The Ministry of Education in India has introduced fresh guidelines governing the functioning of coaching centers across the country. These regulatory measures, officially titled ‘Guidelines for Regulation of Coaching Center 2024,’ can be accessed on the Ministry of Education’s official website in India: education.gov.in. Interested individuals and entities are encouraged to refer to the official website for detailed information on these guidelines.
According to the official statement, the recommendations are intended to provide standards for governing tutoring centers to improve student monitoring and support for academic programs, competitive exams, and study sessions.
As per the defined criteria, a ‘coaching center’ is identified as any establishment managed by an individual offering coaching services for study programs, competitive examinations, or academic assistance to students at the school, college, or university level, provided the student capacity exceeds 50.
The outlined criteria encompass regulations related to fees, study hours, penalties, and minimum space requirements for these establishments.
Enrollment Process for Coaching Centers
Coaching centers are required to initiate the registration process with the local competent authority, following the designated forms, fees, and document requirements established by the government.
It is essential to highlight that in the case of coaching centers with multiple branches, each branch is considered a separate entity. Consequently, individual registration applications must be submitted for each branch.
Moreover, it is imperative to observe that no coaching center is permitted to admit students below the age of 16, nor can they employ tutors who do not possess a qualification equivalent to or higher than graduation.
Student Admission and Fee Framework
Admission is limited to students aged 16 and above, and acceptance is granted upon the satisfactory completion of secondary school examinations.
Tuition fees for different courses must be fair and transparent, accompanied by detailed receipts. A prominently showcased, all-encompassing prospectus is required to furnish information on courses, duration, classes, tutorials, hostel amenities, fees, exit policies, and the processes governing fee reimbursements.
Student Grievance System and Withdrawal Policy
A well-defined complaint mechanism is requisite for registering grievances against coaching centers, accessible to students, parents, or coaching center tutors/employees. Furthermore, coaching centers are empowered to file complaints against students or parents. The resolution of these complaints falls under the jurisdiction of the competent authority or a government-established inquiry committee, with a commitment to resolve them within a thirty-day timeframe.
In cases of mid-course withdrawals, a pro-rata refund is mandated within ten days. Any adjustments to fees during the course, encompassing both course fees and hostel-related charges, are strictly prohibited.
Infrastructure Standards and Study Hour Limitations
Coaching centers are obligated to allocate a minimum of one square meter per student in each classroom. Adherence to fire safety and building codes, including the acquisition of Fire and Building Safety Certificates, is imperative.
Basic amenities such as proper electrification, ventilation, lighting, and robust security measures are fundamental. The coaching center must also be furnished with CCTV cameras, a fully stocked first aid kit, and prompt access to medical assistance.
To ensure consistent attendance, class schedules should not overlap with regular school hours, as stipulated by the guidelines. Both students and tutors are entitled to mandatory weekly offs, and class sizes should be maintained to preserve a healthy teacher-student ratio.
Penalty for Violations
Should a coaching center contravene any terms or conditions of registration or general requirements, corresponding penalties will be enforced. A penalty of ₹25,000 is applicable for the first offense, escalating to ₹1 lakh for the second offense. Persistent violations may result in the revocation of registration.