In a sudden and unexpected move, at least eight FIITJEE coaching centers across North India have shut their doors, leaving hundreds of students and parents scrambling for solutions. The closures have occurred in critical locations such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Delhi, disrupting preparations for major exams like JEE Main and board exams.
Students and Parents Face Uncertainty
Students pursuing engineering entrance exams, who had paid advance fees ranging from ₹4 to ₹5 lakh, have been left in the lurch. Many parents have filed complaints with the police, demanding fee refunds. Reports suggest that the closures were driven by financial troubles and staff resignations due to delayed salary payments.
One anonymous branch official admitted, “The institute’s financial condition has been deteriorating for a long time, and salaries were not being paid on time. Many teachers left after securing better offers elsewhere.”
Affected Cities and Protests
FIITJEE branches in Noida, Ghaziabad, Lucknow, Varanasi, Patna, Meerut, and Bhopal have been affected. The Meerut branch, for instance, tried to bring in teachers from Noida as a temporary fix, but the effort failed, leading to its closure.
Videos and images online show angry parents protesting outside shuttered centers. A parent from Meerut lamented, “Six months ago, they assured us the centers wouldn’t close. I paid ₹6 lakh in fees, yet they left us high and dry.”
Impact on Students’ Preparation
Parents expressed their disappointment over the timing of the closures, particularly as students are studying 18-hour days for exams. The sudden disruption has affected their confidence and preparation. Speaking to the media, parents described the chaos and uncertainty caused by the closures.
Legal Actions and Complaints
In Patna, students have lodged complaints against FIITJEE directors and staff, alleging fraud. A similar scenario unfolded in Noida, where violations of licensing and safety regulations have also come to light. The Sector-62 branch closure sparked protests, with parents claiming the management fled after collecting fees.
In Ghaziabad, officials discovered that the FIITJEE branch was not registered under the UP Coaching Regulation Act, 2002. Legal action is now underway, with FIRs filed against senior officials, including the Chairperson, COO, and CFO.
FIITJEE’s Legacy Under Scrutiny
FIITJEE, founded by IIT Delhi graduate D.K. Goyal in 1992, has long been a prominent name in engineering and science exam coaching. However, its recent financial troubles and the ensuing closures have tarnished its reputation. Parents and students are now left grappling with both financial losses and academic setbacks.
As investigations continue, the focus remains on holding the institute accountable and ensuring justice for affected families.
