CBSE introduces applied maths as academic subject for Class 11 and 12

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Team Careers360 | April 1, 2020 | 02:45 PM IST

NEW DELHI: The Central Board of Secondary Education is introducing another level of mathematics for Classes 11 and 12 from the 2020-21 academic session.

Applied mathematics, so far taught as a skill course, will be converted into a full-fledged academic course. “Applied mathematics (241)” will be available as an elective subject. This was done on the advice of the minister for human resource development, Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’.

There are already two level of mathematics taught in Classes 9 and 10. The circular comes with a set of answered frequently asked questions, or FAQs, on the difference between the two. They have been given below. The skill course will not longer be on offer.

Two levels

The CBSE, in a circular issued on April 1, says that the National Curriculum Framework allows for subjects such as mathematics and English to be examined at two levels – standard and higher.

The students who have passed mathematics in class 10 will be allowed to take the new academic elective ‘Applied Mathematics (241)’ in class 11 and class 12.

Mathematics is required for a range of subjects in higher students, including most of the sciences, economics and commerce. The circular says: “It has been observed that the existing syllabus of mathematics aligns well with science subjects, but does not align well with commerce or social science-based subjects in university education.”

Applied mathematics has been introduced as a subject to remedy that problem. Students who want to opt for higher studies in mathematics at the university level can apply for either, says the circular.