Coaching centres: Helping hand or unnecessary crutch?

With an increasing number of students enrolling in coaching centres as early as Class IX, the education landscape is undergoing a major transformation.

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What was once considered a supplementary aid has now become an essential part of academic preparation, often overshadowing traditional schooling. The mounting pressure of securing seats in prestigious colleges has driven many parents to view coaching institutes as a necessity rather than an option.

The growing reliance on these centres can be attributed to various social and economic factors. In nuclear families, where both parents are working, managing their children’s academics can be a challenge. Many parents, due to their demanding schedules, find it difficult to provide the necessary guidance at home. Additionally, with schools engaging students in extra-curricular activities and various events, some parents feel that children do not receive adequate academic focus within school hours.

Amritpal Kaur, a cancer patient and mother of a 16-year-old, highlighted the critical role of coaching centres in managing time effectively. “My health condition limits the amount of time I can dedicate to my child’s studies. Coaching institutes provide the structured guidance that I am unable to offer,” she explained. She further pointed out that schools, while focusing on holistic development, often leave students struggling with the in-depth preparation needed for competitive exams.

Nidhi Chopra, Principal of LA Blossom School, meanwhile, strongly criticised the trend, saying, “Most coaching centres have become money-making machines. Unlike schools, where subject-specific teachers provide specialised knowledge, coaching centres often have one teacher handling multiple subjects.” She emphasised that students could achieve success without additional tuition if they focused in school and did self-study.

She further argued that many schools now offered specialised classes to prepare students for competitive exams, reducing the necessity for external coaching. “If a student pays attention in class and follows structured self-study, he/she can succeed in both school and competitive exams without any external coaching,” she added. She also pointed out that schools provide a balanced curriculum that fosters all-round development, unlike coaching centers that focus purely on exam preparation. According to her, peer pressure and marketing strategies have exaggerated the importance of coaching institutes.

Prof M P Singh, president of the Punjab unit of the Coaching Federation of India (CFI), defended the role of coaching centres, arguing that parents make these decisions based on what they believe is best for their children. “The reality is that many working parents do not have the time to assist their children academically. Moreover, school education has become more subjective, with an exam pattern consisting of 40 per cent detailed analysis and 60 per cent multiple-choice questions (MCQs). This makes it harder for students to adapt to the rigours of competitive exams, which demand in-depth analytical skills,” he said.

He also pointed out that while schools strive to provide quality education, their operational days are limited to around 180 per year, factoring in summer, winter and sudden holidays like Punjab bandh or protests. In contrast, coaching centres function nearly 250 days a year, ensuring more study hours and personal attention to students.

The debate over whether coaching centres are an asset or an unnecessary burden has gained further momentum following the Central Government’s guidelines prohibiting students below 16 years from enrolling in such institutes. Some parents view this as an infringement on their right to decide what is best for their children. “Early grooming is essential in today’s competitive world. If a student is capable and willing to take on the additional academic load, why should the government interfere?” argued a section of parents.

Meanwhile, as the tug-of-war among schools, coaching centres and parental choices continues, the question remains — are coaching institutes filling an educational gap, or have they become an overhyped necessity? The answer, it seems, depends on whom you ask.