Education | The Indian Express
Choosing the right subjects in Class 11 is a pivotal milestone for any student. Opting for Science, in particular, can significantly impact a student’s academic and professional trajectory.
Board Results 2025 Live Updates: When are ICSE, MP Board, CBSE, PSEB, TS SSC results releasing
According to the Ministry of Education statistics, there has been a rise in the number of students who have taken Science in Class 11 in the last decade. This upward trend towards STEM-related careers shows their recognition as a professional gateway to myriad fields. Science lays the foundation of critical thinking, problem solving and analytical skills, which are needed in this rapidly evolving world. Whether a student is inclined towards healthcare, pure sciences or emerging interdisciplinary fields, science provides a skillset that is needed to excel in these professions.
Diverse career pathways
Depending on the student’s aptitude and interest, there are multiple career options that one can explore. If a student is interested in Biology, pursuing an MBBS might be the first choice of many parents and students. However, healthcare courses like nursing, pharmacy, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, nutrition and dietetics are also emerging. Other than this, paramedical fields like radiology, lab technology and emergency care are also growing rapidly. The most recent example of this is the recently launched ‘ten-minute ambulance service’.
Students with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics can go for the traditional engineering courses like mechanical, civil, electronics and computer science engineering. The new courses that have gained popularity are data sciences, artificial intelligence, robotics, cyber security, mechatronics and environmental engineering. The demand for cloud computing, blockchain technology, game designing, software and app development is increasing every day. Aerospace engineers, Air traffic controllers and Commercial pilots can only be trained if they have fundamental knowledge of the Science subjects. Indira Gandhi Institute of Aviation Technology and Indian Institute of Space and Technology (IIST) offer specialised programs in aviation and space technology.
Unlocking opportunities
The students who pursue pure sciences can get research opportunities in both private and government institutions. ISRO, DRDO, BARC, and CSIR are some such renowned institutions that even offer stipends to research scholars. The students of pure sciences are also the ones who are considered for teaching roles.
Story continues below this ad
The growing awareness of climate change and sustainability has posed an increased demand for Environmental Scientists, Ecologists, Geologists and Meteorologists. Courses in Agricultural Sciences, Wildlife Biology and Forestry are also drawing attention.
The students who pursue Science are also eligible to apply to the National Defence Academy (NDA) to join the Indian Army, Navy or the Air Force. They can also appear for UPSC examinations.
Interdisciplinary Frontiers: Where science meets innovation
Apart from all these, there is a rapid growth in interdisciplinary fields like biotechnology, bioinformatics, biomedical engineering, forensic sciences, health informatics, geosciences, nanotechnology and quantum computing, which offer promising avenues of innovation.
As the world continues to advance technologically, it can be said that having a background in science can definitely put one on the road to success. The skills garnered through studying the subject are not just applicable in professional life but in personal life as well. For any student who looks at the world with wonder, curiosity and passion, Science is the lighthouse that will guide them home.
Story continues below this ad
(The author is the head, Senior Years, Shiv Nadar School, Faridabad)
#Opting #Science #Class #11th #career #options #students #explore