New Guidelines Crack Down on Coaching Centres: Ministry Sets Strict Rules to Ensure Student Well-being

In a significant move to regulate the burgeoning coaching industry, the Ministry of Education has recently announced a set of comprehensive guidelines aimed at ensuring the well-being of students and curbing malpractices within coaching centres. The guidelines address a range of issues, from age restrictions to misleading promises, and even include provisions for mental health support.

The new guidelines for regulating coaching institutes were framed to address the need for a legal framework and manage the unregulated growth of private coaching centres.

Age Restrictions and Misleading Promises:

One of the key provisions outlined in the new guidelines is the prohibition of coaching centres from enrolling students below the age of 16. This measure aims to protect younger students from potential academic pressures and create a more suitable learning environment. Additionally, coaching centres are now barred from making misleading promises or guaranteeing ranks or high marks to students or their parents.

Financial Penalties for Malpractices:

To enforce compliance, the Ministry has introduced a financial penalty of up to Rs one lakh or, in severe cases, cancellation of the coaching centres’ registration. This stern measure is specifically targeted at curbing exorbitant fees and other malpractices reported in various coaching institutes.

Qualifications of Tutors and Counselling Systems:

According to the guidelines, coaching centres are now mandated to ensure that their tutors hold qualifications of at least graduation level. Moreover, an institute’s registration is contingent upon the establishment of a counselling system, emphasizing the importance of mental well-being for students facing tough competition and academic pressures.

Transparency through Websites:

To promote transparency, coaching centres are required to maintain updated websites detailing information about tutor qualifications, courses, curriculum, duration of completion, hostel facilities, and fees. This measure aims to empower students and parents with the necessary information for making informed decisions about their education.

Mental Well-being Support:

Recognizing the increasing instances of student suicides and academic pressure, the guidelines emphasize the need for coaching centres to prioritize the mental well-being of their students. This includes establishing mechanisms for immediate intervention in distressing situations and providing information about psychologists and counsellors.

Fair Tuition Fees and Refund Policies:

The guidelines also ensure that coaching centres charge fair and reasonable tuition fees for different courses. In case a student decides to leave a course mid-way, provisions for a pro-rata refund within 10 days are specified. Hostel fees and mess fees will also be refunded under such circumstances.

State Oversight and Registration:

To ensure effective monitoring, the Central government has proposed the registration of new and existing coaching centres within three months of the guidelines coming into effect. State governments will be responsible for monitoring activities and ensuring that coaching centres fulfill the required eligibility for registration.

In conclusion, these guidelines mark a crucial step in the regulation of coaching centres, aiming not only to maintain academic integrity but also to prioritize the well-being of students. It is expected that these measures will bring about a positive transformation in the coaching industry, creating a more conducive learning environment for students across the country.