Can basic Students in mathematics take …

YES

After introducing two levels of mathematics papers for class 10 students, CBSE will now offer applied mathematics as an academic elective at the senior secondary level for those who do not want to take it up for higher studies or won't opt for engineering which require a broader understanding of the subject.

The elective subject aimed at developing an understanding of basic mathematical and statistical tools and their applications in the field of commerce and social science, will be offered as elective for class 11students from 2020 academic session and ultimately for class 12 students from the year after.

Students who had taken up basic mathematics in class 10 will be allowed to opt for applied mathematics at senior secondary level.

"Mathematics is widely used in higher studies — in the field of Economics, Commerce, Social Sciences and many others. It has been observed that the existing syllabus of mathematics aligns well with science subjects, but not so much with commerce or social science-based subjects in university education. Keeping this in mind, one more elective course in mathematics syllabus will be offered for senior secondary classes with an aim to provide students relevant experience in mathematics which can be used in the fields other than physical sciences," the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) said in an official notification. According to CBSE officials, a course by this name was earlier designed as a skill subject.