What is a Responsible ‘Coaching Culture?’ Centre’s guidelines for Regulation of Coaching Centres 2024

“Due to high competition and academic pressure on students, coaching centres should take steps for mental wellbeing of the students and may conduct classes without putting undue pressure on its students.”

In a significant move aimed at reining in the unregulated growth of private coaching centres in India, the Centre has  proposed Guidelines for the Regulation of Coaching Centre 2024. This framework seeks to establish a legal foundation, offering states a model for effectively overseeing and managing coaching centres.

The guidelines underscore that students under the age of 16 should not be enrolled in coaching centres. Additionally, tutors with qualifications lower than graduation level are not permitted to teach in these institutes.

To address the much prevalent issue of misleading advertisements, coaching centres are prohibited from making false claims about the quality of coaching, facilities, or results. This aims to protect students and parents from unrealistic expectations.

In a bid to curb malpractices, the Centre suggests penalties for coaching centres charging exorbitant fees, causing undue stress leading to student suicides, or engaging in other unethical practices. Penalties can range up to ₹1 lakh or even the cancellation of registration. The Centre emphasizes the registration of new and existing coaching centres within three months of the guidelines coming into effect. State governments will be responsible for monitoring these centres, ensuring compliance with eligibility criteria and satisfactory activities.

Given the regulation of +2 level education is the responsibility of State/UT Governments, the guidelines advocate for state-level regulation, ensuring a more localized and effective approach. Prioritizing students’ mental health, the guidelines recommend a weekly off, suitably spaced-out curriculum, and classes not exceeding five hours a day.

There has been an alarming increase in the number of student suicide cases in Kota’s coaching districts, in light of which the guidelines focus on ensuring mental well-being. Customized leaves, co-curricular activities, life skills, counseling, and emotional bonding are highlighted.

Coaching centres are mandated to maintain a website detailing tutor qualifications, courses, hostel facilities, and fees. An easy exit policy and fee refund details should also be provided. The guidelines introduce a provision for filing complaints against coaching centres by students, parents, or tutors. Complaints are to be addressed within thirty days.

To maintain regular school attendance, coaching classes during school hours will be restricted.

Coaching centres are encouraged to customize leaves to keep students connected with family and provide emotional support. Co-curricular activities, life skills, and counseling from psychologists are prioritized.

These guidelines mark a pivotal step towards creating a more accountable and student-centric coaching environment in India. By addressing issues ranging from misleading practices to mental well-being, the Centre aims to transform the coaching landscape for a brighter, more supportive future.

What are your views on this? Is this a win? Is this lacking somewhere still?