The AP Coaching Institutions Rules 2026 GO 9 Dated 27.3.2026. Govt of Andhra Pradesh Higher Education Department has released the he Andhra Pradesh Coaching Institutions (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2026 vide GO Ms No 9 Dated 27.3.2026
Higher Education Department -Rules- The Andhra Pradesh Coaching Institutions (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2026- Notification – Orders – Issued.
HIGHER EDUCATION (MC) DEPARTMENT G.O.Ms.No.9 Dated:27-03-2026
Higher Education Department -Rules- The Andhra Pradesh Coaching Institutions (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2026- Notification – Orders – Issued.
HIGHER EDUCATION (MC) DEPARTMENT G.O.Ms.No.9 Dated:27-03-2026
Read the following:-
ORDER:
The Hon'ble Supreme Court of India, in the judgment of Sukdeb Saha Vs the State of Andhra Pradesh & Ors. (2025), has taken judicial notice of the alarming rise in student suicides, attributing this "systemic malaise" to a distorted educational framework where "joy of learning has been replaced by anxiety over rankings, results, and relentless performance metrics".
2. The Supreme Court has observed that students in such high-stakes environments are often isolated, lacking adequate emotional support, and caught in a "web that rewards conformity over curiosity, output over understanding, and endurance over well-being".
3. Article 21 of the Constitution of India guarantees the Right to Life, which includes the right to live with human dignity and mental well-being, necessitating the State to act as ‘parens patriae’ to protect vulnerable students from the psychological violence of excessive academic stress, misleading advertisements, and unsafe residential facilities.
4. In the said judgement, the Hon’ble Supreme Court has directed to all States and Union Territories that to notify Rules mandating registration, student protection norms, and grievance redressal mechanisms for all Private Coaching Centers. A District Level Monitoring Committee shall be constituted in each district under the Chairmanship of the District Magistrate or Collector. The Committee may include representatives from the departments of Education, Health, and Child Protection, Civil Society and shall oversee implementation, conduct inspections and receive complaints.
5. In view of the above, Government after careful examination of the matter have decided that it is necessary to provide for the comprehensive regulation, registration, and supervision of private coaching institutions in the State of Andhra Pradesh; to prescribe minimum standards of physical infrastructure, academic operations, and pastoral care; to safeguard the mental health and physical well- being of students, and to establish robust, accessible grievance redressal mechanisms.
6. Accordingly, the following notification will be published in the Andhra Pradesh Gazette, Dated: 27-03-2026.
(ii) A post-graduate diploma in Guidance and Counselling from a recognized university or institution.
(7) "Grievance Redressal Mechanism" means the integrated Three-tier statutory framework established for the resolution of complaints lodged by students, parents, tutors, or employees.
(8) "Harassment" includes any unwelcome conduct, whether physical, verbal, non-verbal, electronic, or systemic, that violates the dignity of a student, creates a hostile environment, or negatively impacts their mental well-being. This specifically includes:
(i) Sexual Harassment: Any act defined under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, extended to students;
(ii) Discriminatory Harassment: Ragging, bullying, intimidation, mockery, or exclusion based on caste, religion, region, language, disability, gender identity, or sexual orientation;
(iii) Academic Harassment: Undue academic pressure, public shaming or any form of oral or verbal abuse by the teaching faculty, or humiliation based on test scores or performance.
(iv) "Harassment Due to Non-Payment of Fees" shall be defined as any act, omission, conduct, or administrative practice by the Institution, its Management, Faculty, or Staff, which is motivated by the intent to recover financial dues from a student or their guardian, and which results in the physical, mental, or academic victimization of the student.
(9) Internal Complaints Committee (ICC): ICC is the designated authority for receiving, inquiring into, and redressing complaints of harassment at the coaching center.
(10) "Pro-rata Refund" means the refund of fees calculated in proportion to the unutilized period of the course.
(11) "Public Shaming" means the act of displaying, publishing, circulating, or announcing a student’s assessment results, marks, rank, or failure in a manner that is visible to other students, parents, or the general public, where such display is likely to cause humiliation, stigmatization, or psychological distress.
(12) "Student" means any individual enrolled in a Coaching Institution for the purpose of receiving instruction, tuition, academic support, or guidance in any branch of learning or competitive examination preparation.
(13) "Wellness Cell" means the institutional mechanism for mental health support as defined in Rule.
3. Non-Derogation:
5. Powers: The DLMC shall be the registering authority and shall have the following powers.
(1) Power to Receive Complaints:
(2) Students enrolled in regular Junior Colleges/Schools shall not be permitted to attend coaching classes during these hours.
