Ranjan K Baruah
After appearing in the board exams we are worried about what we do next. Till class X, we had different subjects which combine all but in higher studies we need to be more specific and choose subjects which would enable us to get a decent job. Students as well as guardians or parents are also confused sometimes when it comes to selecting streams and subjects for further studies. Selecting streams is not so easy and not so difficult. We need to be well informed while choosing the subjects or streams.
After Class X we are aware of three main streams which include science, arts or humanities and commerce. There are also vocational subjects which are equally important if things are planned at the right time. Science may be with Mathematics or without Mathematics likewise it can be with Biology or without Biology. Physics and Chemistry are in the science stream but there are many choices nowadays as there are different subjects available.
All those who are aspiring to become doctors or engineers must take science stream with required subjects. There are other higher studies subjects that need the combination of different science stream’s subjects. Similarly all those who are aspiring to become officers in the Indian navy or in the Indian Air Force must have Physics and Maths to appear in qualifying examinations.
Like science streams there are streams like arts or humanities and commerce. Students may choose different subjects but it depends on the institution where they are taking admissions as all institutes may not provide all subjects due to many limitations. One should not feel that science is better than others but the fact is all streams are important and it depends on our ability and interest to take admission and become successful in life.
Before selecting the streams students or guardians may decide and discuss in a participatory manner to choose the streams and subjects. They may also take help from their teachers to choose the right subjects. Students and guardians must realize that it is important to choose the subjects according to the interest of the students. Many times we could see that parents or guardians force their children to take admission in science stream which leads to disaster in future as we do not become happy in life. Following our passion is important here as all subjects are important for us.
We need to look at our ability and interest in subjects like Mathematics if we want to choose science. Parents and guardians should also look at the strengths of the student so that the right stream or subjects can be selected. Our hobbies and interests also help us while selecting the stream.
We need to also look at the present job market and choose our subjects so that we can be ready for different jobs. We know that government jobs are limited so we have to join the corporate, private sectors, self -employed like becoming entrepreneurs. We must remember that getting maximum marks or getting 100 out of 100 does not guarantee any job. Jobs are for those who are qualified and also possess employability skills, so learning the skills is equally important and we need to keep this in mind while choosing the subjects.
Taking ideas from experienced career mentors might help to choose the right streams or subjects. One may consult with career mentors but be careful as we have more admission consultants and agents than career mentors. If you get in touch with those people then they would motivate you to take admissions in colleges of schools from where they get commission. So, we need to be smart and alert and informed to choose the right streams and subjects after Class X. (The writer can be reached at bkranjan@gmail.com)