Choosing the right subjects in Class 11 is the first major step toward building a strong career foundation. If you’ve opted for the commerce stream, it’s important to understand the complete list of CBSE subjects for Class 11 Commerce and how each one contributes to your academic and professional goals.
In this blog post, we’ll break down all the CBSE Class 11 Commerce subjects, including core, optional, and language subjects. Whether you’re planning to pursue CA, B.Com, BBA, or management studies, having clarity on the subject combinations will help you make informed decisions from the very beginning.
Who Should Choose Commerce After Class 10?
- Students interested in business, trade, and entrepreneurship: If you’re curious about how companies work, how money flows, or dream of starting your own business, commerce is a great fit.
- Those good with numbers and logical thinking: Commerce subjects like Accountancy and Economics involve analysis, logic, and number crunching.
- Students aiming for careers in finance, banking, or management: Commerce is the right foundation for CA, CS, CMA, BBA, MBA, and other finance or business-related fields.
- Students who want to keep non-science options open: Commerce offers flexibility without the intense theoretical load of science, yet leads to equally strong careers.
- Those planning to appear for exams like CUET, IPMAT, or CLAT: These entrance tests are open to commerce students and offer great career paths in management, law, and more.
- Students who enjoy understanding the economy and markets: Commerce covers real-world topics like inflation, demand-supply, GST, and national income.
Class 11th Commerce Subjects: Categories
In the CBSE Class 11, the Commerce subjects are divided into three main categories:
1. Mandatory Subjects (Core Subjects)
These subjects are compulsory for all commerce students and form the academic foundation of the stream. You must study all of them.
Mandatory Subjects Include:
- Accountancy
- Business Studies
- Economics
- English Core
2. Primary Optional Subjects
You are required to choose one primary optional subject based on your interests, strengths, and future academic goals. These subjects add specialization to your core commerce education.
Primary Optional Subjects in Class 11th Commerce Include:
- Mathematics
- Applied Mathematics
- Informatics Practices (IP)
- Entrepreneurship
3. Secondary Optional Subjects
These are additional Commerce subjects in Class 11, chosen as a 6th subject or to ease academic pressure. While not mandatory, they can enhance your learning experience or scoring potential.
Secondary Optional Subjects Include:
- Computer Science
- Physical Education
- Fine Arts
- Other Languages
Note: Subject availability can vary by school. It’s important to confirm combinations allowed by your school at the time of admission.
CBSE Class 11 Commerce Subjects: List
These are the Commerce subjects in Class 11th of CBSE board:
| Sr. No. | Subject Name | Category |
| 1 | Accountancy | Mandatory |
| 2 | Business Studies | Mandatory |
| 3 | Economics | Mandatory |
| 4 | English Core | Mandatory |
| 5 | Mathematics | Primary Optional |
| 6 | Applied Mathematics | Primary Optional |
| 7 | Informatics Practices (IP) | Primary Optional |
| 8 | Entrepreneurship | Primary Optional |
| 9 | Computer Science | Secondary Optional |
| 10 | Physical Education | Secondary Optional |
| 11 | Fine Arts | Secondary Optional |
| 12 | Hindi / Sanskrit / Other Language | Secondary Optional |
Mandatory Commerce Subjects in CBSE Class 11
Below is the list of subjects for Commerce in Class 11 CBSE:
| Name of Subject | Description |
| Accountancy | Teaches financial accounting concepts like journal entries, ledgers, and preparation of financial statements. |
| Business Studies | Covers the basics of business principles, management, marketing, and organization structures. |
| Economics | Divided into Microeconomics and Indian Economic Development, focusing on economic theories and real-world applications. |
| English | Improves communication, comprehension, and writing skills through literature, grammar, and reading comprehension. |
Primary Optional Commerce Subjects in Class 11 CBSE
| Name of Subject | Description |
| Entrepreneurship | Introduces students to innovation, business planning, and financial literacy—ideal for aspiring entrepreneurs. |
| Mathematics | Covers algebra, calculus, and statistics; important for finance, economics, and competitive exams. |
| Informatics Practices | Focuses on computer applications, Python programming, data handling, and digital tools. |
Secondary Optional Commerce Subjects in Class 11 CBSE
| Name of Subject | Description |
| Other Language | Includes Hindi, Sanskrit, or regional languages based on school offerings. May be selected as an additional subject. |
| Computer Science | Emphasizes programming logic and computational thinking using Python; deeper than IP. |
| Physical Education | Focuses on fitness, sports theory, and health education; often chosen for practical learning and scoring ease. |
| Fine Arts | Covers visual arts, painting, or music depending on school availability—suitable for creative students. |
CBSE Class 11 Commerce Syllabus 2025-26
1. Accountancy
- Introduction to Accounting
- Theory Base of Accounting
- Recording of Transactions – I & II
- Bank Reconciliation Statement
- Depreciation, Provisions & Reserves
- Trial Balance and Rectification of Errors
- Financial Statements of Sole Proprietorship (Without and With Adjustments)
- Accounts from Incomplete Records (Single Entry System)
2. Business Studies
- Nature and Purpose of Business
- Forms of Business Organisations
- Public, Private, and Global Enterprises
- Business Services
- Emerging Modes of Business
- Social Responsibility of Business and Business Ethics
- Sources of Business Finance
- Small Business
- Internal Trade
- International Business
3. Economics
Statistics for Economics
- Introduction
- Collection, Organisation, and Presentation of Data
- Measures of Central Tendency
- Measures of Dispersion
- Correlation and Index Numbers
Indian Economic Development
- Indian Economy on the Eve of Independence
- Indian Economy (1950–1990)
- Liberalisation, Privatisation and Globalisation
- Poverty, Human Capital Formation
- Rural Development, Employment, Infrastructure
4. English Core
Reading Skills
- Unseen Passage (Factual, Descriptive, Literary/Narrative)
- Note Making and Summary Writing
Writing Skills
- Notice, Poster, Business/Official Letters
- Speech, Article, Report Writing
Literature
- Hornbill (Textbook): The Portrait of a Lady, A Photograph, Discovering Tut, etc.
