matric

Matric is a term with several uses across education and mathematics. It is commonly used as shorthand for matriculation—the process of enrolling in an institution and becoming a registered student—and as a label for certain secondary-school qualifications in parts of Asia and beyond.

In South Asia, "matric" usually refers to the Matriculation Examination or Matriculation Certificate obtained after completing ten years of schooling (class 10). In India, the certificate is issued by state boards or national boards (such as CBSE or ICSE) and is a prerequisite for higher secondary studies. In Pakistan, "Matric" denotes the grade 10 examination conducted by regional boards of intermediate and secondary education.

In the United Kingdom and some Commonwealth countries, matriculation is the formal admission process at a university. It can involve presenting credentials, taking oaths, and attending a matriculation ceremony. The specifics vary by university; some institutions maintain a ceremony while others rely on standard registration.

In mathematics, the standard term is matrix, and "matric" is not typically used as a synonym. The connection lies in the Latin root matricula, meaning a list or register, which gave rise to terms such as matriculation and related words. Matric should not be confused with matrix, though both derive from related roots.