All FYJC Subjects in Maharashtra: Complete Guide
In FYJC Maharashtra, there are three main streams – Science, Commerce, and Arts – and each stream has some common compulsory subjects plus optional subjects you can choose. Bifocal is a special Science stream where one big practical subject (like Computer Science or Electronics) replaces your second language and Biology to give you more technical skills.
Common Rules for All FYJC Students
Regardless of which stream you choose, these apply to everyone:
Universal Requirements:
- Board: Maharashtra State Board (HSC) for 11th & 12th
- Compulsory for every stream:
- English (main language)
- Environmental Education / Environmental Science (EVS) – grade subject
- Health & Physical Education – grade subject
Total Subjects:
Generally 6 main exam subjects + 2 grade subjects (EVS & HPE) = 8 subjects shown in college lists
Note: Grade subjects (EVS & HPE) don't have board theory papers but are compulsory as internal/grade assessments.
Science Stream – Subjects and Structure
Best for: Students interested in Engineering, Medical, Pharmacy, Pure Sciences, IT, etc.
Common Science Subjects (General Science)
Most Science colleges offer this combination or a close version:
| Subject | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| English | Compulsory | Main language |
| Physics | Core | Compulsory for all Science students |
| Chemistry | Core | Compulsory for all Science students |
| Mathematics & Statistics | Core | Essential for Engineering/Architecture |
| Biology | Optional | For PCB or PCMB combinations |
| Second Language / IT | Optional | Hindi / Marathi / other language / Information Technology |
| EVS | Grade | Environmental Education |
| Health & Physical Education | Grade | No board exam, internal assessment |
Typical Science Combinations:
1. PCMB (Physics + Chemistry + Maths + Biology)
- Best for: Students keeping options open for both NEET and JEE
- Career paths: Medical (MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS), Engineering, BSc in any field
- Advantage: Maximum flexibility
2. PCM + IT (Physics + Chemistry + Maths + Information Technology)
- Best for: Engineering/Computer Science aspirants
- Career paths: Engineering, B.Tech, BCA, Computer Science
- Note: No Biology, more focused on technology
- Fee consideration: IT often has extra fees
3. PCB (Physics + Chemistry + Biology + Second Language/IT)
- Best for: Pure medical/paramedical aspirants weak in Maths
- Career paths: MBBS, BDS, Nursing, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy
- Limitation: Cannot pursue Engineering/Architecture
Beginner Tips for Science:
✅ For Engineering/Architecture:
- Maths is compulsory
- Biology is optional
✅ For Medical (MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, Nursing):
- Biology is compulsory
- Maths is optional (but helpful for competitive exams)
✅ For Computer Science/IT:
- PCM + IT is ideal
- IT as a subject is good for coding interest
- Often requires extra fees in many colleges
Commerce Stream – Subjects and Structure
Best for: Students interested in Business, Finance, Banking, CA, CS, BCom, BBA, MBA, etc.
Common Commerce Subjects
A standard FYJC Commerce set includes:
| Subject | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| English | Compulsory | Main language |
| Economics | Core | Study of economy, markets, policies |
| Organisation of Commerce & Management (OCM) | Core | Business organization and management |
| Book-Keeping & Accountancy | Core | Accounting principles and practice |
| Mathematics & Statistics OR Secretarial Practice | Optional | College gives option |
| Second Language OR Information Technology | Optional | Hindi/Marathi OR IT (varies by college) |
| EVS | Grade | Environmental Education & Water Security |
| Health & Physical Education | Grade | Internal assessment |
Subject Choice Decision:
Mathematics & Statistics vs Secretarial Practice (SP)
| Choose Maths & Stats If: | Choose Secretarial Practice If: |
|---|---|
| Planning CA / CS / high-level finance | Weak in Mathematics |
| Interested in data analysis / economics | Want regular BCom / BBA path |
| Good at numbers and calculations | Prefer office management skills |
| Want maximum career options | Looking for easier workload |
Second Language vs Information Technology
| Second Language | Information Technology |
|---|---|
| Hindi / Marathi / other | Computer basics and office skills |
| Useful for communication | Job-oriented practical skills |
| Standard fees | May have extra fees |
Beginner Tips for Commerce:
✅ For CA / CS / High-level Finance:
- Choose Commerce with Maths & Stats
- Strong foundation in numbers helps
✅ For General BCom / BBA / Business:
- Secretarial Practice (SP) is acceptable instead of Maths
- Focus on Accounts and Economics
✅ For IT Skills:
- IT option is useful for computer basics
- May have extra fees like in Science
Arts (Humanities) Stream – Subjects and Structure
Best for: Students interested in History, Geography, Psychology, Political Science, Languages, Law, Civil Services, Media, etc.
