CBSE Class 11 Subjects Combination: Science, Arts, Commerce

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) offers CBSE class 11 subjects combination, where you can opt from streams like Science, Arts/Humanities, and Commerce. There are several subjects you can choose from in all three streams, as per your future goals. You must make the right choice in order to choose your future academic goals.

Read on to know more about the different CBSE Class 11 subject combinations 2026 you can choose from all the CBSE class 11 streams!

What is the CBSE Class 11 Subjects Combination

The CBSE class 11 subjects combination is the combination of subjects you take up for CBSE class 11th. You have to choose a minimum of 5 subjects and a maximum of 9 subjects (including the subjects for internal assessment). CBSE offers three streams after completing class 10 Board exams:

• Science
• Commerce
• Arts (Humanities)

As per the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020, CBSE has eliminated the rigid stream divisions, adopting a more liberal approach. You can now choose subjects from different streams, instead of being confined to one specific stream.

CBSE Class 11 Subjects Combination - Science

Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics/Biology still remain compulsory subjects for the CBSE class 11 science stream. However, you can now also choose from elective subjects, like Computer Science, Physical Education, Economics, Psychology/Fine Arts, etc.

Career Pathways

Here are some of the fields that you can pursue a career in after completing your class 12th from the Science stream:

• Medicine
• Microbiology
• Biochemistry
• Architecture
• Navy
• Computer Science
• Engineering

CBSE Class 11 Subjects Combination - Commerce

Commerce in CBSE Class 11 Subjects Combination is best for students who wish to study subjects related to trading, finance, accounting, business, and economics. Here are the subject combinations available in the commerce stream of CBSE class 11:

Career Pathways

Here are some of the most sought-after careers for those pursuing their CBSE class 12th from the commerce stream:

• Chartered Accountancy
• Investment Banking
• Banking
• Finance
• Company Secretary
• Stock Marketing, Broking, and Trading
• Actuarial Science

Also Read: CBSE Class 11th Commerce Syllabus

CBSE Class 11 Subjects Combination - Arts

Journalism, Law, International Relations, Design, and more career options are available for those pursuing their class 12th from the Arts/Humanities stream. Here are the subject combinations available for you:

Career Pathways

There are endless possibilities in the field as a subject combination for class 11 Arts CBSE. You can step into industries like:

• Content Writing
• Photography
• Journalism
• International Relations
• Hospitality
• Civil Services
• Archaeology
• Designing
• Events
• Marketing

Things to Know About the CBSE Class 11 Subjects Combination

Since there are some significant changes due to the NEP 2020, here are some pointers to keep in mind when choosing a subject combination for CBSE class 11:

Choose Five Subjects

You must select a minimum of five subjects to be eligible for the Senior School Certificate Examination. This must include at least one compulsory language (typically English or Hindi Core/Elective) and four elective subjects. CBSE allows you to take a 6th additional subject as well to create a buffer against academic pressure. In a case where you fail one of the five compulsory subjects, but obtain the required passing marks in an optional/elective subject, it will replace the subject you have failed. It ensures you are qualified for admission to the next class.

Stream Flexibility

The rigid subject choices among the Science, Commerce, and Humanities streams have been removed. You can choose multiple best subjects for Class 11 CBSE available across different streams. However, the availability of such subjects depends on the school you study in.

Optional Subjects

CBSE now permits you to take one additional skill-based subject, such as:

• Informatics Technology/Artificial Intelligence,
• Tourism,
• Entrepreneurship,
• Physical Education, etc.

Tips to Choose the Ideal CBSE Class 11 Subjects Combination?

Certain factors come into play when selecting the CBSE Class 11 Subjects Combination. Consider the following factors to choose the right subject combination for CBSE class 11:

• Start with understanding your strengths and weaknesses, and weigh in the options available.
• It is advisable to seek help from a career counsellor, parent, or mentor for a well-informed class 11 stream selection 2026 choice.
• Start your research well before class 11 begins and test your capabilities beforehand.
• Choose subjects during the Class 11 stream selection 2026 that you are most interested in and confident about.
• Align the list of subjects in accordance to the career path you would like to follow.