Which stream is best after the 10th? Science, Commerce, Or Arts - The Ultimate Guideline

The career choice that we make today defines the future. And hence, it is rightly said that “Everything you are comes from your choices”. Similarly, for students, selecting the best stream after 10th is one of the life-changing decisions. 

One wrong decision and the entire life can go upside down. Moreover, research suggests that decision-making ability is still developing in teenagers. Hence, under pressure or high stress, there is a high chance of them making poor decisions. Such mistakes can prove to be costly especially when it comes to selecting a stream after 10th standard. 

So, before we proceed further, let us understand why choosing the right stream is important.

Why choosing the right stream after 10th is important 

On average, a person spends one-third of his life working. And, no one would not like to spend a significant time of their life complaining. Thus, here are some compelling reasons to choose the right career path.

1. Helps to remain motivated

Life after the 10th standard is not the same. You are bound to have new experiences and challenges. Amidst all this, if the stream you have selected fails to keep you engaged, then you will be demotivated. It will become difficult for you to put in your best efforts resulting in lower grades. 

 2. Improves self-confidence

Wrong decisions while selecting a stream after the 10th can shake your confidence in the long run. As we all know, getting the right job is tough as many candidates would apply for it. 

On top of this cut-throat competition, if you have not selected the right stream, then you will find it difficult to fulfill the job criteria making you a less preferred candidate. This will lower your confidence and also your chances of landing the desired job. 

3. Assists in completing education on time

If you select the wrong stream after 10th, there is a high possibility that down the line you will realize this course is not meant for you. Changing the course midway will not only waste your valuable time but your money as well. 

As time waits for none, your friends and classmates will graduate and you will still be struggling with submissions and assignments. 

4. Helps in attaining mental peace 

Selecting a stream in which you are strong and have an interest will not only determine your success but also your happiness. It is a proven fact that people who love their work are more motivated, optimistic, and successful. And, this leads to better overall health and mental well-being. 

Now that we know the importance of choosing the right stream, let us have a look at tips to select the best stream after 10th.

Tips to select the best stream after 10th class

1. Know yourself 

The first and foremost thing that you need is to examine yourself and understand what keeps you energized and motivated. Try to focus on your interests, values, goals, etc. With the help of below mentioned questions, you would be in a better position to understand your expectations from your life.

1. Which subject do you like studying and why?
2. In which subjects do you constantly score more?
3. Do you enjoy studying the subjects in which you score well?
4. Which subjects are you weak at? And what is it that you don't like about that subject?
5. Which skills are you good at?
6. Does the stream that you plan to select have a good future in terms of opportunities and work profile?
7. What does success mean to you?
8. What are your long-term goals? And which stream after 10th can take you closer to them?

2. Get insights into various streams 

Before you make any decision, it is best to familiarise yourself with various streams that you can select after the 10th. Gather as much information as possible and weigh the pros and cons of each of them. 

Different streams will lead you to different career paths. Based on this information, try to analyze which stream interests you the most. It is also necessary to note here that along with being interested in a particular stream, you must also be academically strong in that area. 

3. Know the career prospects of the selected stream

Employment prospect is another important criterion that one must look for when selecting the best stream after the 10th. The stream that you choose must impart useful skills that make you easily employable. 

You can get more information about this from people who are working in the same field that you plan to pursue. 

4. Ask for help when in need

Even after all this analysis, if you are unable to arrive at any decision, then consider getting in touch with career counselors. Career counselors are adept at identifying the student’s strengths and weaknesses and helping them figure out their career possibilities. 

5. Plan your finances 

Once you have selected the stream that you want to pursue after the 10th, plan your finances. In case of budget constraints, try to identify various options that you can use. 

Else, you can also look for a different college or high school with a lesser fee. Many parents and students use Buzzapp, a school search platform to compare and explore schools based on their preferences. In addition to various features provided by Buzzapp, it also allows parents to book an appointment with school representatives and know more about the school, its facilities, and fees. 

Major streams after the 10th and its career pathways

To help you make the right decision and select the best stream after the 10th, we have also listed the major streams that you can select after class X. Read on to know more. 

1. Commerce

A career in commerce equips students with key skills that are essential to deal with today’s dynamic business environment. The stream offers the students with in-depth knowledge in business, accounts, finance, and trade. 

