Archive · 23 Aug 2026
Maharashtra Draft Law Caps Coaching Classes at Five Hours
The Maharashtra government wants to make new rules for private coaching centres.
The rules would apply mainly to centres teaching more than 25 students.
Centres would need to register, and each branch would need its own registration.
Classes could last no more than five hours a day, and children younger than 13 could not join.
Students and tutors would get a weekly day off, with special leave around important festivals.
Centres would have to provide safe buildings, drinking water, toilets, first aid, CCTV and counselling help.
They would also need to explain fees clearly and refund money for unused course time when eligible students leave.
People can send written comments until September 4, 2026, before the government considers the draft.
The proposed Maharashtra law would require coaching centres serving more than 25 students to register, with separate registration for each branch.
Classes would be limited to five hours daily, with weekly days off, festival leave and no tests immediately after the weekly break.
Centres could not enrol children under 13, make misleading rank or marks guarantees, or segregate students by academic performance.
The draft proposes fee transparency, pro-rata refunds, safety certificates, CCTV, counselling, digital records and formal grievance mechanisms.
The draft is open to written suggestions and objections until 6 pm on September 4, 2026, and is not yet in force.
- Who
- The Maharashtra government’s School Education and Sports Department has proposed rules for private coaching centres.
- What
- The draft Maharashtra Private Coaching Centers (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2026 would regulate registration, classes, fees, staffing, safety, student welfare and complaints.
- When
- The draft was published on August 22, 2026; written suggestions and objections are invited until 6 pm on September 4, 2026.
- Where
- The proposed Act would apply across Maharashtra; written submissions may be sent to education authorities in Pune.
- Why
- The stated aim is to improve accountability, student safety, facilities, mental wellbeing and grievance redressal in private coaching centres. The proposal also comes amid concerns surrounding competitive examinations, including the NEET paper leak and the alleged role of coaching centres.
- Coverage
- Coaching centres providing instruction to more than 25 students
- Registration
- Registration would last three years, with separate applications required for each branch; existing centres would receive six months to register after the Act begins
- Class limit
- Classes could not exceed five hours per day and should not be scheduled too early or too late
- Minimum age
- Students below 13 years could not be enrolled
- Fee rules
- Centres would have to issue receipts, include related charges in the declared course fee and avoid fee increases during a course
- Refunds
- Students leaving after full payment could receive a pro-rata refund for the remaining course period within 10 days; similar rules would apply to hostel and mess fees
- Safety and welfare
- Centres would need safety certificates, at least one square metre per student, CCTV retained for at least one month, counselling, drinking water, toilets and first-aid facilities
- Penalties
- Minor violations could draw fines of ₹1 lakh to ₹5 lakh, rising to ₹10 lakh for repeat offences; major violations could draw ₹10 lakh to ₹50 lakh, suspension, cancellation or closure
Sources
Maharashtra moves to rein in coaching centres: 5-hour cap, no under-13s, fee norms proposed
Maharashtra coaching centres: 5-hour daily limit, no admission below 13 under proposed law
No Classes Beyond 5 Hours? Maharashtra Drafts Law To Regulate Private Coaching Centres; Public Feedback Invited Till Sept 4
BJP government in Maharashtra introduces draft bill aimed to regulate private coaching centres int the state: Here are the highlights of the bill