Course Structure

CBSE Science Stream – Course Structure (Class 11 & 12)

The CBSE Science stream is a two-year academic program consisting of Class 11 (XI) and Class 12 (XII), based on the NCERT curriculum. It is designed to prepare students for careers in engineering, medicine, research, technology, and applied sciences.

Subjects Offered :

Each student is required to choose five main subjects, which include one language (usually English), two core science subjects (Physics and Chemistry), one optional subject (like Mathematics or Biology), and an additional subject. A sixth subject is also allowed as a backup or for added academic weight but is only counted if a core subject is failed.

The language subject can be English Core, Hindi Core, or Hindi Elective. Physics and Chemistry are compulsory for all Science students. For optional subjects, students can choose from Mathematics, Biology, Computer Science, Informatics Practices, Psychology, or Physical Education. Biotechnology and Engineering Graphics are also offered in some schools. Students interested in both Engineering and Medical paths often choose PCMB – Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology.

Assessment & Evaluation :

Each subject typically has a total of 100 marks, divided between theory and internal/practical assessments. Subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Biology are assessed with 70 marks for theory and 30 marks for practical work, which includes experiments, viva, and lab records. Mathematics carries 80 marks for theory and 20 for internal assessments. English is divided into 80 marks for written exams and 20 for internal evaluation, including listening and speaking activities. Computer-related subjects like Computer Science or Informatics Practices also have a 70–30 split between theory and practicals.

To pass, a student must score at least 33% in both theory and practical/internal components separately.

Academic Year Timeline :

The academic year begins in June or July. Mid-term exams are usually conducted around September or October. Practicals are held in January, and final exams take place in February and March. Board results for Class 12 are typically announced in May.

Grading Pattern :

CBSE follows a grading system where marks are converted into grades. For example, a score of 91–100 is graded as A1, 81–90 as A2, and so on. Students scoring below 33% in any subject receive an E grade and are considered to have failed that subject.

Career Pathways After Science Stream :

Students with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) can pursue careers in engineering, architecture, data science, or physical sciences. Those with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) typically aim for medical fields such as MBBS, BDS, BAMS, or B.Sc. in life sciences. A combination of all four (PCMB) opens both medical and engineering options. Students who choose Computer Science or Informatics Practices can explore careers in IT, AI, machine learning, and software development.

Maharashtra State Board – Science Stream Course Structure (Class 11 & 12)

The Science stream under the Maharashtra State Board (MSBSHSE) is a two-year program that includes Class 11 (First Year Junior College or FYJC) and Class 12 (Second Year Junior College or SYJC). This stream is designed for students aiming for careers in engineering, medicine, research, technology, or applied sciences.

Subjects Offered :

Students are required to study a combination of compulsory and optional subjects. The compulsory subjects include English, Physics, and Chemistry. Alongside these, students must choose between Mathematics and Biology depending on their career goals. Some students opt for both, forming the PCMB group — Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology.

In addition, students can select optional subjects such as Computer Science, Information Technology, Electronics, Agriculture, or Vocational courses. The exact subject offerings may vary slightly by college.

In Class 11, Environmental Education (EVS) and Health and Physical Education are also compulsory. While EVS is assessed through a project, Health and Physical Education involves both theoretical and physical activity-based assessment. In Class 12, these subjects are no longer graded as separate papers, but physical education may still be part of internal assessments.

Assessment & Evaluation :

Each academic subject in Class 12 is evaluated out of 100 marks. Typically, 70 to 80 marks are allotted for theory exams, and 20 to 30 marks are reserved for practicals or internal assessments. Subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Biology include laboratory experiments, viva voce, and journal/project work for their practical component. Mathematics includes an internal test component, while English also includes oral and listening skills assessments.

In Class 11, the assessments are conducted internally by the respective junior colleges. Class 12 ends with the HSC Board Examinations, which are state-level public exams conducted by MSBSHSE, usually between February and March.