The core subjects studied in Commerce are Economics, Accounts, and Business Studies and the optional ones are Information Practice, Secretarial Practice, and Mathematics. Interested students can also choose an optional subject from the Arts stream. 

Selecting the Commerce stream after the 10th is good for students who are curious about numbers, business, and the economy. It is also beneficial for students who want to start their own business or have a family business to look after. The stream also offers the flexibility to students to take up various other courses like CA, ACS, CMA, etc along with pursuing graduation. 

The various career options that students can explore after Commerce include Chartered Accountant, Chartered Financial Analyst, Investment Banker, Company Secretary, Research Analyst, Stockbroking, Actuary, Bank PO, etc.

2. Science 

Science is a field that keeps evolving constantly. Thanks to continuous innovations, discoveries, and new findings, Science has made many valuable contributions to humanity. 

The core subjects in the Science stream are Physics and Chemistry. Whereas students have the flexibility to choose between Biology and Mathematics. 

Students who are keen and score well in mathematics can go for the Science stream. Apart from this, if you are interested in making a career in natural sciences, technology, or computers, then Science is for you. One of the most important aspects of opting for Science is that students still have an opportunity to pursue a career in Commerce, Arts, or Humanities. 

Opting for the Science stream after 10th does not mean that medicine and engineering are the only professions that one can go for. Instead, there are many fulfilling and rewarding new-age career options for science students. 

Those interested in the PCB group can opt for fields like Medicine, Microbiology, Pharmacy, Bioinformatics, Genetics, Environmental Science, Dentistry, Ayurved, Food Science, etc.

Whereas for the PCM group, the various career options include Engineering, Architecture, Data Science & Analytics, Environmental Science, Robotics, Forensic Science, Software Development, Chemical Engineering, etc.

3. Arts/Humanities

It is often considered that Art is all about drawing and painting. Instead, Arts is a beautiful stream that offers various career options to students. Unlike traditional 9 to 5 jobs, a career in arts allows one to enjoy what they are working on. And, with a degree from an Arts school, there can be endless career possibilities. 

There is a common misconception among parents and students that Arts is for students who are not good at academics. Conversely, Arts is meant for students who are good at retaining what they have read. Students with a strong command of language and interest in social sciences, visual arts, literary arts, etc must opt for this stream after 10th.

In the case of Arts, the core subjects are History, Geography, English, and Political Science. While the electives include Psychology, Fine Arts, Physical Education, Home Science, etc. 

Mistakes to avoid while selecting the best stream after 10th

While you follow the above-mentioned steps and select the right stream for yourself, do not fall for any of the below-mentioned pitfalls. 

1. Peer pressure

Following the herd and succumbing to peer pressure is one of the biggest and most commonly observed mistakes when it comes to selecting the best stream after the 10th. Peer pressure is a significant factor that influences the career choices of students.

Some students are good at resisting it while many give in. It is necessary to note here that decisions made based on peer influences may lead you to a career path that you may regret later. Thus, get your facts clear and seek help from the right people like your teachers, career counselors, etc. 

2. Ignoring your true calling

Many a time, students choose a career based on the lifestyle that it promises to provide. It may be an attractive career but not necessarily fulfilling. If you are good at something and are ready to work hard, then the sky's the limit and nothing can stop you from achieving your dreams. 

Thus, pick up a stream that will take you closer to a fulfilling and satisfying career.

3. Lack of research

Successful decision-makers make rational decisions after evaluating various alternatives. Their decisions are research-based with proper reasoning. Similarly, for selecting the best stream after the 10th, you must identify the critical factors and evaluate your alternatives. 

The decision should not only be made based on informed facts and figures but you should also know the ground realities. You must also try to understand the prospective future of the stream that you plan to select. Do not hesitate to ask for help or advice when in need. 

4. Giving in to parental pressure 

As children, we often rely on our parents for all our needs and wants. But when it comes to a career, it is you who are going to pursue and live with it. While parents always want the best for their children, they do not always know what that best is.

You need to figure it out for yourself. You may ask for guidance but a decision has to be made by you because only you know what you truly like and are passionate about. Trust your instincts and get professional help if required. 

Conclusion 

No stream is good or bad. A stream will be right for you only when you follow your true calling based on your interests, likes, dislikes, and goals. Take time to ponder to make an informed decision. 

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