Education
Central Government Sets New Framework for Coaching Centres
In a significant stride towards standardising educational practices, the Ministry of Education has unveiled comprehensive guidelines for private coaching centres across India. The newly established ‘Guidelines for Registration and Regulation of Coaching Centre 2024’ mandate registration of coaching institutes, impose restrictions on student enrolment, cap tuition fees, and necessitate psychological support for students.
Dispatched to the chief secretaries of all states and Union territories, these guidelines are a response to increasing concerns about unregulated coaching centres. These establishments, often criticised for excessive fees and the immense pressure placed on students, have been linked to a distressing rise in student suicides. The urgency of the matter was underscored when the Supreme Court was petitioned last November, following a series of tragic incidents in Kota, Rajasthan.
Under these guidelines, coaching centres are required to ensure the mental wellbeing of their students by offering counselling services and adopting a nurturing approach to education. A significant emphasis is placed on creating a supportive environment, with the involvement of counsellors and psychologists to address mental stress and depression.
The definition of a coaching centre now encompasses any entity providing academic support to over 50 students at various educational levels, excluding those engaged in non-academic activities like sports or the arts. Registration prerequisites include a minimum tutor qualification of graduation, adherence to a specified student space ratio, and a commitment to transparency regarding the outcomes of their educational programmes.
Furthermore, the guidelines advocate for fair and reasonable fee structures, with provisions for refunds if a student withdraws mid-course. Institutes must also meet stringent safety standards, including obtaining fire and building safety certificates.
While these regulations mark a concerted effort to elevate the standard of supplementary education in India, they resonate with the broader educational ethos encapsulated in the National Education Policy 2020, which champions formative learning over a culture of rote learning and coaching. As India navigates these reforms, the focus remains steadfast on fostering an educational landscape that is not only academically enriching but also supportive and ethical.