Why students forget the fifth subject in J&K

By Mool Raj

Education is not only about securing marks or passing examinations; it is about building careers, developing skills, and preparing students for the future. However, one of the most neglected and misunderstood aspects of higher secondary education today is the importance of the 5th subject. Unfortunately, many students consider it merely an optional or easy subject instead of recognizing it as a powerful career-oriented opportunity.

Being a Lecturer in the discipline of Environmental Sciences, I often get puzzled when I see students struggling with confusion while choosing their specialization, even after scoring good marks in Class 10 and having great academic potential. The problem becomes more serious during the admission process at the higher secondary level, where students often make decisions without proper counselling, awareness, or long-term planning.

As a subject-specialized Lecturer of Environmental Science, I have observed that most students from a science background are unaware of how valuable subjects like Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Environmental Science, and Mathematics can be as a 5th subject for their future careers. These subjects are not merely additional papers; they are directly connected with modern scientific fields, research opportunities, healthcare industries, pharmaceuticals, genetics, agriculture, laboratory sciences, and emerging technologies.

Unfortunately, many students enter the admission room with only one mindset: “Which subject is easy?” rather than “Which subject can help me build my future?” This approach reflects the lack of proper academic and career counselling in our educational institutions.

For medical students especially, subjects like Biotechnology and Biochemistry can strengthen their understanding of biology, genetics, molecular science, diagnostics, and medical research. Similarly, Mathematics can support analytical thinking and open additional opportunities in engineering, statistics, data science, and technology-related careers. However, many students choose subjects that have little or no relation to their core stream simply because they believe those subjects require less effort.

The confusion among students is increasing because they rarely explore the syllabus or seek guidance from teachers and experts before selecting subjects. Many students do not even know the actual scope, benefits, or career relevance of the subjects they are choosing. Instead of making informed decisions, they follow trends, peer pressure, or misconceptions.

Another serious issue is the careless attitude students develop after choosing the 5th subject. A large number of students treat it as an optional subject and fail to attend classes regularly. They focus only on the four major subjects and ignore the importance of the fifth one. Some students consider that period as free time and do not realize that the subject carries academic value as well as future career significance.

The situation becomes even more concerning among students preparing for competitive examinations such as JKAS, IAS, NEET and JEE. Many students taking dummy admissions in schools remain disconnected from the school curriculum. Some of them do not even know which 5th subject they have opted for. During board examinations, students sometimes contact school administrations asking about their own subject details. This clearly reflects how seriously the issue of awareness and counselling needs to be addressed.

The promise of NEP 2020

The National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) strongly emphasizes multidisciplinary learning, flexibility in subject selection, and skill-based education. The policy encourages students to choose subjects according to their interests, abilities, and career goals instead of being restricted to rigid educational patterns. NEP 2020 aims to promote holistic and career-oriented education where every subject contributes to the overall development of a student.

One of the important visions of NEP 2020 is to integrate vocational education, critical thinking, scientific temperament, and interdisciplinary learning into mainstream education. The flexibility introduced in subject selection was never meant to reduce seriousness toward studies. Instead, it was designed to provide students with broader career exposure and practical knowledge. Therefore, the 5th subject should be treated as a meaningful academic and professional choice rather than a burden.

A shared responsibility

Schools and educational institutions must play a more active role in guiding students. Career counselling sessions, orientation programs, seminars, and interactions with subject experts should become a regular part of the admission process. Students must be encouraged to understand the scope, syllabus, and career opportunities associated with different subjects before making decisions.

Parents also need awareness regarding this issue. Many parents unknowingly encourage their children to select subjects that are considered easy or scoring rather than subjects that align with their interests and future ambitions. Parents must understand that the right subject choice at the higher secondary level can shape a student’s academic journey and professional life.

The real purpose of introducing the 5th subject was to provide students with additional knowledge, specialization, and career opportunities after Class 12. However, due to lack of awareness, poor counselling, and careless attitudes, it is gradually becoming a burden instead of a benefit.

It is time for students, parents, teachers, and policymakers to understand the true value of the 5th subject. If chosen wisely and studied sincerely, it can become one of the strongest pillars of a student’s future. Education should not only prepare students for examinations but also help them discover their interests, develop their potential, and build meaningful careers.

The author is a regular columnist and freelance writer.