(3) Prohibition on Parallel Coaching: No serving government teacher, headmaster, principal, or regular lecturer shall directly or indirectly establish, manage, or teach in any private coaching institution for profit.
(2) Access Control: Access to psychological records, including notes from the Wellness Cell and appointed Counsellors, shall be strictly restricted to the authorized Mental Health Professional and the Head of the Institution. No other teaching or non-teaching staff (tutors, wardens, clerks) shall have access to these records without the explicit, written consent of the student and their guardian.
(3) Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA): It shall be mandatory for all employees of the Coaching Institution to sign a Code of Conduct that includes a Non-Disclosure Agreement regarding student information. Any breach of confidentiality by a staff member regarding a student's mental health status or academic struggles shall constitute "Grave Misconduct" liable for immediate disciplinary action.
Higher Education Department -Rules- The Andhra Pradesh Coaching Institutions (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2026- Notification – Orders – Issued.
HIGHER EDUCATION (MC) DEPARTMENT G.O.Ms.No.9 Dated:27-03-2026
In a significant step toward safeguarding student welfare, the Government of Andhra Pradesh has introduced The Andhra Pradesh Coaching Institutions (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2026. These rules come in response to growing concerns over student stress, mental health issues, and unethical practices in coaching institutes.
The move follows the landmark Supreme Court judgment in Sukdeb Saha v. State of Andhra Pradesh, which highlighted the alarming rise in student suicides due to academic pressure and lack of emotional support.
The move follows the landmark Supreme Court judgment in Sukdeb Saha v. State of Andhra Pradesh, which highlighted the alarming rise in student suicides due to academic pressure and lack of emotional support.
📢 AP Coaching Rules 2026
- 📘 కోచింగ్ సెంటర్లకు కొత్త నియమాలు అమల్లోకి
- 🏫 50+ విద్యార్థులు ఉంటే రిజిస్ట్రేషన్ తప్పనిసరి
- ⏰ రోజుకు 5 గంటలకే క్లాసులు పరిమితం
- 🚫 స్కూల్ టైమ్లో కోచింగ్ నిషేధం
- 🧠 ప్రతి సంస్థలో కౌన్సిలింగ్ & వెల్నెస్ సెల్ తప్పనిసరి
- 📊 ర్యాంకులు/మార్కులు పబ్లిక్గా చూపడం నిషేధం
- 💰 కోర్సు మధ్యలో వదిలితే ఫీజు రిఫండ్ తప్పనిసరి
- 🛑 నిబంధనలు ఉల్లంఘిస్తే జరిమానాలు & రద్దు
The Andhra Pradesh Coaching Institutions Rules 2026 GO 9 Dated 27.3.2026 Summary
🏢 Mandatory Registration of Coaching Institutes
All coaching centres with 50 or more students must:
- Register with the District Level Monitoring Committee (DLMC)
- Apply within 3 months (for existing institutes)
- Renew registration every 3 years
⚠️ Failure to register will result in:
- Immediate closure
- Legal penalties
🧑⚖️ District Level Monitoring Committee (DLMC)
A powerful regulatory body at the district level, the DLMC includes:
- District Collector (Chairperson)
- Police, Education & Health officials
- NGO representatives & legal experts
🏫 Infrastructure & Safety Norms
To ensure safe learning environments, institutions must provide:
📌 Basic Requirements:
- Valid building approvals & fire safety NOCs
- Minimum 1 sq. meter per student
- Adequate ventilation, lighting, sanitation
🛑 Mandatory Safety Measures:
- Anti-suicide ceiling fans
- CCTV surveillance (excluding private areas)
- Restricted terrace access
- 24/7 wardens & security
🛏️ Hostel Standards:
- Defined space per student
- Clean drinking water & hygienic food
- Medical tie-ups with hospitals
🧠 Focus on Mental Health & Student Welfare
One of the most important highlights is mental health protection.
💙 Wellness Cell (Mandatory):
Every institute must establish a Wellness Cell to:
- Conduct mental health screening within 30 days
- Provide access to trained counsellors
- Organize de-stress workshops
- Run peer mentorship programs
👩🏫 Faculty Training:
Teachers must be trained to:
- Identify signs of stress, anxiety, depression
- Communicate empathetically
⏰ Academic Regulations
To reduce academic pressure:
- Coaching limited to 5 hours per day
- Sunday holiday mandatory
- No classes during regular school hours
- Ban on “dummy schools”
🚫 Strict Prohibition:
- Public display of ranks/marks (no shaming)
- Government teachers running coaching centres
🔐 Student Data Privacy & Confidentiality
- Personal and psychological data must be strictly confidential
- Mental health records accessible only to authorized professionals
- Institutions must sign Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDA)
💰 Fee Transparency & Refund Policy
✅ Key Consumer Protections:
- Fee structure must be clearly displayed
- Pro-rata refund within 10 days if a student withdraws
- “Non-refundable fees” clause is invalid
- Institutions cannot withhold certificates
The Andhra Pradesh Coaching Institutions Rules 2026 GO Complete
The AP Coaching Institutions Rules 2026 GO 9 Dated 27.3.2026Higher Education Department -Rules- The Andhra Pradesh Coaching Institutions (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2026- Notification – Orders – Issued.
