What is BSc course all about? Know the full-form, eligibility & scope

BSc is one of the popular undergraduate courses that students opt for after completing their 10+2 studies. The course is usually offered by all the top-notch universities across the country with different specialisations.

BSc Eligibility, Scope, Duration

Interested in pursuing a Bachelor of Science (BSc) after class XII? The fascination in the course is never-ending as there are various subjects covered in BSc and students who see themselves making a career in the field need to be up to date, aware and eligible to pursue BSc from a prestigious university in the nation. BSc is an undergraduate-level course which is offered at all leading national and state-level universities. In order to pursue a BSc course, candidates need to meet the minimum eligibility criteria as set by the college/university/institute. There are various and diverse career-based subjects which are offered such as agriculture, animation, biochemistry, computer science and the list is endless. A BSc degree also attracts various scholarships in Research and Development fields.

Check here list of top BSc/ MSc colleges in India

BSc offers both theoretical as well as practical knowledge about different subject areas. These subject areas usually include any one of the main science fields (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology) and other related fields depending on the specialisation opted by the students

Candidates with a strong interest and background in Science and Mathematics are highly recommended to pursue BSc course. Also, students who wish to pursue multi and inter-disciplinary science careers in future will find the course quite beneficial.

Advantages of Pursuing BSc Course

Candidates who have just completed their Class 12 must be confused about which course/stream to pursue their studies in. Class 12 science stream pass-out students have an option of studying BSc degree from the top universities in the India. Candidates who are sceptical about pursuing a BSc can read this section to learn about the advantages of pursuing a BSc degree.

A BSc (Bachelor of Science) course can offer a number of advantages, both for your career and your personal development. Here are some of the key benefits:

• Career opportunities: A BSc opens a Pandora box to professional and scientific fields. From classics like physics, chemistry, and biology to more specialized areas like computer science and data analysis, a BSc provides a strong foundation for various careers.
• Strong earning potential: As compared to other fields like arts or commerce, BSc graduates often benefit from higher average salaries and better benefit packages.
• Research opportunities: A BSc student gets a plethora of options for further research in your chosen scientific field. Many universities offer research opportunities alongside BSc programmes, allowing you to gain valuable experience and contribute to scientific progress.
• Develop valuable skills: BSc programmes develops critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and problem-solving abilities – all highly sought-after skills by employers across many industries.
• Opens doors for further education: A BSc can serve as a stepping stone to postgraduate studies like Master's or PhD programmes, allowing you to specialize in a particular area of science.

Overall, a BSc can be a valuable investment in your future, equipping you with the knowledge, skills, and qualifications to thrive in a variety of science-related careers.

Also Read: Top BSc Biology Courses Without NEET 2024 Exam 

BSc Honours vs. BSc General

There are typically two types of BSc degrees awarded to students – BSc Honours and BSc General (commonly known as BSc Pass). Both the academic degrees are awarded to students at an undergraduate level. However, there are some basic differences that lie between the two.

The difference between BSc Honours and BSc General degrees is basically explained below based on certain parameters that would assist students in making a better choice between the two courses.

Definition of BSc Honours and BSc General

The BSc Honours course is designed to inculcate advanced theoretical, practical, and research skills among students. It is a more standardised degree and focuses usually on one major subject area.

BSc General course, on the other hand, is designed to provide foundation knowledge of Science subjects to students. It usually covers all major subjects of Science.

Course Duration 

The duration of both BSc Honours and BSc General courses spans over three to five years (depending on university/ college policy).

Also Read: Integrated MSc admissions at Coimbatore Institute of Technology

Course Eligibility

To secure admission in BSc Honours course students must pass Class XII from a recognised board in Science stream. Also, students must secure a minimum percentage according to the cut-off stipulated by the respective college/ university. The eligibility criteria to secure admission in BSc General course is same as what is required for BSc Honours course (already mentioned above). However, there may be slight variations between college to college.

The mandatory science subjects (PCM/ PCB/ PCMB) that candidates must study at class XII to secure admission in difference BSc courses (Honours/ General) is tabulated below: 

Admission Procedure

For both BSc Honours and BSc General courses, entrance exam may or may not be conducted depending on the university/ college policy. In case of no entrance exam, admission in the courses is done on the basis of merit determined through marks scored in 10+2 final examinations.

Also Read: Check top BSc entrance exams in India here.

According to a Shiksha expert, Akash Prashar, universities and colleges prefer students with higher percentage in Class XII. However, some private and government colleges also conduct an entrance exam followed by a personal interview round to provide admission in BSc courses.

Mode of Education

While BSc Honours is usually offered as a full-time course in colleges, BSc General is offered in both full-time and part-time (correspondence) mode.

Career Prospects

For the BSc Honours course, career prospects in terms of job opportunities depend on the specialisation a student opts for. For instance, students with a degree in BSc (Honours) Physics can apply for a job as a financial analyst, lab technician, etc. Students with a degree in BSc (Honours) Chemistry can apply for a job in sectors such as medical research, laboratories, utility companies, technical journals, etc.

Students pursuing a degree in BSc General course can apply for a job in fields such as teaching, banking, and marketing.

There are usually many job prospects for students after pursuing BSc Honours and BSc General courses in both science and non-science fields. However, it is recommended for students to pursue a master’s programme after getting their Bachelor of Science degree to boost their chances of getting a better profile and higher salaried jobs in their respective fields.

According to Shiksha expert, Akash Prashar, a student pursuing a BSc Honours programme cannot change his/her subject in post-graduation. The student needs to continue with the same subject studied at the undergraduate level.

Popular BSc Courses After Class 12

The mandatory science subjects (PCM/ PCB/ PCMB) that candidates must study at class XII to secure admission in difference BSc courses (Honours/ General) is tabulated below: 

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