The Maharashtra government has proposed legislation to regulate private coaching centres in the state. The draft of the Maharashtra Private Coaching Centres (Registration and Regulation) Bill, 2026 has been published by the School Education and Sports Department, and the government has invited suggestions and objections from the public.
The move comes against the backdrop of the NEET paper leak case and the alleged involvement of coaching centres. Notably, nine of the 13 accused arrested in the case were from Maharashtra. Latur and Pune, two of the state's major coaching hubs, have also emerged as key locations in the investigation.
Govt seeks suggestions from public
The Devendra Fadnavis-led government is set to introduce the Maharashtra Private Coaching Centres (Registration and Regulation) Bill, 2026. Against the backdrop of the state's alleged links to the paper leak case, the government has prepared a draft law aimed at regulating coaching centres across Maharashtra.
The government has invited feedback, suggestions and objections from the public on the proposed legislation.
Officials in the school education department said the draft is open to objections and suggestions before it is "considered by the government in September".
What are the provisions of the new bill?
- Ban on dummy school models and integrated courses.
- Ban on coaching classes operating in basements.
- Individuals accused of cognisable offences will not be allowed to work at coaching centres.
- Coaching centres must preserve CCTV footage for one month.
- Fire safety and building safety certificates will be mandatory.
- The rules will apply to coaching centres with more than 25 students.
- Registration, regulation and compliance with prescribed safety standards will be mandatory.
- Registration will be valid for three years, after which it must be renewed.
- A weekly holiday will be mandatory for both students and teachers.
- Exams cannot be conducted on the day immediately following the weekly holiday.
- Coaching centres will be allowed to conduct a maximum of five hours of classes per day.
- Centres will not be allowed to charge fees beyond the prescribed limit.
- Fees or course structures cannot be arbitrarily increased or changed after a course has commenced.
- Violations of the law could attract fines of up to ₹50 lakh.
- Complaints of sexual harassment must be acted upon within 24 hours.
- Serious violations, including operating without registration, misleading advertisements and admitting minors, could attract fines ranging from ₹10 lakh to ₹50 lakh.
- A coaching centre found violating the rules may face suspension or closure, and its registration may also be cancelled.
Proposed law follows Centre's guidelines
The draft follows guidelines issued by the Union Education Ministry in January 2024 for regulating coaching centres. States including Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Assam and Haryana have already introduced specific laws or regulations governing the coaching sector. However, the proposed Maharashtra legislation is broader and stricter in several areas, including the definition and scope of coaching centres, teacher eligibility, penalties and enforcement powers.
The draft has been issued by Maharashtra's School Education and Sports Department, which has invited citizens to submit their suggestions and objections by 6 pm on September 4.
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