# MPC or PCM: Maths, Physics and Chemistry in Class 11-12 — Shishya stream context

> Page: https://shishya.in/schooling/streams/mpc-pcm · all options after Class 10: https://shishya.in/after-10th · streams compared: https://shishya.in/schooling/streams#pcm · data as of 2026-10-01 (IST). Free to cite; link back to the page. Shishya (https://shishya.in) — one smart, free place to study for students in India: school, entrance and government exams, colleges, scholarships and careers.
> Honesty: subjects are printed as each board prints them, from the board's own document with the day it was read; a board whose document could not be read is only linked. Every rule is quoted from an official page with its source. Shishya never copies textbook text.

## What it is
- Class 11 and 12 with Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry as the main subjects, beside your languages.
- How long: 2 years (Class 11 and Class 12) — source: Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), "Introduction to Secondary Curriculum: Part - 2 (XI-XII), 2026-27", https://cbseacademic.nic.in/web_material/CurriculumMain27/SecPart2/Curriculum_SecP2_2026-27.pdf, read on 2026-09-30
- Who it suits: Students who enjoy maths and physics problem-solving and are curious about engineering, architecture, the physical sciences or technical roles in defence.
- Also called: MPC, PCM, M.P.C., P.C.M., Science with Maths, Maths group, Physics Chemistry Maths, Non-medical, एमपीसी, पीसीएम, ఎంపీసీ

## Subjects, board by board (15 lists from 6 boards)
- CBSE — Electives from Group A (no fixed stream) — subjects as printed: Physics (042), Chemistry (043), Mathematics (041) — source: https://cbseacademic.nic.in/web_material/CurriculumMain27/SecPart2/Curriculum_SecP2_2026-27.pdf, read on 2026-09-30
- Tamil Nadu State Board (Higher Secondary) — Group 2501 (group code 2501) — subjects as printed: Physics, Chemistry, Statistics, Mathematics — source: https://dge.tn.gov.in/docs/examina/HSE_E.pdf, read on 2026-09-30
- Tamil Nadu State Board (Higher Secondary) — Group 2502 (group code 2502) — subjects as printed: Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics — source: https://dge.tn.gov.in/docs/examina/HSE_E.pdf, read on 2026-09-30
- Tamil Nadu State Board (Higher Secondary) — Group 2504 (group code 2504) — subjects as printed: Physics, Chemistry, Bio-Chemistry, Mathematics — source: https://dge.tn.gov.in/docs/examina/HSE_E.pdf, read on 2026-09-30
- Tamil Nadu State Board (Higher Secondary) — Group 2505 (group code 2505) — subjects as printed: Physics, Chemistry, Communicative English, Mathematics — source: https://dge.tn.gov.in/docs/examina/HSE_E.pdf, read on 2026-09-30
- Tamil Nadu State Board (Higher Secondary) — Group 2506 (group code 2506) — subjects as printed: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Home Science — source: https://dge.tn.gov.in/docs/examina/HSE_E.pdf, read on 2026-09-30
- Telangana Board of Intermediate Education — Sciences: Mathematics – Physics – Chemistry — subjects as printed: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry — source: https://scert.telangana.gov.in/pdf/publication/others/1-intermediate%20courses.pdf, read on 2026-09-30
- Kerala Higher Secondary (DHSE) — Course code 3 (group code 3) — subjects as printed: Physics, Chemistry, Home Science, Mathematics — source: https://www.hscap.kerala.gov.in/course.php, read on 2026-09-30
- Kerala Higher Secondary (DHSE) — Course code 4 (group code 4) — subjects as printed: Physics, Chemistry, Geology, Mathematics — source: https://www.hscap.kerala.gov.in/course.php, read on 2026-09-30
- Kerala Higher Secondary (DHSE) — Course code 5 (group code 5) — subjects as printed: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Computer Science — source: https://www.hscap.kerala.gov.in/course.php, read on 2026-09-30
- Kerala Higher Secondary (DHSE) — Course code 6 (group code 6) — subjects as printed: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Electronics — source: https://www.hscap.kerala.gov.in/course.php, read on 2026-09-30
- Kerala Higher Secondary (DHSE) — Course code 8 (group code 8) — subjects as printed: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Statistics — source: https://www.hscap.kerala.gov.in/course.php, read on 2026-09-30
- Kerala Higher Secondary (DHSE) — Course code 40 (group code 40) — subjects as printed: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Electronic Systems — source: https://www.hscap.kerala.gov.in/course.php, read on 2026-09-30
- West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education (WBCHSE) — Set I (group code Set I) — subjects as printed: Physics (PHYS), Chemistry (CHEM), Mathematics (MATH) — source: https://wbchse.wb.gov.in/subjects/, read on 2026-09-30
- UP Board (UPMSP) — Science group subjects, with Mathematics — subjects as printed: Physics (151), Chemistry (152), Mathematics (131) — source: https://examreg.upmsp.edu.in/Downloads/SubjectDirectoryClass11th.pdf, read on 2026-09-30
- Check Andhra Pradesh Board of Intermediate Education's official site: https://bie.ap.gov.in
- Check Karnataka Department of Pre-University Education's official site: https://pue.karnataka.gov.in
- Check Maharashtra State Board (HSC)'s official site: https://www.mahahsscboard.in
- Check Bihar School Examination Board (science faculty)'s official site: https://biharboardonline.bihar.gov.in

