In a bid to alleviate the stress burden on students and foster a more balanced educational environment, Rajasthan's state higher education department has issued new regulations for coaching institutes. These guidelines, set by the central government on February 28, 2024, aim to restructure the functioning of coaching centers across the state.

According to the directives, coaching institutes in Rajasthan are now prohibited from enrolling students below 16 years of age or those who have not completed Class 10. Moreover, coaching classes will only be allowed to operate during the afternoon, ensuring they do not clash with regular school hours.

District collectors have been tasked with overseeing the implementation of these guidelines, with feedback mechanisms in place to refine the process for the upcoming academic session. While the impact will be felt across the state, coaching hubs like Kota, Sikar and Jaipur are expected to be particularly affected. 

Key provisions of the guidelines include limiting coaching class durations to a maximum of five hours per batch and ensuring that classes do not coincide with regular school timings. This move aims to promote a healthier balance between academic pursuits and extracurricular activities.

Additionally, the regulations target marketing practices of coaching institutes, forbidding the display of toppers pictures on billboards and mandating one compulsory holiday per week. Furthermore, results of internal assessments are prohibited from being shared publicly on platforms like WhatsApp groups.

Kota, known for its concentration of coaching institutes, will undergo significant changes. Estimates reveal that approximately 20% of students enrolled in Kota's coaching centers are below 16 years of age. Among the two lakh students preparing for exams like NEET and JEE, around 40,000 fall under this age bracket.

The implications of these guidelines extend beyond the educational sector, sparking discussions among various stakeholders in Kota, including coaching owners, teachers, students, hostel operators, caterers, transporters, stationers, real estate agents, and lifestyle service providers. 

Source: The Times Of India