On July 27, three students tragically lost their lives due to sudden flooding in the basement of Rau’s IAS Study Circle, raising serious questions about building safety of many UPSC training institutes in the crammed lanes of Old Rajender Nagar, touted as India’s IAS hub. Shreya Yadav from Uttar Pradesh, Tanya Soni from Telangana, and Navin Dalwin from Kerala passed away after the basement of the building housing the coaching centre was flooded following heavy rain.On the following day, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) sealed the basements of 13 coaching centers in Old Rajinder Nagar as they were violating norms. These tragic events underscore the urgent need for stringent supervision of India’s burgeoning coaching industry.
In today’s highly competitive market, coaching centers are ubiquitous. A report by Google and KPMG estimates the coaching industry in India to be worth around ₹58,000 crore, with civil services exam coaching contributing ₹3,000 crore. Each year, lakhs of students compete for UPSC exams, but only a few thousand hit the bull’s eye. Unfortunately, the success rate is not above .02 to .04 percent, suggest various estimates. Intense competition for a secured, prestigious government position or a high-paying white collar job drives students towards various coaching hubs of the country. such as seek help from coaching centers, which promise to guide them toward their goals.
Beneath the glass facades of these coaching centres and their misleading promises, several critical issues go unnoticed. Infrastructure of the training centres, quality of training, student-to-teacher ratio, and building safety are only a few to name. Therefore, regulation is needed to ensure that coaching centers adhere to fair practices and provide quality education with a strong focus on student safety.
Earlier this year, the Ministry of Education released specific instructions for the functioning of coaching centers across India. The Department of Higher Education issued the ‘Guidelines for Regulation of Coaching Centers 2024,’ aimed at establishing standards for regulating coaching centers to enhance student supervision and support for study programmes, competitive exams, and academics.
One of the guidelines focuses on ‘Basic Infrastructure and Limited Study Hours.’ It mandates that coaching centers allocate a minimum of one square meter per student in each class. The guidelines also require compliance with fire safety and building codes, including obtaining Fire and Building Safety Certificates. Additionally, the guidelines state that adequate electrification, ventilation, lighting, and security measures must be followed. Coaching centers are also directed to be equipped with CCTV cameras, a first aid kit, and access to medical assistance. You can click here to read details regarding the same.
While policy level initiatives and improved supervision are required from the government, students and parents also need to be mindful while choosing a coaching centre. Here are five factors to keep in mind.
Safety and Compliance
Safety should be a top priority. Ensure the coaching centre adheres to all safety regulations and standards. Verify that the facility has proper emergency exits, fire safety measures, and compliance with building codes to mitigate potential hazards. Emergency exits should be clearly marked and easily visible. The facility should be equipped with fire extinguishers and smoke detectors. Additionally, check if the building adheres to structural codes to ensure its safety. Regular sanitation should also be practised to prevent the spread of illness.
Location and accessibility
The location and accessibility of the coaching centre are crucial. Choose one that is conveniently located, preferably close to home or easily accessible by public transportation. This will reduce commute time and help you manage your classes and studies better. For those who drive, ensure there is adequate parking space. Additionally, consider the proximity of emergency services. Students coming from different parts of the country should check if the centre is close to their hostels or PG accommodations.
Facilities and infrastructure
Evaluate the quality of facilities and infrastructure at the coaching centre. Ensure classrooms are clean, well-lit, and well-ventilated. Adequate lighting and ventilation are essential for a comfortable learning environment. Check that restrooms and break areas are clean and comfortable.
Quality of training
Do your groundwork well before finalising a coaching institute. Research on the coaching centre’s reputation by reading reviews from current and past students. Talk to students to get detailed feedback on the quality of teaching, success rates, and overall safety. Look for reviews on the centre’s infrastructure. Check if it is accredited by relevant educational institutions or has partnerships with reputable organisations.
Student-teacher ratio
Assess the student-to-teacher ratio to ensure you receive sufficient attention and support. A lower ratio typically means more one-on-one time with instructors, leading to a more focused and engaging learning experience. Additionally, check if the centre offers extra support services, such as counselling and mentoring.
In today’s highly competitive market, coaching centers are ubiquitous. A report by Google and KPMG estimates the coaching industry in India to be worth around ₹58,000 crore, with civil services exam coaching contributing ₹3,000 crore. Each year, lakhs of students compete for UPSC exams, but only a few thousand hit the bull’s eye. Unfortunately, the success rate is not above .02 to .04 percent, suggest various estimates. Intense competition for a secured, prestigious government position or a high-paying white collar job drives students towards various coaching hubs of the country. such as seek help from coaching centers, which promise to guide them toward their goals.
Beneath the glass facades of these coaching centres and their misleading promises, several critical issues go unnoticed. Infrastructure of the training centres, quality of training, student-to-teacher ratio, and building safety are only a few to name. Therefore, regulation is needed to ensure that coaching centers adhere to fair practices and provide quality education with a strong focus on student safety.
Earlier this year, the Ministry of Education released specific instructions for the functioning of coaching centers across India. The Department of Higher Education issued the ‘Guidelines for Regulation of Coaching Centers 2024,’ aimed at establishing standards for regulating coaching centers to enhance student supervision and support for study programmes, competitive exams, and academics.
One of the guidelines focuses on ‘Basic Infrastructure and Limited Study Hours.’ It mandates that coaching centers allocate a minimum of one square meter per student in each class. The guidelines also require compliance with fire safety and building codes, including obtaining Fire and Building Safety Certificates. Additionally, the guidelines state that adequate electrification, ventilation, lighting, and security measures must be followed. Coaching centers are also directed to be equipped with CCTV cameras, a first aid kit, and access to medical assistance. You can click here to read details regarding the same.
While policy level initiatives and improved supervision are required from the government, students and parents also need to be mindful while choosing a coaching centre. Here are five factors to keep in mind.
Safety and Compliance
Safety should be a top priority. Ensure the coaching centre adheres to all safety regulations and standards. Verify that the facility has proper emergency exits, fire safety measures, and compliance with building codes to mitigate potential hazards. Emergency exits should be clearly marked and easily visible. The facility should be equipped with fire extinguishers and smoke detectors. Additionally, check if the building adheres to structural codes to ensure its safety. Regular sanitation should also be practised to prevent the spread of illness.
Location and accessibility
The location and accessibility of the coaching centre are crucial. Choose one that is conveniently located, preferably close to home or easily accessible by public transportation. This will reduce commute time and help you manage your classes and studies better. For those who drive, ensure there is adequate parking space. Additionally, consider the proximity of emergency services. Students coming from different parts of the country should check if the centre is close to their hostels or PG accommodations.
Facilities and infrastructure
Evaluate the quality of facilities and infrastructure at the coaching centre. Ensure classrooms are clean, well-lit, and well-ventilated. Adequate lighting and ventilation are essential for a comfortable learning environment. Check that restrooms and break areas are clean and comfortable.
Quality of training
Do your groundwork well before finalising a coaching institute. Research on the coaching centre’s reputation by reading reviews from current and past students. Talk to students to get detailed feedback on the quality of teaching, success rates, and overall safety. Look for reviews on the centre’s infrastructure. Check if it is accredited by relevant educational institutions or has partnerships with reputable organisations.
Student-teacher ratio
Assess the student-to-teacher ratio to ensure you receive sufficient attention and support. A lower ratio typically means more one-on-one time with instructors, leading to a more focused and engaging learning experience. Additionally, check if the centre offers extra support services, such as counselling and mentoring.
