Non-Medical Stream After Class 10th Boards? Here's Why

The non-medical science stream is a fairly popular choice among students. The main reason behind it is the range of career options it offers in India and abroad. With a rapid rise in science and technology, the experimental fields in their respective careers are increasing at a fast pace too.

If, after class 10 boards, a student chooses to opt for Science, he/she has to make an internal choice between the medical or non-medical stream. The difference between these two isn’t exactly chalk and cheese, given the interdisciplinary nature of higher education and the subsequent career paths we see now. But a good, clear choice based on your strengths matters the most in the long run.

As per NEP 2020, the students will be given the flexibility to move from one discipline of study to another as well as from one institution to another to enable them to experience multi- and interdisciplinary learning. This would help in blurring the strict demarcation between arts, commerce, and science streams in Indian schools. 

The major choice between Medical & Non-Medical stream

The very obvious thing that entails with a choice of the Medical stream is your access to all its branches and sub-branches of MBBS, BDS, Bioinformatics, Neuroscience and the likes. Meanwhile, the Non-medical stream covers a comparatively wider range of careers giving you the key to pursuing Engineering and a lot more.

In this article, we will take a systematic look at the Non-medical stream. Starting from discussing the subjects on offer, we will take a look at the scope and dispel the myths surrounding this particular stream choice. We'll also talk about the complexities involved with this choice. We will also list out the options for higher education after choosing a Non-medical stream in school and the career it leads you to.

Is the Non-Medical stream difficult?

Well, yes and no.

The non-medical stream has got a fairly scary reputation given the reviews by many students calling it hard and difficult to cope with. This has led many students to develop cold feet even before they make the actual choice.

One can’t claim that there is no complexity in the non-medical syllabus but the same can be said about the other streams too. For a student who has a clear bond with say history or else writing but fumbles with science, a subject like Physics will seem challenging. Similarly, a student who loves Chemistry but has trouble understanding psychoanalytical theories will face trouble in the Arts stream.

It all comes down to what you love and how much effort you are willing to put in for gaining excellence in it. Before making the choice, take an in-depth analysis of the subjects you're good at and the career path you would want to choose in the future. It’s always best to go with your strengths instead of following the crowd. This will help in giving you a better foothold of what you excel at.

If you have had trouble dealing with Mathematics and Science during the previous school years, chances are it will only get tougher with the increased syllabus after the 10th boards. However, if you strongly feel as if you can give your 100% in the said subjects, go ahead. Just make sure you don’t lag behind.

Subjects on offer in the Non-Medical stream:

• Physics
• Chemistry
• Mathematics
• English
• Optional subject (varies from one state/educational board to another.)

Some of the most popular options are of Computer Science, Economics, Physical education, Home Science, and Fine Arts.

The subjects in themselves open up many research-related avenues. When paired with the right optional subject, they become even better at opening academic gates. The students are required to take 3 main subjects (PCM), the English language, and an optional subject to appear for the board exams.

Career options with core subjects

If you wish, you can pursue any of the above-mentioned core subjects as a specialization.

Physics

If you're an individual who finds interest in Physics, you can choose to pursue the following academic streams with a major in any one of these:

• Astrophysics
• Nuclear and Atomic physics
• Molecular physics
• Optical physics
• Meteorology

Chemistry

For a student willing to specialize in Chemistry, the following are good options:

• Chemical engineering
• Biochemistry
• Nuclear chemistry
• Medicinal chemistry
• Astrochemistry

Mathematics

A field that overlaps the three streams of science, arts, and commerce, the following are subject-centric options that it offers:

• Applied mathematics
• Computational mathematics
• Complex dynamics
• Fluid mechanics
• Image processing
• Statistics

Career options after choosing the Non-Medical stream

1. Engineering

One of the most sought-after career options in the world, engineering is a stream that asks for practical knowledge and its application. The B.E/B.Tech degree could be taken in:

