Is it time to resume offline coaching

Is it time to resume offline coaching

c-Jagriti.Kumari@timesgroup.com

28.12.2020

With exam season nearing, coaching institutes are waiting for the government approval to re-start offline classes. While most students are taking online lessons, final touches will be possible only if offline coaching is resumed to prepare them for Boards and entrance exams lined up from March. None of the states barring Bihar and UP has so far allowed the coaching institutes to resume offline classes. Just like any other sector, coaching institutes have faced major revenue losses since lockdown. While fee hike is ruled out, most institutes are hoping to get tax exemption as 18% GST is imposed on the fee.

“It is important for students to get into the grind which is possible only in offline mode. Excessive dependency on the digital medium has kept them away from peer competition and has also created psychological problems,” says Krishna Chaitanya Kasula, general secretary, Coaching Federation of India.

“It is not practical to increase the fee in 2021 as people are still grappling with financial problems and most students will opt out,” Kasula adds. Coaching institutes in Kota are waiting for the state government nod to start operating.

“Offline classes are more appropriate for preparation of competitive exams as it increases the interpersonal interaction and helps students in clearing their doubts which is restricted in digital mode,” says Naveen Maheswari, director, Allen Career Institute.

Full report on educationtimes.com