Maharashtra Proposes Mandatory Registration, Fee Caps, Counselling Rules For Coaching Centres

The Maharashtra government has introduced legislation aimed at regulating private coaching centres throughout the state. The proposed Maharashtra Private Coaching Centers (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2026, focuses on enhancing transparency, student safety, and mental wellbeing in the coaching industry. The draft law requires private coaching centres to obtain mandatory registration, which will be valid for three years and renewable.

Each branch of a coaching centre will be considered a separate center and require its own registration.

Coaching centres are prohibited from making misleading promises or guarantees, and they must disclose key information such as tutor qualifications, course details, fees, infrastructure, and refund policies on their websites. Students under 13 years old will not be allowed to enroll in these centers. The proposed law also mandates adherence to infrastructure and safety standards, including separate toilets for boys and girls, adequate lighting and ventilation, first-aid facilities, and CCTV coverage of the premises.

Coaching hours will be limited to five hours per day, with weekly off-days for both students and tutors. Examinations will not be scheduled on the day following the weekly off. The act emphasizes mental wellbeing by requiring coaching centres to establish counselling systems and provide resources for addressing student distress.

Additionally, the proposed legislation separates private coaching centres from recognized schools and colleges, ensuring no operational, academic, financial, or managerial integration between the two.