50,000 ITI students told to return from exam hall

The Byculla Industrial Training Institute. File Pic

More than 50,000 students from the Industrial Training Institute (ITI) of Maharashtra were in for a shock on Monday when they reached their exam centres. They were told on the day of the examination that it had been postponed because they had to appear for it online. Not only is the examination postponed at the last moment, its format, too, has been changed leaving just a few days for the students to acquaint themselves with the online format. The move has left students confused and scared, especially after what has happened at the Mumbai University.

There are a total 417 ITI centres across Maharashtra and 37 trade training courses run there. All students had their first semester examinations scheduled to begin from February 5. The Directorate of Vocational Education and training (DVET) decided to go online for 19 of the total 37 courses on Saturday, February 3, leaving no way in which to inform the students beforehand. The examinations will now be held from February 18 to 20 and students will be given training on appearing for the online format.

"Now because of these last minute changes, if our scores drop, who will be responsible for it?" asked one student, requesting anonymity.While another pointed out, "How can the directorate make such last minute changes? By regulation, such decisions should be taken at least six months in advance so that there is complete clarity for students wanting to appear for the examination." Director of DVET Anil Jadhav was unavailable for comment.

417 No. of ITI centres in state

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