Is Science Stream Really That Tough? Seniors Answer Honestly

If you’re in Class 10 and thinking about Science, you’ve probably heard two extremes:

  • “Science is impossible, don’t take it.”
  • “If you work hard, everything is easy.”

Both are incomplete. This article is written the way seniors actually talk — based on what Class 11 and 12 Science students struggled with, messed up, and finally understood.
No motivation. No fear-mongering. Just reality.

Physics: The Subject That Shocks First

Most seniors agree on one thing — Physics is where confidence drops first.

Chapters that trouble almost everyone (Class 11):

  • Units & Measurements – looks basic, but silly mistakes cost marks
  • Laws of Motion – free body diagrams confuse almost everyone
  • Work, Energy & Power – concepts feel half-clear
  • Centre of Mass & Rotational Motion – the point where many panic

“Rotational motion made me feel like I wasn’t smart enough for Science.” – Class 12 student

What seniors realised later:

  • Watching solutions doesn’t help — solving yourself does
  • If Class 11 Physics is weak, Class 12 becomes stressful
  • Derivations make sense only after numericals

Physics isn’t about memory. It’s about patience.

Chemistry: Three Different Subjects in One

This surprises most Class 10 students.

Physical Chemistry (Numbers-heavy)

Chapters students struggle with:

  • Mole Concept
  • Thermodynamics
  • Chemical Equilibrium

“My entire Physical Chemistry problem was weak mole concept.” – Class 11 student

What actually helps:

  • Regular numerical practice
  • Writing full steps instead of shortcuts

Organic Chemistry (The fear factor)

Where things usually go wrong:

  • General Organic Chemistry (GOC)
  • Reaction mechanisms
  • Confusing similar reactions

“I tried to memorise Organic and failed badly. Once I understood the logic, it improved.” – Class 12 student

Organic Chemistry punishes memorising without understanding.

Inorganic Chemistry (NCERT decides marks)

Seniors are very clear here:
“Questions come straight from NCERT lines.”
Ignoring NCERT is one of the most common regrets

Mathematics: Practice or Panic

Maths gives very clear results. Practice regularly or gaps grow fast.

Chapters students find difficult:

  • Trigonometric Equations
  • Complex Numbers
  • Permutations & Combinations
  • Integration (Class 12)

“I didn’t practice maths for two weeks and everything piled up.” – Class 11 student

Maths doesn’t forgive gaps. Even small ones.

Class 11 vs Class 12: What Seniors Actually Feel

Class 11:

  • Everything feels new
  • Marks usually drop
  • Many students feel lost

“Class 11 decides whether you gain confidence or fear.”

Class 12:

  • Concepts feel connected
  • Scoring improves if basics are clear

“If 11th is strong, 12th is manageable.”

Mistakes Seniors Honestly Admit

  • Taking Class 11 lightly
  • Letting backlogs grow
  • Avoiding doubts due to fear
  • Depending only on coaching

“One chapter ignored turns into ten.”

Who Actually Manages Science Well?

Not necessarily toppers. Students who:

  • Study regularly (even less, but daily)
  • Clear doubts quickly
  • Revise weekly
  • Accept initial low marks without panicking

Final Truth Seniors Want You to Know

“Science isn’t hard because it’s impossible. It’s hard because it’s continuous.”

If you respect Class 11 from day one, Science becomes manageable.

Before You Decide (Class 10 Students)

Ask yourself honestly:

  • Am I okay with numericals and concepts?
  • Can I study regularly, not only before exams?

If yes — Science will be tough, but fair. If no — choosing another stream is not failure. It’s clarity.