Cannot Enrol Student Below 16 Years: Here Are The Key Highlights Of Centre's Guidelines To Regulate Coaching Centres

The Central government on Thursday (18 January) issued guidelines to regulate the coaching centres in a bid to safeguard the interest of students enrolled in these institutions.

The guidelines are aimed at establishing standards for regulating coaching centres to enhance student supervision and support for study programmes, competitive exams, and academics.

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According to the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Education, coaching centres cannot enrol students below the age of 16 and admission procedure will be permitted only after successful completion of the secondary school examination.

As per the standards, a 'coaching centre' is any facility run by an individual that provides coaching for study programmes, competitive tests, or academic support to students at the school, college, or university level, with a student capacity of more than 50. 

The criteria include rules governing fees, study hours, penalties, and minimum area requirements for such facilities. 

The move comes after complaints received by the government about rising cases of student suicides, fire incidents, lack of facilities in coaching incidents as well as methodologies of teaching adopted by them.

Here are the key aspects of the guidelines:

Objective of the Guidelines

To regulate coaching centres for better guidance and assistance to students in study programmes, competitive exams, or academic support.

Need for the Guidelines

They aim to provide a framework for registration and regulation, suggest minimum standards, safeguard student interests, focus on co-curricular activities, and offer career guidance and psychological counselling.

Registration of Coaching Centers

• Coaching centres must be registered as per these guidelines.

• Existing centres must apply for registration within three months of the guidelines' implementation.

• Separate applications are required for centres with multiple branches.

Conditions for Registration

• Tutors must have at least a graduation degree.

• Centres cannot make misleading promises or guarantees about ranks or marks.

• Enrollment of students below 16 years of age is prohibited.

• Misleading advertisements are not allowed.

• Minimum space requirements per student must be met.

• Centers must have a counseling system in place.

Infrastructure Requirements:

• Adequate space allocation per student.

• Compliance with fire safety and building safety codes.

• Availability of first aid and medical facilities.

• Proper electrification, ventilation, and lighting in classrooms.

• Safe drinking water and separate toilets for males and females.

• Installation of CCTV cameras for security.

Curriculum and Conduct

• Completion of classes within stipulated time.

• No coaching during school hours to ensure regular attendance.

• Provision of remedial or support classes.

• Weekly offs for students and tutors.

• Customized leave during festivals for emotional well-being.

• Limitation of coaching hours to avoid excessive burden.

Transparency and Accountability

• Detailed information on the website about tutors, courses, fees, and policies.

• Fair and reasonable tuition fees with proper receipts.

• Provision of prospectus with detailed course information.

• Refund policies for students leaving courses midway.

Student Welfare:

• Emphasis on mental and emotional well-being.

• Counselling and awareness of various career options.

• Realistic expectation setting for students and parents.

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