Kota administration says coaching centres can resume routine tests, issues six directives

The Kota district administration has made a significant decision, reversing its earlier order from August, which had temporarily halted coaching institutes from conducting routine tests for students. The new directive, issued on Tuesday, comes with a set of six guidelines to ensure a more balanced and supportive testing environment for students pursuing various competitive exams.

Key Directives for Resuming Routine Tests:

1. 21-Day Gap for Regular Course Students:

   • Coaching institutes must now implement a mandatory 21-day gap between routine tests for students enrolled in regular courses. This adjustment aims to reduce the academic pressure on students.

2. One-Day Break Post-Test:

   • After each test, students are entitled to a day off. This provision acknowledges the need for students to recuperate and recharge after strenuous testing periods.

3. Seven-Day Gap for Course-Completed Students:

   • Students who have completed their courses will have a seven-day gap between tests, allowing them sufficient time for revision and preparation.

4. Voluntary Test Participation:

   • Participation in routine tests will no longer be mandatory. Students have the choice to decide whether they wish to appear for the tests or not.

5. Delayed Test Result Disclosure:

   • Test results will not be immediately disclosed. Instead, results will be made available to students and their parents after a three-day waiting period. This delay aims to reduce anxiety among students.

6. Private Result Sharing:

   • Individual student test results will be shared privately with the concerned student and separately with their parents. The results will not be displayed publicly to protect student privacy.

Additional Support Measures:

• After each routine test, coaching institutes are required to conduct performance evaluation sessions for students. This step will help identify areas of improvement and provide guidance for enhancement.

• Counselling sessions must be organized for students who receive below-average marks. These sessions are intended to offer emotional and academic support to students facing difficulties.The initial order issued on August 27 had temporarily halted routine tests in coaching institutes, especially for students preparing for competitive exams like the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) and others. This decision was made in response to a series of unfortunate suicides among students. Kota, a renowned coaching hub, attracts over two lakh students annually who come to prepare for exams such as the Joint Entrance Exam (JEE) for engineering and NEET for medical college admissions.

The recent decision by the Kota district administration is aimed at striking a balance between rigorous preparation and the mental well-being of students pursuing their dreams through competitive exams. It reflects a commitment to provide necessary support and a conducive environment for academic success.