44 terms

Glossary

The words on forms, circulars and bulletins, explained in a paragraph or two each.

A

3 terms

Additional (sixth) subjectAn optional sixth subject on top of the five main ones.Applied Mathematics (241)A maths course for commerce and humanities with statistics, finance and data, not calculus for engineering.Aptitude vs interestAptitude is how readily you learn something; interest is how much you enjoy it.
B

2 terms

Basic vs Standard Maths (Class 10)The two levels of Class 10 Mathematics, which decide whether you can take Mathematics (041) in Class 11.Best of fiveCalculating your percentage from your five best subjects, usually including the language.
C

8 terms

CGPACumulative Grade Point Average, the 10-point scale CBSE used for Class 10 until 2017.CLATThe Common Law Admission Test for the National Law Universities.Compartment (supplementary) examA second chance exam, held a few months after the main board exam, for students who failed a subject.Core vs Elective languageCore is the standard language course; Elective is the deeper literature course.Counselling (JoSAA, MCC and state counselling)The seat-allocation process after an entrance exam.CUETThe Common University Entrance Test for central and many other universities.CUET domain subjectOne of the subject tests in CUET, such as Physics, Economics or Psychology.Cut-offThe minimum score or rank at which a college or course closed its admissions in a given round.
D

1 term

DomicileProof that you are a resident of a state, used for state quotas in admissions.
E

2 terms

ElectiveA subject you choose, as opposed to the compulsory language.Eligibility criteriaThe conditions (subjects, marks, age) you must meet to apply for a course or exam.
G

1 term

Gap year (drop year)A year taken after Class 12 to prepare again for an entrance exam.
H

2 terms

Holland codeYour top three RIASEC letters, strongest first, such as IAS or ECS.Honours degreeA three- or four-year degree with a specialisation, such as BA (Hons) Economics.
I

4 terms

Improvement examRe-appearing in a subject to improve marks after passing.Integrated programmeA course that combines two degrees, such as BA LLB, BS-MS or integrated MBA.Internal (school-assessed) subjectsGeneral Studies, Work Experience and Health and Physical Education, graded by the school with no board exam.Internal assessmentThe marks awarded by the school for practicals, projects and periodic tests.
J

1 term

JEE (Main and Advanced)The engineering entrance system: JEE Main for NITs and IIITs, JEE Advanced for IITs.
M

1 term

Migration certificateA document from your board needed when you join a university under a different board or state.
N

6 terms

NCF 2023The National Curriculum Framework for School Education, 2023, which guides new textbooks and subject structures.NDAThe National Defence Academy, entered through the UPSC NDA exam after Class 12.NEET UGThe national medical entrance for MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, veterinary and nursing seats.NEP 2020The National Education Policy 2020, the policy behind CUET, flexible subject choice and four-year degrees.NormalisationA statistical adjustment so scores from different exam sessions can be compared fairly.NTAThe National Testing Agency, which conducts JEE Main, NEET, CUET and several other national exams.
O

1 term

OlympiadNational and international competitions in maths and science, run in India through HBCSE.
P

3 terms

Percentile vs percentagePercentage is your marks out of 100; percentile is the share of candidates who scored at or below you.Positional grades (A1 to E)The nine-point grades CBSE prints next to marks, based on rank among all passing students in a subject.Practical subjectA subject with laboratory or studio work assessed through a practical exam.
R

1 term

RIASECThe six interest types used in career guidance: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, Conventional.
S

6 terms

Scheme of studiesCBSE's official document listing every subject, code and rule for Classes 11 and 12.Second languageTaking two languages among your five subjects.Skill subjectA vocational subject with practical work, offered under CBSE skill education.StreamAn informal grouping of subjects: Science, Commerce, Humanities (Arts) and vocational.Subject block (timetable block)The groups of subjects a school can timetable together.Subject codeThe three-digit CBSE number for each subject, such as 041 for Mathematics.
T

1 term

Two-level (Standard and Advanced) subjectsThe NCF 2023 plan to offer Maths and Science at two levels from Class 9.
V

1 term

Vocational educationEducation aimed at a specific trade or occupation, delivered through skill subjects and B.Voc degrees.