Karnataka Private Schools Seek Mandatory Registration of Coaching Centres

Private schools in Karnataka have called for stricter regulation of coaching centres operating across the state, claiming that several tutorials, academies and study centres are functioning without proper registration or government permission.

The demand has been placed before the education reform subcommittee formed by the state government. The private schools association has urged the authorities to make registration compulsory for every coaching centre and take legal action against institutions that fail to comply.

The association has raised concerns not only about registration but also about the way some coaching centres conduct classes. According to its representation, some institutions are holding coaching sessions during regular school hours, raising questions about the impact on students and their formal education.

The association said coaching classes should not be conducted between school hours. It has instead suggested that such classes be permitted during evenings or holidays so that students are not required to miss their regular school education.

The issue extends beyond Bengaluru, with the association claiming that unregistered coaching centres are operating in several districts and taluks under different names. Tutorials, academies and study centres are among the formats being used to provide training to students.

These institutions cater to a wide range of learners, from students in Classes 1 to 12 to those preparing for competitive examinations such as CET, NEET and JEE. The association has alleged that some centres charge high fees while operating without the level of regulatory oversight expected for educational institutions.

One of the main demands is the compulsory registration of all coaching centres under the relevant provisions of the Karnataka Education Act. The association has referred specifically to Sections 2(39) and 35 while asking the government to establish a clear registration process and a fixed deadline for existing institutions to obtain approval.

It has also suggested that details of all registered coaching centres should be made available through a public portal. Such a system, according to the association, would allow parents and students to check whether an institution is officially registered before enrolling.

Student safety has emerged as another major concern. The association has asked the government to introduce compulsory checks of fire safety and building safety at coaching centre premises. It has also proposed limits on the number of students who can be accommodated in a single classroom.

The association believes that safety standards should form an essential part of the approval process rather than being treated as a separate issue after an institution begins operations.

Teacher qualifications have also been included in the list of proposed regulations. The association has called for minimum educational qualifications for teachers working at coaching centres, arguing that students should receive instruction from suitably qualified educators.

Fee collection is another area where the private schools association wants greater transparency. It has requested that coaching centres provide receipts for every payment made by students or parents. Clear rules have also been sought regarding refunds when students discontinue a course.

The association has further urged the government to monitor promotional claims made by coaching centres. It has specifically raised concerns about advertisements promising results such as a 100 percent success rate and called for action against misleading assurances.

The broader argument from the private schools association is that the government already imposes several regulations on private schools, while coaching centres providing educational services need stronger oversight as well.

The representation has therefore sought a comprehensive framework covering registration, safety standards, teacher eligibility, fee collection, refunds, classroom capacity and advertising practices.

Education reform subcommittee chairman and Minister U T Khader has reportedly assured the association that its demands will be examined. The committee is expected to consider the various concerns before deciding what regulatory measures may be appropriate.

For parents, mandatory registration could provide an easier way to distinguish between recognised coaching centres and institutions operating without approval. A public database could also make it simpler to verify basic information before making an enrolment decision.

The proposal, however, would require the government to determine how registration should work across different types of coaching institutions and what standards they would need to meet. The size and nature of coaching centres can vary considerably, from small tutorial classes to large competitive examination academies.

The next step will depend on the education reform subcommittee and the state governments response to the recommendations. If new regulations are introduced, coaching centres across Karnataka may face clearer requirements regarding how they operate and how they deal with students and parents.

For now, the private schools association has placed its demands before the government, with registration and student safety at the centre of its proposal. The response from the education reform subcommittee is expected to determine whether the state moves towards a more formal regulatory system for coaching centres.