The High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) examination, conducted by the Nagaland Board of School of Education (NBSE), represents a major academic achievement for students in Nagaland, signifying the completion of their high school education. Following this, the subsequent critical step involved selection of an appropriate academic stream for higher secondary education (class 11 and 12). This junction represents a significant turning point in a young person’s academic journey, a moment where growing interests begin to solidify, and future pathways start to take shape. The choice made at this stage carries considerable weight, influencing not only the subjects studied in the subsequent two crucial years but also potentially charting the course for higher education and eventual career prospects.
For the first time, students can exercise their agency in their education by choosing one of three main streams: Science, Arts, or commerce. This opportunity to focus on subjects they find most interesting carries considerable weight, as it will define their studies and can significantly influence their future education and career prospects. The implications of this decision are far-reaching, laying the foundational knowledge and skills required for specific undergraduate degrees and ultimately opening doors to particular professional fields. Therefore, careful consideration and informed decision-making are important at this stage.
The popularity of each stream can waver, reflecting evolving student preferences and societal trends. In 2024, a total of 17,911 candidates appeared for the HSSLC examination conducted by NBSE. Of these, 14,166 students were enrolled in the Arts stream, making it the most popular choice among students. The Science stream had 2,521 candidates, while 949 students opted for the Commerce stream. These figures highlight a significant inclination towards the humanities and social science in the preceding year. However, trends are not static. In 2025, the overall number of candidates decreased slightly to 17,194. Among them, 12,403 students appeared in the Arts stream, showing a decline from the previous year. The number of candidates in the Science stream rose to 3,219, while the Commerce stream also saw an increase, with 1,026 students appearing for the exam. This shift indicates a potential growing interest in the sciences and commerce, although Arts continues to hold a significant majority.
These statistical shifts can be influenced by various factors, including perceived job opportunities, parental guidance, and the academic performance of students in specific subjects during their Class 10 examinations. Students often face pressure from parents or friends when making this choice, or they base it on their exam marks, but ideally the selection should depend on one’s own interests, strengths, and goals. External pressure and solely relying on past performance can lead to disarranged choices. A student with a genuine passion for literature might be swayed towards science due to perceived career prospects, potentially leading to dissatisfaction and underachievement. Conversely, choosing a stream that resonates with one’s natural inclinations and aptitudes fosters a more conducive learning environment and increases the likelihood of academic success. Choosing a stream that does not fit a student’s interests may lead to dissatisfaction, whereas making an informed choice based on one’s strengths can help the student do well.
Practical considerations also play a crucial role in stream allocation. Some schools have limited seats in each stream, so choosing an institution might depend on the HSLC results. Competition for desired spots, particularly in traditionally popular streams like science in well-regarded institutions, can be intense. For example, if many students apply for science, a school may set a minimum required mark in Class 10 Science and Mathematics for admission. This creates a system where academic performance in specific subjects can directly influence the stream a student is able to access. Commerce and Arts generally have more open eligibility criteria, but it is still important to meet the basic requirements set by the school. It’s advisable to check the specific admission guideline of the institution that one plans to join for higher secondary. Furthermore, the availability of streams varies across institutions. Also, in Nagaland, often, not every school offers all three streams. This geographical limitation can further constrain students’ choices, particularly in more rural or remote areas where access to diverse educational opportunities might be limited.
Arts stream
The Arts stream digs into the complexity of human civilization and societal structure. Arts, also known as Humanities, focuses on subjects that study human society, history, and culture. History involves studying past events and their impact on society; Geography examines the Earth’s environment and how people interact with it; Political science looks at government systems and political ideas; Economics (when taken in Arts) explores basic economic principles; Psychology studies the human mind and behaviour; and Sociology focuses on society and social relationships. Studying literature means reading novels, poems, and other works to understand their meaning and context. Through these diverse subjects, Arts students gain a broad perspective on society, culture, and human behaviour. Courses in literature and languages (such as English or other regional languages) are also common in this stream. These subjects involve a lot of reading and writing, and they help students develop an understanding of social issues, historical events, and human behaviour. An Art’s student’s school experience is quite different from that of a science student. There are no laboratory experiments; instead, learning involves a lot of reading and writing. Subjects in Arts often require students to write long answers, essays, and reports. They learn to analyse information and present arguments clearly in their writing. Good reading comprehension and communication skills are developed in this stream. Many Arts students in Nagaland also choose to study elective subjects like Education (which introduces the basics of teaching and the philosophy of education) or local languages, depending on what the school offers.
Arts is a preferred choice in Nagaland, mostly for civil service examination. Following 12th Arts, students commonly pursue a Bachelor of Arts (B.A) in their chosen subject. Further education, such as a B.Ed., can lead to careers as teachers or lecturers. Many Arts graduates also obtain M.A degree for specialized knowledge or enter fields like journalism and mass communication, utilizing their writing and critical thinking skills as reporters, editors, or media professionals.
Science stream
The science stream offers a rigorous exploration of the natural world, students in science stream study Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics, along with a language like English. These science subjects build on what students learn in Class 10. This stream offers many opportunities like Medicine or Engineering. Students who want to become doctors, nurses, or other medical professionals need to take Science in classes 11–12 and then attend medical college. Science students aiming for professional degrees also need to clear competitive entrance exams after Class 12 (for instance, the NEET exam for medical colleges or the JEE exam for engineering colleges). Science is also the route to careers in research and advanced science. After Class 12 in the Science stream, a student can pursue a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Biology, or Mathematics and continue into research or teaching. This can lead to becoming a scientist, lecturer, or researcher in government or private institutions. They can also branch out into applied fields like pharmacy (becoming a pharmacist) or environmental science and forestry. Even Veterinary Science (animal healthcare) is an option, which also requires a science background in higher secondary. Science students have also been entering new technology fields such as information technology, data science, biotechnology, and robotics. They might study Computer Science or related courses in higher education. Even fields like architecture and agriculture often require a science background at the higher secondary level. Moreover, having studied Science is useful for certain defence or aviation careers, where knowledge of physics and maths is required.
Commerce stream
The Commerce stream focuses on the principles and practices of business and finance. It deals with subjects like business, finance, and economics. Its core subjects are accountancy, business studies, and economics. Accountancy involves learning how to record financial transactions. Completing Class 12 Commerce opens diverse career pathways. Many students proceed to a Bachelor of Commerce (B. Com) or similar qualifications, often with the ambition of becoming Chartered Accountants (CAs) or Company Secretaries – prestigious professional roles in accounting and corporate law. Management is another popular route, with students pursuing Business Administration degrees (BBA, MBA). The Commerce background is highly beneficial for a career in the banking and finance sector, leading to positions like bank officers, financial analysts, and investment advisors. It also provides a solid base for marketing and sales roles, where understanding business principles is key. Entrepreneurship is a growing choice, with Commerce graduates starting businesses such as shops, marketing agencies, or online stores, applying their acquired knowledge. The stock market and trading offer further opportunities, with specialized training enabling Commerce graduates to become stockbrokers or financial traders. For those with a passion for economics, a Commerce background can lead to careers as economists or policy analysts in government or the private sector. Additionally, Commerce students are often well-prepared for competitive examinations for jobs in banks and other financial institutions, thanks to their knowledge in accountancy and finance.
Science, Arts and Commerce each present unique scopes and benefits, leading to fulfilling careers in distinct areas. The ideal stream is subjective, on a student’s individual interest, and aspiration. To make an informed decision, students should research various fields and consult with educators or career advisors, reflecting on their favourite subjects and desired career path.