As a student in India, deciding which stream to pursue after 10th grade can feel overwhelming. With so many choices, it’s natural to feel uncertain about which direction to go. But don’t worry! This guide is here to help you understand the various streams available – science, commerce, and arts – and weigh their pros and cons. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clearer idea of how to choose the right stream that aligns with your interests, strengths, and future aspirations. Let’s get started!

1. Know your area of interest

Take some time to think about what subjects and activities you genuinely enjoy and do well in. For instance, if you’re always curious about how things function and find joy in problem-solving, you might lean towards science and engineering. On the other hand, if you’re drawn to understanding people, fascinated by history or intrigued by how economies work, the humanities stream could be a better fit. Understanding what interests you can guide you towards a stream that not only suits your strengths but also keeps you engaged and eager to learn.

2. Analyze Your Strengths

Reflect for a moment on areas in which you are strong academically and in which you may need the extra push. Reminisce on your past grades and what teachers have told you about your work. For example, if you notice more consistency in doing well in, say, mathematics and science, then perhaps a pathway with a science focus is right. On the other hand, students excelling in subjects like history or languages may be more interested in the streams of humanities or commerce.

3. Understand the Streams Available: Take some time to explore the different options offered by your school or educational board. Each stream has its own set of subjects, and each can lead to different careers. Make sure you understand the core subjects and what other courses you might get to take. 

4. Explore Different Career Options

Think of what kind of career you will maybe want to be in the future. Even take time to find out still what types of jobs correspond to each stream and what you need to do to get them. For example, in case you chose science streams and liked biology, you would look into medicine or maybe work in a laboratory. In case you opt for commerce, you might want to consider business jobs, say, managing a firm, or maybe you would like to be an accountant.

5. Consult Teachers and Education Experts

Don’t forget to talk to your teachers and other experts in education. They can help you think about which stream might be best for you. Your teachers can give you advice based on what they’ve seen in class. Counsellors can also help you think about what might happen if you pick one stream or another. It’s okay to ask for help to make sure you pick the right path for you.

Choosing a stream after the 10th class is a decision that will stay with you for as long as you live, so do take some time to think about each option seriously. Remember, you aren’t in it alone. For more personalized guidance, do visit one of our Infinity Vision Centres. Our career counsellors have years of experience and can give valuable insight into this crucial decision. Their advice will let you make a proper decision that will suit your interests, strengths and future goals. Let us help you build your career on a strong academic base and set you on the path to reaching for the stars.

Getting into study mode right after a wholesome summer break might be challenging for many students. It’s that time of year when you make a fresh start, set new goals, and enter the new academic session with more vigour. It may be overwhelming to shift from an easy-going summer schedule to a strict school routine. 

We have compiled a list of five essential tips to successfully master this transition with ease. These tips will not only get you back into the swing of things but also prepare you for a great academic year. These simple steps will guide you in making the most of your return to studies.

1. Re-establishing Routines 

Re-establishing routines is particularly significant in helping children transition back into school after summer break. Re-introducing bedtime and wake-up routines gradually, about a week before the real first day of school, enables the rebooting of the internal timekeeper and makes the shift from staying up late and sleeping to rising at dawn less jarring. Additionally, regularly timing homework, play, and other daily activities will introduce structure and balance.

2. Review Past Material

Reviewing previous material is instrumental in getting right back into academic life immediately after summer break. Devoting a little time to the revision of class notes, textbooks and assignments from the previous session really helps refresh key concepts and helps in the foundational knowledge. Online resources and educational apps make this review further engaging and interactive, thus catering to different learning styles that help in bridging gaps in understanding before new material is introduced.

3. Embrace Digital Learning Tools

The effective application of digital tools enriches the learning experience. There are abundant resources in so many forms, such as educational apps, online platforms and interactive study materials that provide various learning needs. Through the help of digital tools, you will be able to acquire voluminous supplementary materials, practice quizzes and virtual simulations. Such tools do not just create engagement in learning but deepen, more precisely, your understanding of highly complicated concepts, hence providing a well-rounded and enriched education.

4. Reconnect with Friends 

Reconnecting with your friends before school starts can make going back to school much easier and more fun. Try arranging playdates or other activities with your school friends to rekindle your friendships and get back into the groove. Hanging out with your buddies can help you feel more excited and less worried about returning to school. You can share your summer adventures, catch up on what everyone has been up to and build a strong support system that will be super helpful when school begins.

5. Create a Study Space

Creating a study space just for you is really important when it comes to focusing on your schoolwork, especially when you’re getting back into the swing of things after summer break. Find a quiet spot where you won’t get distracted and make it your own study area. Make sure you have everything you need there, like pens, notebooks, and all your textbooks. When your study space is organized and ready to go, it’s easier to concentrate and get back into the routine of studying after a relaxing summer break.

Remember to be kind and gentle with yourself as you adjust. Just don’t pile on undue stress and celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how minor. Learning is a skill which gets easier with practice. So with the start of the new session after the break, come with a positive attitude and confidence and you will ease back into the swing of things in no time.

One thing that is common among the most successful and influential people is the quality of self-discipline. The roadway to success is a long and complex one, which begins at the foundation of self-mastery, and the concept that is at the core of this mastery is self-discipline. Discipline is the factor that divides dreamers from people who actually achieve those dreams.  

