Some lesser-known undergraduate courses offered by various colleges in India across different fields

“From AI to puppetry, these niche bachelor programs turn specialized passions into standout careers across every corner of India.”

1. Environmental Science and Sustainable Development

Course: B.Sc. Environmental Science

Institutes: Fergusson College (Pune), Shiv Nadar University (Noida), Mount Carmel College (Bengaluru)

Overview: Focuses on environmental conservation, biodiversity, sustainable development, and the management of natural resources.

Job Roles: Environmental Scientist, Environmental Consultant, Pollution Control Officer, Wildlife Conservationist

2. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Course: B.Tech in AI & ML

Institutes: SRM Institute of Science and Technology (Chennai), Vellore Institute of Technology (Vellore), Chandigarh University

Overview: Covers machine learning algorithms, neural networks, data mining, and AI applications.

Job Roles: AI Specialist, Data Scientist, Machine Learning Engineer

3. Robotics and Automation

Course: B.Tech in Robotics Engineering

Institutes: Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham (Coimbatore), Manipal Institute of Technology (Manipal), SRM Institute of Science and Technology (Chennai)

Overview: Focuses on robotics, automation technologies, and intelligent systems.

Job Roles: Robotics Engineer, Automation Specialist

4. Culinary Arts

Course: B.Sc. in Culinary Arts

Institutes: Institute of Hotel Management (IHM) Aurangabad, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Welcomgroup Graduate School of Hotel Administration (WGSHA)

Overview: A comprehensive course on culinary techniques, food production, and management.

Job Roles: Chef, Food Safety Officer, Catering Manager

5. Peace and Conflict Studies

Course: B.A. in Peace and Conflict Studies

Institutes: Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), Sikkim University

Overview: This course explores conflict resolution, peacebuilding, human rights, and international relations.

Job Roles: Conflict Resolution Specialist, Diplomat, Policy Analyst

6. Rural Studies and Development

Course: B.A. in Rural Development

Institutes: Mahatma Gandhi University (Kerala), Gujarat Vidyapith (Ahmedabad)

Overview: Focuses on rural economy, agriculture, and sustainable development strategies for rural areas.

Job Roles: Rural Development Officer, Social Welfare Officer, Panchayat Raj Officer

7. Game Design and Development

Course: B.Des. in Game Design

Institutes: MIT Institute of Design (Pune), ICAT Design and Media College (Chennai)

Overview: This course covers game design, game mechanics, interactive storytelling, and 3D modeling.

Job Roles: Game Developer, Animator, UX Designer

8. Marine Biology

Course: B.Sc. in Marine Biology

Institutes: Annamalai University (Tamil Nadu), Andhra University (Visakhapatnam)

Overview: Focuses on marine ecosystems, oceanography, and the conservation of marine life.

Job Roles: Marine Biologist, Fisheries Officer, Oceanographer

9. Tea Management

Course: B.Sc. in Tea Management

Institutes: Assam Agricultural University (Jorhat), North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology (Itanagar)

Overview: Offers training in tea cultivation, processing, marketing, and export management.

Job Roles: Tea Development Officer, Plantation Manager

10. Anthropology

Course: B.Sc. in Anthropology

Institutes: University of Delhi, Utkal University (Odisha)

Overview: Studies human societies, cultures, and their development, along with biological anthropology.

Job Roles: Anthropologist, Archaeologist, Museum Curator

11.  Leather Technology

Course: B.Tech in Leather Technology

Institutes: Anna University (Chennai), Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI, Chennai)

Overview: Focuses on leather processing, product design, and manufacturing technology.

Job Roles: Leather Technologist, Quality Control Officer, Leather Designer

12.  Heritage Management

Course: B.A. in Heritage Management

Institutes: Gujarat University (Ahmedabad), National Museum Institute (New Delhi)

Overview: Covers the preservation, conservation, and management of cultural heritage and monuments.

Job Roles: Heritage Manager, Conservation Officer, Museum Curator

13.  Forestry

Course: B.Sc. in Forestry

Institutes: Forest Research Institute (Dehradun), Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (Coimbatore)

Overview: Focuses on forest conservation, wildlife management, and sustainable forestry practices.

Job Roles: Forest Officer, Wildlife Warden, Forest Ranger

14.  Gerontology

Course: B.A. in Gerontology

Institutes: Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), University of Madras

Overview: Studies aging, elderly care, and social policies affecting the elderly population.

Job Roles: Gerontologist, Social Welfare Officer, Health Administrator

15.  Petroleum Engineering

Course: B.Tech in Petroleum Engineering

Institutes: Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology (Amethi), Indian School of Mines (Dhanbad)

Overview: Covers exploration, drilling, production, and management of petroleum resources.

Job Roles: Petroleum Engineer, Drilling Engineer, Reservoir Engineer

16.  Puppetry

Course: B.A. in Puppetry

Institutes: University of Mumbai

Overview: Focuses on traditional and modern puppetry techniques, design, and storytelling through puppetry.

Job Roles: Puppeteer, Cultural Promoter, Art Teacher

17.  Ethnobotany

Course: B.Sc. in Ethnobotany

Institutes: North Eastern Hill University (Shillong), University of Calcutta

Overview: Studies the relationship between people and plants, including traditional knowledge and medicinal uses of plants.

Job Roles: Ethnobotanist, Research Scientist, Conservation Officer

18.  Data Science

Course: B.Sc. in Data Science

Institutes: Christ University (Bengaluru), NMIMS (Mumbai)

Overview: Focuses on data analysis, machine learning, big data, and statistical methods.

Job Roles: Data Scientist, Statistician, IT Analyst

These courses offer specialized knowledge in niche areas and can lead to unique career opportunities. They are particularly suitable for students who have specific interests beyond traditional subjects. These roles can provide excellent career opportunities within the government sector, contributing to various national projects and initiatives in specialized fields.