PCM, PCB, or PCMB: Choosing the Right Stream in Class 11

Edited By: MADE EASY TEAM | Updated on Nov 7, 2024 05:59 PM IST | # NEET

The transition from class 10^th to 11^th is one of the most point in the life of a student. The career and future life of an individual depends significantly on class 10^th. Therefore, students work really hard in class 10^th and take utmost care in selection of stream in class 11^th. However, some students who want to take science in class 11^th get confused in selecting PCM, PCB or PCMB. In this blog, we will help the students in choosing the right stream in class 11^th. We will also explore the various career options, subjects and future scope in these streams.

PCM

Those students who want to continue in the science stream in class 11^th must choose from PCM, PCB, or PCMB in most boards/schools. PCM stands for Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Along with these three subjects, English is typically included as a language, and an additional subject—either computer science or physical education—is usually chosen by students.

PCM is usually preferred by the students who aspire to pursue non-medical fields such as engineering in their undergraduate studies.

Additionally, PCM is favoured by students with a strong interest in mathematics. This combination of subjects helps aspirants prepare for challenging exams such as IIT-JEE, BITSAT, etc., and secure spots in top technical institutes like the IITs, NITs, BITS, IISc Bangalore, and others.

Due to the presence of mathematics in classes 11^th and 12^th, the PCM stream is also chosen by students who aim to pursue research programs in mathematics. Typically, a minimum of 60% marks in class 10th are required to select PCM in class 11, although this requirement may vary from school to school and board to board.

PCM students can pursue various courses such as B.Sc. Mathematics, B.Sc. Physics, B.Sc. Chemistry, Engineering, BCA, etc., and can get jobs in sectors like engineering, banking, research, analytics, and management.

PCB

PCB stands for Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Just like PCM, students of PCB also study English as a language and an additional subject like physical education.

PCB is usually preferred by the students who aspire to join the health and medical-related industry, such as doctors, pharmacists, nurses, biotechnologists, etc. Those who aspire to join paramedical services after class 12^th also choose PCB in class 11^th.

Generally, students preferring PCB over PCM have a strong interest in biology. This combination of subjects helps the students prepare for competitive exams like NEET.

Typically, a minimum of 60% marks in class 10 are required to select PCB in class 11, although this requirement may vary from school to school and board to board. After finishing class 12^th, students can join UG courses such as B.Sc. Physics, B.Sc. Chemistry, B.Sc. Zoology, B.Sc. Botany, B.Sc. Biotechnology, etc. They also have the option to appear in the National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test, NEET. After clearing NEET, PCB students can pursue courses like MBBS, BDS, BUMS, BAMS, B.V.Sc., etc. in top government and medical colleges. NEET also helps the students get selected into the military nursing service and Armed Forces medical college and serve the nation as doctors.

PCMB

PCMB stands for Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology. In some boards, it is compulsory to take both mathematics and biology together in class 11^th . This combination allows students to broaden their scope when choosing professional courses. PCMB students can prepare for both NEET and JEE. There are many examples of aspirants who have cracked both IIT-JEE and NEET with good ranks. This is beneficial for students who are unsure about their career path initially.

Generally, for admission into the PCMB stream, students need to secure at least 60% marks in class 10^th. However, this criterion depends on the school and the type of board. Students should check the cut-offs for different streams in their respective boards and schools.

Opting for PCMB is somewhat challenging, as it demands extra hard work and dedication due to the presence of both biology and mathematics.

These are the subjects that a science student can choose after entering the science stream in class 11^th.

How to choose the right subject combination:

Till now, students have a fair idea about PCM, PCB, and PCMB. Let us now look at how students can choose the right subject combination.

Self-Assessment: Students need to self-assess their interest and goal before selecting any subject combination.
Research Career Goals: Students should look for the career options available and then make their decisions of selecting the right subject combination for themselves.
Consideration of competitive exams: The subject must be chosen such that they help the students in preparation of their desired competitive exams.
Avoid Peer Pressure: It is important to avoid the peer pressure before finalizing the subject combination.
Expert guidance: Students can take expert guidance if they are feeling any difficulty about the selection of subjects.
Explore the syllabus: Students can explore the syllabus of class 11^th before finalizing the subjects. This would help them to check whether their interest really lies in that subject or not.

These are some tips that can help students select the right subject combination. These are general tips, and students can modify them as per their requirements.