What are the new Rules and Regulations for Coaching Centers in India?

On January 18, 2024, the Central government of India released a set of new coaching center rules and regulations. These rules alter not one but a myriad of things for students and the coaching industry. For instance, as per the new rules, no probate coaching institute of any state in India shall be permitted to provide admission to children falling below the age of 16 years.

The "Guidelines for Registration and Regulation of Coaching Center 2024" thus introduced hold the objective to set a framework for the regulation and registration of coaching centers, suggest the minimum standard requisites for the operation of coaching centers in India, and safeguard the interests of the students enrolled. The aim of these regulations is to promote the importance of co-curricular activities that contribute to the holistic development of children and offer psychological counseling and career guidance for the mental well-being of students.

What led to the release of such regulations in India?

An increase in the incidents relating to issues of unregulated private coaching centers has given rise to concerns in the matter. Many private coaching centers in India demanded exorbitant fees that the parents and students found difficult to pay. Moreover, the excessive burden of studies and cut-throat competition on students leading to high cases of suicides in the country widely reported by the media have led the government to bring about rules to regulate the coaching industry.

It is important to note that the regulation of +2 level education actually lies under the responsibility and jurisdiction of State/ UT governments. These guidelines are actually intended to strengthen their attempts to ensure the ethical and effective operation of the coaching centers in the country.

What exactly is a coaching center?

As per the guideline, the term "coaching center" is used to refer to a center, set up, run, or administered by any person to offer coaching for any competitive examinations, study program, or academic support to students, at university, college, and school level, for more than 50 students.

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What are the new guidelines for coaching centers?

First things first, the coaching centers need to submit the applications for registration to the authoritative body in the local jurisdiction. The coaching center needs to abide by the requirements for the forms like the document requirements as laid by the government. Moreover, it is important to note that in case a coaching center has numerous branches, every branch is considered a distinct entity. Therefore, each of these branches will require an individual registration application.

What comes as an astonishing regulation is the one that says that students falling under the age of 16 are not allowed to get enrolled. Entry to such coaching centers is needed only after the students finish the secondary school examinations.

The next rule is related to the infrastructure requirements. As per the new regulations, coaching centers are required to hold at least one square meter per student in every class. Moreover, it is a mandate for every coaching institute to adhere to the fire safety codes. Every coaching center must hold fire and building safety certificates. Additionally, the right lighting, electrification, and ventilation arrangements are to be mandatorily maintained by the coaching centers. Not to miss, proper CCTV cameras, medical assistance, and first aid kits are also things that a coaching center needs to take care of.

Additionally, as per the new rules, the tuition fees for the courses must be reasonable and fair. Also, detailed receipts of the fees must be provided. Not to miss, a prospectus having all the authentic information about the courses, their duration, classes, hostel facilities, exit policies, fee refund procedures, and more must be exhibited.

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What comes as relaxation to many students is the fact that the new regulations demand that the coaching center classes must not coincide with  school hours. This would ensure better and relaxed management of time, along with regular attendance at school. The timetable at the coaching center must allow the students to relax at regular intervals. Additionally, while earlier students had to attend their coaching center classes on weekends also, the new set of rules makes it a mandate for weekly offs for both tutors and students. Additionally, the size of the classes should be such that it maintains a good teacher-student ratio.

Interestingly, the new set of rules also talks about the exit policy. In case a student wishes to withdraw in mid-course, a pro-rata refund is made mandatory for the coaching centers to provide in a time period of 10 days. Additionally, any fee increase during the duration of the course is not allowed. This rule is applicable to both hostel and course-related fees.

The new set of rules also set a good complaint mechanism for the students and parents. The employees/ tutors working at the coaching centers, parents, and students can file complaints against the coaching centers and vice versa to the competent authorities. The authority will resolve the complaints in a time period of thirty days.

Finally, in case the coaching center breaches any terms and conditions of the general requirements or the registration, it will be bound to pay the penalties. The first violation will cost the coaching center a penalty for Rs.25,000, while the second offense can cost a penalty up to Rs. 1 lakh. The subsequent breaches may involve registration revocation.

As per the new regulations, the coaching centers are also instructed to stop making promises and guarantees that are misleading in nature relating to marks and ranks in order to attract students and their parents to get more admissions. The new regulations demand transparency from coaching centers. It is mandatory for coaching centers to maintain a website updated with the most recent information about their tutors. their educational qualifications, the courses that they offer, the right curriculum details, hostel facilities, and more.

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