Mathematics continues to be the hottest topic of discussion for most of the students appearing for Class 10 Board Examination. For many, Class 10 board examination brings the ‘happiness’ of ‘last Maths Examination’ they would have to worry about. For others, not so much. Class 11 becomes the first class where students get to choose whether or not they wish to pursue mathematics as a subject.
Central Board of Secondary Education, CBSE was the first board in the country to offer two variations of Mathematics subject for senior secondary certificate level examination or Class 12 Board Exams. CBSE now offers Mathematics and Applied Mathematics for Class 12 student. This choice has further led to more confusion rather than a solution for many students.
If you too are a student of who will be entering Class 11 or parent of a student entering Class 11 and are confused about choosing Maths after Class 10 or not, this is the place for you. In this article I would try and explain the pros and cons of choosing Maths (either variant) as well as explain the difference between the two.
CBSE Mathematics v. CBSE Applied Mathematics – Which is best for you
As mentioned, CBSE offers two variants of mathematics for Class 11 and 12 students. One is Mathematics and the other is Applied Mathematics. The common understanding for applied mathematics is that it is for commerce students. In common parlance, it would not be amiss to say it as that.
While most of the topics taught across the two subjects is similar, the basic difference is indeed the applications of the concept that are touched upon. For instance, while both have calculus, mathematics covers trigonometric and exponential identities. Applied Mathematics, on the other hand, caters largely to the application of calculus in economic principles like differentiation in marginal utility equations, etc.
So, in short, if you are planning to pursue a course in management or commerce like banking or accounting, applied mathematics would actually be a good option. The subject would ensure that you continue to build on the basic mathematical concepts without worrying about the larger application in STEM based courses.
Exceptions of Applied Mathematics One MUST Know
There is something students, however, need to know before jumping to pick up applied mathematics over mathematics as a subject. Most of the universities – in India as well as abroad, do not recognise applied mathematics as a subject for many courses that require mathematics as basic criterion.
Speaking for domestic, for example, Delhi University while accepts applied mathematics as a course requirement for its B. Com Hons and BBA courses, it does not accept applied mathematics for BA Hons in Economics. For the latter, DU requires students to have studies Mathematics till Class 12 and not Applied Mathematics.
As for International Universities, most of the universities in UK and USA require Mathematics as a subject in the qualifying examination. This is true not only for STEM courses, but also for many management and finance courses as well as courses like Psychology and other research-based programs.
In short, before one chooses applied mathematics over mathematics, it would be wise to check eligibility criteria of the aspired university or the program. If you are still wondering whether to choose Mathematics (in any form), read on.
Choosing Maths after Class 10 – How Important is the subject
Let us begin by saying, Mathematics is an important subject. Not only for the obvious STEM and related courses (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) but also for a variety of other courses like Management, Architecture, Design and even subjects like Music and Art.
Mathematics, as a discipline is helps in development of better logical reasoning and rational decision-making abilities. Studies have shown that students who continue to study maths have better reasoning skills and tend to do better in a variety of domains.
However, what no one tells is the level of mathematics that is required for the domains. And that is where the difference lies. A basic understanding of mathematical principles is important and recommended for most disciplines well in the senior secondary level.
Also Read | Choosing Subjects in Class 11: 7 CBSE Rules On Subject Combination You Must Know
Does that mean we must do Mathematics in Class 11?
The answer is no. It is not mandatory and definitely not recommended for all either. Mathematics, while essential, is also one of the more difficult subjects to understand. Indeed, some people are more likely to find the subject easy while some are more disposed to detest the subject. And it has nothing to do with the intelligence level of the child.
A child, depending on his or her ability and aptitude for the subject may choose to continue with the subject or choose to drop it. The only word of advice would be that the choice of dropping maths in Class 11 should be done only if
- You find the idea of pursuing Mathematics daunting or suffer from a learning disability like dyscalculia or ADHD which makes Mathematics rather difficult
- It is not remotely related to the choice of career you have made (Many creative arts and liberal arts courses do not necessarily require mathematics as a subject)
If, however maths as a subject is not necessarily difficult for you but rather cumbersome, decision becomes more difficult. It is further aggravated if you have managed to score more than 80 per cent in Class 10 Board Examinations and your parents are convinced you can ‘do it’.
In situations such as these, best thing to do is go through a few classes of Class 11 Mathematics, try and understand what it entails and then decide. Remember, schools may not be able to accept request for change in subject once the registration for CBSE 12th Board Exams is done, which happens somewhere in September. Hence, whatever you must decide, should be done sooner than later.
A parting thought…find the subjects you can truly excel in, yes. But sometimes, learning a subject which may seem tough, may actually be a good thing. If you leave the fear of marks obtained, learning Mathematics can be a good fun and a subject that can keep a lot of career options open for you.
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