Inspiration
Students willingness to explore a variety of careers sees interest in Science wane in Plus II
Students now understand irrespective of doing engineering or management after studying science, at the senior level it is finance that matters. Consequently, it has emerged the most happening field, prompting many to opt for commerce. This change also reflects the preparedness of students to explore
Ask any ICSE student about his/her choice of stream after plus II and the prompt reply will be Science, very soon such days may be a thing of the past as ICSE students seem to be drifting away from science. The eternal first choice of toppers is now relegated to the second spot, behind commerce and, at times, even behind humanities.
Schools too have been quick to spot the trend and have consequently added sections for other two streams to tap the talents. This change is a direct reflection of the changes in the economy. The upswing in the finance sector, coupled with new careers opening up in humanities, has helped the relatively poor cousins edge out science. The shift from science is apparent, said Heritage School principal Seema Sapru. "6-7 years ago, everyone wanted to get into science. But humanities and commerce have picked up since. Students now understand irrespective of doing engineering or management after studying science, at the senior level it is finance that matters. Consequently, it has emerged the most happening field, prompting many to opt for commerce," she added.
In Heritage School, there were 55 science students in 2012. The number stands at 65 this year. However, there are 150 students in 5 sections in commerce.
This change in preference also reflects the preparedness of students to explore more unconventional career options, said Sujoy Biswas, principal of Ram Mohun Mission School. "A topper in any subject can excel. You need not study science to make it big. Strangely, Bengal has always had a fascination for science, which saw an unnecessary crowding in science departments. It is better to rank fifth in a subject you are comfortable with rather than come 50th in science. This sense has finally dawned upon our students," said Biswas.
Central Modern School principal Nabarun De, too, observes a transition from craving for science to studying humanities. "Now, we could convince the students that there is a lucrative career opportunity if they can crack the civil services and not only aim for engineering or medicine. Anyone aiming to study civil services would obviously have an edge over others if they study humanities subjects like political science, sociology, history, and geography, among others," said De.
Shaunak Majumdar has scored a whopping 491 (98.2%) in ICSE from La Martiniere for Boys School. He wants to become a doctor like his father and has opted to study science. But he vouches that a lot of his friends would rather do otherwise. "Yes, earlier, a good score in Class X meant science was the obvious choice. Now, they are ready to explore other opportunities, like my friend Rohan Kolhe.
Kolhe added: "I want to study humanities despite scoring more than 95% in ICSE. I would go for civil services. In case I study science, cracking the exam would have got a little difficult. In humanities, there is a lot of scope to study less and score more marks in ISC. The remaining time, I would rather spend by preparing for the civil services examination."
Ditto for Rupam Basak of Central Modern School. He has scored 84% in ICSE but has opted for commerce as he wants to be a CA. "Science is no more the best option you have. A lot my seniors are doing brilliantly without opting for science. The scope for higher studies has broadened and one needs to select judiciously," Basak said.
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