In recent years, the booming business of coaching centres for IAS and other competitive exams has been scrutinised for its deplorable conditions and lack of regulation. Particularly, IAS Coaching Centres, which are sprawling the streets have turned into big brands. In the absence of proper guidelines and laws to operate them, no one can stop them from abusing students financially and mentally. The tragic incident in Delhi, where several students drowned in a flooded basement classroom, has brought this issue to the forefront, highlighting the urgent need for reform in this sector. A few years back, a lot of students in Kota died in a fire incident as their centre was located on a floor which had a narrow passage.

The Current Scenario

Coaching centres have become a lifeline for many aspirants aiming to crack competitive exams like the IAS, IIT-JEE, and NEET. However, the rapid proliferation of these centres has often come at the cost of student welfare. Many of these institutions operate in cramped, poorly ventilated, and unsafe buildings, prioritizing profit over the well-being of their students. The recent flooding incident in Delhi is a stark reminder of the hazardous conditions that students are subjected to.

The Need for Regulation

The coaching industry in India is a multi-billion-dollar sector, yet it remains largely unregulated. This lack of oversight has led to numerous issues, including:

1. Safety Hazards: Many coaching centres are housed in buildings that do not comply with basic safety standards. The absence of proper fire exits, emergency protocols, and structural integrity poses significant risks to students.
2. Exorbitant Fees: Despite the poor conditions, coaching centres charge exorbitant fees, making quality education inaccessible to many deserving candidates.
3. Misleading Advertisements: Some centres engage in deceptive marketing practices, falsely claiming high success rates and using the names of successful candidates without their consent.
4. Mental Health Concerns: The intense pressure and unhealthy environment in these centres can take a toll on students’ mental health, leading to stress, anxiety, and even depression.

Steps for Reform

To address these issues, a comprehensive regulatory framework is essential. Here are some necessary steps to reform the coaching sector:

1. Strict Licensing and Inspection: Coaching centres should be required to obtain licenses and undergo regular inspections to ensure compliance with safety and health standards. This will help prevent incidents like the recent flooding tragedy.
2. Transparent Fee Structures: There should be regulations to cap fees and ensure transparency in fee structures. Scholarships and financial aid should be made available to deserving students.
3. Accreditation and Quality Control: Establishing an accreditation system for coaching centres can help maintain educational standards and ensure that students receive quality instruction.
4. Mental Health Support: Coaching centres should provide mental health support and counseling services to help students cope with the pressures of competitive exams.
5. Ethical Advertising Practices: Regulations should be put in place to prevent misleading advertisements and ensure that coaching centres provide accurate information about their success rates and services.

Way forward

The tragic incident in Delhi is a wake-up call for reforming the coaching industry. By implementing strict regulations and prioritizing student welfare, we can create a safer and more supportive environment for aspirants. It is time for the government and educational authorities to take decisive action and ensure that the pursuit of academic excellence does not come at the cost of student safety and well-being.