In a significant move, the Union Ministry of Education has unveiled a comprehensive set of guidelines to regulate coaching institutes across the country. The initiative aims to address various concerns related to student welfare, misleading practices, and the uncontrolled expansion of private coaching centres. Here are the key aspects of the new guidelines:
- Age Restrictions:
- Coaching centres are prohibited from enrolling students below the age of 16.
- Admissions are only permitted after successful completion of the secondary school examination.
- Admission Procedures:
- Admission procedures must adhere to the age and qualification criteria.
- Coaching centres are advised against making misleading promises, especially guaranteeing specific ranks or high marks.
- Career Guidance:
- Coaching centres should provide information about various career options beyond engineering and medical fields.
- The aim is to reduce stress among students and help them explore alternative career paths.
- Result Disclosure:
- Coaching centres are barred from publicly disclosing the results of assessment tests they conduct.
- Mental Health Initiatives:
- Mandatory periodic workshops and sensitization sessions on students’ mental health.
- Collaboration with mental health professionals for the well-being of students.
- Class Operations:
- Weekly off for both students and tutors.
- No assessments or exams on the day following the weekly off.
- Limit coaching hours to a maximum of 5 hours per day.
- Holistic development through co-curricular activities and counseling sessions.
- Doubt Resolution:
- Tutors who conducted the class should address students’ doubts to ensure clarity.
- Fee-related Guidelines:
- Refund policies established, particularly if a student leaves the course midway.
- Refunds should be pro-rata based on the remaining course duration.
- Penalties for Violations:
- Penalties for non-compliance include fines: Rs 25,000 for the first offence, Rs 1,00,000 for the second offence.
- Subsequent offences may lead to the revocation of registration.
These guidelines are introduced to bring about a more regulated and student-centric approach to coaching institutes, ensuring a balance between academic pursuits and overall well-being. It also aims to curb malpractices that have been a cause for concern in the coaching industry.
