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CBSE Subject Codes for Class 12: Complete Guide to All Streams and Subjects

CBSE Subject Codes for Class 12: Complete Guide to All Streams and Subjects

Written byAnshu KumariContent Specialist
Editorial standardsResearched & written per 21K School guidelines

Last modified: 22 Oct 2026 20 min read

There is a wide variety of subjects offered by the CBSE board in its different streams in Class 12, like Science, Commerce and Arts (Humanities). The board uses a unique Subject Code to name each subject to be able to identify and manage it easily.

These subject codes are merely an easy way of numbering the subjects.

One such example is that Physics has a subject code of 042, Chemistry a subject code of 043 and Mathematics a subject code of 041.

From this article, students know the subject code of every subject, and it helps them to choose a subject.

What are CBSE Class 12 subject codes?

In CBSE Class 12, each subject has a separate code so that students do not face any difficulty in choosing the subject.

CBSE Class 12 subject code is given in the student’s registration, admit card, answer sheet, and mark sheet.

This subject code makes it easier for students to identify the subject. Due to the fact that each subject has a separate code, it becomes easy for teachers to evaluate the subject.

5 reasons why CBSE subject codes are important

Each of the subjects of the CBSE board has a subject code that it uses in performing various administrative functions of the examination.

Examinations of lakhs of students are conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), and therefore a subject code is highly significant to determine the subjects accurately.

This code creates sanity in the entire process of the examination registration, evaluation and declaration of the results.

Below are five main reasons why CBSE subject codes are important.

1. Error-free registration & exams

During the final exam of Class 12, the subject code has to be written on the answer sheet.

Sometimes, even if the name of the subject is written incorrectly on the answer sheet, the teachers do not have much difficulty in understanding that it is the answer sheet of a subject because the subject code is written there.

Many times, during the registration of the student, they have to face problems in choosing the subject, but due to the subject code being given, the student does not have to face that problem.

As a result, the entire exam process is completed faster and more accurately. Therefore, subject codes are very important to ensure error-free registration.

2. Unique identification

Each subject can be easily distinguished through the subject code. Many times the name of the subject is almost the same, but due to the subject code, there is no difficulty for the students to understand.

For example, Mathematics and Applied Mathematics have almost the same name, but their subject codes are different. The subject code of Mathematics is 041, and the subject code of Applied Mathematics is 241.

As a result, there is no difficulty for the students and teachers to understand which subject is which.

3. Accurate documentation

Subject codes are used in all official documents of the examination. Such as the registration form, admit card, attendance sheet, answer booklet and final mark sheet.

By using this code, the information related to the subject of the student can be stored correctly. If only the subject name is used, then many times there may be spelling mistakes or inconsistencies in the information.

By using subject code, the documentation becomes more accurate. It also makes it easier to verify the academic records of the students in the future.

4. University verification

During admission to a university or college, the mark sheet of the students is verified. At this time, the subject codes are used to understand which subjects a student has studied.

The university authority can easily check the student’s marksheet through the subject code. The subject code is very helpful during the admission process of the student in the university.

It is helpful for the university authority to understand which subject the student has studied and how many marks he has got.

5. Prevents subject confusion

Some subjects have similar names, which makes it difficult for students to differentiate between them. This subject code helps to understand the subject easily. Most language subjects are particularly confusing because they have core and elective subjects.

This subject code helps to understand which is core and which is elective, thus eliminating confusion.

CBSE subject codes for Class 12 full list

Every subject of CBSE Class 12 has its subject code. These subject codes help students identify the subject during the registration of the student.

Students can easily know the subject code by looking at the subject code table given below.