HIGHER EDUCATION (MC) DEPARTMENT G.O.Ms.No.9 Dated:27-03-2026
Read the following:-
- 1. Lr. No.22/NTF/SNO/CCE/2025 of Commissioner, Higher Education, dated:27.02.2026.
- 2. G.O.Rt.No.96, Higher Education (MC) Department, dt:23.06.2025.
- 3. Judgement of Hon’ble Supreme Court in Sukdeb Saha v. The State of Andhra Pradesh & Ors. (Criminal appeal arising out of SLP (Crl.) No.6378 of 2024), dt:25.07.2025.
- 4. G.O.Rt.No.209, Higher Education (MC) Department, dt:14.10.2025.
- 5. Govt., Memo No.3163843/MC/2026 of Higher Education (MC) Department, dt:17.03.2026.
- 6. Lr. No. 23/NTF/SNO/CCE/2025, Dated:17.03.2026, Commissioner, Higher Education, dated:17.03.2026.
ORDER:
The Hon'ble Supreme Court of India, in the judgment of Sukdeb Saha Vs the State of Andhra Pradesh & Ors. (2025), has taken judicial notice of the alarming rise in student suicides, attributing this "systemic malaise" to a distorted educational framework where "joy of learning has been replaced by anxiety over rankings, results, and relentless performance metrics".
2. The Supreme Court has observed that students in such high-stakes environments are often isolated, lacking adequate emotional support, and caught in a "web that rewards conformity over curiosity, output over understanding, and endurance over well-being".
3. Article 21 of the Constitution of India guarantees the Right to Life, which includes the right to live with human dignity and mental well-being, necessitating the State to act as ‘parens patriae’ to protect vulnerable students from the psychological violence of excessive academic stress, misleading advertisements, and unsafe residential facilities.
4. In the said judgement, the Hon’ble Supreme Court has directed to all States and Union Territories that to notify Rules mandating registration, student protection norms, and grievance redressal mechanisms for all Private Coaching Centers. A District Level Monitoring Committee shall be constituted in each district under the Chairmanship of the District Magistrate or Collector. The Committee may include representatives from the departments of Education, Health, and Child Protection, Civil Society and shall oversee implementation, conduct inspections and receive complaints.
5. In view of the above, Government after careful examination of the matter have decided that it is necessary to provide for the comprehensive regulation, registration, and supervision of private coaching institutions in the State of Andhra Pradesh; to prescribe minimum standards of physical infrastructure, academic operations, and pastoral care; to safeguard the mental health and physical well- being of students, and to establish robust, accessible grievance redressal mechanisms.
6. Accordingly, the following notification will be published in the Andhra Pradesh Gazette, Dated: 27-03-2026.
NOTIFICATION
In exercise of the powers conferred by section 99, read with section 32 of the Andhra Pradesh Education Act, 1982, and in strict compliance with the directions of the Hon'ble Supreme Court in Sukdeb Saha vs The State of Andhra Pradesh, the Government of Andhra Pradesh hereby makes the following Rules: CHAPTER - I PRELIMINARY
1. Short title, extent and commencement- (1) These rules may be called “The Andhra Pradesh Coaching Institutions (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2026”.
- (2) They shall extend to the whole of the State of Andhra Pradesh.
- (3) These rules shall be deemed to have come into force with effect from the date of their publication in the official gazette.
- (1) "Act" means the Andhra Pradesh Education Act, 1982.
- (2) "Anonymized Data" means data from which all personally identifiable information (PII)—including name, parent’s name, address, contact number, photographs, and biometric data—has been removed or encrypted such that the individual student cannot be identified.
- (3) "Coaching Institution" means any premise where tuition or guidance is provided to fifty or more students for competitive examinations or academic support read with section 2(47) of the said Act.
- (4) "Competent Authority" means the District Level Monitoring Committee (DLMC).
- (5) "Confidential Information" means all non-public information regarding a student, including but not limited to academic performance records, assessment results, answer scripts, psychological or mental health records, counseling session notes, medical history, disability status, caste or socio-economic background, and details of any grievances filed.
