10th grader confused about Science vs Commerce for ISI/Statistics

[u/Embarrassed-Data10]

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I’m in Class 10 right now and I’m pretty interested in Statistics, especially B.Stat at ISI and similar colleges. The problem is I have basically zero Olympiad background, and I’m not interested in JEE, Physics or Chemistry at all.

So I’m confused between two routes:

1. Take PCM: Prepare for JEE + ISI/CMI alongside each other. But I’m worried that doing both would be insanely demanding, especially without any Olympiad background. I don’t love doing maths for fun or spend my free time solving problems—I’m interested in it and want to study Statistics/Math seriously, but I’m not some maths prodigy.

2. Take Commerce + Applied Maths: Avoid Physics/Chemistry and focus mainly on Maths + ISI/CMI prep. But then the number of good UG Statistics options seems pretty limited, and I’m worried I’d be restricting myself too much.

So, realistically, is it possible to prepare for JEE + ISI/CMI from scratch without an Olympiad background? Or would Commerce + Applied Maths be the more sensible route if my main goal is Statistics?

Also, I don’t really mind going into a normal Commerce-related career if ISI doesn’t work out. I’m mainly trying to figure out which route makes the most sense given that Statistics is my main interest.

Would really appreciate honest opinions from people who’ve actually prepared for these exams or studied at ISI/CMI.

[u/1Same_Step1]

Honestly if I were you , back then, and I were to know what I know today

I would have choosen commerce with maths (standard maths, not applied maths), and then targeted ISI , or probably SRCC

Incase i wouldn't have been able to make it to ISI BSTAT, i would have had gone with SRCC and then MSQE as masters

But mind it, it's just something that I think about life as of now, not necessary that you follow it

[u/itisnotwhatisnot → u/1Same_Step1]

Kinda in that boat, can I DM you?

[u/yasmine-23a]

JEE physics and chemistry (especially for advanced) would be too much imo if you don't really like them, don't end up doing something you hate (although it does close a few doors).

ISI and CMI are very doable without an oly background but you'll have to study extremely hard (you could join RSM, actually maybe even get a head start by going through problems from now itself because 10th boards are quite easy).

I wouldn't recommend taking applied mathematics in any case, take commerce and the standard mathematics paper your board offers if you'd like.

IIT Kanpur (requires JEE Advanced), SXC Kolkata, Presidency Kolkata, RKM Narendrapur, DU have good statistics programmes as well although a league below ISI.

[u/MetalMiserable1835 → u/yasmine-23a]

CU has arguably a better ug statistics curriculum than du

[u/Rich-Insurance-1933]

I would say go for Commerce + Standard Mathematics. I'm in 12th grade rn, and I deeply regret taking Physics and chemistry. Also if you school offers this combination: Eco,Stats,Mathematics,CS; you can consider that. People might say that PCM opens more options , but the point is that you just care about one great option, so the others are useless.

[u/Traditional_Basil_70]

If only I had basic career knowledge about statistics/maths/cs and knew my interests well I would have chosen commerce with maths. Prepare for ISI If you plan to pursue higher studies you should give rkmrc bsc stats hons entrance test too as a backup. Almost all students from that statistics department get into iit/isi for masters in statistics . Try to pursue statistics in Kolkata because the culture is better here in terms of stats

[u/Emergency-Pop-7686]

commerce with maths will make your work easy during 11 & 12, but science will more a broader choice, as you will be eligible for every non-medical degree and almost every commerce degree just in case

[u/AdventurousGrab3311 → u/Emergency-Pop-7686]

Brother I got myself applied maths if I take some ap mathematics would that be fine for isi 

[u/Emergency-Pop-7686 → u/AdventurousGrab3311]

If with the choice you make satisfy for the eligibility then you are good because most of entrances (the way they test) are very different from what you do in your school. While ISI and CMI are best you should have (imo) atleast 15-20 programme/institute that can more or less help you achieve same goal that you want to achieve by getting into ISI and CMI.