“Physical Education, Maths, Fine Arts, Computer Science, Economics…it is just so difficult to decide! I need help in choosing my optional subject”
If you are going through such a phase, don’t worry my friend, you are not alone. Choosing your optional subjects in class 11 CBSE is the same as choosing your stream. Both require detailed brainstorming and understanding. And what if you choose a subject and later feel that it is not your cup of tea?
There is a way out of it too!
Q1. Is it possible to change your optional subject in class 12th?
As of current guidelines, CBSE guidelines state that subject change is allowed in class 12th. Before the subjects are finalized and submitted to the regional CBSE office, it is in the hands of the school to change the subject. But once your subjects are confirmed and communicated to the CBSE regional office, then you need to get it changed directly from the Regional office.
Recommended Read: Stream Selection after 10th: Choosing the Right Optional Subject
Q2. What are the CBSE rules for the change of optional subjects?
CBSE permits the change of subject but there are certain conditions. Here are the CBSE additional subject rules on the change of subject(s)
Change of subject(s) in class XI may be allowed by the Head of the School of that academic session. Change of subject(s) in class XII may be allowed by the Head of the school but not later than 15 July of academic session..
When school will receive any request, it will be analysed by the school as to whether: –
(a) The reason for the change of subject is genuine?
(b) What was the performance in class IX/XI?
(c) Whether the child is unable to cope up?
(d) New subject requested to offer is available in school
(e) Teacher of the desired subject is also available in the school
(f) School has affiliation in respect of that subject from Affiliation Unit or Skill Education Unit (for Skill subjects)
(g) Selected combination of subjects is valid as per the scheme of studies.
Read More: CBSE Circular for Change of Subject
Chairman shall have the power to allow a change in subject(s) to avoid undue hardship to the candidate provided such a change request is made before 15 July.
Recommended Read: Stuck with the Wrong Stream? Expert Tips on How to Get Back on Track!
Q3. What are the factors to consider while changing your Optional subjects in class 11 cbse?
The answer to this question depends on various factors. If you have chosen a subject and feel that you will not be able to continue with it, then there is no point in studying it. But, such a decision cannot be taken in haste.
I have compiled a list of questions that you can think of before changing your subject.
a. Does the alternate subject match your areas of interest?
While choosing your alternate subject, make sure that you have an interest in it. Know about the subject in detail like what the syllabus is, whether it coincides with your expectations or not, if it is better than the subject you already have, etc. Ending up with another subject that you do not like will bring you back to point 0.
Problem: Sameer, a grade 11 student, chose Physical Education as his optional subject along with Physics, Chemistry and Maths just because his friends were taking the same. Sameer had an interest in Computer Science as he wanted to become a software developer, but felt stuck in PE.
Advice: Sameer should first check the syllabus that has been covered in Computer Science. If he can cope with it, he should change the subject as soon as possible.
Recommended Read: 5 Students Who Chose Wrong Streams & What You Can Learn From Them
b. Is the subject in sync with your long-term goal?
Before deciding to change your subject, take some time and think about your long-term goal. Choose your subject when you are sure that it will certainly take you a step closer to your aim.
For example- If you are a student of Commerce and have subjects- Economics, Business Studies, Accounts, English and Fine Arts, but your aim is to become an Actuary, it is advisable to shift to Maths as your 11th optional subject as it will help you achieve your long-term goal.
Recommended Read: Stream Selection in Class 11: A Detailed Look Into All 3 Streams
c. Do you have time left for self-study and extra-curriculars?
If the subjects that you chose are taking up all of your time and leaving none for extra-curricular, then you need to rethink. We cannot roll out the importance of extracurriculars in our lives. They help us in shaping up our personality. So, to maintain a balance between the two, evaluate the subjects you already have and trade off a heavy subject with a comparatively lighter one so that you can get time for your outdoor activities.
For example: If you have chosen subjects Physics, Chemistry, Math and Biology just for the sake of keeping all your career options open, you would have less/ no time for your extracurriculars. Here, you first need to ask yourself what your career aim is and accordingly let go of one subject (either Math or Bio) that is unnecessarily taking up your time.
Recommended Read: Planning to Choose PCMB After Class 10? Consider these 6 Things First
d. Will you be able to cope up with the syllabus?
Well, this is one of the most crucial points to be kept in mind. The decision to change your subject at the beginning of your session would not be a bad idea as not much syllabus would have been covered. Whereas, if you are thinking of changing the subject later on in the academic year, make sure you will be able to cope up with the syllabus otherwise changing the subject would not be a wise decision.
