Mumbai, January 7: The Maharashtra government will Thursday launch 'Open SSC board' initiative with an aim to encourage students to keep pursuing sports and arts. Announcing the move, state Education and Sports Minister Vinod Tawde on Monday said the students pursuing sports or an art who do not want to attend regular schools can avail of the new facility.

"We are coming out with a third new thing. Number of times, children start playing, but take a break when they join class 8 because of the class 10 exam and become busy in academies," Tawde told reporters here at a media briefing which was organised to share details of the second edition of the Khelo India Youth Games. MIEB To Come into Effect from This Year, Confirms Maharashtra Education Minister Vinod Tawde.

The Maharashtra State Board of Secondary & Higher Secondary Education conducts the HSC (class 12) and SSC (Secondary School Certificate or class 10) examinations in the state. "On 10th of this month, we are launching Open SSC Board. Any sportsperson or artist -- singer, or a divyang (physically handicapped)....(like) I don't want to go to school daily, have to practise on the ground for eight hours, then you need not go to (regular) school, do home schooling," the minister said. Maharashtra Minister Vinod Tawde Faces Flak After Ordering 'Arrest' of Student Over Uncomfortable Question.

We are going to start some centres across the state to guide such students, and exams will be conducted in every December and June, he said. "At the age of 10, you can appear for class 5 exam, at the age of 13 for class 8 exam, and as a 15 year old for class 10 (SSC) exam," the minister said. Tawde said the marks scored under the Open SSC initiative will be at par with the regular class 10 examination conducted by the state board, CBSE and ICSE.

"So, if any student wants to pursue his career in sports or culture or anything else but does not want to attend school everyday, he can be a student of this Open Board also. Those who quit sports after class 8 and 9 need not avail this," Tawde added.

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