The Ministry of Education’s proposal to restrict private coaching to2–3 hours per dayhas ignited a vital conversation on student well-being. While education experts have largely welcomed the move as a necessary step toward reducing burnout, they warn that capping hours is a "bandage" solution that does not address the structural decay within the school system.
Professor Lalit Agrawal(Vice-Chairman, MERI Group of Institutions) describes the coaching ecosystem as a "necessity born of a problem." The industry thrives because of the widening chasm between school board curricula and the rigorous demands of entrance exams like JEE and NEET.
The Reality:As long as schools fail to equip students with exam-relevant skills, coaching remains the only viable path to premier institutions, despite the resulting mental health crisis for families.
To break the cycle of dependency, experts are calling for a fundamental shift in how we measure student potential:
360-Degree Mapping:Shifting focus from a single high-stakes test to a holistic assessment of personality and diverse abilities.
Curriculum Alignment:Strengthening school-level assessments with MCQ-based, time-bound formats and increasing the weightage of Class 12 board scores to reclaim the school’s academic authority.
A major hurdle to these reforms is the stark disparity in teacher compensation and training.Aditya Jain(Director, Neet Kaka JEE) points out an uncomfortable truth: while limiting coaching hours is necessary, schools may not be ready to fill the void.
The Salary Barrier:Most private school teachers earn between₹7,000 and ₹25,000 per month.
The Talent Drain:Low wages make it nearly impossible to attract or retain the high-quality educators needed to deliver a rigorous, exam-aligned curriculum.
Experts maintain that the impact of coaching restrictions will remain limited unless the government addresses the "Three Pillars" of school reform:
Teacher Welfare:Implementing a minimum wage framework to ensure schools can compete for top-tier talent.
Infrastructure & Fees:Resolving uneven infrastructure in private schools and the rising cost of schooling that burdens middle-class families.
Integrated Reform:Creating a system where a robust school education naturally reduces the need for external coaching.