Academic Year Timeline :

The academic year generally begins in June. Unit tests and first-term exams are held between July and September. The final exams for Class 11 take place in February or March. For Class 12 students, practical exams are held in January, followed by the HSC theory board exams in February and March. Results are declared in May.

Grading and Passing Criteria :

Students must score a minimum of 35% in each subject, including practicals, to pass. Performance is classified into grades such as Distinction (75% and above), First Class (60–74%), Second Class (45–59%), and Pass Class (35–44%).

Career Pathways After Science Stream :

Students who choose Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) generally aim for careers in engineering, architecture, aviation, or physical sciences. Those who take Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) prepare for medical entrance exams like NEET and pursue fields such as MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, Nursing, and B.Sc. in various life science disciplines. A combination of PCMB is suitable for students who wish to keep both engineering and medical career options open. Students opting for Computer Science or Information Technology can also explore careers in software development, IT, and data science.

Maharashtra State Board – Commerce Stream Course Structure (Class 11 & 12)

The Commerce stream offered by the Maharashtra State Board (MSBSHSE) is a two-year academic program consisting of Class 11 (First Year Junior College or FYJC) and Class 12 (Second Year Junior College or SYJC). This stream is ideal for students who are interested in business, finance, economics, accountancy, or professional careers like CA, CS, CMA, and management.

Subjects Offered :

Students are required to study a combination of compulsory academic subjects along with a few optional subjects, depending on their interests and career goals.

The core subjects that every Commerce student studies are English, Economics, Book-Keeping and Accountancy, and Organization of Commerce and Management (commonly known as OCM).

For the fifth subject, students typically choose between Mathematics and Statistics or Secretarial Practice (SP). Students who are inclined towards finance, management entrance exams, or data analysis usually opt for Mathematics. Those more focused on administrative roles or business communication often go with Secretarial Practice.

In Class 11, students are also required to take Environmental Education (EVS) and Health & Physical Education. EVS is evaluated through a project, while Physical Education includes practical fitness and activity-based assessments.

Some colleges offer optional subjects like Information Technology (IT), Computer Science, or vocational subjects, depending on infrastructure and faculty availability.

Assessment & Evaluation :

Each subject is evaluated out of 100 marks. Most subjects have 80 marks allotted for theory exams and 20 marks for internal assessments, oral exams, or projects. Subjects like Book-Keeping and OCM involve practical learning through projects and case studies, while subjects like English include oral communication and grammar assessments.

In Class 11, the exams are conducted internally by the respective colleges. However, Class 12 concludes with the HSC Board Examinations, which are conducted by the Maharashtra State Board and are held at the state level, typically between February and March.

Students must complete project work and internal assessments for subjects like EVS, Economics, and OCM in both years. These components carry significant weight and contribute to the final score.

Academic Timeline :

The academic year usually begins in June. The first unit test and mid-term assessments are conducted between July and October, while final exams for Class 11 are held around February or March. For Class 12, board practical/oral exams are held in January, and the theory board exams follow in February–March. Results are typically declared in May.

Grading and Passing Criteria :

To pass a subject, students must score at least 35% in both theory and internal/practical components. Based on the percentage achieved, performance is categorized as:

• Distinction for scores above 75%

• First Class for scores between 60% and 74%

• Second Class for 45% to 59%

• Pass Class for 35% to 44%
  
  

Career Pathways After Commerce Stream :

The Commerce stream opens up a wide range of professional and academic opportunities. Students who take Mathematics can go on to pursue B.Com, BBA, BMS, Economics, Law, or professional courses like Chartered Accountancy (CA), Company Secretary (CS), and Cost and Management Accountancy (CMA). Those without Mathematics often pursue B.Com, BAF (Accounting and Finance), BBI (Banking and Insurance), BMM (Mass Media), or diploma courses in fields like marketing, event management, and hotel management.

Courses like Bachelor of Management Studies (BMS) and Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) are also popular options that lead to careers in business management, entrepreneurship, and corporate roles.