- Snapshots (Supplementary Reader): The Summer of the Beautiful White Horse, The Address, etc.
5. Mathematics
- Sets, Relations and Functions
- Trigonometric Functions
- Complex Numbers and Quadratic Equations
- Linear Inequalities
- Permutations and Combinations
- Binomial Theorem
- Sequences and Series
- Straight Lines and Conic Sections
- Introduction to Three Dimensional Geometry
- Limits and Derivatives
- Statistics and Probability
6. Applied Mathematics
- Numbers, Quantification & Numerical Applications
- Algebra, Mathematical Thinking
- Commercial Mathematics
- Calculus (Introductory)
- Probability, Data Handling
- Financial Mathematics
7. Informatics Practices
- Introduction to Computer Systems
- Python Programming Basics
- Data Handling Using Pandas and Numpy
- Database Concepts and Introduction to MySQL
- Cyber Safety and Society
8. Entrepreneurship
- Entrepreneurship: Concept and Functions
- An Entrepreneur
- Entrepreneurial Journey
- Entrepreneurship as Innovation and Problem Solving
- Understanding the Market
- Business Finance and Arithmetic
- Resource Mobilisation
9. Physical Education
- Physical Fitness and Wellness
- Changing Trends in Physical Education
- Yoga, Leadership Training
- Psychology & Sports
- Physical Activities and Practical Work
CBSE Class 11 Commerce Subjects Books
| Subject | Book Type | Book Name | Author/Publisher |
| Accountancy | NCERT | Financial Accounting Part 1 | NCERT |
| NCERT | Financial Accounting Part 2 | NCERT | |
| Reference | Accountancy | TS Grewal | |
| Business Studies | NCERT | Business Studies Part 1 | NCERT |
| Reference | Business Studies Class 11 | Poonam Gandhi | |
| Reference | Business Studies Class 11 | Sandeep Garg | |
| Reference | Business Studies Class 11th | Meena Verma | |
| Economics | NCERT | Statistics for Economics | NCERT |
| NCERT | Micro Economics | NCERT | |
| NCERT | Introduction to Statistics | NCERT | |
| Reference | Statistics for Economics Class 11 | VK Ohri and TR Jain | |
| Reference | Introductory Microeconomics Class 11 | Sandeep Garg | |
| Reference | Introductory Microeconomics | Sachdeva | |
| English Core | NCERT | Hornbill | NCERT |
| NCERT | Snapshots | NCERT | |
| Reference | CBSE Chapter-wise Question Bank | Oswal Publications | |
| Mathematics | NCERT | Mathematics Class 11 | NCERT |
| Reference | CBSE Class 11 Mathematics | RS Agarwal | |
| Physical Education | Main Textbook | Health and Physical Education | Saraswati |
| Practical Book | Modern ABC Practical Physical Education | Modern Publishers | |
| Informatics Practices | NCERT | Informatics Practices | NCERT |
| Reference | Informatics Practices | Sumita Arora |
Class 11 Commerce Subjects With Maths
This is one of the most preferred combinations in CBSE Class 11. It includes:
- Accountancy
- Business Studies
- Economics
- English
- Mathematics
This combination is ideal for students aiming for careers in finance, banking, economics, management, and data analytics. It keeps options open for courses like B.Com (Hons), BBA, Economics (Hons), CA, CS, and competitive exams like IPMAT, CUET, DU-JAT, and even Actuarial Science.
However, Mathematics in Class 11 is conceptually intensive, so students must have a good grasp of numbers and logical reasoning. It’s best suited for students who enjoy calculations, statistics, and problem-solving.
Class 11 Commerce Subjects Without Maths
This is a great option for students who want to study commerce but are not comfortable with Mathematics. The subjects generally include:
- Accountancy
- Business Studies
- Economics
- English
- Optional subject like Informatics Practices or Entrepreneurship.
Despite not having Maths, students can still pursue degrees like B.Com, BBA, BMS, or even go for law (CLAT), hotel management, or design courses. This combination is less demanding mathematically and focuses more on understanding theoretical and business-related concepts. It suits students interested in management, entrepreneurship, marketing, and allied fields.
