mass Communication
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B.Com (General)
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B.Com Marketing
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B.Com Tourism & Travel Management
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BA in Humanities & Social Sciences
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BA LLB
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B.Des in Design
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Diploma in Education (DEd)
Courses After 12th Commerce With Mathematics:
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B.Com (Hons)
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B.Com in Accounting and Taxation
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B.Com in Statistics
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B.Com in Management Accounting & International Finance
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B.Com in Applied Economics
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B.Com in Banking & Finance
Courses After 12th Commerce Without Mathematics:
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B.Com
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BBA
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BMS (Bachelor of Management Studies)
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Company Secretary
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Bachelor in Travel and Tourism
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Bachelors in Hospitality
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Bachelor in Event Management
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Bachelor in Hotel Management
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Bachelor of Journalism
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BBA LLB
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BA LLB
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Bachelor of Foreign Trade
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BBS (Bachelor of Business Studies)
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B.Sc. in Animation and Media
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Bachelor of Social Work
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Bachelor of Vocational Studies
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BA
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BA (Hons)
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B.Ed (Bachelor of Education)
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Bachelor of Interior Designing
Diploma Courses After 12th Commerce:
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Diploma in Digital Marketing
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Diploma in Banking and Finance
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Diploma in Advanced Accounting
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Certified Management Accountant
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Diploma in Financial Accounting
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Diploma in Retail Management
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Diploma in Business Management
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Diploma in Computer Application
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Diploma in Industrial Safety
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Diploma in Elementary Education
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Diploma in Physical Education
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Diploma in Hotel Management
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Diploma in Yoga
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Diploma in Fashion Designing
Best Career Options in Humanities After 12th in 2025
If you studied arts or humanities in class 11th and 12th, you have an endless list of career options in 2025.
Popular Courses After 12th Humanities:
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BA (Hons.) English
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BA (Hons.) Political Science
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BA (Hons.) Sociology
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BA (Hons.) Economics
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BA (Hons.) Geography
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BA (Hons.) History
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BA (Hons.) Journalism and Mass Communication
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BA (Hons.) Fine Arts
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BA (Hons.) Performing Arts
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BA (Hons.) Liberal Arts
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BA (Hons.) Film Studies
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BA (Hons.) Psychology
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BA (Hons.) Social Work
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BA (Hons.) Philosophy
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BA (Hons.) Applied Psychology
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BA Linguistics
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BA Digital Media and Communication
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Bachelor in Culinary Arts
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Bachelor of Social Work
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Bachelor of Interior Design
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Bachelor of Travel and Tourism Management
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Bachelor of Event Management
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BA Journalism and Mass Communication (BJMC)
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Bachelor of Fashion Design
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Bachelor of Design
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Bachelor of Design in Animation
Online / Distance Degree
With the rise of technology and the pandemic’s impact, online universities have gained popularity. These universities offer diverse programs allowing students to study from the comfort of their homes.
Popular Online Courses:
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Web Development
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Digital Marketing
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Graphic Design
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Data Analytics
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Data Science
Benefits of Online Universities:
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Flexible schedules
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Lower tuition fees
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Convenience of studying from anywhere
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Access to industry experts
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Technology-driven learning with interactive tools
Vocational Courses / Certificate Courses / Diplomas
Vocational and diploma courses provide specialized, hands-on training and real-world job experience.
Advantages:
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Gain practical, industry-specific skills
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Better employment prospects
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Less expensive than traditional courses
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Ideal for aspiring entrepreneurs
Undergraduate Degree Abroad
Studying abroad offers global exposure but involves high expenses. Consider this option if your budget allows and if you wish to settle abroad. It’s often advisable to pursue a postgraduate degree abroad instead.
Gap Year
Though less popular in India, taking a gap year can be useful for:
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Self-reflection and personal growth
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Preparing for entrance exams (NEET, JEE Mains, CUET, CAT, etc.)
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Career exploration
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Internships or volunteering
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Deferred admission options for overseas colleges
Conclusion
Choosing a career after the 12th can be overwhelming. This article provides clarity on the best career options available in India in 2025, depending on your interests and skills. For more information, visit Collegeshala regularly. Feel free to comment below with your queries!