✦ CBSE Science & PCM · Class 11 & 12 Guide

Core Maths — The Science Student's Subject

The complete guide to CBSE Core Mathematics for Class 11 & 12 — what's in the syllabus, why it matters for JEE and B.Sc. goals, and all the resources you need.

✓ Science / PCM Students ✓ JEE & Engineering Aspirants ✓ Syllabus Breakdown ✓ Class 11 & 12 Resources

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What's in Core Maths

The Core Maths Curriculum — Topic by Topic

Core Mathematics spans two rigorous years, building from strong foundations in Class 11 to advanced theory and application in Class 12. Here is what the subject covers — and why each area matters for Science students.

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A Cornerstone of Core Maths

Trigonometry — a major part of the Core Maths syllabus across both Class 11 and 12.

Trigonometric functions, identities, equations, and inverse trigonometry form a significant and rewarding part of the Core Maths curriculum. This content is foundational for JEE Maths, directly underpins Physics (waves, oscillations, optics, electromagnetism), and is essential for engineering. Mastering trigonometry in Class 11 gives you a durable advantage that carries through board exams, entrance tests, and first-year college work.

Area	What You Study	Why It Matters
Trigonometry	All six functions, identities, equations, inverse trigonometry	JEE Maths, Physics waves & optics, engineering
Calculus	Limits, derivatives, integrals, continuity, differential equations	Physics mechanics, JEE, B.Sc. Maths & engineering
Vectors & 3D Geometry	Vector algebra, dot & cross product, 3D lines and planes	Physics electromagnetism, mechanics, engineering
Coordinate Geometry	Straight lines, circles, conic sections — parabola, ellipse, hyperbola	JEE Maths, B.Sc. Physics, engineering graphics
Algebra	Complex numbers, matrices, determinants, sequences & series, binomial theorem	Abstract reasoning, B.Sc. Maths, data science
Relations & Functions	Types of functions, composition, inverse functions, binary operations	Mathematical rigour, computer science foundations
Probability & Statistics	Conditional probability, Bayes' theorem, random variables, Bernoulli trials	Data science, actuarial science, research
Linear Programming	Formulation, graphical method, optimal solutions	Operations research, engineering optimisation

The pattern: Every topic in Core Maths connects outward — to Physics, to JEE, to B.Sc. programmes, to engineering. The subject is theory-rich and progressive: Class 11 builds the foundations, Class 12 deepens them. Students who engage with it seriously arrive at the next stage genuinely prepared.

The Payoff

Why Core Maths Is the Right Foundation for Science Students

For a Science or PCM student, Core Maths is not just another subject — it is the engine that powers almost everything else. The rigour builds genuine mathematical fluency: the kind that makes Physics derivations click, JEE problems tractable, and first-year engineering or B.Sc. content feel like familiar ground rather than a steep climb. Students who invest seriously in Core Maths arrive at the next stage ahead of their peers.

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JEE / Engineering Entrance

The JEE Maths syllabus is essentially Class 11 & 12 Core Maths taken deeper. Trigonometry, calculus, vectors, coordinate geometry — every board topic is a JEE topic. There is no gap to bridge.

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Physics & Chemistry

Calculus and vectors directly underpin Mechanics, Electrostatics, and Wave Theory. Students with strong Core Maths foundations grasp Physics derivations significantly faster.

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B.Sc. Mathematics

Real Analysis, Abstract Algebra, and Linear Algebra — first-year B.Sc. Maths subjects — build directly on Class 12 Core Maths. Students who have studied it arrive prepared.

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B.Sc. Statistics & Data Science

Probability theory, matrix algebra, and calculus are foundational to statistics and data science degrees. Strong Core Maths is a direct and lasting advantage.

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Quantitative Finance & Actuarial Science

Actuarial and quant finance programmes require deep mathematical fluency — calculus, probability, and matrix methods. Core Maths sets the right foundation for these rigorous paths.

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Analytical Thinking for Any Field

Proof-writing, abstract reasoning, and structured problem-solving — skills built through Core Maths — transfer broadly into any career that rewards rigorous thinking.

Study Resources

Access Your Class Resources Below

Boundless Maths provides coaching and resources for CBSE Core Mathematics students in Class 11 and Class 12 — formula cards, practice papers, and personalised coaching sessions.

Core Maths Class 11

Sets & Functions, Trigonometry, Algebra, Coordinate Geometry, Introductory Calculus, Statistics & Probability. Build the foundations that Class 12 depends on.

Trigonometry Sets & Relations Sequences & Series Conic Sections Limits & Derivatives Probability

Explore Class 11 Resources

Core Maths Class 12

Relations & Functions, Matrices & Determinants, deep Calculus (35 marks), Vectors & 3D Geometry, Linear Programming, and Probability. Everything for 90+ scores.

Calculus — 35 Marks Vectors & 3D Geometry Matrices & Determinants Probability Linear Programming

Explore Class 12 Resources

📌 Class 12 students: Calculus carries 35 marks — the single largest unit in the board exam. Start there. Formula cards, solved examples, and sample papers are available on the Class 12 page.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

The CBSE subject called Applied Maths was introduced specifically for Commerce students — it covers financial mathematics, statistics, and business-oriented quantitative content. It is not offered in the Science / PCM stream because it was never designed for it. The Science stream already has Core Maths, which goes deeper into abstract theory — calculus, vectors, trigonometry, coordinate geometry — that Physics, Chemistry, and engineering directly depend on. The absence of Applied Maths from PCM is intentional, not a gap.

Absolutely. Core Maths is one of the most intellectually demanding subjects in the CBSE curriculum. Calculus alone — continuity, differentiability, integration, differential equations — carries 35 marks in Class 12 and offers genuine depth. Vectors, 3D Geometry, Coordinate Geometry, and Abstract Algebra add further rigour. For a student who wants more, JEE preparation naturally extends every Core Maths topic to a significantly higher level. Strong Core Maths is also the foundation for university-level Pure and Applied Mathematics, which goes deeper still.

Yes — and this is an important distinction. The CBSE school subject called "Applied Maths" and Applied Mathematics as a university discipline are completely different things. University Applied Mathematics covers differential equations, numerical methods, mathematical modelling, fluid dynamics, and computational methods — all of which build directly on Core Maths foundations like calculus and vectors. A student who takes Core Maths in Class 12 is well positioned to pursue Applied Mathematics at degree level. If you love Maths and want to pursue it seriously at university, Core Maths is exactly the right foundation.

Core Maths is the foundation for a wide range of rigorous and rewarding paths. B.Sc. Mathematics, B.Sc. Statistics, B.Sc. Physics, B.Tech / B.E. (all engineering disciplines), B.Sc. Data Science, and Actuarial Science all require or strongly favour Core Maths. At the career level, strong mathematical foundations feed into engineering, quantitative finance, data science, scientific research, machine learning, and academia — fields where mathematical fluency becomes a durable, career-long advantage.

Not at all — it is the norm, not an exception. Applied Maths was designed as a Commerce stream subject and most schools offer it only to Commerce students. Science / PCM students take Core Maths, which is the correct and complete subject for their stream. There is no gap, no missing option, and nothing to compensate for. Core Maths gives Science students everything they need for board exams, JEE preparation, and university admissions in Science and Engineering programmes.

📘 If you are a Class 11 Commerce student and landed here? The Applied Maths guide is what you need →

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