The Maharashtra School Education and Sports Department has introduced a draft law aimed at regulating private coaching centres across the state. The proposed Maharashtra Private Coaching (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2026, focuses on improving education quality, safeguarding student mental health, ensuring proper infrastructure, and establishing grievance redressal mechanisms. The government is inviting public comments and objections on the draft until 6 pm on September 4, 2026.
Why Maharashtra Wants to Regulate Coaching Centres
Private coaching centres have become a significant part of the education landscape in Maharashtra, offering supplementary tuition for competitive exams and school subjects. However, concerns have grown over unregulated operations, misleading advertisements, excessive class hours, and poor student welfare. The draft law aims to address these issues by setting clear standards and oversight for coaching centres, ensuring they operate transparently and responsibly.
Coaching centres often influence students’ academic pressure and mental wellbeing. By introducing mandatory registration and operational guidelines, the government hopes to create a safer and more supportive environment for learners.
Key Provisions of the Draft Law
- All private coaching centres must register within six months of the law’s enactment, with each branch treated as a separate entity. Registrations will be valid for three years and processed online.
- Tutors must hold at least a graduation degree; employing underqualified teachers is prohibited.
- Coaching centres cannot make false promises about exam ranks or marks, nor can they advertise misleading information.
- Students under 13 years of age are not allowed to enroll.
- Coaching centres must publish details about tutors, courses, fees, facilities, and refund policies on their websites.
- Operating classes on recognized school or college premises or hiring teachers already employed in such institutions is banned.
- Class hours are capped at five hours per day, with mandatory weekly offs for both students and tutors.
- Classes should not be held early in the morning or late at night, and each student must have at least one square metre of classroom space.
- Coaching centres must provide counselling on life skills, fitness, wellness, and mental health.
- Fee receipts are mandatory, and fees cannot be increased mid-course. Students leaving early are entitled to a pro-rata refund within 10 days.
- Safety standards include prohibiting basements for classes, requiring fire safety certificates, first-aid facilities, CCTV cameras, and safe drinking water.
- Violations can lead to fines up to Rs 50 lakh, suspension, cancellation of registration, or closure of the centre.
How This Law Could Change Coaching Culture in Maharashtra
The draft law represents a significant step toward formalizing and regulating an industry that has long operated with minimal oversight. By setting clear rules on tutor qualifications, class timings, and student welfare, the government aims to reduce exploitation and stress among students. The emphasis on mental wellbeing and counselling reflects growing awareness of the pressures faced by young learners.
Limiting class hours and banning coaching on school premises could encourage a healthier balance between formal schooling and extra tuition. Transparency in fees and refund policies will protect parents and students from unfair practices. Meanwhile, strict safety requirements aim to prevent accidents and ensure a secure learning environment.
Public input during the consultation period will be crucial in shaping the final law. If implemented effectively, these regulations could serve as a model for other states grappling with similar challenges in the private coaching sector.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who must register under the new Maharashtra coaching centre law?
A: All private coaching centres operating in Maharashtra must register within six months of the law coming into effect. Each branch is considered a separate centre and requires individual registration.
Q: What restrictions are placed on coaching class hours?
A: Coaching classes cannot exceed five hours per day, must provide weekly offs for students and tutors, and should not be held early in the morning or late at night.
Q: What safety measures are coaching centres required to follow?
A: Centres cannot operate in basements, must have fire safety certificates, first-aid facilities, CCTV cameras, and provide safe drinking water to students and staff.
