Coaching class associations across Maharashtra are preparing for a major protest at Mumbai’s iconic Azad Maidan, demanding stricter action against “integrated” JEE and NEET coaching institutes linked with junior colleges. The protest comes amid growing scrutiny of the coaching industry following the NEET paper leak controversy.
Nine Coaching Associations Unite
A consortium of nine coaching class owners’ associations from different parts of Maharashtra has come together for the day-long protest. The groups claim that large integrated coaching institutes are bypassing the traditional junior college education system by tying up with lesser-known colleges and shifting students almost entirely toward entrance exam coaching.
According to the associations, students enrolled in such systems often skip regular college lectures while attendance records are allegedly managed through tie-ups between colleges and coaching centres.
Demand For Biometric Attendance In Colleges
One of the key demands raised by the associations is the introduction of biometric attendance systems in junior colleges across Maharashtra. They argue this would ensure both students and teachers attend regular academic sessions instead of replacing classroom education with private coaching programs.
Interestingly, the Maharashtra government is also reportedly considering a centralized biometric attendance system for junior colleges to improve transparency and prevent manipulation of attendance records.
NEET Paper Leak Intensifies Pressure
The protest is closely linked to the recent NEET paper leak controversy, which brought intense attention to India’s coaching ecosystem. Coaching associations claim that only a few institutes linked to the controversy have damaged the reputation of the broader coaching industry.
The NEET leak investigation had earlier led to the arrest of individuals connected to coaching institutions, reviving debates around “dummy colleges,” unregulated coaching practices, and excessive dependence on private entrance exam coaching.
Integrated Coaching System Under Scanner
The “integrated coaching” model has become extremely popular in cities like Pune, Kota, and Latur. Under this system, students preparing for JEE and NEET focus mainly on coaching classes while formal college education takes a secondary role.
Critics argue that such systems deprive students of practical learning, laboratory work, sports, cultural activities, and overall personality development normally offered by colleges. Education experts have also pointed out a mismatch between Maharashtra’s state board syllabus and national-level competitive exams, forcing students toward coaching centres.
Coaching Industry Seeks Representation
While demanding regulations, coaching associations say they are not opposing government oversight. Instead, they want representation in any committee or framework formed to regulate coaching institutes.
The protest highlights the growing battle between formal education systems and India’s massive coaching industry, which has increasingly become central to engineering and medical entrance exam preparation.
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