- (6) "Counselor" means a mental health professional appointed or engaged by a Coaching Institution who possesses, at minimum:
(ii) A post-graduate diploma in Guidance and Counselling from a recognized university or institution.
(7) "Grievance Redressal Mechanism" means the integrated Three-tier statutory framework established for the resolution of complaints lodged by students, parents, tutors, or employees.
(8) "Harassment" includes any unwelcome conduct, whether physical, verbal, non-verbal, electronic, or systemic, that violates the dignity of a student, creates a hostile environment, or negatively impacts their mental well-being. This specifically includes:
(i) Sexual Harassment: Any act defined under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, extended to students;
(ii) Discriminatory Harassment: Ragging, bullying, intimidation, mockery, or exclusion based on caste, religion, region, language, disability, gender identity, or sexual orientation;
(iii) Academic Harassment: Undue academic pressure, public shaming or any form of oral or verbal abuse by the teaching faculty, or humiliation based on test scores or performance.
(iv) "Harassment Due to Non-Payment of Fees" shall be defined as any act, omission, conduct, or administrative practice by the Institution, its Management, Faculty, or Staff, which is motivated by the intent to recover financial dues from a student or their guardian, and which results in the physical, mental, or academic victimization of the student.
(9) Internal Complaints Committee (ICC): ICC is the designated authority for receiving, inquiring into, and redressing complaints of harassment at the coaching center.
(10) "Pro-rata Refund" means the refund of fees calculated in proportion to the unutilized period of the course.
(11) "Public Shaming" means the act of displaying, publishing, circulating, or announcing a student’s assessment results, marks, rank, or failure in a manner that is visible to other students, parents, or the general public, where such display is likely to cause humiliation, stigmatization, or psychological distress.
(12) "Student" means any individual enrolled in a Coaching Institution for the purpose of receiving instruction, tuition, academic support, or guidance in any branch of learning or competitive examination preparation.
(13) "Wellness Cell" means the institutional mechanism for mental health support as defined in Rule.
3. Non-Derogation:
The provisions of these rules shall be read in conjunction with, and not in derogation of, the provisions of the Andhra Pradesh Education Act, 1982. In the event of any conflict or inconsistency between the provisions of these rules and the Andhra Pradesh Education Act, 1982, and where the directions and guidelines of the Hon’ble Supreme Court in SLP Crl. No.6378 of 2024 are not covered, the provisions of the parent Act shall prevail.
CHAPTER II REGISTRATION AND MONITORING
- District Level Monitoring Committee (DLMC)
- A DLMC shall be constituted in every district.
- Composition:
| Sl. No. |
COMPOSITION OF THE COMMITTEE/ REPRESENTATION | ROLE |
| 1 | District Collector | Chairperson |
| 2 | Superintendent of Police | Member |
| 3 | District Education Officer | Member |
| 4 | District Intermediate Education Officer | Member |
| 5 | Principal of HEI (or) GDC | Member |
| 6 | District Medical and Health officer | Member |
| 7 | Project Director, ICDS | Member |
| 8 | PD, DRDA (or) MEPMA | Member |
| 9 | One Advocate (Nominated by District Collector) | Member |
| 10 | One NGO actively working in mental health (or) education (Nominated by District Collector) | Member |
5. Powers: The DLMC shall be the registering authority and shall have the following powers.
(1) Power to Receive Complaints:
- (a) The DLMC shall act as the primary external repository for grievances, providing a safe harbour for complainants who fear institutional retaliation.
- (b) Direct Access Portals: The DLMC must maintain a dedicated digital portal and a physical Dropbox at the District Collectorate. This allows students and parents to bypass the coaching institution’s internal channels if they lack faith in the ICC.
(2) Power to Scrutinize and Inquire: The DLMC requires investigative teeth to validate complaints and audit compliance.
(a) Suo Moto Inquiry: The Committee shall have the power to initiate inquiries suo moto (on its own motion) based on media reports, police FIRs, or statistical anomalies in the Annual Compliance Reports (e.g., a sudden spike in student exits).
(b) Inquiry Powers:
(2) Eligibility of the Proprietor:
(a) The Proprietor (defined as the owner, including partners in a firm, directors in a company, or trustees in a trust) must be a citizen of India and of sound mind.
(a) Suo Moto Inquiry: The Committee shall have the power to initiate inquiries suo moto (on its own motion) based on media reports, police FIRs, or statistical anomalies in the Annual Compliance Reports (e.g., a sudden spike in student exits).
