Decline in Science Education in India – A Case Study At + 2 and Undergraduate Level

The authors examine here the option exercised by students at 10 + 2 level for science subjects vis-à-vis accounts and economics for a 11-year period, from 1992 to 2002 based on the data obtained from the Central Board of Secondary Education, and Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations. For study at the graduate level, enrolment data were obtained from some colleges of the University of Delhi and outside in B Sc (General and Honours) courses. It has been found that even at + 2 level, the priority for science is declining, while for accounts and economics it is increasing. Students opt for science with an eye on professional courses. Causes of this decline have been discussed here.