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The class X board exams are round the corner. As students burn the midnight oil to achieve the best possible grades, they also need to intimate their schools of their subjects in class XI. While to some extent the subject combination depends upon their board (CBSE, ISC, IB, AS/A Levels), the most important question is, ‘What do you want to study in college?’. In this article we will provide some insights into the suitable subject combinations for students planning to pursue different majors in college.
If you want to study Medicine
Students planning to study Medicine from India need to appear for the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test), which is a combined exam for admission to medical, dental, and veterinary colleges. The necessary courses for these students are Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Though Math is not a requirement, it is advantageous for better understanding of both Physics and Physical Chemistry.
Students who wish to study Medicine in the UK need Math and Chemistry along with one additional science (either Biology or Physics). On the other hand, universities in the USA and Canada don’t offer medical studies at undergraduate level. Students need to complete their undergraduate studies in Biology or Biochemistry and then seek admission to medical school for graduate studies. In general, the top universities in Canada require Math till grade XII. While the USA universities have a holistic admissions process and don’t require a specific subject combination, it is advantageous to have Math, Biology and Chemistry till grade XII.
If you want to study Engineering or Architecture
Students who wish to pursue Engineering from India need to appear for the Joint Entrance Exam (JEE). The required subjects are Physics, Chemistry and Math. Students interested in pursuing Architecture studies from India need to appear for National Aptitude Test in Architecture (NATA), a national level exam for admissions to undergraduate Architecture courses in India.
Students interested in pursuing Engineering or Architecture from the UK require Physics and Math as core subjects. In the USA most of the top Engineering programs require at least 2 years of Calculus which translates to Math till grade XII. Students planning to study engineering at the top US universities also appear for Advanced Placement (AP) exams in Physics, Calculus, and Computer Science. In general, all aspiring architects should study Math, Physics and Fine Art / Commercial Art in grade XI and XII.
If you want to study Business or Economics
Students from different streams like Science, Commerce or Arts can opt to study Business or Economics at bachelors level in India. Some of the top universities like Delhi University, Narsee Monjee and the Indian Institutes of Management also conduct entrance tests for admissions to their undergraduate programs. Most of these tests are based on English, Math and Logical Reasoning.
Students who want to pursue Economics or Business major from the USA, UK or Canada should choose English, Math, Economics, Business Studies, Accounts in grades XI and XII. Most of the good Economics programs require knowledge of Calculus as well as Statistics.
If you want to study Law
Students with any subject combination in grade XI and XII can study Law at bachelors level in India. They need to appear for Common Law Admission Test (CLAT), a national level entrance exam for admissions to the National Law Universities. This test is based on English, Legal Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, and General Knowledge and current affairs.
Students who wish to study Law in the UK require English and Math in grade XI and XII. Universities in the USA and Canada don’t offer law at undergraduate level. Students can study law as an advanced degree after completing four years of college. In general, all the top universities in USA and Canada require Math till grade XII.
If you want to study Humanities
Students with any subject combination in grade XI and XII can study Humanities at undergraduate level in India. Top universities like Delhi University, Mumbai University and Narsee Monjee require students to appear for entrance tests. Most of these tests are based on English, Math, Reasoning and General Knowledge. Students who want to pursue Humanities from UK, USA or Canada should choose English, Math, Social Studies, Science and Foreign Language in grades XI & XII.
By grade X, students should try to develop a general idea of what they want to study in college. This in turn will guide them toward the right subjects in class XI and XII. Having an idea of their desired college major and possible career choices allows the students to focus on and invest their time in their core subjects. This in turn helps them put their best foot forward for admission to their dream university.