Compare Class 12 Optional Subjects streams — subjects, textbooks, languages and the exams each one opens up. Tap a stream to expand; Science is open by default.

Science (PCM)Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics+

Mandatory subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics
Optional / elective subjects: Computer Science, Informatics Practices, Physical Education, Psychology, Biotechnology
CBSE textbook: NCERT
State board textbook: SCERT / State Boards (NCERT-based → independent, varies by state)
Language: English (CBSE); English + State Language (State Boards)
Central competitive exams: JEE Main, JEE Advanced, CUET, NDA, NATA, IAT, NEST
State competitive exams: KCET (KA), EAPCET (AP/TG), KEAM (KL), MHT-CET (MH), WBJEE (WB), GUJCET (GJ), BCECE (BR), OJEE (OD), JCECE (JH), CG PET (CG), JKCET (JK), HPCET (HP), GCET (GA), TNEA (TN), TJEE (TR), and other state CETs

Science (PCB)Physics, Chemistry, Biology+

Mandatory subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology
Optional / elective subjects: Computer Science, Biotechnology, Psychology, Physical Education
CBSE textbook: NCERT
State board textbook: SCERT / State Boards
Language: English (CBSE); English + State Language (State Boards)
Central competitive exams: NEET, CUET, NDA, IAT, NEST
State competitive exams: State NEET counselling (all States + UTs, incl. J&K, Ladakh, Delhi)

Science (PCMB)Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology+

Mandatory subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology
Optional / elective subjects: Computer Science, Biotechnology, Psychology
CBSE textbook: NCERT
State board textbook: SCERT / State Boards
Language: English + State Language
Central competitive exams: JEE, NEET, CUET, NDA, IAT, NEST
State competitive exams: Combined PCM + PCB state exams (KCET, EAPCET, MHT-CET, WBJEE, GUJCET, BCECE, OJEE, etc.)

CommerceAccountancy, Business Studies, Economics+

Mandatory subjects: Accountancy, Business Studies, Economics
Optional / elective subjects: Mathematics, Informatics Practices, Entrepreneurship, Physical Education
CBSE textbook: NCERT
State board textbook: SCERT / State Boards
Language: English + State Language
Central competitive exams: CA Foundation, CSEET, CMA, IPMAT, JIPMAT, CUET
State competitive exams: State university admissions (BBA / BCom entrances — MH-CET BBA, WB university exams, TN merit admissions, etc.)

Arts / HumanitiesHistory, Political Science, Geography, Sociology+

Mandatory subjects: History, Political Science, Geography, Sociology
Optional / elective subjects: Psychology, Economics, Legal Studies, Fine Arts, Music, Physical Education
CBSE textbook: NCERT
State board textbook: SCERT / State Boards
Language: English + State Language
Central competitive exams: CLAT, AILET, UCEED, NID DAT, NIFT, CUET
State competitive exams: State law entrances, design / fine-arts colleges, state university humanities admissions

Stream guide for orientation — confirm current subjects, eligibility and exam details with the official board / exam sources before relying on them.

Class details

The essentials that are the same across every stream — sourced from official information.

Academic year

Prescribed textbooks

Verified

Prescribed: NCERT
Supplementary: NCERT Exemplar

Source: CBSE / NCERT (official)

Exam pattern

Verified

Exam: CBSE Class 12 board exam (annual)
Per subject: 100 marks (theory + internal / practical)
Pass criteria: 33% in each subject
Grading: 9-point scale (A1–E)

Source: CBSE / NCERT (official)

Results

Verified

Portal: results.cbse.nic.in
Declared: Around May

Source: CBSE / NCERT (official)

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