AP moves to regulate coaching centres amid rising student stress

 In a decisive policy shift aimed at addressing growing concerns over student stress and suicides, the Andhra Pradesh government has unveiled a comprehensive regulatory framework for private coaching institutes across the state. The new guidelines, titled ‘AP Coaching Centres Regulation and Monitoring Rules-2026’, make registration mandatory for all coaching centres, marking the first structured attempt to bring the rapidly expanding sector under formal oversight.

The move comes against the backdrop of a sharp rise in private coaching centres, often described as mushrooming across urban and semi-urban areas, and increasing reports of academic pressure and mental health issues among students. Officials said the new policy is designed to balance academic support with student well-being, while ensuring accountability among institutions.

Under the notification, all existing coaching centres have been given a three-month window to obtain registration, failing which they will face penalties and possible closure. To enforce the rules, the government will constitute district-level monitoring committees headed by District Collectors. These committees will be responsible for granting registrations, addressing student grievances, and conducting inspections. Notably, they have also been empowered to initiate suo motu action based on media reports or police inputs, signalling a stricter enforcement regime.

The new rules impose clear limits on coaching operations. Centres can function for a maximum of five hours per day and are prohibited from conducting classes during regular school or college hours. A mandatory weekly holiday on Sundays has also been introduced to reduce continuous academic pressure on students.

In a significant step towards mental health support, every coaching institute must establish a wellness centre offering counselling services. Additionally, safety measures such as the installation of spring-loaded ceiling fans, aimed at preventing suicides, have been made compulsory.

The government has also introduced strong provisions to protect students from financial and administrative exploitation. Coaching centres are barred from retaining original academic certificates at the time of admission. In cases where a student discontinues a course midway, institutes must refund the remaining fee on a pro-rata basis. Further, government teachers and lecturers are prohibited from working in private coaching centres, addressing concerns over conflict of interest and diversion of public education resources. Transparency has also been mandated, with every centre required to maintain a dedicated website displaying details of fees, faculty, and infrastructure.

Furthermore, the government has outlined a strict penalty structure for non-compliance. Institutions violating the norms will be given 15 days to rectify deficiencies. Failure to comply will attract a fine of ₹50,000 for the first offence and ₹1 lakh for the second. Repeated violations will lead to cancellation of registration, effectively shutting down the centre.

Education experts view the move as a long-overdue intervention in an unregulated sector that has grown rapidly alongside competitive exams. While coaching centres play a critical role in preparing students, the lack of oversight has often led to excessive academic pressure, long hours, and mental health risks.

By introducing structured regulations, the Andhra Pradesh government is attempting to create a more balanced, student-centric ecosystem, where academic excellence does not come at the cost of well-being.