Programming or Chemistry in the second Bachaloria year?

The short answer

On the Engineering and Computer Science track you study one specialised subject of your choice in the second Bachaloria year: Programming & AI or Chemistry. Both are out of 100 and count towards the 600 total with the same weight, so by the rules neither is "easier for the total" — the difference is which one you will do better in.

Something many students miss

In the third year, the Engineering and Computer Science track's subjects are Mathematics (advanced) and Physics (advanced). Neither Programming nor Chemistry carries on into the third year — your second-year choice affects 100 marks, not two years.

How to choose

Did you try programming in the first year? It was added for first-year students from 2025/26 as a subject outside the total, on the Japanese Qureo platform with teachers in school. If you enjoyed it and solved its exercises on your own, that is a good sign.
Do you like solving problems, or memorising? Programming is about writing a solution, testing it and fixing it. If that is satisfying for you, you will feel at home.
What comes next? If you are aiming for computer science or software engineering, programming gives you an early start. Whichever you choose, faculty requirements are set by university admissions — check the official conditions when they are published.
Try before you decide: watch the first lesson of both subjects and see which one clicks faster.

Programming on GoBachaloria

Programming & AI on GoBachaloria has several teachers — among them Eng. Ahmed Tarek, a software engineer. Each teacher's first five videos are free, so you can compare them before unlocking the subject with a code.

Sources

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