Recent guidelines for coaching centres mandate fair fees, clear financial transactions, and prohibit the admission of students under the age of 16. These rules, issued by the Ministry of Education, aim to bring a legal framework to the unbridled growth of private coaching centres. The decision was prompted by government concerns over the rising instances of student suicides, fire incidents, inadequate facilities, and questionable teaching methodologies in these coaching centers.
There is a growing recognition of the intense academic pressure students face, with coaching centres claiming to provide an additional advantage for achieving top grades and a promising future. However, concerns are raised about these institutions overburdening students with excessive study materials, limiting their time for extracurricular activities, hobbies, and social interactions, as highlighted by Maithili Tambe, CEO of The Academy School.
To address these issues, coaching centres are now required to establish proactive mechanisms for offering targeted and sustained assistance to students facing stressful situations. The guidelines emphasise the appointment of trained counsellors to provide effective guidance and counselling for both students and parents. The focus is shifting from solely caring about grades to understanding and addressing students' feelings and difficulties, especially the stress associated with academics.
Furthermore, the guidelines instruct coaching centres to set fair and transparent fee structures, providing clear receipts for all transactions. They are also required to furnish detailed prospectuses outlining the courses they offer, including information on course duration, the number of classes, lectures, tutorials, and other relevant details. Srinivas Konduti, director of Sanjay Ghodawat IIT and Medical Academy (SGIMA), highlights their commitment to fairness and transparency in fees, ensuring parents and students are fully informed at the time of admission.
In response to student concerns, coaching centres claim to have a team of well-trained and experienced counsellors. These counsellors aim to address student queries and problems, offering valuable advice to help students effectively navigate challenges. Srinivas Konduti adds that their primary focus is on the mental well-being of students, as they believe that mentally motivated students benefit more from their coaching.
Overall, these guidelines seek to bring about a positive shift in the coaching center landscape, ensuring fairness, transparency, and a holistic approach that prioritizes the well-being of students.