Pune: The State government’s School Education and Sports Department has directed the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) to treat a diploma in vocational courses at Industrial Training Institutes (ITI) equivalent to Std X (SSC) certificates.

The State government has also asked MSBSHSE to provide SSC and HSC certificates to students who have acquired vocational courses at ITI as per their completion of levels in courses at the institute. If a students seeks admission at ITI after Std VIII and has completed two years diploma, then the candidate should be considered SSC pass. This is in order to facilitate a candidate’s smooth course of education, stated the circular issued by the State government.

It will remain mandatory for candidates to pass at least two language subjects in Std X. In case a candidate has passed two language studies in Std X examination previously, then he/she will not have to appear for it again. Besides, candidates will have to mandatorily pass the grade subjects.