In a series of shocking developments, multiple FIITJEE coaching centres across North India have abruptly shut down, leaving students and parents in turmoil. Centres in Noida, Ghaziabad, Bhopal, Varanasi, Delhi, and Patna were closed last week, reportedly due to a mass resignation of teachers citing unpaid salaries. The closures have disrupted the academic preparation of thousands of students and raised serious concerns about fee refunds.
The FIITJEE centre in Sector 62, Noida, became a focal point of protests on Wednesday evening as parents gathered to voice their grievances. They accused the management of shutting down the centre without prior notice and failing to refund the substantial fees paid for long-term coaching programs.
“This is unfair. We paid all the fees, and now the centre is closed with no warning or refund. We need answers,” said one distraught parent. According to reports, Sanjeev Jha, the operational head at the Noida centre, had informed parents late Tuesday evening that the centre would be closing, leaving families scrambling for clarity. A formal complaint was subsequently filed at the Sector 58 police station.
In Ghaziabad, parents of affected students lodged an FIR over a week ago, alleging that the coaching centre ceased operations without explanation and disrupted their children’s education. The complaint also highlighted that teachers at the Ghaziabad centre had been working without pay, prompting their resignation and the eventual shutdown of the centre.
One parent, Avinash Kumar, expressed frustration, stating, “The management is not answering their phones. They are all frauds. They must return our money. The government needs to take notice, as this is about my child’s future.” Another parent, Rajiv Kumar Chaudhary from Noida, revealed that he paid full fees for a five-year program but received a message suggesting students transfer to Aakash Institute. “We will decide where to send our child for further coaching, not FIITJEE,” he added.
The Noida Deputy Commissioner of Police, Ram Badan Singh, confirmed the involvement of law enforcement. “Some guardians and children came to the Sector 58 police station, asking for refunds as classes were no longer being conducted. We have called FIITJEE head DK Goel to the station. This matter will be sorted out soon,” Singh said.
The closures have occurred at a critical time for students, coinciding with the January 22-24 session of the JEE Mains exam, with additional sessions scheduled for January 28-30, 2025. The sudden disruption has left many students without crucial academic support during this pivotal period.
Founded in 1992 by IIT Delhi graduate DK Goel, FIITJEE has been a prominent player in coaching for JEE and NEET entrance exams, with 72 centres across 41 cities and a staff of over 300. However, the institute has faced controversies in the past. In December 2024, a video of DK Goel verbally abusing employees during an online meeting went viral, drawing widespread criticism. The video showed Goel making personal attacks and using abusive language against an employee who raised questions about the company’s investments in the Edtech sector.
FIITJEE’s management has yet to issue an official statement addressing the closures, the status of unpaid salaries, or plans for refunding affected parents. The silence has only fueled frustration and mistrust among stakeholders. Parents are demanding immediate intervention from authorities to hold FIITJEE accountable. “This is not just about money. It’s about our children’s future,” said a parent at the Noida protest.
