The technical higher secondary remains a lesser-known option among students seeking plus-one admission.
The Kerala government's Institute of Human Resources Development (IHRD) had envisioned the technical higher secondary group to impart dedicated training for young students, who aim for higher education in scientific-technical subjects. There are only 15 Technical Higher Secondary Schools of the IHRD in Kerala.
Physical science based on electronics and integrated science-based on biology is the two options of this group.
The state higher secondary department conducts the exams and issues certificates. These schools also have the academic backing from 61 colleges, including IHRD's engineering colleges.
The physical science group comprises English, computer science & IT, Physics, chemistry, mathematics, and electronic systems. This is best suited for students aspiring to continue their studies in engineering-related fields.
The integrated science group, comprising English, computer science & IT, physics, chemistry, mathematics, and biology subjects, is best suited for students who aim for medical and para-medical fields of education.
Unlike the other general higher secondary groups, there is no second language option.
Practical training is included in the syllabus for all subjects except English.
Those who have successfully completed the technical higher secondary course can perform better during their higher studies in the engineering and medical fields, former students testify.
Since they have received practical training from a young age, they are also sought-after by the multi-national companies during recruitment.
Those who are not interested in the technical fields can pursue other subjects for higher studies.
The IHRD schools are known for their good facilities and disciplined academic atmosphere. These schools also have good parent-teacher associations.
Those from the backward communities will be given fee concession.
Plus-one admission
Applications are now invited for plus-one admission to technical higher secondary schools.
As the IHRD schools are not part of the single-window system of admission, students will have to make direct applications to these schools.
All those who have cleared SSLC or other equivalent exams and are eligible for admission to the higher secondary schools can apply.
Online applications can be submitted at ihrd.kerala.gov.in/thss or direct applications can be made to the preferred schools. The last date for receiving applications at the schools is July 24.
Those who are making online applications should download the form after completing it. This application form along with the required documents and Rs 100 registration fee (Rs 50 for scheduled caste/scheduled tribe), should be submitted at the school before 3 pm on July 24.
If the CBSE/ICSE class X results are not declared before the set deadline, these students will be later given opportunities to submit the applications.
Technical Higher Secondary Schools in Kerala are situated at Muttada in Thiruvananthapuram - 0471 2543888, Adoor in Pathanamthitta - 0473 4224078, Cherthala in Alappuzha - 0478 2552828, Malappally in Pathanamthitta - 0469 2680574, Puthuppally in Kottayam - 0481 2351485, Peermade in Idukki 04869 232899, Muttam in Thodupzha -04862 255755, Kaloor in Ernakulam - 0484 2347132, Kaprassery in Ernakulam - 0484 2604116, Aluva - 0484 2623573, Varadiyam in Thrissur 0487 2214773, Vazhakkad in Malappuram -0483 2725215, Vattamkulam in Malappuram -0494 2681498, Perinthalmanna 0493-3225086, Thiruthiyaad in Kozhikode 0495 2721070.
Submit the applications on http://ihrd.ac.in/ and for more details - ihrd.itd@gmail.com.