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How Many Subjects are Compulsory in Class 11 Science: Student’s Guide!

Written ByAnkita Singha
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Updated on29 Dec, 2025
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how many subjects are compulsory in class 11 science

Enrolling in class 11 is an exciting journey for each student. But, selection of subjects can be an overwhelming decision for students in India. 

The choice of subjects impact on career and job opportunities. That’s why students entering the first year of senior secondary education must know how many subjects are compulsory in class 11 science? 

Science is one of the popular streams students choose to make their career in domains like engineering, medicine, biotechnology, research, computer science, architecture etc. 

If you are also interested in understanding compulsory subjects in class 11 science this blog is for you. Let’s make the right decision for future success. 

How Many Subjects Are Compulsory in Class 11 Science?

There are 5 subjects total required, not all compulsory core. It consists of 4 core subjects plus 1 elective

1. Class 11 Science – Compulsory subjects include:

  1. Physics
  2. Chemistry
  3. Mathematics or Biology (one is compulsory; students may choose both if allowed)
  4. English
  5. Additional subject from the elective list

These subjects form the foundation of the Science stream. Given below are the common electives students mostly include:

  • Computer Science
  • Physical Education
  • Psychology
  • Home Science
  • Engineering Graphics
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Informatics Practices
  • Biotechnology
  • Economics
  • Fine Arts

Minimum and Maximum Number of Subjects Allowed in Class 11 Science?

Students often think about the minimum and maximum number of subjects allowed in class 11 Science. Here’s the breakdown for clarification about CBSE: 

1. Minimum Subjects Allowed for Students

As per CBSE official website, students can choose a minimum of 5 subjects and a maximum of 9 subjects.

  • 4 compulsory subjects (Physics, Chemistry, English, Maths/Biology)
  • 1 elective subject

2. Maximum Subjects Allowed for Students

  • Students can take 9 (as per CBSE policy) subjects based on school policies. 

Note: Each board has their own subject policies. For example, in Class 11 ICSE, students are required to pick English plus four additional subjects, and some schools require 6 subjects total. One can checkout the official website for details.

3. Common Subject Combinations in Class 11 Science

  • For Engineering Aspirants (PCM)
  1. Physics
  2. Chemistry
  3. Mathematics
  4. English
  5. Computer Science/Physical Education/Engineering Graphics
  • For Medical Aspirants (PCB)
  1. Physics
  2. Chemistry
  3. Biology
  4. English
  5. Psychology/Biotechnology/Physical Education
  • For Students Interested in Both Medical and Engineering (PCMB)
  1. Physics
  2. Chemistry
  3. Mathematics
  4. Biology
  5. English
  6. 1 elective (optional)

Common Mistakes Students Make When Choosing Science Subjects

Given below are some common mistakes students make when choosing science subjects: 

1. Choosing Based on Pressure

Students often feel pressure while choosing subjects in class 11. For example a student is taking both maths and biology because everyone else is taking it in the classroom. 

The solution is to take time and choose according to interest. 

2. Not Considering Future Goals

Sometimes, students forget that the selection of subjects is directly connected to future goals. Not considering future goals can impact on career growth. 

One must consider subjects based on desired career directions and to achieve long-term goals

3. Ignoring Difficulty Level

Students who ignore difficulty level can lead to stressful subject combinations. 

That’s why understanding learning style and needs is important for students. 

4. Selecting Subjects without Understanding Electives

Selecting subjects without understanding electives is one of the common mistakes students must avoid. 

Before picking an elective students must go through its syllabus , exam pattern, how much effort it requires and connection with main subjects. 

Tips to Choose the Right Subjects in Class 11 Science

To choose the right subjects in class 11 Science, students must follow the below tips: 

1. Evaluate Strengths and Interests

While choosing the subjects in class 11 Science students must evaluate their strengths and interests. 

Those who prefer desired subjects can learn at a comfort level which leads to impactful academic performance. 

2. Consider Future Careers

Students must be aware of different career options they can prefer and plan for the future to get the right subjects. 

For example, one must take PCM to continue with engineering or PCB if looking for MBBS / BDS, nursing etc. 

3. Think Long-Term

Students who want to achieve long-term career goals after class 12 must plan from class 11.

One must avoid selecting a subject for temporary reasons like peer pressure or easy to learn. 

Conclusion

Understanding how many subjects are compulsory in class 11 Science helps students to gain desired knowledge before entering the grade. 

Students must choose 5 compulsory subjects to clear grade 11 and promote in grade 12. 

Go through above-mentioned information from mistakes to tips to avoid stress and pressure. 

FAQs

Yes. Students can choose biology without maths in class 11th. However, it also depends on school policies and the educational board of students. 

Yes. Students can take both Mathematics and Biology together. However, it depends on school policies and typically requires taking an additional subject beyond the standard 5.

To be promoted in class 12th, students need to pass in all the subjects they take, which is a minimum of five subjects. 

Students can change the subjects later, but it depends on the school principal’s approval, and should be done in a specific time period based on academic session. 

No. Taking 6 subjects in class 11th is not compulsory. Students have the option to take additional subjects. While the standard curriculum consists of five main subjects. 

The five compulsory subjects in Class 11 are based on stream and board. For Science stream subjects includes: 

  • English
  • Physics
  • Chemistry
  • Mathematics (for the non-medical)/Biology(for the medical)
  • Any additional core subject.

Which subject is hard in class 11 depends on various factors like individual interests, strengths, and future needs. 

No. Hindi is not compulsory in CBSE Class 11. But, students must choose at least one Indian language which could be Hindi, Sanskrit, or other regional languages along with English.

Ankita Singha

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I, Ankita Singha is a passionate content writer at 21kschool with 1.5 years of experience in crafting engaging digital content in different domains. With a talent for storytelling and visual expression, I blend creativity and strategy seamlessly. Outside of work, I enjoy crafting new things, calligraphy, and dancing.

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