MOE emphasises career guidance in guideline issued for the Regulation of Coaching Centres

In addition to the emphasis on academic excellence, the Ministry of Education has recognised the need to address students' mental well-being.

Written by Guest

January 20, 2024 10:04 IST

The guidelines specifically outline key aspects of career guidance and psychological counseling

By Ayush Bansal

The Ministry of Education’s Department of Higher Education in the Government of India has recently introduced the “Guidelines for Registration and Regulation of Coaching Center 2024.” This strategic initiative is a significant step toward establishing a robust framework for the registration and regulation of coaching centers, with the overarching goal of ensuring adherence to minimum standard requirements.

The issuance of these guidelines is driven by a crucial need to advance educational excellence. It sets the stage for a foundational framework that emphasizes ethical standards and quality control, aiming to create an environment where coaching centers prioritize transparency, fair practices, and, most importantly, the delivery of quality education. By prescribing minimum standard requirements, the guidelines focus on essential aspects such as infrastructure, faculty expertise, and effective teaching methodologies to cultivate a conducive learning environment.

In addition to the emphasis on academic excellence, the Ministry of Education has recognised the need to address students’ mental well-being. The guidelines highlight the importance of comprehensive career guidance and psychological counseling, underscoring a commitment to supporting students beyond their academic pursuits. This forward-thinking move reflects an understanding that coaching centers play a pivotal role in shaping students’ lives and preparing them for a diverse range of career paths.

The guidelines specifically outline key aspects of career guidance and psychological counseling. Coaching centers are encouraged to prioritize mental well-being by establishing intervention mechanisms for distressed students and developing accessible counseling systems. Trained counselors should be incorporated within coaching centers to address mental stress and depression effectively. Career counselors play a vital role in assessing students’ interests and capabilities, and guiding them and their parents toward informed career decisions.

To further support mental health, coaching centers are advised to conduct regular workshops and awareness weeks for parents, students, and teachers. Positive parenting sessions focus on students’ mental health, resilience, and overall well-being. Tutors are recommended to receive mental health training to communicate effectively with students, creating a supportive and nurturing learning environment.

The framework for Mental Health Promotion outlined in the guidelines emphasizes stakeholder involvement and interventions based on the severity of problems. Mental well-being is recommended to be integrated into the institutional curriculum for all community members, recognizing that a holistic approach to education extends beyond academic achievements.

Addressing psychosocial problems involves various stakeholders, including counselors, tutors, peer mentors, wardens, and citizens. The guidelines propose a tiered approach, with severe issues requiring professional management by counselors, institutional doctors, and other experts.

For students and parents, the new guidelines bring several key changes. Coaching centers must adhere to the recent guidelines, submitting registration applications to local authorities with specified forms, fees, and document requirements. Each branch is treated as a distinct entity, requiring separate registrations. Enrollment is limited to those aged 16 and above, post-secondary school examinations.

Tuition fees must be fair and accompanied by detailed receipts. A comprehensive prospectus should outline course details, duration, hostel amenities, and transparent refund policies. Classes must be separate from school hours, allowing for regular attendance. Timetables should incorporate student relaxation, with mandatory weekly offs. Maintaining a healthy teacher-student ratio in class sizes is deemed imperative.

The guidelines also establish a mechanism for addressing concerns. Complaints can be filed by students, parents, or tutors, with resolutions promised within thirty days. Violations may incur fines, with Rs. 25,000 for the first offense and Rs. 1 lakh for the second, potentially leading to registration cancellation for subsequent offenses.