CBSE Class 11 Commerce Subjects with Applied Mathematics
Applied Mathematics is a CBSE-introduced subject that focuses more on practical and business-related maths rather than pure mathematical theory. The combination includes Accountancy, Business Studies, Economics, English, and Applied Mathematics.
It’s ideal for students who want a balance between commerce and basic analytical skills without the pressure of core mathematics. Applied Maths is useful for fields like business analytics, marketing, economics, and data interpretation, and is accepted by many top universities. It’s a smart choice for those who are interested in numbers but don’t want high-level calculus and algebra.
CBSE Class 11 Commerce Subjects with Informatics Practices (IP)
In this combination, students study Accountancy, Business Studies, Economics, English, and Informatics Practices. IP introduces basic programming (Python), data handling, and computer applications, making it useful for those interested in tech-driven commerce careers.
It’s a perfect mix for students aiming at business analytics, digital marketing, e-commerce, or IT management. With the increasing importance of technology in business, this combination opens up both commerce and tech-related career paths. It’s a great choice for students who want digital skills without studying core science subjects.
CBSE Class 11 Commerce Subjects with Physical Education
This is a lighter and more balanced combination that includes Accountancy, Business Studies, Economics, English, and Physical Education. It’s suitable for students who want to focus on commerce without intense academic pressure or who are passionate about sports and fitness.
Physical Education is considered a scoring subject and allows more time for preparation in other core subjects. This combination works well for students pursuing general B.Com, BBA, sports management, or even preparing for entrance exams like CUET or CLAT.
Know about the top law entrance exams in India.
Career Opportunities After Commerce Stream
With Mathematics:
- Chartered Accountant (CA)
- Company Secretary (CS)
- Cost and Management Accountant (CMA)
- Investment Banker
- Financial Analyst
- Economist
- Actuary
- Data Analyst
- Statistician
- Business Analyst
- Risk Manager
- Market Researcher
Without Mathematics:
- Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com – General)
- Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
- Bachelor of Management Studies (BMS)
- Digital Marketing Specialist
- Event Management
- Hotel Management
- Fashion Management
- Travel and Tourism Executive
- Retail Manager
- Entrepreneur / Small Business Owner
For All Commerce Students (Any Combination):
- Law (via CLAT or OLETs)
- Civil Services (UPSC, State PSC)
- Banking Sector Jobs (PO, Clerk via IBPS, SBI)
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
- Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
- Teaching & Academics
- Insurance Advisor / LIC Agent
- Content Creation / EdTech Industry Roles
- Foreign Language Expert (for MNCs/BPOs)
- Media & Journalism (after BMM/BJMC)
Tips to Choose the Right Subjects in 11th Commerce
- Know Your Strengths and Weaknesses: Choose subjects based on what you’re naturally good at—numbers, theory, analysis, or creativity.
- Understand Career Goals: Think about whether you want to pursue CA, law, management, data science, or entrepreneurship.
- Decide Between Maths and No Maths Early: Maths keeps more doors open but requires strong problem-solving skills. Choose Applied Maths or drop it based on comfort level.
- Research College Course Requirements: Check if your desired UG course needs Maths, IP, or other specific subjects.
- Seek Guidance from Teachers or Counselors: They can help you match your subject choices with your aptitude and goals.
- Consider Scoring Subjects If Needed: Subjects like Physical Education or IP are often scoring and helpful if you want to manage academic load.
- Balance Your Interest and Practicality: Don’t just follow friends or trends—choose a mix of subjects that align with your interest and future plans.
- Know the Subject Difficulty Level: Accountancy and Maths are analytical, Business Studies and Economics are more theory-based—pick accordingly.
- Look at Optional Subjects Offered by Your School: Not all schools offer all optional subjects, so check availability first.
- Stay Open to Flexibility: In case your goals change later, ensure your subject combination allows you to switch paths if needed.
Know in detail about What is CBSE Board.
Also check: CBSE Full Form
FAQs About CBSE Class 11 Commerce Subjects
You will still study 5 subjects, but instead of Mathematics, you can opt for subjects like Informatics Practices, Physical Education, or Entrepreneurship.
No, Mathematics is not compulsory. It is an optional subject that you can choose based on your interest and career goals.
There are 4 compulsory subjects: Accountancy, Business Studies, Economics, and English.
Mathematics is more analytical and theory-heavy, while Applied Maths focuses on practical applications in business and economics.
Common optional subjects include Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Informatics Practices, Computer Science, Physical Education, and Entrepreneurship.
Yes, Physical Education is considered a scoring and practical subject, making it a good option to balance academic load.
Yes, many successful career paths like Law, B.Com, BBA, CA, Hotel Management do not require Maths in Class 11 or 12.
Which subject is the most difficult in Class 11 Commerce?
Many students find Accountancy or Mathematics challenging due to their conceptual and numerical nature.
Can I change subjects after selecting them in Class 11 Commerce?
Subject changes are possible in the early months of the academic year, but are subject to school policy.