Determinants of choice of commerce stream at senior secondary level

<jats:p>The present study examined the determinants influencing students' choice of the commerce stream at the senior secondary level in Patna district, Bihar. Stream selection represents a critical educational decision that may shape future academic and career pathways. The study investigated the influence of personal, social, academic, technological, parental, peer, employability, and institutional factors on students' choice of commerce. The investigation was informed by major career development and decision-making theories, including Holland's Theory of Vocational Choice, Super's Career Development Theory, Social Cognitive Career Theory, Rational Choice Theory, and the Theory of Planned Behavior. A quantitative survey design was adopted. The sample comprised all Class XI commerce students enrolled during the 2025-26 academic year in four randomly selected schools affiliated with CBSE or BSEB. Data were collected using a validated 31-item Likert-scale instrument. Reliability was established through Cronbach's alpha, and data were analysed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and repeated-measures ANOVA in Jamovi. The findings indicated that students' stream choice was shaped by multiple interrelated factors, with academic-institutional and personal factors recording comparatively higher mean scores. The study concludes that commerce stream selection is a multidimensional decision influenced by academic, personal, employability, and institutional considerations.</jats:p>