The Maharashtra government on Friday announced that the admission process for first-year diploma courses after Class 10 will begin from May 20, 2026 for the academic year 2026-27.
The admissions will cover diploma programmes in Engineering and Technology as well as Architecture.
Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil directed the Directorate of Technical Education (DTE) to conduct the process in a planned and time-bound manner.
Speaking about the importance of technical education, Patil said diploma courses provide students with opportunities to become technicians, engineers and entrepreneurs.
He noted that students can complete a three-year diploma programme after Class 10 and directly enter industry or continue higher education.
The minister also said several diploma students have received campus placement offers with salaries reaching up to Rs 1 lakh per month, making technical education an attractive career option.
Updated curriculum under NEP 2020
The Maharashtra State Board of Technical Education (MSBTE) has introduced an updated “K Scheme” curriculum aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
The revised curriculum follows an outcome-based credit system consisting of six semesters and 120 credits. Students will also have the option to study and appear for examinations in both English and Marathi.
New-age technology subjects added
The updated syllabus includes subjects aimed at overall personality and skill development, including Soft Skills, Social and Life Skills, Entrepreneurship, Yoga, Indian Knowledge System, Environment and Sustainability Management and Startups.
The curriculum also introduces emerging technology subjects such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning
Robotics, Internet of Things (IoT), Drone Technology, Python Programming, Cloud Computing, Data Analytics, EV Technology, 5G Technology, UI/UX Designing, Green Building and Energy Conservation, Practical Training and Skill Development.
Industrial training duration has been increased from six weeks to 12 weeks. The state has also included micro projects in every semester and a capstone project in the final semester to improve practical learning.
Officials said student credits will be stored digitally through the Academic Bank of Credits under the National Academic Depository framework.
Additional set up
MSBTE has additionally set up:
– 9 Centres of Excellence in Robotics, IoT and 3D Printing
– 41 Multipurpose Computer Centres
– 5 E-Yantra Labs to strengthen technical skills among students.
Diploma admissions rise to 95 per cent
According to the department, admission rates in diploma courses have increased significantly from 80 per cent in 2022-23 to 95 per cent in 2025-26 due to curriculum reforms and skill-focused initiatives.
Students have been advised to visit the official Directorate of Technical Education website for detailed admission schedules and registration procedures.