## What it keeps open (11)
- JEE Main — https://shishya.in/exams/JEE_MAIN — Physics and Mathematics in Class 12 keep the B.Tech seats at NITs, IIITs and other central institutes open. — source: National Testing Agency (NTA), "JEE (Main) 2026 Information Bulletin", https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s3f8e59f4b2fe7c5705bf878bbd494ccdf/uploads/2025/11/202511021649722475.pdf, read on 2026-09-30
- JEE Advanced — https://shishya.in/exams/JEE_ADVANCED — Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics are compulsory in Class 12. — source: JEE (Advanced) 2026, "Eligibility criteria", https://jeeadv.ac.in/eligibility.html, read on 2026-09-30
- NDA — https://shishya.in/exams/NDA — All three wings stay open, including the Air Force and Navy. — source: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), "National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (II), 2026: Examination Notice No. 10/2026-NDA-II", https://www.upsc.gov.in/sites/default/files/Notif-NDA-II-2026-Engl-200526.pdf, read on 2026-09-30
- MHT-CET — https://shishya.in/exams/MH_MHTCET — MHT-CET has a PCM group paper. — source: State Common Entrance Test Cell, Government of Maharashtra, "Information Brochure MHT-CET 2026", https://cetcell.mahacet.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/MHT-CET-2026-Information-Brochure-Updated-on-10.02.2026.pdf, read on 2026-09-30
- CUET UG — https://shishya.in/exams/CUET_UG — Open to any Class 12 stream; each university sets its own programme rules. — source: National Testing Agency (NTA), "CUET (UG) 2026 Information Bulletin", https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s3d1a21da7bca4abff8b0b61b87597de73/uploads/2026/01/202601031633478370.pdf, read on 2026-09-30
- CLAT — https://shishya.in/exams/CLAT — No stream is named for the UG programme. — source: Consortium of National Law Universities, "CLAT 2027 UG Exam Eligibility, CLAT 2027 Age Limit", https://consortiumofnlus.ac.in/clat-2027/ug-eligibility.html, read on 2026-09-30
- Engineering (B.E. / B.Tech) — https://shishya.in/colleges/stream/engineering — B.Tech seats at NITs, IIITs and other central institutes need Physics and Mathematics in Class 12. — source: National Testing Agency (NTA), "JEE (Main) 2026 Information Bulletin", https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s3f8e59f4b2fe7c5705bf878bbd494ccdf/uploads/2025/11/202511021649722475.pdf, read on 2026-09-30
- Law (integrated LL.B after Class 12) — https://shishya.in/colleges/stream/law — CLAT names no stream for the UG programme. — source: Consortium of National Law Universities, "CLAT 2027 UG Exam Eligibility, CLAT 2027 Age Limit", https://consortiumofnlus.ac.in/clat-2027/ug-eligibility.html, read on 2026-09-30
- University degrees (B.A., B.Sc., B.Com through CUET UG) — https://shishya.in/colleges/stream/university — CUET UG accepts this route as a qualifying examination; each university sets its own programme rules. — source: National Testing Agency (NTA), "CUET (UG) 2026 Information Bulletin", https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s3d1a21da7bca4abff8b0b61b87597de73/uploads/2026/01/202601031633478370.pdf, read on 2026-09-30
- Defence officer entry after Class 12 (NDA) — https://shishya.in/careers/armed-forces-officer — All three NDA wings stay open. — source: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), "National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (II), 2026: Examination Notice No. 10/2026-NDA-II", https://www.upsc.gov.in/sites/default/files/Notif-NDA-II-2026-Engl-200526.pdf, read on 2026-09-30
- Architecture and planning (B.Arch, B.Planning) — https://shishya.in/colleges/stream/architecture — B.Arch needs Physics and Mathematics in Class 12 (Council of Architecture rule). — source: National Testing Agency (NTA), "JEE (Main) 2026 Information Bulletin", https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s3f8e59f4b2fe7c5705bf878bbd494ccdf/uploads/2025/11/202511021649722475.pdf, read on 2026-09-30

