In a significant change, Maharashtra is set to turn sixteen popular bifocal courses offered at junior colleges into vocational or skill-based courses from the academic year 2024-2025.
These changes follow the National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF). This framework aims to elevate educational standards and align education with evolving technology. Under the current bifocal plan, science stream students have the option to take a 200-mark computer science or electrical maintenance course instead of biology and second language during Classes 11 and 12.
One of the most sought-after courses, computer science, has been revamped as 'junior software developer'. It will equip students with the necessary skills to work in the software sector.
The state government declared in June that all existing bifocal courses offered in government and private colleges across the state will be discontinued. A government resolution (GR) has been released. The GR made these vocational courses compulsory for Class 11 students from the 2024–2025 academic year.
Institutions wishing to start new vocational courses must submit their proposals to the Directorate of Vocational Education and Training (DVET), which will review them. Each admission cycle will have a cap of 50 students.
The government has proposed a plan to bridge potential gaps in teachers' educational backgrounds. Existing teachers whose qualifications do not meet the new criteria will be provided with the necessary training by the DVET. New teachers will need to meet the required coursework requirements.
The Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education will help conduct the theoretical and practical exams for the new syllabus.
This change shows the government's work on improving the quality and importance of vocational education in the state. As per the data, about 30,517 students enrolled in bifocal courses for the July 2023 HSC board exam.
The current electrical maintenance course will be restructured as 'Field Technician-Wireman Control Panel and Lineman Distribution'. The electronics course will be restructured as 'Field Technician—Computing and Peripherals and Field Technician—Washing Machine.'
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