Subject CodeSubject Name
001English Elective
301English Core
002Hindi Elective
302Hindi Core
003Urdu Elective
303Urdu Core
022Sanskrit Elective
322Sanskrit Core
104Punjabi
105Bengali
106Tamil
107Telugu
189Telugu Telangana
108Sindhi
109Marathi
110Gujarati
111Manipuri
112Malayalam
113Odia
114Assamese
115Kannada
116Arabic
117Tibetan
118French
119Portuguese
120German
121Russian
123Persian
124Nepali
125Limboo
126Lepcha
192Bodo
193Tangkhul
194Japanese
195Bhutia
196Spanish
197Kashmiri
198Mizo
027History
028Political Science
029Geography
030Economics
031Carnatic Music (Vocal)
032Carnatic Music (Melodic Instruments)
033Carnatic Music (Percussion Instruments)
034Hindustani Music (Vocal)
035Hindustani Music (Melodic Instruments)
036Hindustani Music (Percussion Instruments)
037Psychology
039Sociology
040Philosophy
041Mathematics
241Applied Mathematics
042Physics
043Chemistry
044Biology
045Biotechnology
046Engineering Graphics
048Physical Education
049Painting
050Graphics
051Sculpture
052Applied Art / Commercial Art
054Business Studies
055Accountancy
056Dance - Kathak
057Dance - Bharatanatyam
058Dance - Kuchipudi
059Dance - Odissi
060Dance - Manipuri
061Dance - Kathakali
062Dance - Mohiniyattam
064Home Science
065Informatics Practices
066Entrepreneurship
068Agriculture
072Mass Media Studies
074Legal Studies
076National Cadet Corps (N.C.C.)
078Theatre Studies
083Computer Science

CBSE board Class 12 elective skills subject

Skill development subjects are those subjects through which students gain knowledge through practical or hands-on work. By studying these subjects, students gain exposure to real-world scenarios.

These increase the problem-solving skills and creative skills of the students.

The codes of all these subjects are given below.

Subject CodeSubject Name
801Retail
802Information Technology
803Web Applications
804Automotive
805Financial Markets
806Tourism
807Artificial Intelligence
808Yoga
809Early Childhood Care & Education
810Front Office Operations
811Banking
812Marketing
813Healthcare
814Insurance
816Horticulture
817Typography & Computer Application
818Geospatial Technology
819Library & Information Science
820Electronic Technology
821Multi-Media
822Taxation
823Cost Accounting
824Office Procedures & Practices
825Shorthand (English)
826Shorthand (Hindi)
827Air Conditioning & Refrigeration
828Medical Diagnosis
829Textile Design
830Design
831Salesmanship
833Business Administration
834Food Nutrition & Dietetics
837Fashion Studies

CBSE Class 12 science stream subject codes

Students can take admission in CBSE Class 12 only after passing Class 10. The most important and popular stream of this class 12 is Science. The main subjects of this science stream are Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology.

Students study science in the future to study any particular subject of science for higher education, medical or engineering.

If a student wants to pursue a career in medicine, the student studies physics, chemistry, and biology.

If a student wants to pursue a career in engineering, the student studies physics, chemistry, mathematics, and computer science.

Subject CodeSubject NameCategogy
301English CoreLanguage (Mandatory for most)
041MathematicsCore
241Applied MathematicsAlternative to Mathematics
042PhysicsCore
043ChemistryCore
044BiologyCore
045BiotechnologyElective
046Engineering GraphicsElective
083Computer ScienceElective
065Informatics PracticesElective
048Physical EducationElective

CBSE Class 12 commerce stream subject codes

Commerce Stream mainly provides education about business, economics, and financial management. This stream is usually chosen by students who want to build a career in business, banking, accounting or economics in the future.

The main subjects here include accountancy, business education and economics. In many cases, mathematics or entrepreneurship are also taught.

By studying commerce, students gain knowledge about business management, financial planning and market management.

Students from this stream get the opportunity to become chartered accountants, company secretaries, bankers, finance managers or entrepreneurs.

Subject CodeSubject NameCategory
301English CoreLanguage (Mandatory for most)
030EconomicsCore
054Business StudiesCore
055AccountancyCore
041Mathematicselective
241Applied Mathematicselective
065Informatics PracticesElective
083Computer ScienceElective
066EntrepreneurshipElective
048Physical EducationElective
064Home ScienceElective
072Mass Media StudiesElective
074Legal StudiesElective
811Banking
822Taxation
823Cost accounting

CBSE Class 12 arts stream subject codes

In the Arts stream, students usually study subjects like Sociology, History, Language, etc. Students gain deep knowledge in these subjects. Students gain a lot of knowledge about the past.

By studying arts, students can also pursue careers in journalism, law, civil service, teaching, social work or media. In many cases, this stream also plays an important role in developing creativity and critical thinking.

Therefore, this stream is very suitable for those who want to work in social and humanistic subjects.

