New Delhi, January 24, 2025 – In a shocking turn of events, renowned coaching institute FIITJEE, known for its rigorous training for the Indian Institutes of Technology Joint Entrance Examination (IIT-JEE), is facing a severe crisis. At least eight of its centers across North India have abruptly shut down, leaving students and parents in a state of distress just ahead of crucial board and entrance examinations. The closures, impacting cities in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar, are reportedly triggered by a mass resignation of teachers citing long-pending unpaid salaries. Â
Affected Centers and the Fallout
The sudden shutdown has affected FIITJEE centers in major cities including Noida, Ghaziabad, Meerut, Lucknow, and Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, along with centers in Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh), Patna (Bihar), and Laxmi Nagar in Delhi. The closure of these centers has thrown the academic plans of hundreds of students into disarray, causing widespread anxiety and anger among parents who have invested significant amounts of money and time in the institute. Â
Parents and students are now protesting outside the closed centers, demanding answers and seeking refunds for the remaining course duration. The situation is particularly critical for students preparing for their upcoming board exams and the crucial IIT-JEE, as they now face uncertainty and disruption in their studies. Â
Teacher Resignations: The Root Cause
The primary reason behind this unprecedented crisis is the mass resignation of teachers due to non-payment of salaries. According to sources, many teachers had been working for months without receiving their dues, leading to growing discontent and ultimately culminating in their collective resignation. This mass exodus of experienced faculty members has left the institute unable to continue operations at several centers, forcing their closure. Â
FIITJEE’s Response and the Road Ahead
FIITJEE has yet to release an official statement addressing the situation. However, reports suggest that the institute attempted to arrange alternative teachers for some centers, including the one in Noida. These efforts proved futile, leading to the eventual closure of these centers as well.
The current situation raises serious questions about the management and financial stability of FIITJEE. The institute, which has been a prominent name in the coaching industry for decades, now faces a significant challenge in regaining the trust of students and parents.
Impact on the Coaching Industry
This crisis at FIITJEE has sent shockwaves through the entire coaching industry. It highlights the challenges faced by coaching institutes in maintaining financial stability and managing human resources effectively. The incident could also lead to increased scrutiny of the industry’s practices and regulations.
The Future of Affected Students
The most pressing concern now is the future of the students affected by these closures. With board exams and entrance exams just around the corner, these students face a significant academic setback. They now need to find alternative resources and support to continue their preparations. Other coaching institutes may come forward to offer assistance, but the disruption caused by the sudden closure will undoubtedly have an impact on their performance.
A Wake-Up Call for the Education Sector
The FIITJEE crisis serves as a wake-up call for the entire education sector. It underscores the importance of ethical management practices, timely payment of dues to employees, and maintaining transparency in operations. It also highlights the need for a robust regulatory framework for the coaching industry to protect the interests of students and parents.
Final Thought
The closure of FIITJEE centers across North India is a deeply concerning development. It has not only disrupted the academic pursuits of numerous students but also raised serious questions about the functioning of the coaching industry. As the situation unfolds, it is crucial for FIITJEE to address the concerns of students and parents, take corrective measures, and work towards restoring its reputation. The incident also calls for a broader discussion on the need for greater accountability and regulation in the education sector to prevent such crises from occurring in the future.
