Choosing between FA, FSC, and ICS after Matric is one of the most confusing decisions for Pakistani students. Parents, friends, and teachers often give different advice, leaving students unsure about their future. The solution is not choosing the “popular” field, but selecting the one that matches your interest, ability, and career goals.
This complete guide on FA vs FSC vs ICS — which field is better for your future explains every option in simple words. Within the first few minutes, you’ll understand FSC or ICS which is better, whether ICS is easier than FSC, and which field has more scope in Pakistan.
Understanding FA, FSC, and ICS After Matric
Before comparing, let’s briefly understand each field.
What Is FA (Faculty of Arts)?
FA focuses on humanities and social sciences.
Common FA subjects:
- Urdu
- English
- Islamiat
- Civics
- Education
- History
FA is suitable for students interested in arts, teaching, CSS, or social sciences.
What Is FSC (Faculty of Science)?
FSC is a science-based program.
Two main types:
- FSC Pre-Medical: Biology, Chemistry, Physics
- FSC Pre-Engineering: Math, Chemistry, Physics
FSC is ideal for medical, engineering, and science careers.
What Is ICS (Intermediate in Computer Science)?
ICS focuses on computers and math.
ICS subjects
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Physics / Statistics
- English
ICS is best for students interested in IT, software, and technology.
FA vs FSC vs ICS – Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | FA | FSC | ICS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Difficulty Level | Easy–Moderate | Hard | Moderate |
| Study Cost | Low | High | Medium |
| Practical Work | Very Low | High (Labs) | Medium |
| Career Range | Wide (Arts) | Specific | Technology-Based |
| Scope in Pakistan | Medium | High | Very High (IT) |
FSC or ICS – Which Is Better?
Which has more scope FSC or ICS?
Both have strong scope, but in different ways.
- FSC: Best for doctors, engineers, pharmacists
- ICS: Best for IT, software development, freelancing
👉 In Pakistan’s current market, ICS has growing demand due to IT exports and freelancing.
Is ICS easy than FSC?
Yes, for many students.
- FSC has heavy memorization and lab pressure
- ICS focuses more on logic and concepts
If you dislike Biology or Chemistry, ICS is easier than FSC.
Career Options After FA
FA is flexible but requires planning.
Career paths after FA:
- BA / BS (Arts subjects)
- CSS / PMS
- Law
- Teaching
- Media & Journalism
Pros
- Low pressure
- Affordable
Cons
- Needs higher education for strong income
Career Options After FSC
FSC has a direct but competitive path.
After FSC Pre-Medical:
- MBBS
- BDS
- Pharmacy
- Biotechnology
After FSC Pre-Engineering:
- Engineering
- BS Mathematics
- Physics
Pros
- High-status professions
- Clear career direction
Cons
- Very tough competition
- High study cost
Career Options After ICS
Which field is best after ICS in Pakistan?
ICS opens doors to modern careers.
Best fields after ICS:
- BS Computer Science
- Software Engineering
- Data Science
- Cyber Security
- Freelancing & Remote Jobs
After ICS which field is best for girl?
Girls commonly succeed in:
- Computer Science
- Software Engineering
- UI/UX Design
- Freelancing (Work-from-home)
ICS is considered safe, flexible, and future-proof for girls in Pakistan.
ICS vs FA vs FSC – Real-World Usability
Let’s explain in simple terms:
- Price (Fees):
FA is cheapest, FSC is expensive, ICS is moderate. - Performance Pressure:
FSC has the highest pressure, FA the lowest. - Speed of Learning:
ICS skills can earn money even during study (freelancing). - Practical Usability:
ICS skills are usable in real life and online work.
ICS vs FA IT vs Pre-Engineering
Which is better ICS or FA IT?
ICS is better because:
- Strong math base
- Better university options
- More IT scope
Which is better ICS or Pre-Engineering in Pakistan?
- Choose Pre-Engineering if you want engineering only
- Choose ICS if you want flexible IT careers
Pros and Cons Summary
FA
Pros: Easy, affordable
Cons: Limited direct jobs
FSC
Pros: High-status careers
Cons: Tough, competitive
ICS
Pros: High demand, modern skills
Cons: Needs self-practice
FAQs – Students Commonly Ask
Which field is best after Matric in Pakistan?
It depends on your interest, not just marks.
Can ICS students become engineers?
Yes, through certain BS programs.
Is FA a bad choice?
No, FA is good if you plan higher education.
Does ICS have biology?
No, ICS does not include Biology.
Can girls choose ICS easily?
Yes, ICS is one of the best options for girls today.
Final Verdict: Choose What Fits YOU
There is no single “best” field for everyone. FA vs FSC vs ICS is about matching your strengths with future demand. FSC suits science lovers, FA suits humanities-focused students, and ICS is the best choice for modern, tech-based careers.
👉 Your success depends not on the field, but on how well you use it. Choose wisely.