The Karnataka government has introduced draft rules to regulate coaching centres across the state. These rules limit coaching sessions to five hours daily, prohibit enrolling students under 15 years old, and require mandatory registration for centres with over 20 students. Violations may lead to fines up to Rs 5 lakh, aiming to improve education quality and student welfare.
- Coaching limited to five hours per day, between 6 am and 9 pm
- No admission of students below 15 years of age
- Mandatory registration for centres with more than 20 students
- Penalties up to Rs 5 lakh for non-compliance
- Fee payment in instalments with refund policies
- Mandatory mental health counselling and safety measures
What are the daily coaching time limits?
The draft rules restrict coaching activities, including tests and doubt-clearing sessions, to a maximum of five hours per day. Centres can operate only between 6 am and 9 pm and must avoid scheduling classes during students' regular school or college hours. They must also consider school and college assessment schedules when planning coaching sessions.
Who can be enrolled in coaching centres?
Students below 15 years of age are not allowed to enroll in coaching centres under the new draft. Enrolment is permitted only after students complete their secondary school examinations. This is stricter than the Union education ministry's guidelines, which set the minimum age at 16.
What are the registration requirements for coaching centres?
Coaching centres with more than 20 students must register through Karnataka's Seva Sindhu portal. The registration fee is Rs 15,000 plus Rs 5,000 for each additional course offered. Each branch requires separate registration. Franchisors and franchisees share responsibility for compliance. Registrations are valid for three years, and district authorities must process applications within 45 days, with premises inspections within 21 days.
How are fees and refunds regulated?
Coaching centres cannot demand full course fees upfront. Fees must be collected in at least four equal instalments. Students who withdraw midway are entitled to a pro-rata refund within 10 days, which includes hostel and mess fees if applicable. Centres must clearly publish their fee structures, tutor qualifications, course details, refund policies, and student results on their websites and notice boards.
What mental health and safety measures are required?
The draft mandates mental health counselling systems and periodic awareness workshops for students and parents. Centres must provide counselling to students with declining academic performance and keep internal assessment results confidential. Emergency contact numbers for suicide prevention, women's helplines, and anti-ragging must be displayed. Grievance committees must address complaints within 15 days.
What are the staff qualifications and infrastructure norms?
Teachers and staff from government or aided institutions cannot work at coaching centres. Tutors must have at least a graduate degree and relevant experience. Individuals convicted of moral offences are barred from employment. Centres must provide at least one square metre of classroom space per student, separate toilets, adequate ventilation, drinking water, CCTV surveillance, and valid safety certificates. They must maintain disaster management plans and conduct emergency drills. Transport providers must verify drivers and attendants.
How will compliance be monitored?
Two monitoring committees, one for Bengaluru Urban and another for the rest of Karnataka, will oversee compliance, conduct inspections, and resolve complaints within 30 days. The appellate authority can impose fines up to Rs 5 lakh or cancel registrations after hearings. Existing centres must apply for registration within 90 days of the rules coming into force, with penalties for delays and possible sealing of unregistered centres after six months.
How can the public provide feedback on the draft rules?
Objections and suggestions on the draft Karnataka Tutorial Institutions (Registration and Regulation) Rules, 2026, can be submitted to the Secretary, Department of Higher Education, Bengaluru, within 15 days of the rules' publication in the Karnataka Gazette.