• Computer Science Engineering
• Electronics and Communication Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Textile Engineering
• Automobile Engineering
• Environmental Engineering
• Aerospace Engineering
• Production Engineering
• Manufacturing Engineering
• Aeronautical Engineering

2. B.Sc

Contrary to the general belief, B.Sc degrees have an immense scope. This is a three to five-year (depending upon the university) course that has the following research-oriented and interdisciplinary courses to choose from:

• Physics
• Chemistry
• Mathematics
• Computer Science
• Agriculture
• Electronics
• Biotechnology
• Environmental Science
• Hotel Management

3. Law

Apart from the science domain, non-medical students can also opt for Law as a career. They could choose to pursue B.A L.L.B, B.B.A L.L.B, B.Com L.L.B followed by an L.L.M. They could also go for integrated courses like M.B.A-L.L.M.

4. Defence

The NDA trains its students for its three divisions, namely, the Navy, Airforce, and Army. Non-medical students can appear for its entrance exams, clear the cut-off and get admission. The course duration is 3 years, after which they are sent for training.

5. Computer and IT

Quickly becoming the most sought-after discipline, the IT sector now occupies a big chunk of the job market. More students are getting drawn towards it due to the obvious boom in the IT sector in recent years.

A few of the many options are:

• Software Developer
• Web Programmer/Developer
• Software Analyst
• Software Engineer
• Database Administrators

6. Interdisciplinary Courses and Careers

• Bachelor of Arts (B.A)
• B.Com
• CA, ICWA, CS
• Tourism
• B.Pharm
• B.Ed
• Fine arts
• Actuarial Sciences

Entrance exams to consider

• JEE (Main and Advanced)
• BITSAT
• VITEEE
• IISc
• IIST
• CETs of different states
• B. Arch of various universities
• IPU Engineering
• Manipal, Jamia, AMU (B.Tech)
• Entrance exams for defence, marine and navy
• Entrance exams for various Humanities and social science courses across universities
• Exams for law courses
• Entrance exams for Fashion Design and Hotel management
• Entrance exams for pure math courses
• UPSC, SSC and IBPS exams held by the government

How Unstop (formerly Dare2Compete) helps

It requires systematic and efficient planning plus management for students to reach whatever goals they set. Coaching and tuition can only help to an extent, what truly makes a difference is the amount of self-study the student agrees to put in. Another factor that matters is credible information and educational help sources for the students. This is where Unstop comes into the picture.

What do they do?

It provides information about various educational competitions across the country, from every discipline, under one roof. These competitions work as a good simulator of ideas and boost the confidence of participants, testing their expertise on the choice of subjects. The students can keep track of the upcoming competitions and have a one-stop destination for all the information.

Further, Unstop (formerly Dare2Compete)also provides information about the various scholarship programs and competitions on offer by the govt. and private organizations, plus universities. Students can avail these opportunities to sail through their higher educational dreams.

What else do they have in store?

Students can also take part in the various quizzes (both online and otherwise) on the website. These quizzes are designed for every discipline and are a fun way to learn and revise the concepts present in the textbooks. If a student wishes, they could also participate in quizzing competitions held across the nation (the information of which is also provided on the website).

Finally, there is a dedicated section of the website that contains career-related and educational articles which aim to ease the prevailing confusion in a student’s mind.

Given the surge in the job market for engineers and scientific domains, it's only natural for students to be drawn toward it. Be it national or international; every organization is leaning heavily towards more scientific ways to progress. This is opening more and more unexplored avenues for non-medical students.

It’s important to stand by your strengths and choose accordingly when it comes to choosing your stream. Also, clear your misconception about certain subjects being harder to deal with. Once you’ve made your decision, dedicate yourself entirely to it. Keep your options open and be willing to experiment with different disciplines as they come your way.

Lastly, keep yourself stress-free. These subjects and exams don’t define your personal worth. If you feel things are getting difficult to cope with, you always have the option of changing your streams. Reach out to your parents and teachers for counseling and advice if and when required. Don't worry! Have faith in yourself, and your path will get easier.