The recently-announced class 12 board examination results have revealed that this, year there were fewer centums in science subjects, compared to previous years. Though full scores, in general, are a rarity in pure sciences, the trend of fewer candidates apply for physics, chemistry and mathematics is worrying, say experts. Students now prefer computer science or allied courses, as they perceive that job prospects with these subjects are brighter, say college administrators.
D.G. Vaishnav College’s principal, Santhosh Baboo, said of late, students preferred computer science and data science or computer applications. Maths, physics, chemistry and botany rank lower in their choices.
Women’s Christian College principal Lillian Jasper said more students applied for science courses, but not mathematics. “During the COVID-19 pandemic since classes were held online, students were worried about taking mathematics. They were not too sure about concepts. We had no trouble [in filling seats] in physics, chemistry, botany and zoology,” she said. “In our college, physics and chemistry are more popular. Usually, in these subjects the cut-off is very high,” she added. However, they are never as high as in the commerce stream where 30 - 40 students would seek admission with full scores.