## Exams on this path (15)
- JEE Main https://shishya.in/exams/JEE_MAIN · JEE Advanced https://shishya.in/exams/JEE_ADVANCED · NDA https://shishya.in/exams/NDA · MHT-CET https://shishya.in/exams/MH_MHTCET · CUET UG https://shishya.in/exams/CUET_UG · CLAT https://shishya.in/exams/CLAT · KCET https://shishya.in/exams/KA_KCET · COMEDK UGET https://shishya.in/exams/KA_COMEDK · AP EAPCET https://shishya.in/exams/AP_EAMCET · TS EAPCET https://shishya.in/exams/TS_EAMCET · WBJEE https://shishya.in/exams/WB_WBJEE · KEAM https://shishya.in/exams/KL_KEAM · AILET https://shishya.in/exams/AILET · NATA https://shishya.in/exams/NATA · BITSAT (no Shishya page yet)
- Each exam's own eligibility rule is on its page and on the conducting body's site; confirm there before applying.

## Rules to know before you choose (10)
- B.E./B.Tech seats at NITs, IIITs and other central institutes through JEE (Main) Paper 1 need Class XII with Physics, Mathematics, a language, one of Chemistry, Biotechnology, Biology or a Technical Vocational subject, and one more subject. — source: National Testing Agency (NTA), "JEE (Main) 2026 Information Bulletin", https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s3f8e59f4b2fe7c5705bf878bbd494ccdf/uploads/2025/11/202511021649722475.pdf, read on 2026-09-30
- Those NIT-system seats also need at least 75% aggregate in five Class XII subjects (65% for SC, ST and PwD), or a place in the category-wise top 20 percentile of the student's board. — source: National Testing Agency (NTA), "JEE (Main) 2026 Information Bulletin", https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s3f8e59f4b2fe7c5705bf878bbd494ccdf/uploads/2025/11/202511021649722475.pdf, read on 2026-09-30
- JEE (Advanced) 2026 needs Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics as compulsory subjects in Class XII, and a rank among the top 2,50,000 in the JEE (Main) B.E./B.Tech paper. — source: JEE (Advanced) 2026, "Eligibility criteria", https://jeeadv.ac.in/eligibility.html, read on 2026-09-30
- NDA and NA (II) 2026: the Air Force and Naval wings need Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics; for the Army wing the notice asks for a Class 12 pass of the 10+2 pattern and names no subjects. — source: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), "National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (II), 2026: Examination Notice No. 10/2026-NDA-II", https://www.upsc.gov.in/sites/default/files/Notif-NDA-II-2026-Engl-200526.pdf, read on 2026-09-30
- B.Arch (Council of Architecture rule, quoted in the JEE (Main) 2026 bulletin): Physics and Mathematics compulsory plus one of Chemistry, Biology, a Technical Vocational subject, Computer Science, IT, Informatics Practices, Engineering Graphics or Business Studies, with at least 45% aggregate; or a 10+3 diploma with Mathematics and at least 45%. — source: National Testing Agency (NTA), "JEE (Main) 2026 Information Bulletin", https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s3f8e59f4b2fe7c5705bf878bbd494ccdf/uploads/2025/11/202511021649722475.pdf, read on 2026-09-30
- B.Planning through JEE (Main): at least 50% in Mathematics and 50% aggregate in the qualifying examination, so it stays open only with Mathematics. — source: National Testing Agency (NTA), "JEE (Main) 2026 Information Bulletin", https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s3f8e59f4b2fe7c5705bf878bbd494ccdf/uploads/2025/11/202511021649722475.pdf, read on 2026-09-30
- MHT-CET 2026 has separate PCM and PCB group papers; a candidate may take either or both. — source: State Common Entrance Test Cell, Government of Maharashtra, "Information Brochure MHT-CET 2026", https://cetcell.mahacet.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/MHT-CET-2026-Information-Brochure-Updated-on-10.02.2026.pdf, read on 2026-09-30
- CUET (UG) 2026 lets a candidate choose up to five test subjects irrespective of the subjects taken in Class XII; each university sets its own programme rules. — source: National Testing Agency (NTA), "CUET (UG) 2026 Information Bulletin", https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s3d1a21da7bca4abff8b0b61b87597de73/uploads/2026/01/202601031633478370.pdf, read on 2026-09-30
- NEET (UG) 2026 asks for Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Biotechnology (with practicals) and English. Under NMC's public notice of 22.11.2023, these may be passed as additional subjects after Class 12 from a recognised board. — source: National Testing Agency (NTA), "Information Bulletin NEET (UG)-2026", https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s37bc1ec1d9c3426357e69acd5bf320061/uploads/2026/02/202602231394640855.pdf, read on 2026-09-30
- CBSE: Mathematics (041) and Applied Mathematics (241) cannot be taken together. — source: Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), "Introduction to Secondary Curriculum: Part - 2 (XI-XII), 2026-27", https://cbseacademic.nic.in/web_material/CurriculumMain27/SecPart2/Curriculum_SecP2_2026-27.pdf, read on 2026-09-30

