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Are you in doubt too- Applied Mathematics or Core Mathematics?

Updated: Sep 24, 2020

The study of mathematics, like the Nile, begins in minuteness but ends in magnificence."


From the moment CBSE announced a new elective subject “Applied Mathematics”, there has been a lot of confusion and particularly, on the question of introducing mathematics as one of the compulsory subjects for all the students of grade 11-12, especially for the ones who were planning to leave mathematics in future.


Students and parents need to make a conscious choice on selection of the subject. You need to be aware of the difference between the two.

Why are you doing this?

What’s the benefit of this

Make a computer program to do that. They don’t find it interesting at all.


The second kind of people are the ones who like mathematics because it is pure and abstract. They like solving puzzles and brainstorming.


As per the CBSE “It has been observed that the existing syllabus of Core Mathematics aligns well with Science subjects, but doesn’t align with Commerce or Social science-based subjects.


Keeping this in mind, the new elective has been designed to provide students with relevant experience in mathematics which can be used in the fields other than Physical Sciences.

How is Applied Mathematics different from Core Mathematics?



In general, the lines between these two divisions within mathematics is often blurred. However, the traditional difference between the two is Applied Mathematics has a very clear connection to real-world problems. Core Mathematics is mathematics to be learnt for its own sake, pursuing questions based on the internal attractiveness of the subject.