Students enrolling in Class 12th is an exciting as well as overwhelming journey.
However, every step is crucial especially when it comes to selection of right subjects in CBSE Class 12th. It is one of the vital academic decisions for each student.
In this pathway of learning board exam results determine the whole career of a student. The Central Board of Secondary Education is one of the ideal boards in India.
CBSE offers a wide range of subjects to students recently created in Class 12th. A right subject selection leads to academic growth.
Here we will understand everything about major and minor subjects of CBSE class 12th to help students to make informed decisions.
Table of Contents
- What Are Major Subjects in CBSE Class 12?
- What Are Minor Subjects in CBSE Class 12?
- Major Subjects in CBSE Class 12: Stream-Wise List
- Minor Subjects in CBSE Class 12: A Detailed List
- CBSE Rules for Choosing Major and Minor Subjects in CBSE Class 12
- Key Difference Between Major and Minor Subjects in CBSE Class 12
- Conclusion
What Are Major Subjects in CBSE Class 12?
Major subjects are core academic subjects that help students to choose the mainstream such as Science, Commerce, or Arts/Humanities.
It is a compulsory subject which helps in generating the overall percentage in CBSE Class 12th. These subjects are not limited to passing the class but also guide the students toward college admission.
Major subjects are comparatively higher in weightage in exams which ensures good results in Class 12th marksheet.
What Are Minor Subjects in CBSE Class 12?
Minor subjects are elective or skill-based subjects selected by the students in addition to major subjects. It helps students to choose desired areas of learning.
CBSE conducts both minor and major examinations. The marks of minor subjects are also counted in the overall result of the marksheet.
Major Subjects in CBSE Class 12: Stream-Wise List
To understand the each stream-wise major subjects given below is a detailed list students must go through:
1. For Science Stream
Science is a popular stream often chosen by students to become Engineering, Doctor, or Researcher. Major subjects of Science include theoretical knowledge and practical assessments.
Major Subjects:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Mathematics or Biology
- English or Hindi
Additional Subjects based on Science Stream (Optional/Minor):
- Computer Science
- Informatics Practices
- Biotechnology
- Engineering Graphics
- Physical Education
- Fine Arts
- Psychology
2. For Commerce Stream
Students who are interested in business, finance, economics, and management can choose Commerce stream.
Major Subjects:
- Accountancy
- Business Studies
- Economics
- English or Hindi
Additional Subjects based on Commerce Stream (Optional/Minor):
- Entrepreneurship
- Mathematics
- Applied Mathematics
- Informatics Practices
- Physical Education
- Legal Studies
3. For Arts/Humanities Stream
Humanities streams help students to discover social sciences, languages, and arts ideal for journalism, law, public administration, education, and creative fields.
Major Subjects:
- History
- Political Science
- Geography
- Sociology
- English or Hindi
Additional based on Arts/Humanities Stream (Optional/Minor):
- Psychology
- Fine Arts
- Home Science
- Philosophy
- Economics
- Physical Education
- Legal Studies
Minor Subjects in CBSE Class 12: A Detailed List
Given below is a detailed list of minor subjects available in CBSE Class 12th:
- Skill-Based and Vocational Subjects
- Information Technology
- Artificial Intelligence
- Web Application
- Financial Literacy
- Mass Media Studies
- Marketing
- Tourism
- Agriculture
- Health Care
- Retail
- Entrepreneurship
- Creative and Performing Arts
- Fine Arts (Painting, Sculpture, Graphics, Applied Arts)
- Music (Vocal or Instrumental)
- Dance
- Theatre Studies
- Physical and Life Skills
- Physical Education
- Yoga
- Sports
- Home Science
- Fashion Studies
- Language Subjects
- Sanskrit
- French
- German etc.
CBSE Rules for Choosing Major and Minor Subjects in CBSE Class 12
By understanding CBSE subject selection rules students can choose the right subjects aligned with their career:
1. Minimum and Maximum Subjects
A minimum of 5 subjects is mandatory for students of Class 12. And the maximum number of subjects can be 6 or 7.
The combination mainly includes:
- 2 language subjects (one Hindi or English and one elective/optional language).
- 3 core academic (major) subjects related to stream.
- 1 or 2 additional/minor subjects.
2. Compulsory Language
As per CBSE Class 12th subject change guidelines, students must study at least two languages, and one of them must be either English or Hindi as a compulsory language.
Students can also prefer both Hindi and English if they choose.
3. Subject Combination Rule
Subject combination rule is the most important part for future learning. Students must select Class 12th subjects based on Class 11th and follow the CBSE-prescribed stream pattern.
4. Specific Subject Exceptions
CBSE offers specific subject exceptions especially for those subjects which clash. For example, students who opt for Mathematics can also choose Applied Mathematics.
While, subjects like Biology and Biotechnology cannot be taken together in most CBSE schools.
Key Difference Between Major and Minor Subjects in CBSE Class 12
To understand both major and minor subjects in CBSE Class 12 given below is a comparison table for learners:
| S No. | Particulars | Major Subjects | Minor Subjects |
| 1. | Role in Exam | The role of major subjects is to define the stream and determine promotion and results. It is also known as core subjects. | The role of minor subjects to add variety and practical exposure. It is also preferred for skills improvement. |
| 2. | Weightage | In CBSE class 12th, major subjects have higher weightage than minor subjects. | While in CBSE class 12th, minor subjects have lower weightage than major subjects. |
| 3. | Focus Area | Theoretical knowledge, analytical skills, and mainstream understanding are some of the main focus areas of major subjects. | Practical learning, creativity, life skills, and innovation are some of the main focus areas of minor subjects. |
| 4. | Examples | Physics, Chemistry, Biology etc are major subjects. | Physical Education, Informatics Practices etc. |
Conclusion
Understanding both major and minor subjects in CBSE Class 12 help in taking the right decision based on interest and career growth.
Major subjects build the foundation of the chosen stream and minor subjects provide flexible learning opportunities, creativity, and skill enhancement.
Remember, a right combination of major and minor subjects in CBSE Class 12 guide students to get the desired academic achievements.
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