KOLKATA: The state government on Saturday allowed coaching centres for competitive examinations to open with 50% capacity from September 1. All other Covid restrictions, including curbs on travel between 11pm and 5am and suspension of suburban train services, continue to be in place till September 15.
While schools, colleges and coaching centres have been functioning online, there has been a demand for reopening of coaching classes for competitive exams so that students aspiring to study engineering and medicine can get personal attention and prepare better for entrance tests. Many students are struggling with their preparations for JEE Main, NEET and CLAT. “There are constraints in online learning, including clearing difficult concepts. Unless they get the desired help, they will lag behind students from other states. As a fair section of the population is now vaccinated, we can allow students to access coaching centres, with Covid norms in place,” said a senior state official.
FIITJEE Kolkata head Debeep Banerjee welcomed the decision. “We need to build up some infrastructural reciprocation. While 50% students will be allowed to attend physical classes, the rest can attend the same class virtually. We are planning a hybrid mode,” he said. Akash Institute chief marketing officer Sudipto Chowdhury said, “We are glad students can return to the classroom. Once Covid is under control, it is a welcome decision that at least 50% students can attend physical classes,” he said.
