Over 600 students and aspirants across India have successfully reclaimed ₹1.56 crore in refunds from coaching centers, thanks to the intervention of the National Consumer Helpline (NCH), as announced by the Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA). A press release on these refunds was issued on February 22, 2025.
The refunds were secured after students, enrolled in Civil Services, Engineering, and other programs, were unjustly denied their rightful dues by coaching institutes.
The DoCA has taken a firm stance against the unfair practices of coaching centers, directing them to adopt a student-focused approach and ensure transparent refund policies. This move comes as a direct response to numerous grievances filed by students who were denied refunds despite adhering to the institutes’ terms and conditions.
NCH: A Lifeline for Students
The NCH has proven to be a vital resource, streamlining the dispute resolution process and enabling students to receive compensation for unfulfilled services, late classes, or canceled courses. This pre-litigation resolution has saved students time and resources, avoiding the need for lengthy legal battles.
“The swift action by the Department has helped students receive compensation for unfulfilled services, late classes, or cancelled courses, ensuring they do not bear the financial burden of unfair business practices,” stated a DoCA spokesperson.
DoCA Mandates Student-Centric Approach
The DoCA has instructed all coaching centers to implement clear and transparent refund policies, emphasizing that the denial of legitimate refund claims will no longer be tolerated. The Department has also committed to strengthening the complaint redressal mechanism and educating students on their consumer rights.
Success Stories Highlight NCH’s Effectiveness
Numerous students have shared their positive experiences, highlighting the NCH’s role in navigating complex refund claims and providing timely resolutions.
- A student in Chennai received a hostel refund after highlighting service deficiencies.
- A student in Rajkot received a refund after being denied a seat in a pressured workshop enrollment.
- A JEE aspirant in Jamshedpur recovered payment after the institute denied their course purchase.
- A student in Vellore received a refund after leaving a campus due to service discrepancies.
- A GATE aspirant in Kota received a promised refund within four days.
- A parent in Korba received a refund after a course failed to meet expectations.
- A Civil Services aspirant in Aurangabad received a refund after initial denial.
These testimonials underscore the NCH’s effectiveness in resolving disputes and empowering students.
The DoCA encourages students facing similar issues to utilize the NCH platform for swift resolution and urges coaching centers to adhere to guidelines promoting transparency and accountability. The department continues to advocate for student rights and ensure a student-friendly environment within the education sector.
