CVE: A board exam few of us know about  

The bias towards usual perspectives of education can sometimes be harmful. What does this mean? If a student is not so good at whatever is formally considered to be ‘studies’, his or her parents still try to force an admission into a recognized stream at the plus two level. Every year, we see students who are good at mechanics, arts, carpentry or any other skill, disappear into studying either Science, Humanities or Commerce. Engineering remains too tough for them, and these other subjects do not help them achieve the career they could have had.  

What if there was a high school leaving exam for those with good vocational skills? Well, there actually is one and it is known as Certificate of Vocational Education Examination (CVE). Here is a bird’s eye view of this board exam.  

Certificate of Vocational Education Examination (CVE)?  
The Certificate of Vocational Education Examination (CVE) is an exam created in accordance with the recommendations of the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) through the Joint Council of Vocational Education (JCVE). It’s not new though. Unfortunately, not enough people know about it. It was started in 1986 as part of the initiatives under the National Policy of Education. It is conducted by the CISCE, i.e. Council for the Indian School Certificate Examination. Does that sound familiar? Surprising but true, CVE is the ‘other’ board exam conducted along with ICSE and ISC, about which everyone knows.  

Who is eligible to appear for CVE?  
Any Indian student who has completed the two year syllabus of CVE after successfully clearing their class 10 exam is eligible for CVE. However, private candidates, i.e. home tutored students, cannot appear for it. The student needs to have completed the CVE class 1 and 12 syllabus form a recognized school under the ICSE board. They are allowed to take the exam only in English, so they need to be good at the language.  

What are the subjects covered under CVE?  
The C.V.E. course prepares candidates for specific vocations. Compulsory subjects include 2 papers on English and another paper on General Foundation Industrial Sociology and Entrepreneurship. There is a wide range of optional subjects available to choose from, ranging between Mechanical Engineering Technician to Physical Education to Computer Theory and System Analyst.  

The scope of CVE certification is immense. A student armed with this certificate can take up a focused higher study course in a vocational area or start working in a career of choice immediately.