A student’s subject choices in the class 11th are often met with a lot of anxiety, doubts, and confusion. Even though CBSE students need to choose between only three subjects for a future career– Science, Commerce and Humanities – there are still many other additional choices to be made. Which optional subject to choose? What is the right combination of subjects in CBSE class 11 for my career? And should I opt for a 6th subject in 11th grade or not?
This last question puts many students in a riddle. The concept of the 6th subject is still unclear to many students and parents, and thus there are many questions associated with the topic.
To resolve this confusion, I am going to answer the most prevailing and frequently asked questions about opting for a 6th subject in classes 11th and 12th. Let’s look at them one by one.
Recommended Read: Stream Selection in Class 11: A Detailed Look Into All 3 Streams
Q1. What are additional or Optional Subjects in Class 11th CBSE?
CBSE gives students the option to study an additional subject, i.e. a 6th subject alongside their 5 regular subjects in classes 11th and 12th. It is not a substitute for a main subject and is generally opted to compensate for the possibility of scoring low marks in a major subject or to keep additional career options open (e.g. Mathematics in the case of Humanities students).
Many schools offer vocational or elective subjects such as Physical Education, Music, Hindi, Fine Arts, etc. as 6th subjects, while some others also offer academic subjects such as Computer Science, Informatics Practices, Mathematics, Biology, and Psychology as options.
Recommended Read: Can You Change Your Optional Subject in CBSE Class 11 & 12?
Q2. What are the advantages of taking 6th subject in CBSE class 12th?
The biggest question in most students’ minds is, how beneficial would it be for them to opt for a 6th subject? Is there a point to it? The answer is, yes. There are certain advantages associated with an additional subject in class 12. Some of them are:
Improve Your Percentage:
A 6th subject can help you improve your overall percentage, especially if you opt for an easier and higher-scoring subject. In case you score higher in your 6th subject, the marks obtained in it will substitute your 5th subject in your percentage calculation. Thus, your overall percentage will increase. For example – You opted for Physical Education as a 6th subject and obtained the following scores: Physics – 85; Chemistry – 87; Math – 92; English – 95; Computer Science – 90; Physical Education – 96
Thus, the overall percentage here will be 91% (accounting for PCM, English and Physical Ed.) as opposed to 89.8% (with Computer Science).
Increase Career Options:
Opting for a 6th subject can help you increase the number of career options available to you in some cases. For example, a Humanities student may choose to opt for Mathematics as a 6th subject in addition to the main CBSE class 11 subjects to keep Economics open as a career option. Or, PCB students may consider opting for Mathematics and Physical Education, both together. (5th and 6th subjects).
In such a case, keeping Mathematics would open career options in Biotechnology and Biomedical engineering-related fields. Keeping Physical Education as a 6th subject would act as a backup in case they score low in Mathematics and want to save their percentage.
Create a Backup Option in Case You Don’t Score Well:
Again, going by the last example mentioned above, a 6th subject can prove helpful in case you have opted for a tough 5th subject, and you are not sure how well you will be able to score in it. An easier 6th subject can act as a backup if you don’t score well in the optional subject, since your percentage will include the additional subject you score a higher percentage in. Your overall percentage will thus not be affected.
Recommended Read: What are the Subjects Offered in the Humanities Stream in Class 11?
Q3. What are the disadvantages of having a 6th subject in class 12th?
Despite its many advantages, one cannot deny that studying a 6th subject is not meant for everyone. There are certain disadvantages associated with studying an additional subject.
The biggest concern about opting for an extra subject is the extra effort, hard work and time that you will have to devote to your studies. This is especially true for students who have tougher 5th subjects since they would already have their hands full with their 5 main subjects, and adding another to the mix may make it too much to handle.
Even if you opt for an easier 6th subject, you will still have to study for it, and many hold the view that more focused attention towards 5 subjects is a better formula for obtaining a good percentage than dividing attention between 6 subjects.
Thus, you need to look at your ability to multitask and handle the efforts involved in taking up an extra subject.
Recommended Read: Stuck with the Wrong Stream? Expert Tips on How to Get Back on Track!
Q4. Is a 6th subject compulsory in Class 11th?
No, opting for a 6th subject in class 11th is not compulsory. Generally, your 5 main subjects are counted towards your percentage calculation in the board exam, and adding a 6th additional subject is optional.
Q5. Is it compulsory to take the 6th subject exam if I have opted for it?
Yes, it is compulsory to write the 6th subject exam if you have opted for it. However, the marks in your 6th subject are not counted in your percentage calculation if you score less in it or fail. They are only considered in your total percentage calculation in case you have scored less or fail in your 5th subject then that 6th subject will replace language only when after replacing the student still has English/Hindi as one of the languages.
Recommended Read: What are the Subjects Offered in the Commerce Stream in Class 11?
Q6. What if I flunk my 6th subject? Will I be considered to pass or fail?
Your 6th subject marks are not counted to your overall percentage and even for admission purposes, only four/five subjects are counted. Thus, in a case where you’re not able to obtain a passing percentage in your 6th subject, it’s up to you whether you wish to write the examination again or not.
The marks in your 6th subject will however still be written on your final marksheet, and may not give a good impression to future recruiters if you’ve not passed the subject. This is something to take into consideration.
Recommended Read: 5 Students Who Chose Wrong Streams & What You Can Learn From Them
Q7. If I pass in the additional subject but score low/fail in one of the main subjects, what will my result show?