(b) Inquiry Powers:
- (i) Discovery and Inspection: Require the mandatory discovery and production of institutional documents, including but not limited to financial records, fee receipts, attendance registers, internal emails, and CCTV footage.
- (ii) Summoning: Summon and enforce the attendance of any person—including the proprietor, academic directors, wardens, or specific tutors—and examine them on oath.
- (iii) Evidence: Receive evidence on affidavits and requisition any public record relevant to the safety and welfare of the students.
- (a) Material Evidence: Academic schedules, fee receipts, counsellor logs (anonymized), concerned Mobile Data and crucially CCTV data which institutions often delete.
- (b) Personnel: The proprietor, academic director, wardens, or specific tutors accused of misconduct.
- (c) Third Parties: Wardens of associated hostels (even if third- party) where students reside, as per Guideline XIII of Sukdeb Saha.
6. Eligibility Criteria for Registration of Coaching Institutions and Proprietors:
(1) Institutional Eligibility Threshold: These Rules shall apply to any "Coaching Institution" established, run, or administered by any person or body of persons, which provides tuition, instruction, or guidance in any branch of learning to fifty or more students, for any study programme, competitive examination, or academic support. Institutions providing instruction in sports, dance, music, theatre, arts, and creative activities also come under this definition considered "Coaching Institutions" for the purpose of these Rules.(2) Eligibility of the Proprietor:
(a) The Proprietor (defined as the owner, including partners in a firm, directors in a company, or trustees in a trust) must be a citizen of India and of sound mind.
(b) Disqualification for Moral Turpitude: No person shall be eligible to register or continue to operate a Coaching Institution if they, or any member of the Governing Body/Management:
(i) Has been convicted by a court of competent jurisdiction for any offence involving moral turpitude;
(ii) Has been convicted of any offence under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, or the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985; the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.
(iii) Has been previously the proprietor of a coaching institution whose registration was cancelled for severe violations of student safety norms within the last five years.
(3) Academic and Human Resource Eligibility: The Institution must maintain a student-teacher ratio prescribed by the relevant accrediting or recognising bodies.
(4) Infrastructure Eligibility:
(a) The Institution must possess
(i) Has been convicted by a court of competent jurisdiction for any offence involving moral turpitude;
(ii) Has been convicted of any offence under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, or the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985; the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.
(iii) Has been previously the proprietor of a coaching institution whose registration was cancelled for severe violations of student safety norms within the last five years.
(3) Academic and Human Resource Eligibility: The Institution must maintain a student-teacher ratio prescribed by the relevant accrediting or recognising bodies.
(4) Infrastructure Eligibility:
(a) The Institution must possess
- I. valid legal possession of the premises (ownership or lease of minimum 3 years)
- II. The premises should have valid certifications, building certifications, No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) from the AP Disaster Response and Fire Services Department, and also conform to all other rules and regulations prescribed by government and local bodies as applicable from time to time.
- (b) The premises must provide a minimum carpet area of one (1) square meter per student per class/batch to prevent overcrowding, which is a key contributor to student anxiety and claustrophobia.
- (c) The Institution must not be located within a temporary structure or a building that has not been granted an Occupancy Certificate by the relevant authorities.
- (d) Hostel requirements: Coaching Institutions providing accommodation or recommending specific private hostels ("Linked Hostels") shall be vicariously liable for safety lapses in such hostels.
- (a) Installation of anti-suicide spring-loaded ceiling fans in all rooms.
- (b) Restriction of access to terraces and balconies.
- (c) Installation of CCTV cameras in common areas (excluding washrooms/living rooms).
- (d) Locking/barricading of access to terraces and rooftops
- (e) 24/7 deployment of wardens and security guards.
- (6) Space requirements:
- (a) In case of Dormitories: 1000 Sq.ft for 25 students
- (b) In case of rooms – at least 40 sq. ft. area for each student shall be provisioned.
- (a) Toilets: 1 toilet for every 7 students.
- (b) Bathrooms: 1 bathroom for every 10 students
- (c) The hostel building, including dormitories and living rooms, shall have adequate lighting, heating and cooling arrangements, and cross-ventilation to ensure a safe and healthy environment.
- (8) Supervision: Wardens and Supervisors shall be present in appropriate numbers for the students in the hostel.
- (9) Health & Hygiene: Provision of certified RO drinking water, periodic pest control, and adherence to food safety and hygiene guidelines in the kitchen and dining areas.
- (10) Medical Emergency: Formal tie-up with a nearby multi-specialty hospital for immediate medical assistance.
- (11) Gender Specificity: Male wardens for boys' hostels and female wardens for girls' hostels. Security guards must also align with gender norms where appropriate.
