Coaching centres can't enrol students below 16 years, could be fined up to 1L

The Union Education Ministry has recently introduced a set of comprehensive guidelines for coaching centres across the country. The move comes in response to concerns about rising student suicides, exorbitant fees, and mental pressure associated with coaching centres. The guidelines aim to regulate and establish a framework for coaching centres, ensuring the well-being and interests of enrolled students.

Objectives of the Guidelines:

The guidelines set by the Education Ministry focus on achieving several key objectives:

1. Establishing a framework for the registration and regulation of coaching centres.
2. Defining minimum standard requirements for the operation of coaching centres.
3. Safeguarding the interests of students enrolled in coaching centres.
4. Encouraging coaching centres to prioritize co-curricular activities for comprehensive student development.
5. Providing career guidance and psychological counselling for the mental well-being of students.
6. Implementing a transparent registration process for coaching centres, involving applications, renewal procedures, and compliance with specified conditions.

Detailed Guidelines:

Conditions for Registration of Coaching Centres:

1. Tutors must have qualifications equal to or higher than graduation.
2. Misleading promises or guarantees of ranks/marks are strictly prohibited.
3. Enrollment of students below 16 years is not allowed; admission is only permitted after the secondary school examination.
4. No involvement in misleading advertising related to coaching quality, facilities, or results.
5. Registration is mandatory for centres meeting minimum space requirements per student.
6. A detailed website with updated information is required, covering tutor qualifications, courses, duration, hostel facilities, fees, exit policies, and successful student admissions to higher education institutions.
7. Coaching classes should not be conducted during regular school hours.

Fee Structure:

1. Prospectus, notes, and other materials must be provided to students without additional fees.
2. Pro-rata refunds for students leaving mid-course within ten days.
3. Refund of hostel fees and mess fees for students leaving mid-course.
4. Prohibition on fee increases for a specific course after enrolment.
5. Enrolment is restricted to students above 16 years, with admission after secondary school examinations.
6. Reasonable tuition fees with detailed receipts and a comprehensive prospectus.

Basic Infrastructure and Limited Study Hours:

1. Minimum one square meter per student, compliance with fire safety and building codes.
2. Adequate electrification, ventilation, lighting, security measures, CCTV cameras, first aid, and access to medical assistance.
3. Class schedules should not overlap with regular school hours; mandatory weekly offs for students and tutors.
4. Maintaining healthy teacher-student ratios.

Infrastructure Requirements:

1. One square meter area allocated per student during a class/batch.
2. Adherence to fire safety and building codes, obtaining a Fire and Building Safety Certificate.
3. Availability of first aid kit, medical assistance, and referral services.
4. Fully electrified, well-ventilated, and adequately lit classrooms.
5. Safe drinking water, CCTV cameras, and gender-segregated toilets.

Weekly Offs:

1. Coaching classes must not impact school attendance.
2. No assessments on the day after the weekly off.
3. Customized leave during important festivals for students to connect with families.

Timings:

1. Classes are limited to a maximum of 5 hours per day.
2. Providing information on alternative career options to reduce stress.

No False Promises:

Students and parents must be aware that coaching centre admission does not guarantee success in competitive exams or higher education institutions.

Mental Health:

1. Periodic workshops and sensitization sessions on mental health.
2. Creating awareness about pedagogy, course timelines, and facilities.
3. Involving counsellors and psychologists to address mental stress and depression.

Assessment Tests Results:

1. Confidentiality of assessment test results; used for regular analysis and counselling.
2. Encouragement for coaching centres to involve counsellors and psychologists.

Penalties:

Penalties for violations include:

• Rs 25,000 for the first offence
• Rs 1,00,000 for the second offence
• Revocation of registration for subsequent offences

Cancellation of Registration:

The certificate of registration may be cancelled if the coaching centre violates guidelines, with the certificate holder given a reasonable opportunity to present their case.

Complaint System and Exit Policy for Students:

1. Complaint mechanism for filing complaints against coaching centres.
2. Resolution of complaints within 30 days by the competent authority or an inquiry committee.
3. Pro-rata refund for mid-course withdrawals within 10 days; strict prohibition on fee increases during the course.

Aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, these guidelines aim to enhance the quality and ethical standards of coaching centres, ensuring the holistic development and well-being of students.

(With inputs from agencies)

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