Maharashtra state board drops General Maths as an option

Maharashtra state board students can no longer opt for an easier version of Mathematics (General Mathematics) as per a recently issued circular of the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Examination (MSBSHSE).

Students of Class IX in the academic year 2017-18 can’t pick General Maths as an option and would have to study a uniform mathematics syllabus, which includes Algebra and Geometry. The change will also be implemented for Class X students from 2018-19.

General Maths was introduced as an easier version of the subject in 2008, as a large number of students failed in the subject in the past. However, students who opted for the subject were not allowed to seek admission in engineering, architecture or polytechnic courses. Board officials said that this limitation was leading to a low number of takers for the subject, as a result of which they had to close the option.

“Most students are not in a position to pick whether they want General Maths or regular maths as they are too young to decide their careers. Also, students don’t want to close any career options by taking an easier version of the subject, as a result of which there were fewer takers and we have thus decided to scrap the option,” said an official.