How to help students pick the right subjects

How students can choose the right subjects for Classes 11 and 12 based on interests, strengths, and career goals.

Maths or Science or Accounts or Economics or Psychology or Art? As many parents and students realise across the IB, CBSE or ICSE boards, choosing the right subjects for Classes 11 and 12 isn’t just about being able to score well. While marks are a critical factor, the subject should also align with the student’s strengths, interests and long-term goals. The sweet spot lies in the intersection of three factors: subjects you love, subjects you do well in, and subjects that will lead you towards careers you aim for!

Of course, it may be hard to find five or six subjects that tick all boxes. So, beyond those that satisfy all three criteria, go for subjects that lead you towards your target careers and those you enjoy or do well in.

That’s simple for subjects you have studied before such as Maths, History, Physics or Economics. But how about Psychology or Accounts or Environmental Science? Get some insights by watching easy primer videos, looking at sample question papers, or even going through an introductory course online. Remember, this is only a good place to start, since different boards have different approaches. Most schools will allow you to sit in on some sample classes before you decide your final subject choices to ratify this.

Many students say, “I love Maths when I understand it, or practise it well…” The truth is that some subjects take more immersion to make sense of whether you really like them. Again, some subjects are fun simply because they seem easy. However, Class 11 presents a quantum leap in the depth and breadth of content across subjects that had been relatively simple till Class 10.

This is an exploration parents and students should do together, giving each subject a fair shot before you decide what you really enjoy. It also helps to watch simple explainer or tutor videos on Class 11 subjects and observe your own level of engagement with the concepts, and your curiosity to learn more.

As a thumb rule, if learning a new concept in a subject makes you feel excited and curious to know more, you are likely to find it engaging and immersive through high school. On the other hand, if a class, test or exam in a subject makes you feel stressed, even after preparing your best, it may not be a great idea to take it up in senior school!

This is perhaps the most complex factor to analyse. The logic feels circular: should I not choose the subject first and then see what careers it leads me to? Or should it be the other way round?