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The Ministry of Education has released new guidelines for coaching centers in the country. 

What Are the New Guidelines For Coaching Institutes?

• Misleading Advertisement: Coaching institutes should not make any false promises to prospective students and avoid publishing any misleading advertisement. 
• Mandatory Registration: Coaching centers must apply for registration with the local competent authority, as set by the government. 
  • Each branch of a coaching is treated as a distinct entity, requiring separate registration applications for each.
• Enrollment: Only students above the age of 16 can be admitted, and admission is permitted only after the successful completion of secondary school examinations.
• Tutor Qualification:  The coachings can not engage tutors having qualifications less than graduation.
• Fees: Tuition fees for various courses should be reasonable and just, with detailed receipts provided.
• Fee Changes: Any fee increases during the course, including both course fees and hostel-related charges, are strictly prohibited.
• Withdrawals: In case of mid-course withdrawals, a pro-rata refund is required within 10 days. 
• Complaint Mechanism: There should be a mechanism in place for filing complaints against coaching centers by students, parents, or tutors/employees of the coaching center. 
  • Additionally, coaching centers can file complaints against students or parents. 
• Attendance: The guidelines state that class schedules should not overlap with regular school hours to ensure consistent attendance.
• Off Time: Both students and tutors must have mandatory weekly offs. 
• Attention to each pupil: Class sizes should be maintained to ensure a healthy teacher-student ratio.
• Mental Health: The Coaching shall ensure the mental well-being of students by avoiding undue pressure and establishing a mechanism of assistance to students in stressful situations.
• Space: Coaching centers should allocate a minimum of one square meter per student in each class. 
• Fire Compliance: Compliance with fire safety and building codes, including obtaining Fire and Building Safety Certificates, is mandatory. 
• CCTV: The coaching center should also be equipped with CCTV cameras, a first aid kit, and access to medical assistance.

Guidelines For Coaching Institutes: Penalty for Violations of Guidelines

• In the event of a coaching center violating any terms or conditions of registration or general requirements, penalties will be imposed. 
  • The first offense incurs a penalty of ₹25,000, the second offense warrants a penalty of ₹1 lakh, and repeated breaches may lead to the revocation of registration.

News Source: LiveMint