Maharashtra Implements Strict Rules for Coaching Classes and Schools
In a significant move to reduce academic pressure on students, the Maharashtra school education department has rolled out comprehensive new regulations. These rules target both private coaching classes and schools across the state. The action comes directly in response to a Supreme Court directive aimed at tackling student stress nationwide.
Key Measures to Protect Student Well-being
The government resolution introduces several mandatory requirements. Private coaching classes must now provide a weekly off day for all students. Daily teaching hours are strictly capped at five. Institutions cannot hold assessments immediately after this weekly break.
Early morning and late evening classes are actively discouraged. A major shift involves the public display of test results. Coaching centers are now barred from posting rankings or scores publicly. Instead, they must provide individual, private feedback to each student.
Mandatory Mental Health Support Systems
The state is making mental health a core priority. District-level committees will be formed to handle student stress complaints. These committees will include education officials, health department representatives, and a dedicated mental health expert.
For larger institutions with over 100 students, hiring an in-house counsellor or psychologist is now compulsory. Smaller coaching centers must establish formal referral arrangements with external mental health professionals. Furthermore, all teaching and administrative staff will undergo mental health training twice a year.
Industry Reactions and Concerns
The new rules have sparked mixed reactions from stakeholders. Dilip Mehendale, who leads the Association of Coaching Class Owners and Mentors, expressed serious concerns about the five-hour daily limit. He argued that completing rigorous entrance exam syllabi, especially for science and engineering courses, would be "fundamentally impossible" under this constraint.
Mehendale also highlighted a potential shortage of qualified mental health professionals. He pointed out that many distance-learning psychology programs lost official recognition in 2024. This could create high demand but limited availability of certified counsellors for coaching centers.
Long-Awaited Regulation Welcomed
Many education advocates have welcomed the government's intervention. Madhav Suryavanshi of the Shikshan Vikas Manch noted that coaching classes have operated without formal oversight for too long. He contrasted the strict qualifications required for school teachers with the lack of rules for coaching instructors.
"Given the immense pressure and time students spend in these centers, regulation is definitely needed," Suryavanshi stated. He supports bringing coaching classes under a proper regulatory framework.
Additional Requirements and Timelines
The resolution includes several other important directives. Coaching centers must now schedule holidays around major festivals. They are required to conduct regular life-skills and well-being sessions for students.
Institutions must prominently display national mental health helpline numbers, such as Tele-MANAS. Each center has one month to establish a formal grievance-redressal mechanism with clear, time-bound procedures for resolving student complaints.
This sweeping regulatory push marks a major shift in how Maharashtra manages academic pressure. The state aims to create a more balanced and supportive learning environment for all students.
