Rajasthan introduces bill to regulate coaching centers amid student suicides
What's the story
The Rajasthan government has brought in a new bill to regulate coaching centers in the state. The Rajasthan Coaching Centres (Control and Regulation) Bill-2025 attempts to tackle the issue of student suicides, especially in Kota, the biggest coaching hub. The law mandates all coaching centers to register with authorities before starting operations. To monitor the implementation of these rules, a Rajasthan Coaching Centres Control and Regulation Authority will be constituted.
Objectives
Bill aims to curb commercialization of coaching institutes
The bill seeks to check the commercialization of coaching institutes and ensure a conducive atmosphere for students. It bans misleading ads and assurance of high ranks/scores to lure students. Coaching centers will also have to raise students' and parents' awareness of the perils of overambition and educate them about other career options in a bid to lower stress levels.
Student welfare
Bill limits coaching hours and mandates weekly breaks
To avoid burnout among students, the bill restricts coaching hours to a maximum of five in a day and makes compulsory provision of a weekly day off for students and tutors. It also makes it mandatory for coaching centers to adopt a code of conduct in order to provide a healthy learning atmosphere. The bill further prescribes that tuition fees be fair and reasonable.
Fee structure
Coaching centers must refund fees for early withdrawals
If a student withdraws from a course midway, the coaching center has to refund fees for the remaining period on a pro-rata basis within 10 days. Hostel and mess fees have to be refunded similarly. Centers are also prohibited from collecting the total fee in advance and have to offer parents the option of paying in at least four equal installments over the course duration.
Enforcement
Penalties for non-compliance with new regulations
Coaching centers violating registration rules will be fined ₹2L for the first time, ₹5L for the second, and risk cancellation of registration thereafter. The bill has toned down some provisions from earlier drafts, including the proposed minimum enrollment age of 16 years, and making aptitude tests optional. It is seen as a compromise to Rajasthan's ₹7,000 crore coaching industry, especially in Kota, and expanding to Jaipur and Sikar.
Mental health
Bill includes provisions for mental health support
The draft bill proposes a 14-member state-level authority to regulate coaching centers, with powers similar to a civil court. It also seeks financial protection for students: coaching institutes, hostels, and caterers will have to refund students if they leave mid-term. All coaching centers will have to appoint mental health counselors and psychologists. Even teachers will be trained in mental resilience to deal with high-pressure situations.