For toppers, they are a means to better marks; to others, they provide job-ready options.
Nothing succeeds like success, and this is no less true when it comes to academics. Students who have scored well in their Senior Secondary Certificate (SSC) exams, results for which are due on June 25, can continue the streak by opting for the highly competitive vocational courses offered by some city colleges.
These courses give students an edge as they do not have to battle with two languages mandatory for students in regular courses. In fact, most state toppers in Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) exams are students from vocational courses.
According to Suhas Pednekar, principal of Ruia College, Matunga, vocational courses are a ready option for those who get high percentages in SSC exams. “Most top scorers who come to our college opt for electronics and computer science. Vocational subjects help score more marks, as students have just one language. However, those interested in biology cannot take up these courses.”
Explains Akshay Gandhi, who took electronics in his class XII and came second in HSC, Mumbai division. “Vocational students have physics, chemistry, maths, English and two papers on the chosen vocational subject. The curriculum is difficult, but high scoring. I got 200 out of 200 in the electronics paper, which helped me score 96.33% in my HSC.” Those who are opting for Commerce can also take up vocational courses like information technology (IT).
Another way outHowever, all is not nought if one hasn’t scored big in SSC as long as one is prepared to give up the idea of enrolling in medicine or engineering after HSC. The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), introduced MCVC in 1989 for students who are average scorers and interested in acquiring vocational skills.
The courses, available at various colleges, allow students to study a multitude of vocational, job-ready subjects with the option of later taking up regular bachelor’s courses and even BMS and BMM.
“MCVC is good for average scorers who are not interested in pursuing engineering and medical streams as the courses do not have subjects like maths and biology,” said Dr Pradeep Kulkarni, principal of DG Ruparel College, Matunga.
Vidyadhar Godbole, professor, DG Ruparel College, and also the seniormost teacher in vocational education, said, “The government has changed the nomenclature from MCVC to HSC vocational courses this year. It is also planning to change the structure of these courses. The curriculum is formulated by the state board and MCVC students are at par with other HSC students.”
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