Government-issued Coaching Center Regulations

The Department of Higher Education within the Indian Ministry of Education has recently unveiled the “Guidelines for Registration and Regulation of Coaching Centers 2024.”

These guidelines aim to establish a comprehensive system for registering and regulating coaching centers, setting minimum operational standards, safeguarding the interests of enrollees, promoting holistic development through extracurricular activities, and providing career guidance and mental health counseling to students.

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The imperative need for these guidelines arises from prevalent issues in unregulated private coaching facilities, including exorbitant fees, heightened student stress leading to tragic outcomes, and various malpractices. These guidelines address these concerns and have been a focal point in media coverage and legislative discussions.

Key Updates in Coaching Center Policies:

Registration:
- Coaching centers are required to register with the relevant authorities in each jurisdiction. Each branch of a coaching center is considered a distinct entity, necessitating separate registration for multiple branches.
Transparency:
- Coaching centers must maintain transparency by accurately representing their students’ academic performance. An updated website detailing courses, curriculum, program duration, dorm facilities, and fees is mandatory.
Detailed Brochure:
- Coaching centers must provide comprehensive invoices for course costs. A detailed brochure should include information on course dates, start and finish times, class sizes, tutorials, hostel facilities, fees, withdrawal procedures, and refund policies.
Safety:
- Adequate space (a minimum of one square meter per classroom), fire and building safety certificates, compliance with building regulations, and proper installation of amenities like electrical outlets, ventilation, lighting, and safety equipment are mandatory. Medical staff, first aid kits, and security cameras must be present on the premises.
Proper Timing:
- Study hours should not overlap with school hours to ensure regular attendance. Students and tutors should be granted designated times for relaxation and rejuvenation, with periodic breaks aligned with the instructional calendar. Class sizes should be reasonable to maintain an effective teacher-to-student ratio.
Reply to Complaints:
- Coaching centers must address complaints initiated by students, parents, or tutors/employees within 30 days. Appropriate government officials or designated investigating committees will oversee complaint resolution.
Punishment Fine:
- Penalties for non-compliance include a ₹25,000 fine for the first offense, ₹1 lakh for the second offense, and potential loss of registration for subsequent violations, emphasizing adherence to terms, conditions, and general requirements.