Based on archival materials, the article presents the complete picture of the development of the system of the classical vocational education in the Bashkir ASSR in 1917-1941. The levels of education (primary, secondary, higher) and the main directions (pedagogical, medical, economic, musical and artistic, legal, library, physical education) are characterized. The main trends and features of the development of this system due to the cultural, historical, political, economic and ethno-cultural conditions are under consideration. The positive experience accumulated by the classical sphere of education, which is important for the modern educational system, is highlighted in the article.