Common Arts Subjects
A typical Arts combination includes:
| Subject | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| English | Compulsory | Main language |
| Second Language | Core | Marathi / Hindi / Sanskrit / German / French (depends on college) |
| History | Core | Indian and World History |
| Geography OR Philosophy | Optional | Depends on medium and college |
| Political Science | Core | Government, politics, constitution |
| Economics | Core | Economic principles and policies |
| Sociology / Psychology / Logic / Maths | Optional | College-dependent choice |
| EVS | Grade | Environmental Education |
| Health & Physical Education | Grade | Internal assessment |
Popular Arts Combinations:
For UPSC / MPSC / Law / Government Exams:
- History + Political Science + Economics
- Strong foundation for civil services
For Psychology / Counselling / HR / Media:
- Psychology (where available)
- Sociology
- Economics
For Economics / Statistics Focus:
- Maths & Stats option in Arts (rare but available in some colleges)
- Good for Economics/Stats higher studies
Beginner Tips for Arts:
✅ For Civil Services (UPSC/MPSC):
- History + Political Science + Economics is ideal
- Strong reading and analytical skills needed
✅ For Psychology / Counselling:
- Choose Psychology where available
- Useful for HR, Media, Social Work
✅ For Flexibility:
- Maths option in Arts is rare but valuable
- Good if you might shift to Economics/Stats later
What is Bifocal in FYJC?
Bifocal is a special Science stream where one big technical/vocational subject replaces your second language and Biology, allowing you to focus on technology and skills.
Official Description:
- Called "+2 Level HSC Bifocal Vocational Education" by DVET and State Board
- Main aim: Provide job-oriented technical skills at 11th-12th level
- Students can work or pursue diploma/degree in technical fields after 12th
Key Features of Bifocal Science
Common structure:
| Subject | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| English | Compulsory | Main language |
| Physics | Core | Same as general Science |
| Chemistry | Core | Same as general Science |
| Mathematics & Statistics | Core | Same as general Science |
| Bifocal Subject Paper I | Vocational | E.g., Computer Science-I, Electronics-I |
| Bifocal Subject Paper II | Vocational | Same subject Part II |
| EVS | Grade | Environmental Education |
| Health & Physical Education | Grade | Internal assessment |
Important Differences:
❌ No Second Language (normally Hindi/Marathi is removed)
❌ Usually No Biology (focus on technical instead of Biology)
Note: PCMB + Bifocal is not a normal structure.
Common Bifocal Subjects:
Available subjects depend on the college:
- Computer Science (most popular)
- Electronics
- Electrical Maintenance
- Mechanical Maintenance
- Scooter/Motor Servicing
- Other vocational trades (some converted to NSQF skill courses)
Bifocal: Pros & Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong technical base for Engineering/IT/Polytechnic/CS | No second language (limits some degree course options later) |
| Two papers (200 marks) dedicated to practical subject | No Biology → not suited for MBBS/BDS/BAMS/BHMS/Nursing |
| Excellent skill development | Limited colleges offer Bifocal |
| Good for job-oriented technical careers | Merit-based seats (limited availability) |
Bifocal vs General Science: Comparison
| Feature | General Science (PCMB/PCM) | Bifocal Science (CS/Electronics) |
|---|---|---|
| Core Subjects | Eng, Phy, Chem, Maths, Bio/2nd language | Eng, Phy, Chem, Maths, Bifocal-I, Bifocal-II |
| Second Language | Yes (Hindi/Marathi/IT etc.) | No (replaced by Bifocal) |
| Biology | Often included for PCMB/PCB | Usually not included |
| Technical Exposure | Less practical/industry focus | Strong technical/vocational focus |
| Best For | Medical + Engineering + pure BSc routes | Engineering/IT/Technical diploma and skill-oriented careers |
| Fees | Standard (aided) or higher (unaided) | Often unaided/self-financed (higher fees) |
| Seat Availability | Widely available | Limited seats, merit-based |
Step-by-Step: How to Choose Your Subjects
Step 1: Choose Your Stream
Ask yourself: What interests me and what career do I see myself in?
