Technical solutions are described to accelerate training of a multi-layer convolutional neural network. According to one aspect, a computer implemented method is described. A convolutional layer includes input maps, convolutional kernels, and output maps. The method includes a forward pass, a backward pass, and an update pass that each include convolution calculations. The described method performs the convolutional operations involved in the forward, the backward, and the update passes based on a first, a second, and a third perforation map respectively. The perforation maps are stochastically generated, and distinct from each other. The method further includes interpolating results of the selective convolution operations to obtain remaining results. The method includes iteratively repeating the forward pass, the backward pass, and the update pass until the convolutional neural network is trained. Other aspects such as a system, apparatus, and computer program product are also described.