The CBSE board gives you a provision to replace the marks of your 6th subject with those of your main subject in your percentage calculation in certain cases.
As per CBSE guidelines:
- A language offered as an additional subject may replace a language in the event of a candidate failing in the same, provided after replacement the candidate has English/Hindi as one of the languages.
- An elective subject offered as an additional subject may replace one of the elective subjects of the candidate.
- Additional language offered at the elective level may replace an elective subject provided after replacement the number of languages offered shall not exceed two.
For more information, refer to CBSE guidelines.
Thus, if you have failed or have scored low in one of your main subjects, you could get the option to replace it with the marks of your 6th subject.
Q8. Which subject options do I have for a 6th subject?
CBSE provides many options for additional subjects. Some of the popular choices offered with each are as below:
- PCB optional subjects (Medical ): Psychology, Home Science, Mathematics, Economics, Biotechnology, Fine Arts, and Physical Education
- Optional Subjects with PCM (Non-Medical): Biotechnology, Economics, Computer Science, Home Science, Fine Arts, and Physical Education
- Optional Subjects with Commerce: Mathematics, Informatics Practices, Psychology, Fine Arts, Physical Education, Web Applications, Legal Studies, and Entrepreneurship.
- Optional Subjects with Humanities: Economics, Psychology, Mathematics, Home Science, Legal Studies, Fine Arts, Physical Education, Media Studies and Music.
The choices you get to choose from will depend on your school, since some schools may not offer all of the above-mentioned options.
Recommended Read: Stream Selection After 10th: Choosing the Right Optional Subject
Q9. How to calculate the CBSE Class 12th percentage for 6 subjects?
Only your top five subjects would be taken into account for calculating the aggregate percentage in class 12th, even if you have six subjects. As I mentioned above, if you have scored better in your 6th subject, then its marks can replace your 5th subject (elective subject) marks in the total.
For example – You have opted for Commerce with Mathematics along with Physical Education as your sixth subject. Your marks are as follows: Business Studies – 92; Economics – 90; Mathematics – 89; Accounts – 86; English – 95; and Physical Education – 88. Thus, the overall percentage here will be 90.8% (accounting for the top five subjects i.e. Business Studies, Economics, Mathematics, English, and Physical Education).
Please note that the criteria for calculating percentage would differ if you are going for DU admissions (where you have to calculate your best-of-four).
Q10. Can I take biology as optional in PCM?
Certainly! The candidate must have successfully cleared the intermediate (10+2) or an equivalent examination recognized by the respective State Government and Education Board. You should have completed the qualifying examination with subjects including Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English individually. Additionally, it is required that they have obtained a minimum aggregate of 50% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology combined.
Q11. Which optional subject is best for Commerce class 11?
CBSE commerce subjects for class 11 offer several optional subjects to students. While the Central Board of Secondary Education provides various choices, it is better to be aware of the specific subject combinations offered at their school.
Below is a list of some optional subjects available for CBSE 11th Commerce students:
- Mathematics
- Psychology
- Informatics Practices
- Fine Arts
- Legal Studies
- Physical Education
- Entrepreneurship
It’s essential for students to carefully consider their interests and future academic goals while selecting the most suitable subject combination.
Q12. How many subjects are optional in class 11 science?
Apart from the four compulsory subjects, namely Physics, Chemistry, English, and either Biology or Mathematics, optional subjects in class 11 CBSE science will have the opportunity to select a 5th subject based on their preference. Additionally, certain schools may offer the flexibility of choosing a 6th subject, allowing students to opt for two optional subjects of their choice. This enables students to make the right academic choices.
Q13. Can I take math as an additional in CBSE arts subjects for class 11?
Yes, Arts students can often choose Mathematics as an optional subject. Many schools provide this option, but its availability may vary. So, it’s better to check with your school to see if it’s offered and if there are any other requirements. Speak to your school counsellor or academic for guidance on subject choices.
Q14. What are the benefits of choosing geography optional as a CBSE subject for class 11 science?
Choosing Geography as an optional CBSE subject for class 11 science has many benefits. It helps you understand the Earth’s processes and environment better, along with scientific subjects.
Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology improves your research and data analysis skills. You also get to do fieldwork, which enhances your practical abilities. For those aiming for careers in civil services, environmental sciences, or urban planning, Geography can be helpful in competitive exams. It gives you a global perspective on population trends, resource management, and climate change, making you understand Earth better.
Q15. What are the benefits of an optional economics subject with class 11th science?
Choosing Economics as an optional subject in 11th class with Science can be interesting! It helps you understand how money, markets, and economies work and how they relate to scientific concepts. You’ll learn how to analyze things critically and make smart decisions, which can come in handy for science research.
Plus, you’ll discover how economics influences technology and scientific developments. With Economics, you can explore exciting career paths like environmental economics or healthcare economics. It’s like adding an extra layer of knowledge to your science studies and opening up new opportunities for the future!
Hope the concept of a 6th subject is much clearer to you after reading this. Now, the decision comes back to you, whether you wish to opt for a 6th subject or not. This is one decision that needs to be taken carefully since you’ll have to study the subject for the next 2 years. Do not get swayed by others’ actions, thinking that you need to opt for a 6th subject because others are also doing it.
Properly consider the pros and cons of it in your case before taking any step and if you are still not sure whether to take an additional subject in class 11 or not, the Mindler career assessment and guidance from our career experts can be really helpful.