| Stream | Choose If You Like: | Career Paths |
|---|---|---|
| Science | Maths, Science, problem-solving | Engineering, Medical, IT, Research, Pharmacy |
| Commerce | Money, business, accounts, economics | CA, CS, Banking, Finance, Business, MBA |
| Arts | Reading, history, politics, psychology, languages | Law, Civil Services, Media, Psychology, Teaching |
Step 2: Check Compulsory Subjects
- Look at college prospectus or FYJC portal
- They will show exact subject groups available
- Verify which combinations are offered
Step 3: Decide Optional Subjects Carefully
For Science:
- Biology vs IT vs Bifocal based on your future plan
- Medical → Biology compulsory
- Engineering → Maths compulsory, Biology optional
- IT/CS focus → Consider Bifocal or PCM+IT
For Commerce:
- Maths & Stats vs SP based on your strength
- Second Language vs IT based on interest
- CA/CS aspirants → Choose Maths
For Arts:
- Choose combinations like History + Political Science + Psychology
- Based on career interest (UPSC, Law, Psychology, etc.)
Step 4: If Considering Bifocal
Before choosing Bifocal, verify:
- College actually offers that Bifocal subject in FYJC
- CS/Electronics seats are limited and merit-based
- You're okay without Biology (medical line closed)
- Fees are acceptable (often unaided/self-financed)
Important: If confused between Medical and Engineering, general Science PCMB is safer as it keeps both options open.
Step 5: Check Fees & Seat Type
- Many Bifocal and IT subjects are in unaided/self-financed divisions
- Higher fees compared to aided colleges
- Verify fee structure before finalizing
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Which subjects are common to all streams?
A: English, Environmental Education (EVS), and Health & Physical Education are compulsory for everyone in 11th-12th across all streams.
Q2: Can I change subjects in 12th?
A: Usually you must continue the same core combination from 11th to 12th. Changing stream or main subjects later is very difficult and depends on board/college rules. Choose carefully in 11th.
Q3: If I choose Bifocal, can I still do Engineering?
A: Yes! If you keep Physics, Chemistry, Maths + Bifocal, the Engineering route is fine. Only medical/biology-heavy paths become difficult without Biology.
Q4: If I am weak in Maths, which stream is better?
A:
- Commerce without Maths (SP instead) is easier
- Arts without Maths is also suitable
- Science heavily depends on Maths, especially for Engineering
Q5: Can I do NEET if I choose PCM (without Biology)?
A: No. Biology is compulsory for NEET and all medical entrance exams. You must choose PCMB or PCB to be eligible for medical courses.
Q6: Is IT subject the same as Bifocal Computer Science?
A: No. IT is a single subject (like second language replacement). Bifocal Computer Science has two papers (Paper I & II) totaling 200 marks, with much deeper technical content.
Q7: Which stream has the easiest subjects?
A: There's no "easiest" stream – it depends on your interests and strengths. Choose based on what you enjoy, not what seems easy.
Q8: Can I change from Science to Commerce after 11th?
A: Extremely difficult and rarely allowed. You would need to restart 11th in the new stream. Always choose carefully from the beginning.
Subject Selection Tips
✅ Do's:
- Choose stream based on your career goals, not peer pressure
- Consider your strengths (Maths, Science, Languages, etc.)
- Research career paths for each stream before deciding
- Check college prospectus for exact subject combinations
- Verify fees for optional subjects (IT, Bifocal)
- Keep future education goals in mind (Engineering, Medical, CA, etc.)
- Consult teachers and career counselors
❌ Don'ts:
- Don't choose Science just because "it's prestigious"
- Don't avoid Commerce/Arts thinking they're "inferior"
- Don't choose Bifocal if you want to keep medical options open
- Don't select subjects randomly without understanding requirements
- Don't ignore your weak areas (e.g., Maths if you struggle with it)
- Don't assume you can easily change subjects later
Summary: Quick Reference
Science Stream:
- Core: English, Physics, Chemistry, Maths
- Options: Biology, IT, Second Language, Bifocal
- Best for: Engineering, Medical, IT, Research
Commerce Stream:
- Core: English, Economics, OCM, Accounts
- Options: Maths/SP, Second Language/IT
- Best for: CA, CS, Banking, Business, Finance
Arts Stream:
- Core: English, Second Language, History, Political Science, Economics
- Options: Geography/Philosophy, Psychology/Sociology/Logic/Maths
- Best for: Law, Civil Services, Media, Psychology, Teaching
Bifocal Stream:
- Core: English, Physics, Chemistry, Maths, Bifocal Paper I & II
- No: Second Language, Biology
- Best for: Technical/Vocational careers, Engineering, IT
Remember: Choose subjects that align with your interests, strengths, and career goals – not what others are choosing!