7. Registration Procedure.
- (1) No person shall run a Coaching Institution without a valid Registration Certificate.
- (2) Registration Timeframe for Existing Centers: To bring the sector under the legal fold immediately:
- (a) The Three-Month Window: All existing coaching institutions in Andhra Pradesh must apply for registration within three months from the date of notification.
- (b) Consequences of Non-Compliance: Institutions failing to apply within this window should be deemed illegal entities, liable for immediate closure and penalties.
- (3) Applications must be submitted online via the State Education Portal with a self-declaration of compliance regarding the infrastructural eligibility mentioned above.
- (4) Registration shall be valid for three years. Renewal must be applied for 60 days before expiry.
- (5) Location Specificity: The Certificate of Registration granted to a Coaching Institution is valid only for the premises indicated in the application. A Coaching Institution shall be conducted strictly at the place/premises specified in the certificate.
- (1) The academic qualification of every tutor/faculty member.
- (2) The carpet area (in sq. meters) per student in classrooms and hostels.
- (3) The actual success rate (number of students enrolled vs. number selected) for the past 3 years to prevent misleading claims.
- (4) The fee structure and refund policy.
CHAPTER III ACADEMIC AND OPERATIONAL STANDARDS
9. Prohibition of "Dummy Schools"-
(1) To ensure students attend regular schooling, no Coaching Institution shall conduct classes during the standard school/College hours that have been prescribed by affiliating or recognising authorities (School Education, Intermediate Education, etc).(2) Students enrolled in regular Junior Colleges/Schools shall not be permitted to attend coaching classes during these hours.
(3) Prohibition on Parallel Coaching: No serving government teacher, headmaster, principal, or regular lecturer shall directly or indirectly establish, manage, or teach in any private coaching institution for profit.
10. Study Hours and Leave-
- (1) Coaching hours shall not exceed 5 hours per day.
- (2) A mandatory weekly off (Sunday) must be granted to all students.
- (3) All General holidays notified by the Government of Andhra Pradesh shall be strictly observed as holidays by the Coaching Institutions
- (4) Care shall be taken to give appropriate gap between the weekly off and the tests or assessments to be conducted.
11. Confidentiality of Assessment Results-
- (1) To prevent public shaming and peer pressure, no Coaching Institution shall display the marks, ranks, or names of students on public notice boards or websites.
- (2) Assessment results must be communicated privately to the student and their parents only.
- (3) All efforts shall be made by the coaching institutions not to discriminate against the poor performing students. Further, more attention should be paid towards the poor performing students so that they excel on par with others.
12. Confidentiality of Personal and Psychological Records-
(1) Segregation of Records: Every Coaching Institution shall maintain a separate, secure, and confidential record system for the mental health and psychological counselling of students. These records shall be distinct and physically/digitally separated from the general academic and administrative records.(2) Access Control: Access to psychological records, including notes from the Wellness Cell and appointed Counsellors, shall be strictly restricted to the authorized Mental Health Professional and the Head of the Institution. No other teaching or non-teaching staff (tutors, wardens, clerks) shall have access to these records without the explicit, written consent of the student and their guardian.
(3) Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA): It shall be mandatory for all employees of the Coaching Institution to sign a Code of Conduct that includes a Non-Disclosure Agreement regarding student information. Any breach of confidentiality by a staff member regarding a student's mental health status or academic struggles shall constitute "Grave Misconduct" liable for immediate disciplinary action.
13. Mandatory Anonymized Reporting to DLMC-
- (1) Reporting Mandate: Every Coaching Institution shall prepare a "Monthly Wellness Report" and an "Annual Mental Health Audit Report."
- (2) Submission to Authority: These reports shall be submitted to the District Level Monitoring Committee (DLMC) constituted under the Act in a portal specified for this purpose.
- (3) Content of Report: The reports must contain:
(b) The number of students referred to external psychiatrists or hospitals.
(c) The nature of common stressors identified (e.g., academic pressure, homesickness).
(d) Details of sensitization workshops conducted for staff and parents.
(4) Requirement of Anonymity: Crucially, all data submitted in these reports must be anonymized. The institution shall ensure that no individual student can be identified from the report submitted to the DLMC, except in cases where immediate intervention of the District Administration is required to prevent self-harm or suicide.
(1) Every Coaching Institution will establish a "Wellness Cell" by:
(2) Mandatory Registers:
(1) The Competent Authority (DLMC) or any officer authorized by it may inspect the Coaching Institution at any time.
