After the 10th, many students feel confused about choosing the right stream. Well, this is one of the crucial decisions to take in the academic journey. Many students dream of taking science and building a rewarding career as an engineer, doctor, architect, data scientist, or more. But before opting for science, the biggest question that many students and their parents ask is, "what percentage is required to take Science in Class 11th ISC?”
Well, CISCE (Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations) allows schools to set the criteria as per their policies, demands, and resources. Many ISC schools set a minimum eligibility criterion and percentage requirement to take Science in Class 11th ISC. Along with this, most schools evaluate students' knowledge and overall performance in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
This article highlights the subject requirements, percentage criteria, preparation tips, and recommended study resources such as the ISC class 11 book and the ISC class 12 question banks. Choosing the right study resources will help you with long-term planning.
General Eligibility Criteria for Science Stream in ISC Class 11
Although there is no set eligibility criterion in terms of percentage set by CISCE. But most schools follow a general criterion for students who want to take science in the ISC class 11.
Overall, students are required to secure 70-75% marks in the class 10 board exams. While most prominent ISC schools may demand 85% or more for science streams.
|
Stream |
Percentage Required in Class 10 |
Key Subject Requirements |
Other Criteria |
|
Science (PCM) |
70% – 85% overall |
Minimum 70–75% in Mathematics & Science |
Good performance in school aptitude tests (if applicable) |
|
Science (PCB) |
65% – 80% overall |
Minimum 70% in Science, 65% in English |
Some schools conduct interviews or counseling sessions |
|
Science (PCMB) |
75% – 90% overall |
Minimum 75% in Mathematics & Science |
Strong academic consistency in Class 9 & 10 |
Eligibility Criteria for Science (Subject-Wise)
Many ISC schools prioritise specific subject performance rather than just checking the overall percentage.
|
Subject |
Minimum Percentage Required |
Importance |
|
Mathematics |
70–80% |
Essential for Physics, Chemistry, and higher-level concepts. |
|
Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) |
70–80% |
Core of the Science stream, determines logical and analytical ability. |
|
English |
60–70% |
Important for comprehension, lab reports, and written expression. |
|
Overall Aggregate |
70–85% |
Shows academic consistency |
Why Schools Set Percentage Criteria?
-
High Competition for Seats: Due to high competition for the science stream
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To Pursue Higher Studies: Subjects like mathematics, chemistry, and physics make strong concepts.
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To Handle Pressure: Schools want students to tackle the performance pressure.
Read More: How Many Hours Should I Study in Class 11 ISC?
Recommended ISC Class 11 Study Resources for Science
Choosing the right study resources is crucial to achieving success in the science stream. It is recommended to use the following study resources.
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Standard books with chapter-wise explanations
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ISC Class 12 question banks
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ISC Class 12 previous year question papers with solved examples
-
Mock test books (Not Mandatory)
Why is the ISC Class 12 Question Bank Useful in Class 11?
Now, you might be thinking how the ISC Class 12 question bank will be useful for students who are just entering class 11.
The answer is long-term preparation; many concepts you come across in class 11 are associated with class 12, and your conceptual clarity decides your overall marks in the class 12 board exams. You can occasionally practice from the ISC class 12 question bank and get the following benefits-
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More familiarity with the type of questions in the Class 12 board exams.
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Know the specific chapters that carry more weightage.
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You learn how to manage time in exams.
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Improve your speed and accuracy, which will be beneficial in board exams
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Get exposure to HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills) and application-based questions.
This way, you can prepare more strategically for board exams from class 11 itself.
Common Challenges Students Face before Choosing the Science Stream
Choosing the Science stream in ISC Class 11 is a dream for many students, but it also brings several challenges in their academic journey. Here are some common challenges students face:
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Massive Syllabus – There is a massive syllabus in all the science subjects, i.e., Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology, and all of them require detailed study.
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Require Conceptual Clarity – Students are required to build a solid foundation without conceptual clarity; it becomes overwhelming to study the advanced topics.
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Time Management – Many students find it challenging to manage time for assignments, practicals, and theory preparations.
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Pressure of Competitive Exams – Many students prepare for competitive exams like NEET/JEE after taking science streams, and thus, they often feel pressure to manage things.
Preparation Tips for Scoring Well in Science
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Remember Class 10 Concepts– Revise concepts of Class 10 for algebra, geometry, and science before entering class 11.
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Follow Only ISC Syllabus– Follow syllabus only from ISC Class 11 books for consistent learning.
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Practice Previous Year Papers – Solve previous year papers of ISC Class 10 and Class 12 to understand the exam pattern.
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Use Question Banks – Use the ISC Class 12 question bank to explore high-level problems.
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Create Short Notes for Revision – Create short notes for definitions, formulas, and diagrams for quick revision..
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Focus on Practicals– Lab experiments also carry major marks and build conceptual clarity.
Time Table for each subject in Class 11 Science
Here’s a sample timetable to follow to prepare for Class 11 Science:
|
Subject |
Hours per Week |
Targeted Area |
|
Physics |
8–10 |
Concept building, numerical solving |
|
Chemistry |
7–8 |
Organic & inorganic concepts, lab practice |
|
Mathematics |
10–12 |
Problem solving, formulas, calculus basics |
|
Biology |
6–7 |
Diagrams, definitions, long answers |
|
English |
4–5 |
Essay, comprehension, grammar |
|
Revision & Mock Tests |
5–6 |
Past year papers, question banks |
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: How much percentage is needed to enroll in Science in ISC Class 11?
Ans: The majority of ISC schools ask for an overall score of 70–75% in Class 10, including a minimum of 70% in both Maths and Science. Some prestigious schools even set their eligibility criteria up to 85% or higher.
Q2: Is Maths necessary to take Science in Class 11 ISC?
Ans: Yes, Maths is necessary for both PCM and PCMB streams.
Q3: What are the best books for Science students in ISC Class 11?
Ans: It is important to study with standard ISC Class 11 textbooks, which include the ISC Class 11 Physics book, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
Q4: Is it compulsory to utilize the ISC Class 12 Question Bank while attending Class 11?
Ans: The ISC Class 12 question bank helps you to gain exposure to advanced questions and get you ready for board exams ahead of time.
Q5: Is ISC Class 11 Science really tough?
Ans: Science can seem tough initially, but it is manageable with the right strategy. By remaining consistent, using standard ISC textbooks, and practicing with question banks, you can achieve outstanding results.
Conclusion
It is a dream for many students who are entering the science stream. However, the stream is both rewarding and challenging because of the percentage requirement by the elite ISC schools. Apart from the percentage requirement, which ranges around 70% or 80%, schools also evaluate students' aptitude, interest, and performance in specific subjects such as mathematics and science. By following the right preparation strategies and using the right study resources, such as ISC class 11 books and class 12 question banks, students can ensure conceptual clarity that is helpful in class 12 board exams as well as further competitive exams.
