The MSBTE K scheme syllabus is the current outcome based curriculum for polytechnic diploma programmes run by MSBTE, the technical education board of Maharashtra, spread over six semesters of 16 weeks each. Every course comes with its own document that lists units, learning outcomes, practicals and a marks table split into formative assessment, summative assessment and self learning.
This page explains how the K scheme is built, what first semester students study, how the marks work and how to read a course syllabus so you know which units to put first. It replaced the older I scheme for new batches.
Exam at a glance
Board
Maharashtra State Board of Technical EducationLevel
Polytechnic diploma, six semestersSemester length
16 weeksTheory marks
FA-TH 30 plus SA-TH 70, total 100End exam time
3 hours for most theory coursesCredit rule
1 credit equals 30 notional learning hoursEarlier scheme
I scheme, still followed by older batches
How the MSBTE K scheme syllabus is organised
Each diploma programme, such as Computer, Civil, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, has a teaching and assessment scheme for every semester and a separate syllabus document for every course. Courses fall into categories printed against each code:
- DSC: discipline specific core
- AEC: ability enhancement course, such as maths and English
- SEC: skill enhancement course, such as ICT and workshop
- VEC: value education course, such as yoga and meditation
Learning time is counted as classroom learning (CL), tutorial learning (TL), laboratory learning (LL) and self learning (SL). Although the semester runs 16 weeks, notional learning hours are counted as the total of these hours per week multiplied by 15 weeks; Basic Mathematics, for example, has 8 hours a week, which gives 120 hours and 4 credits. The scheme also brings in Indian Knowledge System (IKS) topics within regular courses.
First semester courses in the K scheme
| Code | Course | Type | Credits | Total marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 311302 | Basic Mathematics | AEC | 4 | 150 |
| 311305 | Basic Science (Physics and Chemistry) | DSC | 5 | 250 |
| 311303 | Communication Skills (English) | AEC | 3 | 150 |
| 311008 | Engineering Graphics | DSC | 3 | 100 |
| 311002 | Engineering Workshop Practice (Computer group) | SEC | 2 | 100 |
| 311001 | Fundamentals of ICT | SEC | 2 | 75 |
| 311003 | Yoga and Meditation | VEC | 1 | 50 |
That adds up to 20 credits. Other programme groups share most of these courses, while the workshop course and some practicals change with the branch. Second semester codes and courses also differ by programme, so open your own branch's scheme.
Marks: FA, SA and SLA explained
In a theory course, FA-TH is worth 30 marks and is the average of two class tests of 30 marks each. SA-TH is the end semester exam for 70 marks, usually 3 hours long. For Basic Science, the board's scheme shows the 70 mark theory paper as an online exam of 1.5 hours. Practical work is marked through FA-PR (internal) and, for some courses, SA-PR. SLA, the self learning assessment, covers micro projects, assignments and activities.
- Basic Mathematics: FA-TH 30, SA-TH 70, FA-PR 25, SLA 25, total 150.
- Basic Science: FA-TH 30, SA-TH 70, FA-PR 50, SA-PR 50, SLA 50, total 250.
- Engineering Graphics: FA-PR 50, SA-PR 50, no theory paper.
Falling short of the minimum in FA-PR of any course makes you detained for that semester, and failing SLA means repeating that work. Check the minimum passing marks printed in your programme's scheme sheet.
Basic Mathematics units and their weightage
The Basic Mathematics (311302) syllabus gives a specification table that shows how the 70 theory marks are spread. It is a good model of how to read any K scheme course.
| Unit | Topics | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| I Algebra | logarithms, 3 by 3 determinants and matrices, matrix inverse for equations, partial fractions | 14 |
| II Trigonometry | allied, compound, multiple and sub multiple angles, factorisation formulae, inverse ratios | 14 |
| III Straight line | forms of a line, angle between lines, perpendicular distance | 8 |
| IV Differential calculus | limits, rules of differentiation, tangents and normals, maxima and minima, radius of curvature | 20 |
| V Statistics | range, mean deviation, standard deviation, variance, coefficient of variation | 14 |
Differential calculus alone carries 20 of 70 marks, so it deserves the most practice.
How to read a K scheme course document
Every course syllabus follows the same headings, which makes it easy to find what you need:
- Rationale and industry expected outcome
- Course outcomes (COs), usually five
- Teaching, learning and assessment scheme
- Theory learning outcomes with aligned content, unit by unit
- Practical or tutorial experiences
- Suggested micro projects and self learning activities
- Equipment and software
- Specification table with marks per unit
- Assessment methods, CO and PO mapping, books and learning websites
The specification table and the practical list are the two parts you will use most during the semester.
A semester plan around the K scheme
Sahil is in first year Mechanical. He notices that FA-TH comes from two class tests, so he revises units I and II before the first test instead of waiting for the end exam. He finishes his SLA micro project in week 10, which leaves the last weeks free for differential calculus and statistics.
- Weeks 1 to 6: attend every practical, since FA-PR is where students most often get detained.
- Weeks 6 to 8: first class test; revise weak units the same week.
- Weeks 10 to 12: submit SLA work and finish journals.
- Weeks 13 to 16: second class test and full revision by the specification table.
MSBTE K scheme syllabus question paper practice
The end exam paper follows the specification table, so practise each unit roughly in proportion to its marks. Sample papers and model answers, wherever the board has issued them for your course, show the expected length and style of answers. Our MSBTE previous papers guide sets out a routine for old papers, and the MSBTE syllabus page covers the older I scheme for students in earlier batches.
Many diploma holders later aim for postgraduate study or public sector jobs through GATE after a degree; the GATE syllabus page shows how far the maths goes.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I download the K scheme syllabus msbte publishes?
The board publishes curriculum documents by programme and semester on its official website, and polytechnics share the same files with students. Always use the copy marked with your programme and course code.
What is the difference between I scheme and K scheme?
The K scheme is the newer curriculum for recent batches, with new course codes, outcome based syllabi, self learning assessment and Indian Knowledge System topics. Students admitted earlier continue under the I scheme until they finish.
What does SLA mean in the K scheme?
SLA stands for self learning assessment. It is marked on micro projects, assignments and activities you complete outside class hours, and failing it means you must redo and resubmit that work.
How long is the K scheme theory exam?
Most 70 mark theory papers are 3 hours. Some, such as Basic Science in the first semester, are shown as online papers of 1.5 hours in the board's scheme.
Is the first semester the same for all branches?
Mostly. Courses such as Basic Mathematics, Basic Science, English, ICT and Yoga appear across branch groups, while the workshop course and some practicals change. Your programme's scheme sheet is the final word.