The government has introduced strict regulations for coaching institutes across India in order to curb unethical practices like exorbitant fees, overwork and false advertising – which often lead to student stress and suicides.
Coaching Centers Need Registration
A key guideline mandates that all professional coaching centers now need to register themselves within next 3 months to operate legally. Registration would enable oversight into faculty, infrastructure, fees and other aspects.
Those coaching students below 16 years for competitive exams also cannot function without registration. This aims to prevent exploitative practices targeted at minors.
Curbs on Misleading Claims
The rules prohibit coaching institutes from making exaggerated or misleading claims about their success rates, results or infrastructure in advertisements to attract students.
Their marketing content would be monitored to ensure transparency and truthfulness. Violators face penalties of up to Rs 1 lakh or cancellation of registration.
Infrastructure and Fees Caps
On the academic side, centers need to have certified teachers and student counselling services for mental well-being. They must provide adequate space, lighting, drinking water, first-aid, periodic breaks etc.
Coaching fees also require regulation so mandatory detailed fee structures and receipts must be issued. If students exit mid-way, pro-rata refunds within 10 days are compulsory.
Safeguards Against Exploitation
The coaching centers cannot hire teachers or staff with records of crimes related to moral turpitude to prevent sexual or other misconduct.
Most importantly, authorities can outrightly cancel registrations if any institute is found overcharging fees or engaging in unethical malpractices that exploit students’ pressures.
Better Studies Without Stress
Other rules aim at enabling holistic learning devoid of constant stress. Coaching hours should not conflict with regular schooling to avoid burnout. Recreational activities for mental respite are also advised.
By making registrations mandatory and monitoring key aspects, the government hopes to make coaching centers safe spaces for supplementing academics rather than pressure cookers producing extreme distress.
The comprehensive guidelines target creating an enabling regulatory ecosystem where students can pursue competitive exam preparation seamlessly alongside conventional education. Their well-being and balanced development is the focal point.
