Higher Secondary education programmes are the stepping stones to chase your career dreams. Students can choose the subject for admission on the basis of their aptitude.
The subjects are classified into three groups for higher secondary education. Among the Science, Commerce, and Humanities streams, Science is the one chosen by a majority of children.
Those aspiring to become professionals like engineer, doctor, pilot, scientist, researcher etc should choose the Science group.
How to determine your aptitude
There is no Science without Mathematics. The same rings true while determining aptitude. Mathematics holds an important role in the Science group. Those who are good at Maths can study Science subjects with more interest. They also must have an interest in Physics and Chemistry. In these subjects too, there are many variations of Mathematics that have to be learned. It is better to determine your aptitude from one's own preferences. Students should discuss about their aptitude with parents, get a clear understanding and clear doubts.
Major Groups
There will be six subjects to be studied in Plus One. Learning Physics and Chemistry is mandatory for the Science group combinations.
The Science group has nine combinations.
• Mathematics–Biology
• Home Science–Biology
• Mathematics–Home Science
• Mathematics–Geology
• Mathematics–Computer Science
• Mathematics–Electronics
• Computer Science–Geology
• Mathematics– Statistics
• Psychology–Biology
In addition to Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has included around 100 new subjects in this group as part of the new education policy. The combination of subjects to be taught will be decided by the schools concerned, depending on the availability of faculty members.
Scope
• Engineering: Those studying Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics subjects in Higher Secondary can appear for the engineering entrance test. There are many students who study Computer Science as a fourth elective. Computer Science is very important in the field of engineering.
• Medical courses: Those who study Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology are eligible for admission to medical courses. For admission to MBBS and BSc Nursing, learning Biology in Science group is essential.
• Paramedical courses: Paramedical is an area that has seen a surge in job opportunities both abroad and in India post the pandemic period. Studies in Science subjects are considered important for pursuing courses in the paramedical field. Joining the Science stream for Plus Two will help in the study of B Pharm, D Pharm as well as courses on Health Inspector, Radiological Technology, Ophthalmic Assistance, Operation Theater and Anesthesia Technology, Neurotechnology, Dialysis Technology, and Endoscopic Technology.
• Life Science: Life Science is a growing field in the area of Bachelor of Science. It holds immense potential in subjects like biotechnology and microbiology.
Science group students can also switch to Arts and Commerce subjects for higher studies. While examining the Plus One admission held last year, the Biology Science witnessed a heavy rush of students. So, it is better to choose subjects with proper career planning. This will also help other children to avoid missing out on their chances.
VHSE
Admissions to Plus One can be obtained also under the Vocational Higher Secondary Education programmes. Those who get admission in Group A and B categories of subjects in VHSE can get admission for higher studies in Science that stipulate the same subjects as the basic qualification. Acquiring job-oriented skills while learning is the key specialty of the VHSE programme.
Points to be noted
• Ask children who have studied Science about their learning experiences.
• Find out what Science streams are available in schools near home.
• If your aim is to study abroad, you can find out the courses on offer and prepare for them.
• Try selecting a course at your own wish and not at the instance of your family.
(Information Credits: M Sajeev Mohan, Asst Professor (Physics), College of Engineering, Thiruvananthapuram. Ambat Vijayakumar, Emeritus Professor, Department of Mathematics, Cusat)