A FIITJEE coaching center in Ghaziabad’s Rajnagar District Centre has abruptly closed, leaving over 800 aspiring engineering students stranded just months before their critical competitive exams. Students, who had paid hefty advance fees ranging from ₹3.5 lakh to ₹5 lakh, are now grappling with uncertainty.

Irregularities and Legal Action

Investigations revealed the coaching center was operating illegally without proper registration, a clear violation of the UP Coaching Regulation Act, 2002. An FIR has been lodged against four senior officials for cheating and criminal breach of trust.

The situation had been deteriorating for months, with irregular classes caused by unpaid teacher salaries, leading to widespread resignations. Parents and students, already frustrated by the disruptions, are now seeking legal recourse to recover their fees and address the academic fallout.

Impact on Students

The abrupt closure has caused significant stress for students preparing for engineering entrance exams like JEE, as they face:

• Loss of critical study time just before exams.

• Disruption in study plans and access to resources.

• Uncertainty about transferring to other coaching centers.

Lessons for Parents and Students

This incident highlights the importance of thorough due diligence before enrolling in coaching centers:

1. Verify Registration: Ensure the institution complies with the UP Coaching Regulation Act or other local laws.

2. Check Credentials: Look into the center’s track record, teacher qualifications, and past results.

3. Review Fee Policies: Understand refund policies and fee structures to safeguard against financial loss.

4. Regular Monitoring: Stay alert for irregularities like missed classes or staff turnover.

Way Forward

To avoid similar incidents in the future, regulatory authorities must:

• Strengthen Oversight: Enforce stricter checks on coaching center registrations and operations.

• Improve Transparency: Mandate clear communication of fee structures, teacher credentials, and refund policies.

• Support Students: Provide a framework for students to transfer seamlessly in case of closures.

For now, parents and students affected by this closure must seek legal advice and explore alternative options to minimize the impact on their academic journey.