Karnataka Draft Coaching Rules 2026: Five-Hour Teaching Cap, Age 15 Minimum, Fee Refunds Proposed
Published 29 Oct 20263 min read
The Karnataka Department of Higher Education has published draft rules for coaching centres proposing a five-hour daily teaching limit, a minimum enrolment age of 15, and stronger fee-refund protections for students. The draft was published on October 28, 2026. It is not yet in force — students, parents, and coaching providers can submit objections or suggestions to the Secretary, Department of Higher Education, Bengaluru, within 15 days of publication.
Key Proposals at a Glance
| Area | Proposal |
|---|---|
| Daily teaching limit | 5 hours, including tests, revision and doubt-clearing |
| Operating hours | 6 AM to 9 PM, without overlapping school/college hours |
| Minimum age | 15 years, plus completion of secondary school examination |
| Fee payment | At least four equal instalments |
| Refunds | Proportionate refund within 10 days of withdrawal, including hostel/mess charges |
| Student protection | Mental-health counselling; ban on guaranteed ranks/admissions |
| Registration | Required for centres with more than 20 students |
| Penalties | Up to ₹5 lakh fine or registration cancellation after a hearing |
Admission and Timetable Restrictions
The draft would bar enrolment of students below age 15 and require applicants to have completed their secondary school examination. The five-hour cap would cover not just classroom teaching but also tests, revision sessions, and doubt-clearing. Coaching centres could operate only between 6 AM and 9 PM, and their schedules could not overlap with students' regular school or college hours.
Fees and Student Protection
Coaching centres would have to offer at least four equal fee instalments. A student leaving a course midway would be entitled to a proportionate refund for the remaining course period, paid within 10 days, including applicable hostel and mess charges. The draft also mandates mental-health counselling systems and prohibits centres from advertising guaranteed ranks or admissions.
Registration and Penalties
Centres with more than 20 students would need to register under the proposed framework. Violations could attract penalties of up to ₹5 lakh or cancellation of registration after a hearing.
How to Submit Feedback
Objections or suggestions can be sent to the Secretary, Department of Higher Education, Bengaluru, within 15 days of the October 28, 2026 publication. [VERIFY the exact closing date and official submission channel — email or postal address — on the Department's website.]
What Happens Next
After the 15-day feedback window closes, the Department will review submissions before deciding whether to notify the rules. Until notification, the provisions remain proposals and are not enforceable.