Since India gained its independence in 1947, three important commissions have examined the issue of educational reform. The first (in 1948) recommended a vocational emphasis in the intermediate (predegree) courses without sacrificing emphasis on preparation for university education. In 1954, the Secondary Education Commission resulted in the creation of large numbers of multipurpose secondary schools in the country, and in 1966 a program of 10 years of general education followed by 2 years of general education or 1 to 3 years of vocational education was recommended. In 1968 it was decided that vocational courses should be effectively terminal and adequately diversified to cover a wide range of vocations. Progress in vocationalizing education has been slow, and the setup of vocational education differs from state to state. In 1983-84 approximately 60,000 students were enrolled in 1,500 institutions. Vocational courses are offered in agriculture, business and commerce, home science, paramedical occupations, and technology. The recommended model for all vocational courses calls for equal coverage of language and general studies, related subjects and foundation courses, and vocational theory and practice. Little information is available from the vocational program evaluations that have been conducted by individual states. It is felt that despite the fact that vocational education has thus far only reached 3.5 percent of India's population (the target is 50 percent), the program may attain its desired outcomes if it is put on sound footing. (MN)