VHSE,Kerala

Vocational Education is designed to prepare skilled work force in middle level in one or more group of occupations trade or job after matriculation at 10+2 stage of Education. The objective of the course is to enhance individual employability and to provide an alternative for those pursuing higher education. It is a distinct stream intended to prepare students for identified occupations.

The Department of Vocational Higher Secondary Education conducts two year Vocational courses at the Higher Secondary level leading to the award of the “Certificate in Vocational Higher Secondary Education” in the concerned discipline. The courses are conducted in selected Government Higher Schools/High Schools (Aided)/ and Technical High Schools. Each institution gives admission to 25 candidates in one course. A marginal increase not exceeding 20% seats in a course is sanctioned subject to availability of facilities, demand from the local public and without any additional financial commitment.

Duration of the course: Two years The subjects to be studied are brought under three parts.
Part I	English & General Foundation Course
Part II	Vocational Subjects (Theory & Practical)
Part III	Optional subjects (as grouped below)
	Group I	Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics
	Group II	Physics, Chemistry, Biology
	Group III	History, Geography, Economics
	Group IV	Business Studies, Accountancy and Management

Part I and II are compulsory for all students who undergo V.H.S. courses. The pass outs of these two Parts will be declared passed and awarded Vocational Higher Secondary Certificates. This certificate is valid for securing wage employment or self Employment and for apprenticeship training but not eligible for higher studies.

Part III is optional and those students who desire to go for higher studies may choose part III also on their choice. On getting a pass in Part III subjects along with Part I and II the student will be awarded Vocational Higher Secondary Certificate which will be valid for higher studies too.

Credibility of the Course
The certificates obtained after studying Part I, II and III will be equivalent to Pre-Degree of the Universities of Kerala, Calicut, Kannur and Mahatma Gandhi. The Kerala Agricultural University and many Universities outside Kerala have also recognized these courses as equivalent to +2 certificates. The Government have exempted VHSS pass outs from producing migration certificates while seeking admission for higher studies in various Universities in the State.

The candidates with Vocational Higher Secondary qualification are eligible to appear for the Entrance Examination if otherwise eligible. The winners of Kala Thilakam / Kala Prathiba awards in Vocational Higher Secondary Schools State Youth Festival are also eligible for admission to Medical, Engineering and Agricultural courses in the reserved quota as per the prospectus published by the Commission for the Entrance Examinations.

Grace marks will be awarded to A Grade/First/Second and third place winners of state youth festival and sports meet.

Government have ordered that 2% seats for Admission to various Diploma courses (except Diploma in Commercial Practice) will be reserved for Engineering Branch VHS Certificate holders provided they have minimum marks for Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry in SSLC. While reserving 2% of seats it will be ensured that there will be a minimum of one seat allocated to VHSC Certificate holders in each branch in all Polytechnics.

National Service Scheme (N.S.S) is being implemented at various Vocational Higher Secondary Schools under this Directorate. A weightage of 10 marks will be awarded to N.S.S. Certificate holders for admission to the course of study immediately proceeding the VHS course (G.O.(Ms)No.75|94|G.Edn. Dated 12.5.1994).