{"id":3934,"date":"2024-05-30T15:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-05-30T09:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mindler.com\/blog\/?p=3934"},"modified":"2024-05-30T11:33:59","modified_gmt":"2024-05-30T06:03:59","slug":"6th-subject-in-cbse-class-12","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mindler.com\/blog\/6th-subject-in-cbse-class-12\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Frequently Asked Questions about Optional Subjects in Class 11th CBSE."},"content":{"rendered":"

A student\u2019s 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\u2013 Science, Commerce and Humanities \u2013 there are still many other additional choices to be made. Which <\/span>optional subject<\/span> to choose? What is the right combination of<\/span> subjects <\/span>in CBSE class 11 <\/span>for my career? And should I opt for a 6th subject in 11th grade or not?<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2019s look at them one by one.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Recommended Read: <\/span>Stream Selection in Class 11: A Detailed Look Into All 3 Streams<\/span><\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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Q1. What are additional or Optional Subjects in Class 11th CBSE?<\/span><\/h2>\n

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).<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Recommended Read: <\/span>Can You Change Your Optional Subject in CBSE Class 11 & 12?<\/span><\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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Q2. What are the advantages of taking 6th subject in CBSE class 12th?<\/span><\/h2>\n

The biggest question in most students\u2019 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 <\/span>additional subject in class 12<\/span>. Some of them are:<\/span><\/p>\n

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Improve Your Percentage:<\/span><\/h3>\n

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 \u2013 You opted for Physical Education as a 6th subject and obtained the following scores: Physics \u2013 85; Chemistry \u2013 87; Math \u2013 92; English \u2013 95; Computer Science \u2013 90; Physical Education \u2013 96<\/span><\/p>\n

Thus, the overall percentage here will be 91% (accounting for PCM, English and Physical Ed.) as opposed to 89.8% (with Computer Science).<\/span><\/p>\n

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Increase Career Options:<\/span><\/h3>\n

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 <\/span>class 11 subjects<\/span> 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).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Create a Backup Option in Case You Don\u2019t Score Well:<\/span><\/h3>\n

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\u2019t 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Recommended Read: <\/span>What are the Subjects Offered in the Humanities Stream in Class 11?<\/span><\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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Q3.\u00a0 What are the disadvantages of having a 6th subject in class 12th?<\/span><\/h2>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Thus, you need to look at your ability to multitask and handle the efforts involved in taking up an extra subject.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Recommended Read: Stuck with the Wrong Stream? Expert Tips on How to Get Back on Track!<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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Q4. Is a 6th subject compulsory in Class 11th?<\/span><\/h2>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Q5. Is it compulsory to take the 6th subject exam if I have opted for it?<\/span><\/h2>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Recommended Read: What are the Subjects Offered in the Commerce Stream in Class 11?<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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Q6. What if I flunk my 6th subject? Will I be considered to pass or fail?<\/span><\/h2>\n

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\u2019re not able to obtain a passing percentage in your 6th subject, it\u2019s up to you whether you wish to write the examination again or not.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\u2019ve not passed the subject. This is something to take into consideration.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Recommended Read: <\/span>5 Students Who Chose Wrong Streams & What You Can Learn From Them<\/span><\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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Q7. If I pass in the additional subject but score low\/fail in one of the main subjects, what will my result show?<\/span><\/h2>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

As per CBSE guidelines:<\/span><\/p>\n