The Ministry of Education has introduced comprehensive guidelines to regulate and standardize the operations of coaching institutes across the country. These guidelines, focusing on issues such as misleading promises, student suicides, and unregulated growth, aim to establish a legal framework for the coaching industry.
1. Enrolment Restrictions and Qualification Standards:
- Coaching centers are prohibited from enrolling students below the age of 16.
- Tutors with qualifications less than graduation are barred from engaging in coaching activities.
2. Transparency and Marketing Standards:
- Strict measures are in place to prevent coaching centers from making misleading promises or guarantees regarding ranks or marks.
- Coaching institutes must maintain updated websites detailing tutor qualifications, courses, curriculum, duration, hostel facilities, and fees.
3. Mental Well-being and Counseling:
- Recognizing the toll of tough competition and academic pressure, coaching centers are mandated to prioritize the mental well-being of students.
- A counseling system must be developed and easily accessible to students and parents, with trained counselors appointed within the coaching centers.
4. Fee Structure and Refund Policies:
- Tuition fees for courses must be fair and reasonable, with receipts provided.
- Pro-rata refunds are mandated for mid-course withdrawals, and any fee increase during the course duration is strictly prohibited.
5. Infrastructure Requirements:
- Adequate infrastructure standards, including minimum space per student, fire safety measures, and compliance with building codes, are outlined.
- CCTV cameras, first aid kits, and medical assistance should be readily available in coaching centers.
6. Study Hours and Complaint Mechanism:
- Classes should not coincide with school hours to ensure regular attendance, and weekly offs for both students and tutors are mandatory.
- A streamlined complaint mechanism allows for timely resolution of issues raised by students, parents, or coaching center staff.
7. Penalty for Violations:
- The guidelines empower the government to penalize coaching centers up to ₹1 lakh or cancel their registration for charging exorbitant fees leading to student stress or engaging in malpractices.
- Penalties escalate for repeated violations, with a stringent enforcement mechanism in place.
To ensure effective implementation, the government proposes the registration of new and existing coaching centers within three months of the guidelines coming into effect. Also State governments will be responsible for monitoring and ensuring the compliance of coaching centers. This reflects a collaborative approach to tackle the challenges faced by the coaching industry.