## Where it can lead
- Courses: Engineering (B.E. / B.Tech) https://shishya.in/colleges/stream/engineering · Law (integrated LL.B after Class 12) https://shishya.in/colleges/stream/law · University degrees (B.A., B.Sc., B.Com through CUET UG) https://shishya.in/colleges/stream/university · Defence officer entry after Class 12 (NDA) https://shishya.in/careers/armed-forces-officer · Architecture and planning (B.Arch, B.Planning) https://shishya.in/colleges/stream/architecture
- Colleges: Engineering https://shishya.in/colleges/stream/engineering · Law https://shishya.in/colleges/stream/law · University / Sciences https://shishya.in/colleges/stream/university · Architecture https://shishya.in/colleges/stream/architecture
- Careers (33): Software Engineer https://shishya.in/careers/software-engineer · Data Scientist https://shishya.in/careers/data-scientist · Mechanical Engineer https://shishya.in/careers/mechanical-engineer · Civil Engineer https://shishya.in/careers/civil-engineer · PSU Engineer (NTPC/ONGC/IOCL/BHEL/etc.) https://shishya.in/careers/psu-engineer · Data Analyst https://shishya.in/careers/data-analyst · Scientist (ISRO/DRDO/CSIR Labs) https://shishya.in/careers/scientist · ML / AI Engineer https://shishya.in/careers/ml-engineer · DevOps / Site Reliability Engineer https://shishya.in/careers/devops-engineer · Cybersecurity Analyst / Engineer https://shishya.in/careers/cybersecurity-analyst · Blockchain / Web3 Engineer https://shishya.in/careers/blockchain-engineer · Aerospace Engineer https://shishya.in/careers/aerospace-engineer · Electronics Engineer https://shishya.in/careers/electronics-engineer · Biotechnology Engineer / Scientist https://shishya.in/careers/biotech-engineer · Robotics Engineer https://shishya.in/careers/robotics-engineer · Automotive Engineer (EV + ICE) https://shishya.in/careers/automotive-engineer · Chemical Engineer https://shishya.in/careers/chemical-engineer · Environmental + Climate Engineer https://shishya.in/careers/environmental-engineer · Petroleum Engineer https://shishya.in/careers/petroleum-engineer · Naval Architect + Marine Engineer https://shishya.in/careers/naval-architect-marine · Advocate (Litigator) https://shishya.in/careers/advocate-litigator · Corporate Lawyer (Law Firm) https://shishya.in/careers/corporate-lawyer · Judge (Judicial Services) https://shishya.in/careers/judge-judicial-services · In-House Counsel (Corporate Legal) https://shishya.in/careers/in-house-counsel · Patent Attorney / IP Lawyer https://shishya.in/careers/patent-attorney · Legal Aid + Public Interest Lawyer https://shishya.in/careers/legal-aid-public-interest · School Teacher https://shishya.in/careers/school-teacher · College Professor (Assistant Professor → Full Professor) https://shishya.in/careers/college-professor · PhD Researcher / Scientist https://shishya.in/careers/phd-researcher · EdTech Instructional Designer https://shishya.in/careers/edtech-instructional-designer · Translator / Interpreter https://shishya.in/careers/language-translator-interpreter · Armed Forces Officer https://shishya.in/careers/armed-forces-officer · Architect https://shishya.in/careers/architect
- More on Shishya for this option: Stream guide: Science (PCM) https://shishya.in/schooling/streams#pcm · Exams after Class 12 https://shishya.in/exams/after/12th · Engineering colleges https://shishya.in/colleges/stream/engineering · State entrance tests (CETs) https://shishya.in/exams/entrance#entrance-state-cet

