Plan Your Career: Does archaic debate of science vs arts have a conclusion?

I have completed my +2. I am confused about whether to choose an Arts or Science course. Which is the better between these two streams or is Engineering the safer option? (Arjunan Shravan)

This is an interesting question but debating whether arts outsmarts the other streams such as science or medicine is almost archaic. The debate remains only as arguments that defends science as the field that sustains the universe and arts as a soul in that universe. But this would not solve your question. There are benefits in each of these streams, specifically arts and science. 

The advantages of studying science are, it’ll equip you with basic skills to find some job. From here, you can choose other professional courses like medicine and engineering either after completing +2 or college studies. 

A degree in science gives a competitive edge to a student to crack tough entrance exams. It is this stream that aids discoveries and inventions. Arts is a creative stream but somehow prejudices have not spared this stream to be known as a poor cousin of science or a distant relative for some courses or an ignored passerby for others. Parents and peers often discourage people from entering arts. 

The arts courses have their own advantages too. It gives the power of analysis, imagination and expression. It has its ever-prevailing eloquence. Some courses like history may not have greater employability but it prepares for other options like civil services or UPSC exams. 

It is here that one develops communication skills and creative expressions in a logical way. The employers who hire for jobs that do have a direct preference from science streams prefer employees from arts background because of their ability to work methodically and independently. 

As a student of arts, one gets to study the abundance of disciplines from philosophy to politics and that brings a plethora of career options. 

You have to understand yourself. 

There are people who would forbid such comparisons as both the streams give equal opportunities and are needed for the enhancement of the society.  The year of study at the Bachelors level is normally three years for both and four years for some courses. 

Both the streams have also introduced five-year integrated courses. Interestingly, before 1860 all subjects were studied under the stream of Bachelor of Arts, until the British introduced the Bachelor of Science. 

After this, all over the world, the streams are clearly divided but still, there are arts subjects taught under science stream and vice versa. The mix between the two streams is rather ancient. 

Disciplines like psychology and other subjects are offered in both the programmes. The differences lie in the practical and theory part of the subject. The science subjects have more practical skills embedded than arts. 

In the world of the career both the streams provide same recognition and opportunities. When it comes to jobs or higher studies that you would like to pursue, both have innumerable options. Choose the one in which your heart lies because that is where you are going to make your career and be happy. 

Later, it will be difficult to change and you will land up wasting years and money. So weigh your options before you decide.