Maharashtra Proposes Law to Regulate Coaching Centres and Ban Dummy Schools
The Maharashtra government has proposed the Maharashtra Private Coaching Centers (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2026, aiming to bring private tuition and coaching institutes across the state under a formal regulatory framework. The proposed law introduces rules on mandatory registration, fee transparency, student safety, mental wellbeing, and working hours, while placing a complete ban on the "dummy school" model.
The School Education and Sports Department has invited suggestions and objections on the draft legislation from the public until 6 pm on September 4, 2026, before finalising the law.
The draft Act applies to all private coaching centres that provide tuition to more than 25 students. Under the proposed provisions, existing centres will be required to register through a state online portal within six months of the law coming into force. Each branch of an institute will be treated as an independent centre requiring a separate registration. Registration will remain valid for three years, with renewal applications required at least three months prior to expiry.
To ease academic pressure, the draft law bans coaching centres from enrolling children below 13 years of age. It also caps daily class duration at five hours, mandating that sessions cannot be held too early in the morning or late in the evening. Institutes must provide a mandatory weekly day off, and assessments cannot be scheduled on the day immediately following a weekly off. Special leave arrangements must also be made during regional festivals.
Under the proposed regulations, coaching centres are barred from entering into integrated coaching arrangements with recognised schools, preventing operational, academic, financial, or managerial ties. Coaching classes are also prohibited from operating on the premises of government-approved or recognised schools and colleges.
The draft legislation strictly prohibits coaching centres from operating in basements. Centres must provide at least one square metre of space per student, adhere to fire and building safety standards, and maintain valid safety certificates. In addition, centres must install CCTV cameras with footage preserved for at least one month, provide first-aid facilities, display emergency helpline numbers, and offer clean, separate toilets that are friendly for Children With Special Needs.
Institutes will not be permitted to segregate students into batches based on academic performance or make misleading promotional claims guaranteeing ranks or marks. Fee structures must be declared upfront without mid-course hikes, and students who leave midway will be eligible for pro-rata fee refunds within 10 days.