## Sources and last checked (13)
- Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), "Introduction to Secondary Curriculum: Part - 2 (XI-XII), 2026-27", https://cbseacademic.nic.in/web_material/CurriculumMain27/SecPart2/Curriculum_SecP2_2026-27.pdf, read on 2026-09-30
- Directorate of Government Examinations, Tamil Nadu, "Higher Secondary First Year / Second Year Examinations", https://dge.tn.gov.in/docs/examina/HSE_E.pdf, read on 2026-09-30
- SCERT Telangana, "What Next? After 10th Class: Intermediate Courses offered by Telangana State Board of Intermediate Education", https://scert.telangana.gov.in/pdf/publication/others/1-intermediate%20courses.pdf, read on 2026-09-30
- Higher Secondary Centralised Allotment Process (HSCAP), Kerala, "List of Courses", https://www.hscap.kerala.gov.in/course.php, read on 2026-09-30
- West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education, "Subjects: Subject Combination offered by the Council", https://wbchse.wb.gov.in/subjects/, read on 2026-09-30
- Board of High School and Intermediate Education, Uttar Pradesh, "Subject Directory of class 11th 2024-25 and for Intermediate Examination-2025", https://examreg.upmsp.edu.in/Downloads/SubjectDirectoryClass11th.pdf, read on 2026-09-30
- National Testing Agency (NTA), "JEE (Main) 2026 Information Bulletin", https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s3f8e59f4b2fe7c5705bf878bbd494ccdf/uploads/2025/11/202511021649722475.pdf, read on 2026-09-30
- JEE (Advanced) 2026, "Eligibility criteria", https://jeeadv.ac.in/eligibility.html, read on 2026-09-30
- Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), "National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Examination (II), 2026: Examination Notice No. 10/2026-NDA-II", https://www.upsc.gov.in/sites/default/files/Notif-NDA-II-2026-Engl-200526.pdf, read on 2026-09-30
- State Common Entrance Test Cell, Government of Maharashtra, "Information Brochure MHT-CET 2026", https://cetcell.mahacet.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/MHT-CET-2026-Information-Brochure-Updated-on-10.02.2026.pdf, read on 2026-09-30
- National Testing Agency (NTA), "CUET (UG) 2026 Information Bulletin", https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s3d1a21da7bca4abff8b0b61b87597de73/uploads/2026/01/202601031633478370.pdf, read on 2026-09-30
- Consortium of National Law Universities, "CLAT 2027 UG Exam Eligibility, CLAT 2027 Age Limit", https://consortiumofnlus.ac.in/clat-2027/ug-eligibility.html, read on 2026-09-30
- National Testing Agency (NTA), "Information Bulletin NEET (UG)-2026", https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s37bc1ec1d9c3426357e69acd5bf320061/uploads/2026/02/202602231394640855.pdf, read on 2026-09-30

## More on Shishya
- Every stage, from school to work: https://shishya.in/career-map · platform context: https://shishya.in/context.md · full index for LLMs: https://shishya.in/llms-full.txt