Government Introduces Coaching Centres Guidelines: No Enrollment Below 16 Years Of Age

In response to escalating concerns over student suicides, high fees, and mental pressure, the Union Education Ministry has issued a set of comprehensive guidelines for coaching centres nationwide. Aimed at ensuring student well-being and transparency, the guidelines cover various aspects, including age restrictions, misleading promises, and infrastructure requirements.

Key Guidelines:Coaching Centres

1. Age Restriction and Qualification of Tutors:

• Coaching centres cannot enroll students below 16 years of age.
• Tutors must have a minimum qualification of graduation.

2. Misleading Promises and Advertisements:

• Prohibition on misleading promises or guarantees of ranks/marks to attract students.
• Restriction on participating in the publication of misleading advertisements regarding coaching quality.

3. Registration and Facilities:

• Coaching centres must be registered, adhering to minimum space requirements.
• Mandatory website with details of tutors, courses, duration, fees, hostel facilities, and an easy exit policy.
• No coaching classes during institutional/school hours.

4. Fee Structure and Refund Policy:

• Prospectus and study materials provided without additional fees.
• Refund policy for students leaving courses mid-term on a pro-rata basis within 10 days.
• Transparent fee structure without arbitrary increases.

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5. Infrastructure Requirements:

• Adequate space allocation for each student during classes.
• Compliance with fire safety and building standards.
• Provision of first aid kit, medical assistance, and referral services.

6. Weekly Offs and Timings:

• Coaching classes must not affect school attendance.
• No assessment/tests on the day after a weekly off.
• Limited coaching hours to a maximum of 5 hours per day.

7. Mental Health and Counseling:

• Periodic workshops on students’ mental health in collaboration with professionals.
• Awareness programs for students and parents about the course timeline and facilities.
• Involvement of counselors and psychologists to address stress and depression.

8. Assessment Tests and Confidentiality:

• Assessment test results to remain confidential.
• Encouragement for counseling services to address deteriorating academic performance.

9. Penalties for Violations:

• Penalties for violations include fines and potential revocation of registration.
• (i) Rs 25,000/- for first offence (ii) Rs. 1,00,000/- for the second offence (iii) revocation of registration for subsequent offence

Click here to download new guidelines

While the move is praised for addressing critical issues in the coaching industry, concerns are raised about the practicality of certain regulations. Critics argue that the rules may be challenging for a significant number of coaching centers to comply with and highlight the need for further clarification, especially regarding online classes and the enforcement of student limits. The effectiveness of these guidelines in enhancing the coaching experience while safeguarding student welfare remains to be seen.