Recent abrupt closures of prominent coaching centers have left many students stranded, highlighting systemic issues within India’s coaching industry.

Unreliable Practices and Aggressive Marketing

• False Promises: Many coaching centers make misleading claims of guaranteed success, creating unrealistic expectations among students.
• Upselling and Loans: These institutions often push students into purchasing additional courses and taking out loans, resulting in significant financial strain.

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Impact on Students

• Mental Health: The intense pressure to succeed has led to tragic incidents, including student suicides.
• Poor Learning: The focus on entrance exam preparation often overshadows a well-rounded education, particularly in senior years.
• Physical and Mental Health Issues: The demanding study schedules imposed by coaching centers can contribute to both mental and physical health issues.

Growing Coaching Market

• Growing Market: In 2024, India’s private tutoring industry was valued at approximately ₹58,000 crore, with an anticipated annual growth rate of 15%.
• Competition: The current emphasis on STEM education and competitive entrance exams is fueling the increasing demand for coaching centers.
• Dummy School: An emerging trend is the rise of “dummy schools,” where coaching centers advise students to only attend school for exams, focusing their studies entirely on coaching. 
  • This model is eroding the integrity of the school system and hindering holistic education, reducing learning to exam preparation.

National Education Policy 2020

• Assessment Reforms: The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 advocates for shifting from summative to formative assessments to reduce the emphasis on exam-centric learning. 
  • Scrapping No Detention Policy: However, the central government’s decision to abolish the ‘no-detention policy’ for Class 5 and Class 8 students, allowing those who fail exams to repeat the year.
• Eliminating Coaching Dependency: NEP aims to improve the quality of school education to make external coaching centers unnecessary.
• Teacher Investment: The policy underscores the importance of investing in qualified teachers and offering competitive salaries to improve learning outcomes.

Regulatory Measures to Protect Students

• In January 2024, the central government issued guidelines to regulate coaching centers, prioritizing transparency and student welfare.
• Challenges Persist: While some states have introduced laws to curb malpractices within the coaching industry, others have not, resulting in inconsistent enforcement.

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EdTech: A Double-Edged Sword

• The COVID-19 pandemic significantly accelerated the adoption of online learning platforms, leading to a surge in edtech startups.
• However, with the reopening of schools, the edtech sector has faced challenges, including reduced investments and job losses.
• When effectively regulated, edtech can complement traditional education by offering personalized learning and skill development opportunities.

Recommendations for Reform

• Strengthen the school curriculum to reduce the reliance on external coaching.
• Implement caps on coaching fees and ensure transparent refund policies to protect both students and parents.
• Encourage models that provide individualized attention, addressing the unique needs of each student.

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Conclusion

A balanced approach, supported by both traditional and digital education, will ensure students receive quality education while safeguarding their mental and financial well-being.

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