Subject CodeSubject NameCategory
301English CoreLanguage (Mandatory for most)
302Hindi CoreLanguage (Common second language)
322Sanskrit CoreLanguage
027HistoryCore Humanities
028Political ScienceCore Humanities
029GeographyCore Humanities
030EconomicsCore / Cross-stream
037PsychologyCore Humanities
039SociologyCore Humanities
040PhilosophyElective
048Physical EducationElective
049PaintingFine Arts
050GraphicsFine Arts
051SculptureFine Arts
052Applied ArtFine Arts
064Home ScienceElective
065Informatics PracticesElective
066EntrepreneurshipElective
072Mass Media StudiesElective
074Legal StudiesElective
076National Cadet Corps (N.C.C.)Elective
837Fashion studieselective

CBSE Class 12 vocational stream subject codes

Vocational Stream is an education system that mainly emphasises skills and practical knowledge. The aim of this stream is to teach students specific professional skills so that they can quickly enter the workforce.

Vocational education includes practical training and internship opportunities along with theoretical education.

As a result, students can gain real work experience. This stream helps students to become self-reliant and develop into skilled workers.

Therefore, vocational education is an important option for those who want to get employment opportunities quickly through hands-on learning.

Subject CodeSubject Name
801Retail
802Information Technology
803Web Applications
804Automotive
805Financial Markets
806Tourism
807Artificial Intelligence
808Yoga
809Early Childhood Care & Education
810Front Office Operations
811Banking
812Marketing
813Healthcare
814Insurance
816Horticulture
817Typography & Computer Application
818Geospatial Technology
819Library & Information Science
820Electronic Technology
821Multi-Media
822Taxation
823Cost Accounting
824Office Procedures & Practices
825Shorthand (English)
826Shorthand (Hindi)
827Air Conditioning & Refrigeration
830Design
831Salesmanship
833Business Administration

CBSE subject codes for Class 12 physical education

Physical education refers to the development of an individual’s personality through physical activities. Physical education improves the fitness of a student. Physical education classes are conducted through yoga and sports.

Physical education develops the mental as well as the physical development of the student. It is also very important in increasing the leadership qualities and social skills of a student.

Subject codeSubject name
048Physical education

CBSE subject codes for Class 12 computer science

Through the subject of computer science, a student becomes aware of various aspects of computers. This subject creates interest in studying computers in the future. This subject helps a lot in the student’s later academic life as well as in the workplace.

The importance of this subject has increased in this digital age. The foundation for the Creative Technology field is laid. This is important for future Software development, Web Development or Digital Media careers.

In senior secondary, students are given basic concepts about computers. This makes the students interested in studying computer science.

Subject codeSubject name
083Computer science

How to choose the right subjects in Class 12?

Choosing the right subject in Class 12 is very important for a student’s life because the student’s future higher education and career depend on these subjects.

While choosing a subject in Class 12, a student should think very carefully and choose the subject. The student needs to choose the subject themselves because they will be able to choose the subject according to their interest.

Many times, a student chooses a subject based on the decision of their parents or by imitating others, which later affects their education.

1. Consider career goals

The student must first set his goal because it is not possible to choose a subject without a specific goal. Since there are different streams in Class 12, the student can choose the stream according to his goal.

For example, if a student wants to study medicine or engineering in the future, then that student will have to study science.

If someone wants to be a journalist or historian, they will have to study the arts.

If someone’s goal is to be an accountant or manager, they will have to study commerce.

2. Balance interest and practicality

The student should choose the subject themselves because the student is very aware of their own interest.

The student should choose the subject according to their own interest because many times, if they choose the subject according to the advice of their friends or parents, the student does not pay attention to the study, and this leads to bad academic results.

Along with interest, the student should choose the subject considering the future of that subject or the importance of that subject in the workplace.

3. Seek guidance from teachers

Students know about their interests; a teacher is also aware of the strengths and weaknesses of the student. Therefore, it is essential to consult the teacher while choosing a subject.

Sometimes students are confused about subject selection; at that time, the importance of the teacher is immense because the teacher will be able to provide accurate information related to that subject in the future.

4. Check college requirements

After Class 12, along with choosing a subject, choosing a college is also very important. Many times, a student wants to study in a college with a subject of his choice, but that college does not have that subject, so they have to face problems.

Students should check well before choosing a college. Therefore, while selecting a subject in class 12, students have to select the subject that they have an interest in.

5. Choose electives wisely

In class 12, along with the main subject, choosing the right elective subject is also very important. This elective subject is often very impactful on the student’s result.

