Which stream should I choose after 10th?

Board exam just got over and a lot of students seem to be confused about choosing their stream after 10th. Some very common answers by students when someone asks them about their choice of a stream after 10th are:

• I am focusing on my preparation now. Let the result come out, after that, I will decide.
• Of course science, all my friends are going to opt for science.
• My parents want me to become engineer. So, I will opt for science.
• I am confused what to choose. I would choose the stream that has more demand in job market

Mostly, students are unaware of the fact that 10th is the initial and crucial stage of building a career. They take the decision with puzzled and ambiguous mind and end up selecting a wrong stream thereby opening the door to worst consequences in the long-term career prospects. Choosing the right stream has a long lasting impact on a student’s future. It has been often noticed student start hating their subject after some time or quit their subject midway or start feeling frustrated about the wrong move or decision. The decision they once took out of peer pressure or parental pressure or due to lack of knowledge now become the burden of their life. Hence, it is very important for any student to choose the stream carefully for better career prospects in future.

Science based stream and subjects: CBSE 10th Board students with results having higher CGPA (indicative percentage of marks) in both Mathematics and Science, and also in one compulsory language depends on which language medium you are applying for can opt for Science based streams with Subjects of further studies include Mathematics or Biology or both.

Commerce based subjects: CBSE 10th Board students with results having higher CGPA (indicative percentage of marks) in Mathematics or Science/Social Science, and also in one compulsory language can opt for Commerce based streams. If the CGPA result for Mathematics or Science is not high, students are advised to apply for Commerce based streams without Mathematics.

Arts & Humanities based subjects: CBSE 10th Board students with results having higher CGPA (indicative percentage of marks) in Social Science, and also in one compulsory language or 2nd language can opt for Arts & Humanities based streams.

How to choose the right stream after 10th:

Self-awareness: The first stage of stream choice is self-awareness. This involves identifying your interest and understanding your aptitudes and skills. Analyzing their own strength is essential while taking a decision. For example -Do I really like math’s? (to identify the interest):Am I good at math’s? (to judge the skills):Can I be good in math’s if I get all coaching and guidance? (to understand the aptitude, i.e ability to reach the required skill)

A detailed strength-weakness analysis should be done while choosing the stream. Interest, skill & aptitude combination help to make a successful career.

Discussion with seniors/parents/teachers: Guidance from experts and experienced people always matters. On many occasions, students ignore their passion and follow parent’s decision. So, a healthy discussion with parents and conveying about own real happiness should not be missed out during this phase.

Decision making and taking action: This is the final stage of choosing a stream. Choosing the right stream makes a significant improvement in one’s career path hence get inputs from people and various sources but take your own decision. There is no good and bad stream and a lot of opportunities are there in every field. One just needs to put all his/her efforts to make a successful career. Choose wisely and all the best.

The role of parents

Parents have a crucial role in forming student’s career. Parents should help in the exploration of the right career option for their children. However, they should not impose their decision on children while choosing stream and should encourage their kids to follow their own dream. Positive parenting like giving valuable advice and support help children to grow in an area of his interest and abilities.