The CBSE provides a number of subjects that meet the students’ various needs and help them achieve their target in India. However, how many subjects are falling under CBSE? Let us further analyze it in details.
📌 What Are the Main Streams in CBSE?
CBSE mainly provides three major streams of subjects at senior secondary classes that include classes 11th and 12th.
Stream |
Common Subjects Included |
---|---|
Science |
Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Computer Science, etc. |
Commerce |
Accountancy, Business Studies, Economics, Mathematics, etc. |
Humanities/Arts |
History, Political Science, Geography, Psychology, Sociology, etc. |
These streams come into operation mostly after class 10 so that the students could choose a particular stream according to their area of interest.
Read More: Is CBSE Harder Than ICSE?
📘 How Many Subjects Are There in CBSE Class 10?
In CBSE Class 10, the most common subjects are 5 core subjects, apart from skill-based subjects and other co-curricular subjects. Here's the typical structure:
Category |
Subjects |
---|---|
Main Subjects |
English, Hindi, Mathematics, Science, Social Science |
Optional Language Subjects |
Sanskrit, French, German, Urdu, etc. |
Skill Subjects |
IT, Artificial Intelligence, Financial Literacy, etc. |
Co-Scholastic Activities |
Work Education, Art Education, Health and Physical Education |
So, students can study anywhere from 5 to 7 subjects depending on their choices.
CBSE Class 10 Books are based on the NCERT syllabus and help in building up analytical, problem solving, and theoretical knowledge.
📗 What Is the Subject Structure in CBSE Class 12?
CBSE Class 12 books include more complex and specific subjects based on the stream of the students. Here's an overview:
Stream |
Core Subjects |
---|---|
Science |
Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Mathematics, English/Core Computer Science |
Commerce |
Accountancy, Economics, Business Studies, English, Optional Math |
Humanities |
History, Geography, Political Science, Sociology, Psychology, English, etc. |
Students are required to study 5 subjects (4 core + 1 language/optional), and may choose a 6th subject if desired.
CBSE Class 12 books contain more specific and complicated topics based on the stream selected by the student. Here's an overview:
📚 What Is the Total Number of Subjects Under CBSE?
CBSE offers over 100 subjects across various disciplines. Here's how they are categorized:
Category |
Approximate Number of Subjects |
---|---|
Languages |
30+ (Including Hindi, English, Sanskrit, French, Tamil, Urdu, etc.) |
Academic Subjects |
40+ (Science, Commerce, Humanities related) |
Skill Subjects |
20+ (IT, Marketing, Banking, Tourism, Yoga, Artificial Intelligence) |
Co-Scholastic Areas |
10+ (Art, Music, Physical Education, etc.) |
This flexible subject structure ensures that students have access to holistic education and skill development.
📝 Do CBSE Subjects Vary by School?
It is noteworthy to mention that the CBSE board provides a huge number of subjects; however, the choice of subjects is school-based. Depending on the faculty and infrastructure available at a school some of these schools may offer only selected electives or skill subjects.
Thus, students and parents need to verify the subject combinations offered in school before finalizing subjects.
Practice Comprehensively with Oswaal360 CBSE Online Courses for Board Exams 2026
Final Thoughts
The many and diverse subjects offered under CBSE enable the student to develop academic as well as the practical aspect. For the students studying in Class 10 or those preparing for the boards in Class 12, the selection of subjects and referring to the CBSE Books is important. It has been purposely built to be student-focused and future-proofed for a student’s career progression.
For students who are planning for their future, a good start with the help of CBSE Class 10 books and CBSE Class 12 books will be very beneficial for the students to achieve their academic and competitive exams.