(2) Notice of Defect: If the Competent Authority finds that the Coaching Institution is deficient in:
(a) Infrastructure norms (space, ventilation, toilets);
(b) Safety measures (fire safety, spring-loaded fans); or
(c) Mental health framework (absence of counselors), it shall serve a Notice of Defect to the proprietor, specifying the irregularities.
(3) Rectification Period: Upon receiving the notice, the proprietor shall rectify the defects within a period fixed by the Authority (not exceeding 15 days) and submit a compliance report.
(4) Failure to Rectify: If the defects are not rectified within the stipulated time, the Competent Authority shall proceed to take action accordingly.
(5) Criminal Referral: The DLMC shall have the power to refer cases to the police for criminal investigation if the violation amounts to a cognizable offense (e.g., abetment to suicide under BNS, sexual harassment under POCSO/ BNS/ the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.)
19. Appeal- Any person aggrieved by an order of the DLMC may file an appeal before the State Appellate Authority (Commissioner Concerned, i.e., Commissioners of School (or) Intermediate (or) Higher education (or) any authority notified by the government from time to time) within 30 days. The decision of the Appellate Authority shall be final.
20. Grievance Redressal Mechanism-
(c) The nature of common stressors identified (e.g., academic pressure, homesickness).
(d) Details of sensitization workshops conducted for staff and parents.
(4) Requirement of Anonymity: Crucially, all data submitted in these reports must be anonymized. The institution shall ensure that no individual student can be identified from the report submitted to the DLMC, except in cases where immediate intervention of the District Administration is required to prevent self-harm or suicide.
CHAPTER IV MENTAL HEALTH AND STUDENT WELFARE
14. Constitution of Wellness Cells-(1) Every Coaching Institution will establish a "Wellness Cell" by:
- (a) Engaging in a formal MoU with a local hospital / psychologist for regular visits by qualified personnel.
- (b) Coaching Institutions shall ensure that all tutors and faculty members undergo mandatory counselling and capacity-building training on pedagogical empathy and respectful communication with the students.
- (c) All faculty must be trained to recognize early signs of mental distress, anxiety, or depression in students and act appropriately
- (d) Two faculty mentors shall be trained in basic psychological first aid.
- (a) Conduct mandatory mental health screening of every student within 30 days of admission.
- (b) Facilitate "Peer Mentorship" programs where senior students support juniors.
- (c) Administer online or offline psychometric tests or assessments and such other best practices as prescribed by the Government from time to time.
- (d) Organize monthly "De-stress Workshops" involving parents.
15. Maintenance of Records and Registers –
(1) General Requirement: Every Proprietor of a registered Coaching Institution shall maintain the following records in physical or secure digital format, which shall be updated daily and produced immediately upon demand by the Competent Authority or District Committee.(2) Mandatory Registers:
- (a) Student Enrolment Register: Containing the full name, age, permanent address, local address (hostel/PG details), and emergency contact numbers of parents/guardians.
- (b) Staff Register: Details of all tutors and non-teaching staff, including their academic qualifications, background check clearance (moral turpitude undertaking), and date of appointment.
- (c) Refund Register: A separate log must be maintained for refund requests received and the date of settlement.
- (d) Complaint/Grievance Register: A log of all complaints received (via box, email, or person), documenting the nature of the complaint, the date of receipt, the action taken by the Internal Complaints Committee, and the date of disposal.
- (3) Audited Accounts: For the purpose of renewal of registration, the Institution shall maintain proper accounts of income and expenditure, which must be audited annually by a Chartered Accountant.
CHAPTER V FEES AND CONSUMER PROTECTION
16. Fee Transparency and Refund –- (1) The fee structure for tuition and hostel must be declared in the prospectus and website.
- (2) Exit Policy: If a student withdraws from the course midway, the institution shall refund the remaining fee on a pro-rata basis within 10 days of the request.
- (3) Any stipulation in the application form stating "Fees are non-refundable" shall be void.
- (4) Withholding original academic certificates to enforce fee collection is strictly prohibited.
CHAPTER VI PENALTIES AND APPEAL
17. Power to Inspect and Rectify Defects-(1) The Competent Authority (DLMC) or any officer authorized by it may inspect the Coaching Institution at any time.
(2) Notice of Defect: If the Competent Authority finds that the Coaching Institution is deficient in:
(a) Infrastructure norms (space, ventilation, toilets);
(b) Safety measures (fire safety, spring-loaded fans); or
(c) Mental health framework (absence of counselors), it shall serve a Notice of Defect to the proprietor, specifying the irregularities.
(3) Rectification Period: Upon receiving the notice, the proprietor shall rectify the defects within a period fixed by the Authority (not exceeding 15 days) and submit a compliance report.
