New Delhi: The Ministry of Education has introduced new guidelines aimed at regulating coaching centers in response to concerns about the unregulated growth of private coaching institutes and various issues, including student suicides, fire incidents, and inadequate facilities. The guidelines, designed to establish a legal framework, set specific conditions for registration and operation.
One key stipulation is that coaching centers cannot admit students below the age of 16. Enrollment is only permitted after successful completion of the secondary school examination. Additionally, coaching centers are prohibited from making misleading promises or guarantees of ranks or good marks. The move comes as a response to complaints received by the government regarding deceptive advertising and concerns about the quality of coaching and facilities.
The guidelines outline conditions for the registration of coaching centers. Among these conditions, coaching centers are required to engage tutors with qualifications at least equivalent to graduation, ensure a minimum space allocation per student, and adhere to safety codes. They are also prohibited from publishing misleading advertisements related to coaching quality and results.
The objectives of these guidelines are multifaceted. They aim to establish a regulatory framework for coaching centers, define minimum standards, safeguard student interests, encourage co-curricular activities for holistic student development, and provide career guidance and psychological counseling for students’ mental well-being.
The registration process involves submitting applications, adhering to renewal procedures, and meeting specified conditions. These conditions include hiring qualified tutors, avoiding deceptive promises, admitting students above the age of 16, and implementing a counseling system. Fee-related matters, such as fair charges, transparent fee receipts, and detailed prospectuses, are also addressed. The guidelines specify refund policies and fee adjustments for students leaving a course prematurely.
Infrastructure requirements encompass minimum space allocation per student, safety codes, first aid and medical facilities, electrification, ventilation, lighting, clean drinking water, and security measures. Regarding class-related aspects, the guidelines stress the timely completion of classes, avoidance of conflicts with regular school hours, support classes, breaks to reduce pressure, weekly offs, and limited daily coaching hours. Co-curricular activities are encouraged, and counseling sessions on life skills and various topics are recommended.
The guidelines also establish provisions for the cancellation of registration. The certificate of registration may be revoked if the competent authority determines that a coaching center has violated any provisions or terms and conditions. However, the competent authority is required to provide the certificate holder with a reasonable opportunity to present their case before making such a decision, ensuring a fair and transparent process.