Uptick in Maths Enrollment in Indian Schools: A Study of Applied Maths as an Option in Class XI

Strategic Insights -

Schools across India have witnessed an increase in the number of students opting for maths in Class XI, thanks to the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) introducing applied maths as an option alongside pure mathematics for the ISC 2027 batch. Many commerce students, who would have otherwise opted for business studies, have now chosen applied maths. Schools, previously hesitant to offer maths to underperforming students, are now offering applied maths to give them a chance to pursue maths despite their low ICSE maths scores.

Key Takeaways:

  • The CISCE introduced applied maths as an option for the ISC 2027 batch, alongside pure mathematics, to give students more flexibility in their academic choices.
  • Many commerce students are opting for applied maths, while some students in humanities have also chosen the subject.
  • The syllabus in applied maths includes about 20 marks of financial mathematics, making it more attractive to students interested in commerce and finance.
  • Some schools, like The Heritage School, have noticed an increase in students switching from pure maths to applied maths, and are allowing them to make the change.
  • The number of requests from students to switch from maths to applied maths in the commerce stream has decreased, as students are finding the subject more manageable.
  • In Class XII, applied maths will cover topics such as linear programming, application of calculus in commerce and economics, financial maths, index numbers, and moving averages.
  • The chief executive and secretary of the CISCE, Joseph Emmanuel, has stated that the subject has been "well received" by schools across the country.

Statistics:

  • The CISCE has introduced applied maths as an option for the ISC 2027 batch, alongside pure mathematics.
  • About 20 marks of financial mathematics are included in the syllabus of applied maths.
  • The Heritage School has received some requests from students to switch from maths to applied maths in the commerce stream, and has allowed them to make the change.
  • National English School has noticed a decrease in the number of students who switch subjects in Class XI.
  • In Class XII, applied maths will cover topics such as linear programming, application of calculus in commerce and economics, financial maths, index numbers, and moving averages.

Sources:

  • Joseph Emmanuel, Chief Executive and Secretary, CISCE
  • Terence John, Director of Education and Development, Julien Day Schools
  • Mousumi Saha, Principal, National English School
  • Anil Jha, Academic Coordinator (Classes XI and XII), The Heritage School
  • Father Roshan Tirkey, Principal, St Xavier's Collegiate School