Archive · 24 Aug 2026
Maharashtra Proposes Tougher Rules For Private Coaching Centres
Maharashtra wants to create new rules for private coaching centres.
The proposed law would stop centres from enrolling children younger than 13.
Classes could last no more than five hours each day.
Centres would need to register, show their fees clearly and give refunds when students leave early.
They would also need safe buildings, drinking water, toilets, first-aid supplies and CCTV cameras.
Students would receive counselling and information about the difficulty of exams.
Centres could not promise guaranteed ranks or admissions.
The proposal follows concerns about pressure on students and the alleged role of coaching centres in the NEET paper leak.
People can suggest changes before the government considers the draft.
Maharashtra’s draft law would require private coaching centres to register and renew registration every three years.
Centres would be barred from enrolling children under 13 and classes would be limited to five hours daily.
The proposal includes rules on fees, refunds, infrastructure, safety, counselling and student mental wellbeing.
Coaching centres could face fines of up to Rs 50 lakh, suspension, closure or cancellation of registration for violations.
The draft is open to objections and suggestions before it is considered by the government in September 2026.
- Who
- The Maharashtra government and private coaching centres, along with students, parents and tutors.
- What
- The state has proposed the Maharashtra Private Coaching Centers (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2026, to regulate coaching centres.
- When
- The draft was published on August 24, 2026; officials said it would be considered by the government in September after public feedback.
- Where
- Across Maharashtra, once the proposed Act comes into force on a date to be separately notified.
- Why
- The proposal aims to regulate coaching centres, improve student safety and wellbeing, and reduce academic pressure, amid concerns including the NEET paper leak and the alleged role of coaching centres.
- Minimum enrolment age
- Centres could not enrol children below 13 years.
- Daily class limit
- Coaching classes could not exceed five hours a day.
- Registration validity
- Registration would be valid for three years, with separate registration required for each branch.
- Fee refunds
- Students leaving midway would be entitled to a pro-rata refund within 10 days.
- Safety requirements
- Centres would need fire and building safety certificates, CCTV cameras, ventilation, lighting, drinking water, separate toilets and first-aid facilities.
- Proposed penalties
- Fines would range from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 5 lakh for minor offences and Rs 10 lakh to Rs 50 lakh for major violations.
- Public feedback
- The draft is open to objections and suggestions before government consideration in September 2026.