On September 4, 2025, the Rajasthan Assembly passed the Rajasthan Coaching Centres (Control and Regulation) Bill, 2025, a significant move to regulate the state’s booming coaching industry, particularly in hubs like Kota, Jaipur, and Sikar. Introduced by Deputy Chief Minister Prem Chand Bairwa, the bill aims to ensure transparency, accountability, and student welfare in coaching institutes preparing students for competitive exams like UPSC CSE, NEET, and JEE. However, the passage was marred by protests from the Opposition Congress, who labeled it a “watered-down” compromise favoring the “coaching mafia.”
Key Points:
- The bill mandates registration for coaching centres with over 100 students, up from the original threshold of 50.
- Penalties for violations have been reduced from ₹2 lakh to ₹50,000 for the first offence and from ₹5 lakh to ₹2 lakh for the second.
- It prohibits lump-sum fee collection and mandates refunds for students discontinuing midway.
- State and district-level authorities will enforce compliance, with powers akin to a civil court.
This legislation responds to the alarming rise in student suicides in coaching hubs, with Kota alone reporting 70 suicides in the last four years.
Addressing Student Welfare: Key Provisions
The Rajasthan Coaching Bill 2025 introduces measures to curb exploitative practices and prioritize student well-being, particularly in high-pressure environments preparing for IIT-JEE, NEET, and CLAT. The bill seeks to create a safer, more supportive ecosystem for students.
Key Points:
- Mandatory Registration: All coaching centres with 100+ students must register with authorities to operate legally.
- Fee Regulation: Institutes cannot charge full fees upfront; payments must be in at least four installments, with pro-rata refunds within 10 days for withdrawals.
- Mental Health Support: Coaching centres must provide counseling services and a 24/7 helpline to address student stress.
- Class Hour Limits: Daily coaching sessions are capped at 5 hours, with a mandatory weekly day off to reduce burnout.
- Grievance Redressal: District-level committees, led by Collectors, and a state-level Rajasthan Coaching Centre Authority will handle complaints within 30 days.
These provisions aim to protect students from the intense pressure and false promises often associated with coaching institutes.
Opposition’s Critique: A Diluted Effort?
The Opposition Congress, led by Tika Ram Jully, and independent MLA Ravindra Singh Bhati, fiercely criticized the bill for weakening earlier provisions and ignoring critical issues like student suicides. They argue it prioritizes the coaching industry’s interests over student welfare.
Key Points:
- No Age Restriction: The bill omits the Centre’s guideline barring students under 16 from enrolling, a measure aimed at reducing pressure on young students.
- Reduced Penalties: The lowered fines (₹50,000 and ₹2 lakh vs. ₹1 lakh and ₹5 lakh) are seen as lenient, potentially benefiting large coaching institutes.
- Bureaucratic Overreach: Congress MLA Shanti Dhariwal warned that officer-dominated regulation committees could foster bureaucracy rather than accountability.
- Lack of Suicide Prevention Measures: Critics argue the bill lacks a clear mechanism to address the rising suicide rates in Kota, with 17 reported in 2024 and 8 in early 2025.
The Opposition’s protests, marked by heated exchanges and slogans, culminated in the bill’s passage via a voice vote, despite demands to revisit the Select Committee.
Kota’s Crisis: The Need for Regulation
Kota, India’s coaching capital, has seen a tragic surge in student suicides, with 28 in 2023, 17 in 2024, and at least 8 in early 2025. The high-pressure environment, fueled by aggressive marketing and unrealistic success promises, has driven the need for regulation. The bill aligns with the Union Ministry of Education’s guidelines issued in January 2024, aiming to curb commercialization and ensure student safety.
Key Points:
- The bill bans misleading advertisements guaranteeing ranks or high marks.
- Coaching centres must adopt a code of conduct to foster a healthy learning environment.
- The Rajasthan Coaching Centre Authority, chaired by the Higher Education Secretary, includes psychologists and parents for holistic oversight.
- Violations like arbitrary fee collection can lead to registration cancellation and property confiscation.
Despite these measures, critics argue the bill sidesteps key issues like hostel regulation and mandatory counseling, leaving gaps in addressing student mental health.
Impact on Students and the Coaching Industry
The Rajasthan Coaching Bill 2025 has sparked mixed reactions. While it aims to protect students preparing for competitive exams, the softened provisions have raised concerns about its effectiveness. Coaching institutes in Kota, contributing to a ₹7,000-crore industry, fear that strict regulations could drive business to other states, impacting employment for nearly 10 lakh people.
Key Points:
- Student Benefits: Fee transparency, mental health support, and grievance redressal empower students and parents.
- Industry Concerns: Coaching centres in Kota, Jaipur, and Sikar worry about revenue losses due to relaxed enrollment rules and fee restrictions.
- Economic Stakes: The coaching industry supports millions of jobs and local economies, making regulation a balancing act.
- Future Outlook: The bill’s success depends on effective enforcement by the Rajasthan Coaching Centre Authority and district committees.
For UPSC, NEET, and JEE aspirants, the bill offers hope for a less stressful preparation journey, but its diluted provisions raise doubts about tackling the root causes of student distress.
