PCM, PCB or PCMB: Which Stream You Should Take in Class 11?

PCB VS PCM Science Steam: This article is the one-stop solution for students who have appeared for the 2024 Class 10 board exams and are now brainstorming to select the right stream for themselves. Here you will see the stream-wise elaboration for PCB, PCM and PCMB options that will help students to decide the right option. 

Atul Rawal
Mar 22, 2024, 12:09 IST
PCM, PCB, or PCMB, know which is the best stream option for class 11
PCM, PCB, or PCMB, know which is the best stream option for class 11

CBSE Class 11 Career Options: In India, the struggling phase for students starts after they take their Class 10th Board exams. The post-examination scenario becomes a quest to select the right stream for their further school education, as this will lay the foundation for their career (most probably). Majorly, there are three main categories to choose from: science, commerce,  and the humanities. Students revolve around the question, How do you choose which stream is good for you? If we go further in the science stream, there are three options available for students to choose from: PCB, PCM, and PCMB. Here, you get a detailed analysis of the science stream and what options you must consider. We'll break down each stream, explore career paths, and help you pick the one that aligns perfectly with your interests and goals!

Stream Options After Class 10 In India

Let us start the information by providing a quick overview of the options that students get after they are done with the Class 10 board exams. This table outlines the basic streams available after Class 10, along with the core subjects associated with each stream and the potential career paths they lead to. The specific subjects and career options can vary depending on the school and the individual's interests.

Stream
Subjects
Career Paths
Science
Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics/Biology, Computer Science/Informatics Practices/Physical Education
Engineering, Medicine, IT, Research, Environmental Science
Commerce
Accountancy, Business Studies, Economics, Mathematics/Informatics Practices/Physical Education
Chartered Accountancy (CA), Business Management, Banking, Finance
Arts/Humanities
History, Geography, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Economics, Literature/Physical Education
Law, Journalism, Education, Psychology, Civil Services

PCM vs PCM vs PCMB: Right Combination for Science Stream in Class 11

As we have already mentioned, the science stream is further divided into three categories, or, as we say, combinations of subjects. These combinations will have physics and chemistry as constants, and the rest will vary depending on the students' interests and goals for the future. Let’s check all the combinations one by one.

PCM (Ideal for Engineering Aspirants)

  • This science stream option has Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics as the core subjects, along with other electives that students can pick based on their interests. For example, some students pick Physical Education because it is a bit easier to carry along with other complex subjects and boosts the overall score. 
  • This subject combination is great for students who are looking for a career in engineering. PCM is the best option to take you to IITs, NITs, and other prestigious colleges offering courses in Mechanical, Computer Science, Electronics, etc.

PCB (Perfect for Medical Aspirants)

  • This option for the Science stream comes with three core subjects; Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. The electives in this subject combination are similar to PCM.
  • Students who are interested in making a career in the Medical field, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, etc.—can opt for this stream. 
  • This stream has the right combination of subjects that will make you ready for the medical entrance test (NEET).

PCMB (The All-in-One Option)

  • This science stream option can be said to be the most difficult combination. It comes with all the subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology.
  • Students who are interested in having engineering and medical options open for them can pick PCMB in their Class 11. Taking this stream is not easy, as it requires a lot of discipline and understanding of diverse and opposite subjects like Biology and Mathematics. Many schools do not have these options; thus, it is mandatory to first consult with your teachers. 
  • PCMB can also occupy a spot for you in the research field. 

Non-Science Career Options for Science Students

The time for traditional lineage is no longer alive, and people from one field can explore options in other fields. The world is now running on skills, not what your mark sheet holds. What you reflect is what people buy. Even universities and colleges offer non-science courses to science students. Thus, saying that once you choose a stream in Class 11, it will be your tag for the rest of your life is no longer valid. Let’s explore some of the options that even a science student can pick after they complete their schooling. 

Options in Management:

  • Business Administration
  • Project Management

Options in the Creative Field:

  • Architecture
  • Product Design
  • Animation and Game Design

Options in Social Sciences and Law Field:

  • Psychology
  • Lawyer
  • Economics

Other Interesting Options:

  • Urban Planning
  • International Relations
  • Non-profit and Social Work

The world is diverse, and so are the options. Some paths and choices aren’t even mentioned here, like banking. Thus, do not limit yourself to traditional walkways; try to jump a little higher to highlight yourself. Science students with a strong foundation in analytical thinking, problem-solving, and research skills are well-positioned for success in various non-science fields. 

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FAQs

  • PCMB stream full form?
    +
    PCMB is a science stream that is formed by the combination of four core subjects; Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology. Students of PCMB are allowed to site for entrance examinations for engineering as well as for medical.
  • PCB vs PCM which is hard?
    +
    The difficulty level of the subjects varies from student to student. Generally, students see mathematics and physics as difficult subjects; this is why they feel PCM is more difficult than PCB. Also, PCM is a combination of more practical subjects that involve a lot of theorems and numericals. This is why PCM is comparatively harder than PCB.

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