Career library · Computers and technology

Software developer

Building the programs and apps people use

What people in this work actually do

Understand what a user actually needs, write and test code, fix defects, work with a team on a shared codebase, and keep improving something already in use.

This may suit you if…

You enjoy solving a problem that takes several hours, you are willing to read documentation, and you can keep going when something does not work for the fifth time.

The hard parts

The learning never stops and much of it is unpaid and self-directed. Entry is competitive and many advertised jobs want experience. Most of the work is in cities, so moving is usually necessary. Long periods sitting at a screen.

We show these because nobody else will.

What people get wrong about this

That you must be a genius at mathematics, or that you must attend an expensive institute. Neither is true; persistent self-teaching plus demonstrable projects is a real route.

What this looks like in a smaller town

Remote work has made this more possible from a small town than it was, but a reliable connection and a computer of your own are genuinely necessary, not optional.

Ways into this work

There is almost always more than one route, and the cheapest is often perfectly respected.

Polytechnic diploma then software work

Polytechnic diploma · Starts from Class Classes 9 and 10

A three-year diploma after Class 10 leading into software or support roles.

How long
3 years
What it costs
Not yet verified
Available near you?
In district towns

How to do it
Check the direct-entry eligibility for your state polytechnic and the admission month.

Self-taught with a portfolio

Learning on the job · Starts from Class Classes 11 and 12

Learn programming from free material and build real projects that you can show.

How long
2 years
What it costs
Not yet verified
Available near you?
Can be done online

How to do it
Choose one free course, fix two hours a day in the timetable, and plan to publish a first small project within three months.

BCA or B.Sc. in computer science

Degree course · Starts from Class Classes 11 and 12

A three-year degree after Class 12.

How long
3 years
What it costs
Not yet verified
Available near you?
In district towns

How to do it
Shortlist two government or aided colleges within reach that offer this, and note their admission dates.

B.Tech in computer science

Degree course · Starts from Class Classes 11 and 12

A four-year engineering degree.

How long
4 years
What it costs
Not yet verified
Available near you?
Mainly in cities

How to do it
Confirm the Class 11 subject combination, and find out which entrance examination your state uses and when it is held.

Skills that matter here

Essential

Getting yourself started

Beginning a task without someone standing over you.

Essential

Using a computer

Switching on, finding files, and not being afraid of the machine.

Essential

Reading with understanding

Reading an instruction or a form and knowing what it asks.

Useful

Writing clearly

Filling a form, writing a message or a note without confusing the reader.

Useful

Working in a team

Doing your part and helping the group finish.

See whether this fits your family

School is one of five parts of growing up. See how your child is doing across all five, what to try next at their age, and what it would honestly cost in your area.

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Sources

Related work

Computer operator Computer and network technician