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The proposed regulations will focus on building compliance, fire and structural safety, fee transparency, student welfare and operational standards
Nearly a year after the deaths of three civil services aspirants in a flooded coaching centre basement in Old Rajender Nagar triggered a national debate on student safety, the Delhi government has initiated the process of framing a comprehensive regulatory framework for coaching institutes operating in the capital.
The proposed regulations, to be drafted by a multidisciplinary committee, will focus on building compliance, fire and structural safety, fee transparency, student welfare and operational standards. Education Minister Ashish Sood said the committee was constituted after a review of systemic shortcomings exposed by the Old Rajender Nagar tragedy and subsequent inspections of coaching centres across Delhi.
The move comes amid growing concerns over the rapid and largely unregulated expansion of the coaching industry in the capital. Areas such as Old Rajender Nagar and Mukherjee Nagar have evolved into major hubs for competitive examination preparation, attracting tens of thousands of students from across the country. However, the concentration of coaching centres in densely populated neighbourhoods has also led to concerns over overcrowding, illegal building modifications, basement usage, inadequate fire safety measures and lack of accountability.
The July 2024 tragedy in Old Rajender Nagar became a turning point in the debate. The deaths of three UPSC aspirants after rainwater entered a basement library prompted widespread protests by students and triggered inspections by civic agencies. Subsequent investigations highlighted questions regarding building approvals, emergency preparedness and regulatory oversight. Similar concerns had surfaced in previous fire incidents and building safety violations reported in educational establishments across Delhi.
Against this backdrop, the proposed framework seeks to bring coaching institutes under a more structured regulatory regime. For coaching centres, the impact could be significant.
Institutes may be required to obtain stricter building safety certifications, comply with occupancy norms and ensure that classrooms, libraries and student facilities meet prescribed standards. The use of basements for teaching or student activities, a practice that came under intense scrutiny after the Old Rajender Nagar incident, is likely to face tighter regulation or restrictions where safety risks are identified.
The proposed rules could also introduce greater transparency in fee structures, refund policies and admission practices. Student grievance redressal mechanisms and mandatory disclosure requirements may become part of the regulatory framework, increasing accountability within the sector.
For larger coaching institutions, compliance may require investments in infrastructure upgrades, fire safety systems, evacuation plans and periodic safety audits. Smaller centres operating in rented premises could face additional financial and administrative burdens in meeting the new standards. Some institutes may be required to relocate, modify facilities or reduce student intake if found violating occupancy or safety norms.
Student groups and education experts have broadly welcomed the initiative, arguing that stronger oversight is necessary in a sector that caters to thousands of young people living away from home. They contend that minimum safety standards can help prevent accidents and improve the overall learning environment.
At the same time, industry representatives have cautioned that stricter regulations could increase operational costs, which may eventually be passed on to students through higher fees. They have urged the government to ensure that compliance requirements are practical and implemented uniformly.
As Delhi prepares to frame the new rules, the challenge for policymakers will be balancing safety and accountability with affordability and accessibility. The outcome could reshape the functioning of coaching centres in the capital and potentially serve as a model for regulating the sector in other cities across India.
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