Fees Refund To No Enrolment Of Students Below 16 Years: Key Points In Guidelines For Coaching Centres

The Ministry of Education has released new guidelines for the operation of coaching centres in the country.

'Guidelines for Regulation of Coaching Center 2024' has been released by the Govt.

Source : Pixabay

The Ministry of Education in India has issued fresh guidelines governing the functioning of coaching centers across the country. These regulatory measures, titled 'Guidelines for Regulation of Coaching Center 2024,' can be accessed on the official website of the Ministry of Education at education.gov.in. The recently issued guidelines aim to set standards for the regulation of coaching centers with a focus on improving student supervision and providing support for study programs, competitive exams and academic endeavors, as stated in the official announcement.

According to the regulations, coaching centers are prohibited from making misleading promises or guarantees of ranks or good marks to parents or students during enrollment. The rules also restrict the enrollment of students below 16 years of age and enrollment should only occur after the secondary school examination. Additionally, coaching centers are required to have a counseling system in accordance with the guidelines to be eligible for registration.

Key Points In Guidelines For Coaching Centres:

New guidelines for coaching centers have been established with the following key provisions:

Registration Process:

• Coaching centers are required to submit registration applications to the competent authority in their local jurisdiction, following specified forms, fees, and document requirements outlined by the appropriate government.
• Each branch of a coaching center is considered a separate entity, necessitating individual registration applications.

Marketing Standards:

• Coaching centers are prohibited from making misleading promises or guarantees regarding ranks or marks to attract parents and students.
• Coaching centers are mandated to maintain an updated website containing information on tutors' qualifications, courses, curriculum details, duration, hostel facilities and fees.

Student Enrolment:

• Enrollment is not permitted for students below the age of 16 and entry is allowed only after the completion of secondary school examinations.

Fee Structure:

• Tuition fees for various courses must be fair and reasonable, with detailed receipts provided.
• A comprehensive prospectus should include information on courses, duration, classes, tutorials, hostel facilities, fees, exit policies and fee refund procedures.

Exit Policy:

• Pro-rata refunds are mandated within 10 days for mid-course withdrawals.
• Any fee increase during the course duration is strictly prohibited.

Infrastructure Requirements:

• Coaching centers must allocate a minimum of one square meter per student in each class.
• Adherence to fire safety and building codes and obtaining Fire and Building Safety Certificates is compulsory.
• Proper electrification, ventilation, lighting arrangements, security measures, CCTV cameras, a first aid kit, and medical assistance are essential.

Study Hours:

• Classes should not coincide with school hours to ensure regular attendance.
• The curriculum timetable should allow students to relax and recuperate.
• Weekly offs for students and tutors are mandatory, and class sizes should maintain a healthy teacher-student ratio.

Complaint Mechanism:

• Complaints can be filed by students, parents, coaching center tutors/employees, or coaching centers against students/parents. These complaints will be resolved within thirty days.

Penalty:

• Penalties for breaches include Rs 25,000 for the first violation, Rs 1 lakh for a second offense and registration revocation for subsequent breaches.