Becoming a self-disciplined person involves understanding the real meaning of self-discipline, learning the skills to develop it, and making a consistent effort to apply it in all areas of your life. But remaining disciplined in today’s digitally surrounded world is difficult and requires immense patience and resilience. If you are someone who struggles with distraction, procrastination, or inconsistency, here is a guideline to help you build self-discipline and achieve success. 

‘I am Disciplined’- Say who you want to be to change who you are right now!

Many scholars have emphasized that an individual’s self-perception influences the way they perceive life, which in turn influences the way they perform their activities and achieve their goals. You need to shift to saying “I am disciplined,” rather than, “I am trying to be disciplined.” Once we can begin to identify ourselves as disciplined individuals, our unconscious pushes us to show up as a disciplined person. This mindset shifts thoughts showing up in an individual’s behavior naturally. This can further be reinforced by surrounding oneself with disciplined people to support this mindset shift.

Go to Basics- Sleep, Nutrition, and Exercise

As repetitive and basic as it may sound, developing any good habit begins with putting the right foundations in sleep, nutrition, and exercise. It is hard to stay strong mentally if we are not getting enough sleep, or food, or not moving our bodies appropriately. Focus on getting 7-9 hours of sound sleep. This will immensely help in enhancing your decision-making and willpower. Secondly, incorporate whole, nutritious foods in your diet and avoid excessive sugar or processed meals. As you might be aware regular physical activity strengthens both body and mind, which is central to improving one’s ability to stay disciplined in all areas of life. 

Set clear Goals and Develop a Plan

The best friend of discipline is structure. It is essentially significant to identify your goals to avoid tirelessly working towards something that might not give you much results. Start by defining your goals- whether it’s studying for JEE, NEET, improving fitness, or building a skill. You can also follow the SMART framework to set goals. It stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound goals. Breaking these goals into small actionable steps can help you determine your daily goals, which will provide you with a structure to follow and remain disciplined. 

Push through Discomfort

Once you start your journey of self-discipline, you will encounter that you will find it extremely uncomfortable to go out of your comfort zone and work regularly. It is inevitable to avoid this. During such times, remind yourself of the reason that you are doing this. Remind yourself that growth happens when you push beyond your comfort zone. Self-discipline means doing what needs to be done, even when you don’t feel like it.

The power of self-discipline will take you toward a better life and improved future self. Begin your path toward personal improvement by following these tips today.

Olympiads offer an incredible opportunity for students to challenge themselves, learn, and explore beyond textbooks, and raise their personality profiles. The honors offered by the prestigious Olympiads not only allow an individual to get recognized but also help in developing critical thinking skills, problem-solving skills, and an analytical mindset. Olympiads are conducted at national as well as international levels. Here is a list of some of the most important Olympiads of 2025. 

1. International Mathematics Olympiad (IMO)

The International Mathematics Olympiad is considered to be among the most prestigious math Olympiads worldwide for classes 1 to 12. This Olympiad is conducted once every year, in different countries. Candidates can participate in IMO by undergoing a rigorous selection process. In this process, countries select teams by conducting national competitions, and top-performing students are selected to represent their countries at the IMO. There are 2 levels of this Olympiad, each for 60 minutes. The syllabus of the Olympiad varies from Class I to XII, which covers important mathematics topics including Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Calculus, Number Theory, etc. 

2. Indian Olympiad Qualifier in Mathematics (IOQM)

Another prestigious Olympiad in the mathematics field is the Indian Olympiad Qualifier in Mathematics, which was first introduced by the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE) and the Mathematics Teachers’ Association (India) in order to streamline the selection process for the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO). This s a three-hour OMR based exam, which tests the student’s capability related to fundamental mathematic concepts. 

3. National Science Olympiad (NSO)

This is a crucial Science Olympiad, assessing class 1 to XII students’ natural aptitudes and science abilities. It is conducted by the Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF). The National Science Olympiad is a two-level exam as well. The SOF NSO is conducted on three dates for Level 1. This exam is conducted annually to recognize and foster exceptional talents in the Science field. The syllabus for the exam incorporates important fundamental scientific concepts from CBSE, ICSE, and other state board curriculum. 

4. International English Olympiad (IEO)

Another Olympiad organized by the Science Olympiad foundation is the International English Olympiad for students ranging from classes I to XII. The Olympiad is conducted across various levels ranging from school, city, zonal, and international. Students from grades 1 to 8 can take the IEO exam at their respective schools, while the students in classes 9 to 12 have the option to choose between taking the exam at their school or competing at city, zonal, or international levels. This is an intermediate level exam, conducted annually. 

5. International General Knowledge Olympiad (IGKO)

The International General Knowledge Olympiad, conducted annually by the Science Olympiad Foundation, is conducted for students from classes I to X. The aim of this exam is to expand the student’s knowledge beyond their regular classroom learnings and develop their critical thinking skills to solve complex problems. The SOF IGKO is proposed for three dates, and the school may select one date from these three dates to conduct the exam. The IGKO exam consists of multiple sections, and the number of questions and marks per question vary depending on the class level.

Olympiads offer a great opportunity for students to nurture their knowledge, and expand upon their comprehensive development. Recognition from Olympiads can also highlight a student’s dedication and potential to schools and future educational institutions. Students can successfully ace these exams with structured preparation, consistency, and hard work, which provides a fundamental framework for their lifelong learning and achievements.