The Stream Selector Guide (The Class 11/12 Crossroads)
Choosing your stream in Class 11 and 12 is the first major step. This matrix helps you understand how your stream choice connects to the five Career Clusters.
Key: ☑ Required | ☐ Preferred/Advantageous | ⚪ Open | ❌ Not Eligible
Career Cluster & Key Pathways | PCM | PCB | Commerce (With Math) | Commerce (W/O Math) | Humanities / Arts | Critical Notes |
1: STEM & INNOVATION | ||||||
Engineering (B.Tech/B.E.) | ☑ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | PCM is mandatory nationwide. |
Architecture & Planning (B.Arch/B.Plan) | ☑ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | PCM for B.Arch; Math mandatory for B.Plan. |
Digital Tech (BCA/B.Sc. CS) | ☑ | ☐ | ☑ | ☐ | ☐ | Math is often mandatory for top programs. |
Foundational Sciences (Physics, Chem, Math) | ☑ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | |
Life Sciences & Biotech (B.Sc.) | ☐ | ☑ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | PCB is the standard requirement. |
2: HEALTH & WELLBEING | ||||||
Clinical Medicine (MBBS, BDS, etc.) | ❌ | ☑ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | PCB is mandatory (NEET eligibility). |
Allied Health (Physiotherapy, etc.) | ❌ | ☑ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | PCB is generally required. |
Pharmaceutical Sciences (B.Pharm) | ☑ | ☑ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | Requires PCM or PCB. |
Psychology (B.A./B.Sc.) | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☑ | B.Sc. programs often prefer a science background. |
3: BUSINESS & ECONOMY | ||||||
Management (BBA, BMS, IPM) | ☐ | ☐ | ☑ | ☐ | ☐ | Math is required for top programs (e.g., IIM-IPM, DU). |
Commerce (B.Com Hons) | ☐ | ❌ | ☑ | ❌ | ❌ | Math is often mandatory for top universities (e.g., DU). |
Economics (B.A./B.Sc. Hons) | ☑ | ❌ | ☑ | ❌ | ❌ | Math is mandatory for virtually all reputable programs. |
Law (5-Year Integrated LL.B.) | ⚪ | ⚪ | ⚪ | ⚪ | ⚪ | Open to all streams. |
4: ARTS & COMMUNICATION | ||||||
Design (B.Des) | ⚪ | ⚪ | ⚪ | ⚪ | ⚪ | Open to all. |
Fashion Technology (B.F.Tech) | ☑ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | B.F.Tech (NIFT) requires PCM. B.Des Fashion is open to all. |
Media, Journalism, Advertising | ⚪ | ⚪ | ⚪ | ⚪ | ⚪ | Open to all. |
Liberal Arts & Humanities (B.A. Hons) | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☑ | Open to all. |
5: SOCIETY & SERVICE | ||||||
Defence (NDA – Army Wing) | ⚪ | ⚪ | ⚪ | ⚪ | ⚪ | Open to all streams. |
Defence (NDA – Air Force & Navy; TES) | ☑ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | PCM is mandatory. |
Hospitality & Hotel Management | ⚪ | ⚪ | ⚪ | ⚪ | ⚪ | Open to all. |
Agriculture (B.Sc.) | ☐ | ☑ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | PCB is standard; some accept PCM. |
Note on Tiers: Tiers are based on a combination of factors including NIRF rankings, industry perception, and research output.