If a student gets poor results or fails in the main subject, then the elective subject replaces that place. This elective subject also helps in increasing the student’s skills. Therefore, it is necessary to choose carefully while choosing the elective subject.

CBSE Class 12 examination pattern for subjects

Class 12 CBSE follows an examination structure to evaluate students and their deep understanding of subjects.

1. Theory examination

The main exam at the senior secondary level is the theory exam. This exam is used to assess the knowledge of the student. The final result of the student depends on this exam.

At the senior secondary level, these examinations are usually subject-based. The question paper may contain various types of questions, such as objective, short-answer and descriptive questions.

The examination assesses the knowledge, analytical skills and conceptual understanding of the subject matter. The theoretical examination is usually considered the main part of the board examination.

2. Practical or internal assessment

Practical exams are mainly conducted for subjects where practical knowledge is important, such as science or technology-related subjects.

In this exam, students have to conduct various experiments in the laboratory and record results based on their observations.

Practical exams assess the students’ practical skills, observational skills and ability to understand the testing method.

Practical exams help to assess the students’ deep understanding of the subject. The marks of practical exams are usually counted as an important part of the total marks.

As a result, students can acquire practical skills as well as theoretical knowledge.

Conclusion

CBSE Class 12 Subject Selection is a very important thing for the future life of the student. CBSE Board has used a separate code for each subject to make this subject selection easy for the students.

Students can use these codes while filling forms and checking official documents. These codes help the student as well as the board a lot. Students can choose the subject according to their interest here.

Due to the subject code, the board also facilitates the evaluation and publication of results.

Frequently asked questions

9 questions

How many subjects are there in CBSE Class 12?

There are many types of subjects in CBSE Class 12, which are divided into different streams. Generally, different subjects are taught in Science, Commerce and Arts streams.

Can I change my subjects in Class 12?

Usually, after selecting subjects in Class 11, those subjects continue till Class 12. So it is not easy to change subjects in Class 12. In special circumstances, subjects can be changed in some cases with the permission of the school or board, but this is very limited.

What is the subject code for Physics in CBSE Class 12?

CBSE Class 12 Physics subject code is 042. This code is mentioned in the official documents of the board, like the registration form, admit card and mark sheet.

Are subject codes the same every year?

In most cases, CBSE subject codes remain the same every year. However, sometimes when the board introduces new subjects, new subject codes may be added. In very rare cases, there may be some changes.

Do vocational subjects have different codes?

Yes, CBSE has separate subject codes for vocational subjects. These subjects are mainly designed based on practical skills and job-oriented training. For example, Retail-801, Information Technology - 802, Web Application-803.

How many subjects can a student take in Class 12?

Generally, a student studies 5 subjects in CBSE Class 12. However, they have the option of taking an additional subject on the 6th. This additional subject often helps in improving the results, as in some cases it is used in the best-of-five calculation.

Is Applied Mathematics different from regular Mathematics?

Yes, Applied Mathematics and regular Mathematics are different from each other. Regular Mathematics is generally important for engineering, science and technical courses. On the other hand, Applied Mathematics is more practical and useful for business, commerce or data-related fields.

What are the CBSE subject codes for Class 12 Commerce?

There are some major subjects in the CBSE Class 12 Commerce stream, and specific subject codes have been assigned for the subjects. For example, Accountancy-055, Business Studies-054, Economics-030, Mathematics-041, and English Core-301.

What are CBSE Internal subject codes for Class 12?

In CBSE Class 12, there are internal assessment or practical marks for some subjects. The practical or project work of these subjects is assessed by the school. There are internal marks for subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Computer Science.

About the author

Anshu Kumari

Content Specialist

Anshu Kumari is an Education Content Specialist at 21K School- a fully accredited institute- Cambridge International (IA702) and Pearson Edexcel (94883). She focuses on the in-depth research and creation of the well-drafted guides on NIOS admission, Indian Education Policy, and competitive exam preparation. With around 2 years of experience at 21K School, her psychology background informs her approach to the education content and hence focuses on creating guides to address the real anxieties of the guardians. She writes well-researched articles on competitive exam timelines, stream selection, and board choices by referring to the official resources. All Anshu’s content pieces are fact-checked against the board and primary government official resources and is dedicatedly reviewed by the school’s academic team.

Every 21K School guide is written by our education team and reviewed by a subject facilitator before publishing.

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CBSE Subject Codes for Class 12: Complete List Explained!