The proliferation of coaching centers for competitive exams across India has become a significant issue.

With around 68,000 centers operating nationwide, the sector has witnessed rapid growth, accompanied by numerous malpractices and regulatory lapses.

The central government is now planning to regulate and control these centers.

Recent Incidents Highlight Issues:
The tragic flood at Rao IAS Coaching Center in Delhi, which resulted in the deaths of three trainees, has sparked nationwide discussion. This incident, among others, has highlighted the urgent need for oversight. Violations of rules, exorbitant fees, and inadequate facilities are rampant in many coaching centers.

Government's Role and Laxity:
Despite the growing concerns, government administrations have been lax in their oversight. There is a significant lack of control measures, with many centers operating without proper permissions. The Federation of Coaching Centres estimates that there are 48,000 registered centers, but many more operate unofficially. The sector's annual market revenue stands at Rs 70,000 crore and is expected to reach Rs 1.34 lakh crore by 2028. In the financial year 2023-2024 alone, Rs 5,517 crore of GST was collected from this industry.

Geographical Spread and Popularity:
Delhi hosts a large number of coaching centers for exams conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Other major cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Chennai also have numerous centers for various competitive exams. Cities like Jaipur, Chandigarh, Kota, and Pune are renowned for their medical, engineering, and administrative coaching centers.

Growing Competition and Demand:
The increasing competition for competitive exams drives the growth of coaching centers. For instance, the number of candidates for the UPSC preliminary exam has surged from 3.33 lakh in 2007 to 13 lakh in 2023, while the pass rate remains at a mere 0.2%.

Regulatory Landscape:
Despite the rapid expansion, there is no uniform regulation for coaching centers. States like Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, and Bihar have some rules in place, while Maharashtra is working on implementing regulations. Goa was the first state to introduce a law for regulating coaching centers in 2004. Manipur implemented a comprehensive law in 2017, amended in 2022.

In January, the Higher Education Department of the Union Ministry of Education issued 11-page guidelines detailing the required facilities and legal procedures for coaching centers.

However, adherence to these guidelines is minimal. In light of recent incidents, the central government plans to introduce more stringent regulations, which will be implemented by the respective states.

This evolving landscape underscores the need for a balanced approach that ensures the growth of the coaching sector while safeguarding students' interests and well-being.