Arts, Commerce, Science? What Next?
By Dr Arun Mishra
“Arts, Commerce, Science? What Next?”
This is a major question every student ponders over after completing his/her Class 10th or SSC(Secondary School Certificate). Be it a student, his/her parents or their mentors, everyone is confused. With so many options available, confusion might loom in large. Also, the choice of subjects after class X is a very crucial decision in a student’s life for the future depends on it.
With an aim to deal with this confusion of students and their parents, let’s discuss some options, pointers and tips one should consider while choosing a field/stream after completing Class 10th or HSC.
How to select between Arts/ Commerce and Science stream subjects in class XI?
Click here to read about career options after Class XII commerce?
Study options :
A. HSC or 11-12th or 10+2
- Arts – Psychology, Sociology, Economics, History, Geography, Political Science, Logic, Home Science, Environmental Science, Physical Education, Journalism, Library, Human Resource etc.
- Commerce – Economics, Accountancy, Business Studies
- Science – Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and / or Biology
Duration: 2 Years through State Boards or Central Board
B. Diploma : Following are the options, one can pursue one can pursue a diploma in:
Engineering: Computer, IT, Electrical, Electronics, Mechanical, Civil, Automobile, Chemical, Petroleum, Mining, Interior Design – These are 3-year technical courses through State Board approved Polytechnics or UGC recognized universities in India.
C. ITI
Fitter, Welder, Machinist, Mechanic, Electrician, Computer Operator, Mason, Painter, Carpenter, etc. – These are 1 year or 2 years courses through State Technical Board approved Institutes.
D. HSC - MCVC
In Maharashtra, HSC with vocational courses, called MCVC is possible. It is a 2-year program. After this program, students can further study Diploma in Engineering and get admission directly in 2nd year of Diploma. Students are not allowed direct admission in B.Tech. They can do Diploma and thereafter do BTech which shall take three years more.
D. Vocational or Certificate Courses
- General Nursing & Midwifery
- Fashion, Food, Garment, Stenography, Beauty, Culture, Hair Dressing, Photography etc.
- Accounts, Administration, Office Management, Sales & Marketing etc.
- Hotel Management, House Keeping, Receptionist etc.
- Music, Choreography, Painting, Creative Arts etc.
Vocational or Certificate courses have durations varying from three months to six months and one year to two years depending of the nature of course.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ):
Q. What is the most preferred course?
- HSC is the most preferred.
- Second most preferred option is Diploma in Engineering. This is selected by students who are sure that they wish to become engineers only. After Diploma they can study further and they can do B. Tech in 3 years. They get admission directly in 2nd year of B.Tech.
- Third preferred option is ITI or HSC-MCVC or Certificate courses.
Suggested: HSC or Diploma
Q. What should I do? Arts, Commerce or Science?
It is the most difficult question to answer. It depends on your interest and aptitude. It depends on your likes and dislikes. It depends on your career ambitions or dreams. Let me answer it three ways.
1. Analyse your likes & strength and select your choice: For example, if you feel that you like music and you will like to work in this field then select Arts. Similarly, if you think that you would like to become a writer or journalist or administrative officer then select Arts. If you like accounts or business or you will like to work in Banks or Insurance or a similar field then select Commerce. If you feel that you like science, you will like to become engineer or doctor or scientist or do a similar job then select Science.
2. Analyse your dislikes & weakness and select your choice: Many boys tell me that they don't like history and they don't like writing or reading languages like Hindi or English then I tell them that they should not select Arts. Similarly, many girls tell me that they hate Mathematics but they are OK with science then I tell them that they can select Science but not to opt for Mathematics subject; and take up Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
3. I will like to become __________ : Many students tell me confidently that they want to become engineers only. They are very clear. So the option here is also very clear – HSC with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. If you want to become a manager in a Bank then select HSC with Commerce. My daughter told me very clearly that she will not like to become a doctor and she prefers to be an Interior Designer – Here the answer is very clear – do Diploma in Interior Design followed by bachelor’s degree in Interior Design, if required. So decide what you would like to be? This will be helpful. You can even look around and select a role model. My friend's son was very impressed by his family doctor and wanted to become like that doctor. I suggested him HSC with Physics, Chemistry and Biology. In case of confusion between engineering and medicine, one can select HSC with Physics, Chemistry, Biology + Mathematics, although it may become an extra study burden.
Usually mixed strategy works, i.e. Select using above given 1st, 2nd, 3rd method.
Q. I want to take Science in HSC but I am not sure whether I will be able to do it. Is it too tough?
No, It is not tough. One hour per day, five days a week, 45 weeks a year should be good enough to make you comfortable in any subject. These are figures for average students and average targets. You can increase or decrease the figures as per your requirement.
Q. I hate Mathematics.
Then please don't select Science or Commerce. Prefer HSC with Arts subjects.
Q. I hate Biology.
This happened personally with me. I decided not to take Biology in HSC. I decided that I will become an engineer and selected Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. I am writing my example just to let you understand that it may happen that someone may love some subject too much while someone may hate any particular subject. Select or de-select your choice.
Q. I want to do business and earn money.
So, select HSC with commerce subjects. Earning Money should not be the major criterion at present, focus more on your interests.
You may have more questions. Log on to Shiksha Café – Q & A to post your questions and get your answers anytime you want.
About the author:
Dr. Arun Mishra is founder president of Excel College of higher education, Navi Mumbai. An engineering management graduate from BITS, Pilani, Dr. Arun Mishra is an educationist. He has completed his MS, MBA and PhD and has more than 20 years of teaching and counselling experience.