(4) Failure to Rectify: If the defects are not rectified within the stipulated time, the Competent Authority shall proceed to take action accordingly.
(5) Criminal Referral: The DLMC shall have the power to refer cases to the police for criminal investigation if the violation amounts to a cognizable offense (e.g., abetment to suicide under BNS, sexual harassment under POCSO/ BNS/ the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.)
18. Penalties –
(1) The Competent Authority may impose the following penalties for violation of these Rules:- (a) First time violation: Fine up to ₹50,000.
- (b) Second time violation: Fine up to ₹1,00,000.
- (c) Subsequent violation : Cancellation of Registration.
19. Appeal- Any person aggrieved by an order of the DLMC may file an appeal before the State Appellate Authority (Commissioner Concerned, i.e., Commissioners of School (or) Intermediate (or) Higher education (or) any authority notified by the government from time to time) within 30 days. The decision of the Appellate Authority shall be final.
20. Grievance Redressal Mechanism-
(1) Tier I: Institutional Level - Internal Complaints Committee (ICC):
(a) Every Coaching Institution shall constitute an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) to address grievances related to academic concerns, fee refunds, harassment, bullying, and mental stress.
(b) Composition of ICC:
(i) Presiding Officer: A senior female faculty member employed at the center.
(ii) Staff Members: Two members representing the teaching and non-teaching staff.
(iii)External Member: One member from a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) or an association committed to the cause of women/child welfare, to ensure neutrality.
(c) Procedure: The ICC shall inquire into complaints in a time- bound, confidential, and victim-sensitive manner. It shall strictly enforce a policy of zero tolerance for retaliation against the complainant.
(d) Accessibility: The names, contact numbers, and email addresses of the ICC members must be prominently displayed in classrooms, common areas, and on the institution's website.
(2) Tier II: District Level – District Level Monitoring Committee:
(a) District level Monitoring committee as referred to in Rule 4 above shall function to redress grievances raised at the district level.
(b) Functions: The Committee shall oversee the implementation of these rules, conduct random inspections, and adjudicate complaints that are not resolved by the ICC or where the ICC's decision is challenged.
(c) Filing and Disposal of Complaints:
(i) Any student, parent, tutor, or employee aggrieved by the actions of a Coaching Institution may file a complaint in writing or via the designated digital portal to the Competent Authority or the District Committee.
(ii) Disposal Timeline: The Competent Authority/District Committee shall dispose of the complaint within 15 (Fifteen) days from the date of its receipt, after affording a reasonable opportunity of hearing to all parties concerned.
(3) Tier III: Appellate Authority: Any person aggrieved by an order passed by the District Committee (such as cancellation of registration or imposition of penalty) may file an appeal to the State Appellate Authority (Director of School Education / Higher Education/ Or any authority notified by the government from time to time) within 30 days of the order. The decision of the Appellate Authority shall be final.
(a) Every Coaching Institution shall constitute an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) to address grievances related to academic concerns, fee refunds, harassment, bullying, and mental stress.
(b) Composition of ICC:
(i) Presiding Officer: A senior female faculty member employed at the center.
(ii) Staff Members: Two members representing the teaching and non-teaching staff.
(iii)External Member: One member from a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) or an association committed to the cause of women/child welfare, to ensure neutrality.
(c) Procedure: The ICC shall inquire into complaints in a time- bound, confidential, and victim-sensitive manner. It shall strictly enforce a policy of zero tolerance for retaliation against the complainant.
(d) Accessibility: The names, contact numbers, and email addresses of the ICC members must be prominently displayed in classrooms, common areas, and on the institution's website.
(2) Tier II: District Level – District Level Monitoring Committee:
(a) District level Monitoring committee as referred to in Rule 4 above shall function to redress grievances raised at the district level.
(b) Functions: The Committee shall oversee the implementation of these rules, conduct random inspections, and adjudicate complaints that are not resolved by the ICC or where the ICC's decision is challenged.
(c) Filing and Disposal of Complaints:
(i) Any student, parent, tutor, or employee aggrieved by the actions of a Coaching Institution may file a complaint in writing or via the designated digital portal to the Competent Authority or the District Committee.
(ii) Disposal Timeline: The Competent Authority/District Committee shall dispose of the complaint within 15 (Fifteen) days from the date of its receipt, after affording a reasonable opportunity of hearing to all parties concerned.
(3) Tier III: Appellate Authority: Any person aggrieved by an order passed by the District Committee (such as cancellation of registration or imposition of penalty) may file an appeal to the State Appellate Authority (Director of School Education / Higher Education/ Or any authority notified by the government from time to time) within 30 days of the order. The decision of the Appellate Authority shall be final.