Qs. 5 What are the benefits of optional subjects in CBSE?
There are countless benefits to selecting one CBSE optional subject. Well, it is good to have a clear vision while choosing a stream as well as the subjects. However, many students don’t give much attention to the process of subject selection and end up having career confusion.
So, let me debunk the myth, every subject has its branch of opportunities, Even Hindi as a subject can make you a Ph.D. scholar, plus skills like graphic design, and content creation or more can provide you with trending career options in the tech field.
The benefits of having an optional subject will add more career areas for your future, so choosing an optional subject should be a planned decision. It is advisable to sit with your teachers, career counselor, or professionals to understand the future scope of your interest career options.
Recommended Read: Every Question About Opting for a 6th Subject in Class 11th, Answered
Qs. 6 Does optional subjects count in CBSE?
Yes, it does, because with optional subjects you might have a dream future in it. Let me explain this to you with an example.
Pooja is interested in the medical or science field, and she wishes to help people with suffering and wants to help people to transform their physical or mental health. Pooja is clear with her aim and opted for medical subjects like biology, chemistry, and physics, but along with these main subjects she also has Home Science as an optional subject in 12th.
Now, after 7 years she is known as a successful Dietitian who is running her clinic, deals with celebs and collaborates with reputed hospitals, she is invited to big conferences, and get immense recognition from the government as well, also, she has million of people follow her on social media to get along with her healthy recipe and healthy tips.
All these came her way because of her optional subject, Home Science.
After 12th she gained degrees in Home science, got internships to gain experience and now she is fulfilling her dream to help people with their physical and mental health.
Most science/medical students dream of going for MBBS degrees and becoming a doctor, sitting in the NEET exam. Well, these are interestingly challenging but Dieticians are also the doctors.
See, how Pooja was well aware of her vision and she smartly opened up career opportunities with her optional subject.
Qs. 7 Which optional subject is best for the arts?
There is not one subject to consider the ‘best’ option, every subject has its career options and opportunities. You can select sociology, economics, geography, and home science as your optional subject depending on your target.
For instance, you want to become a geography teacher but you have history, sociology, and economics as your main subjects, and geography as your optional subject, that can help you to figure out how to become a geography teacher.
Optional subject is as important as your main subject, therefore, it’s advisable to take advice from a very experienced career counselor.
Things to rethink before going to change the subject:
Although CBSE does give you a chance to change your optional subject during the academic session, all this hassle can be avoided if you keep the following points in mind while choosing your optional subject in the first place.
1. Do not fall to peer pressure
It is a dream come true to be in the same class as your best friend after your 10th class but that doesn’t mean you need to let go of your interest over it. You need to look at the bigger picture here. What if the subjects you are studying are not of your interest and as a result you start getting lower grades? So, while choosing your subject(s), make sure your interest and aptitude are looked into.
2. Do not take a subject just because it is easy
Often students do not take the subjects of their interest because they think they will not be able to handle the pressure or cope with the syllabus. You must get rid of all the confusion in your mind.
Go through the syllabus, and seek the advice of your teachers/ parents/ experts/ school seniors to give you an insight into the subjects. But most important of all, believe in yourself that you can do it! Don’t choose/reject a subject just because you think it is easy/hard.
3. Seek help to know your interest
It might be possible that you are confused between certain subjects and have a tough time choosing one between the two. In this situation, it is best to seek the advice of a career counsellor who can help you decide between the two.
Summing Up
To conclude, if you are considering changing your optional subject, try to give it some more time if you can. There can be a host of factors at play: probably the subject teacher is not good, or you are not able to figure it out because you have not given it enough time, or maybe it is required to pursue your career goals (e.g. math for economics).
If despite consideration you think that the subject is just not right for you, then go for the change!
And if you are still in the process of finalizing your subjects and read this article to know your options, give this decision a proper thought. As the old saying goes, “Prevention is better than cure.”
In the journey of selecting optional subjects for CBSE class 11th and 12th, it’s essential to make informed decisions that align with your interests, goals, and strengths. The process might seem overwhelming, but remember that you’re not alone in this dilemma. It’s crucial to recognize that changing your optional subject is possible, but it’s best to make the right choice from the start to avoid unnecessary complications.
Have doubts while picking up the optional subject in class 11th & 12th? Connect with our career experts to clear all your doubts.
Good luck!
