Mathematics

Core maths: algebra, calculus, coordinate geometry, probability. Same paper Science students take.

What you study

Sets and functions, trigonometry, complex numbers, sequences, straight lines and conics, limits and derivatives, statistics, probability; Class 12 adds calculus, matrices, vectors, 3D geometry.

Based on the CBSE curriculum outline. Check the current year's syllabus PDF on cbseacademic.nic.in for exact units and marks.

Who it suits

Thinker (I)Organiser (C)

Draws most on: Numerical, Logical reasoning.

Check your fit with the test

Entrance exams that ask for it

JEE MainEngineering, architecture and planning at NITs, IIITs and centrally funded institutes; the gateway to JEE Advanced. Required JEE AdvancedThe entrance for the IITs, open only to the top rankers of JEE Main. Required NDA & NA ExaminationThe entrance for the National Defence Academy (Army, Navy, Air Force) and the Naval Academy, taken straight after Class 12. Often asked NATAThe aptitude test for Bachelor of Architecture admissions, accepted by most architecture colleges apart from NITs and IITs. Required NIFT EntranceThe entrance for Bachelor of Design and Bachelor of Fashion Technology at the National Institutes of Fashion Technology. Often asked CMA FoundationThe entry exam for the Cost and Management Accountancy course. Often asked IPMATThe aptitude test for the five-year Integrated Programme in Management at IIM Indore and IIM Rohtak. Often asked BBA entrance tests (NPAT, SET, CUET and others)The university-level tests for BBA, BMS and integrated management programmes. Often asked ICAR AIEEA UGThe all-India entrance for agriculture and allied science degrees under the ICAR quota. Often asked IMU CETThe common entrance of the Indian Maritime University for merchant navy degrees. Required Commercial Pilot Licence (DGCA requirements)Not an entrance exam but a set of requirements for pilot training in India. Required IISER Aptitude Test (IAT)The entrance for the BS-MS dual degree at the Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research. Often asked NESTThe National Entrance Screening Test for integrated M.Sc at NISER Bhubaneswar and UM-DAE CEBS Mumbai. Often asked ISI and CMI entranceEntrance tests for B.Stat and B.Math at the Indian Statistical Institute and B.Sc (Hons) Mathematics and Computer Science at the Chennai Mathematical Institute. Required State engineering and medical CETsState-level common entrance tests such as MHT-CET, KCET, WBJEE, TS EAPCET, AP EAPCET, KEAM and COMEDK. Often asked Science and Mathematics OlympiadsNot an entrance exam, but the olympiad stages (IOQ, INO, OCSC) open doors at IISc, ISI, CMI and abroad. Often asked

Routes where it matters

Engineering (B.Tech / B.E.)JEE Main, JEE Advanced, state CETs, BITSAT Required Architecture (B.Arch)NATA, JEE Main Paper 2 Required B.Sc in Physics, Chemistry, MathsCUET UG, IISER Aptitude Test, NEST Required B.Sc Computer ScienceCUET UG Required BCA (Computer Applications)CUET UG, university tests Often asked Data Science / AI degreesCUET UG, JEE (for B.Tech AI), university tests Required Pharmacy (B.Pharm)State CETs, university tests Required B.Sc Biotechnology / Life SciencesCUET UG, IISER IAT Helpful Agriculture (B.Sc Agri)ICAR AIEEA via CUET, state tests Required Commercial Pilot (CPL)DGCA exams, flying school selection Required Merchant NavyIMU-CET Required NDA: Air Force and Navy wingsUPSC NDA Required Chartered Accountancy, CS, CMAICAI Foundation, CSEET, CMA Foundation Helpful B.Com (Hons)CUET UG Required BA Economics (Hons)CUET UG Required BBA / BMS / Integrated MBAIPMAT, CUET UG, NPAT, SET Often asked Banking, Finance & ActuarialACET, CUET UG, bank exams later Often asked