Trends and Gender Disparities in Science Stream Enrolment at Higher Secondary Level: A Five- Year Analysis

The paper analyses the changes in and gender gaps in enrolment in PCB (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology) among Class XI students in Manipur over a five-year period (2021-2025). The analysis focuses on subject-specific enrolment trends and gender-related preferences utilizing secondary data from the Council of Higher Secondary Education Manipur (COHSEM). The descriptive statistics reveal that the peak enrolment occurred in 2022, followed by a decline in 2023 and 2024, with a partial recovery in 2025. The female students predominantly applied to Biology over all other subjects throughout the years; however, this was juxtaposed with Physics and Chemistry, which exhibited gender balance and favoured female applicants. Statistically significant gender differences were seen across all three disciplines and the overall scientific stream, with females exhibiting higher mean enrolments in each instance, as validated by independent samples t- tests. These statistics suggest that while enrolment in Physics and Chemistry is somewhat equitable between genders, Biology is more favoured by girls. The results reveal the persistent presence of subject-specific gender attraction and the necessity to change the curriculum and implement awareness programs and interventions to promote equitable representation in all areas of STEM at the higher secondary level.