India’s Ministry of Education has introduced comprehensive guidelines titled ‘Guidelines for Regulation of Coaching Centers 2024’ to regulate coaching centers across the country. These guidelines aim to establish standards for coaching centers, ensuring enhanced student supervision and support for various study programs, competitive exams, and academics.
Definition of Coaching Centers
The guidelines define a ‘coaching center’ as any facility, with a student capacity exceeding 50, providing coaching for study programs, competitive tests, or academic support to students at the school, college, or university level. The guidelines cover various aspects, including fees, study hours, penalties, and minimum area requirements.
Registration Process Coaching
Coaching centers are required to apply for registration with the local competent authority, following specified forms, fees, and document requirements set by the government. Each branch of a coaching center is treated as a distinct entity, necessitating separate registration applications for each. Notably, coaching centers cannot enroll students below 16 years of age or engage tutors with qualifications lower than graduation.
Student Enrollment and Fee Structure
Enrollment is restricted to students above the age of 16, and admission is allowed only after successful completion of secondary school examinations. Tuition fees for various courses should be reasonable, with detailed receipts provided. A comprehensive prospectus, prominently displayed, must include details about courses, duration, classes, tutorials, hostel facilities, fees, exit policies, and procedures for fee refunds.
Complaint Mechanism and Exit Policy
A complaint mechanism is established for filing complaints against coaching centers by students, parents, or tutors/employees, with coaching centers also allowed to file complaints. Competent authorities or inquiry committees will resolve these complaints within thirty days. The guidelines specify a pro-rata refund for mid-course withdrawals within 10 days, and any fee increases during the course are strictly prohibited.
Basic Infrastructure and Limited Study Hours
Coaching centers are required to allocate a minimum of one square meter per student in each class. Compliance with fire safety and building codes, including obtaining Fire and Building Safety Certificates, is mandatory. Adequate electrification, ventilation, lighting, and security measures are essential, with additional requirements such as CCTV cameras, a first aid kit, and access to medical assistance. Class schedules should not overlap with regular school hours, and both students and tutors must have mandatory weekly offs.
Penalties for Violations
Penalties are imposed for violations, with ₹25,000 for the first offense, ₹1 lakh for the second offense, and repeated breaches may lead to the revocation of registration. The guidelines aim to ensure a regulated and standardized environment for coaching centers, promoting the well-being and academic growth of students.
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