Key Points:
- FIITJEE Shuts Down Multiple Centres: Sudden closures in Noida, Ghaziabad, Bhopal, Varanasi, Delhi, and Patna have left students and parents in distress, with no prior notice or clarity on refunds.
- Unpaid Salaries Spark Staff Exodus: Resignations by teachers due to unpaid wages led to the shutdowns, disrupting academic preparations for competitive exams like JEE and NEET.
- Parents Protest and File Complaints: Outraged parents have filed FIRs demanding accountability and refunds, accusing FIITJEE management of fraud and negligence.
- Management’s Silence Adds to Chaos: FIITJEE’s leadership has yet to release an official statement, leaving families in limbo about the future of their children’s education.
- Past Controversies Resurface: A viral video of Chairman DK Goel verbally abusing employees in December 2024 has resurfaced, raising questions about the institute’s internal practices and ethics.
Mumbai: In a shocking development, FIITJEE, one of India’s leading coaching institutes for JEE and NEET aspirants, has abruptly shut down several of its centres across North India, including major locations in Noida, Ghaziabad, Delhi, Bhopal, Varanasi, and Patna. The closures, triggered by unpaid teacher salaries and mass resignations, have left thousands of students and their families scrambling for alternatives with no clear answers from the management.
Protests Erupt in Noida and Ghaziabad
The sudden closures have sparked protests, with parents and students gathering outside FIITJEE’s Noida Sector 62 centre on Wednesday evening. Sanjeev Jha, the operational head of the centre, reportedly informed parents of the shutdown via a late-night message. Outraged parents accused the management of fraud, alleging that full fees were collected without delivering promised services.
One parent, Avinash Kumar, expressed his frustration, saying, “This is completely unfair. We paid the fees in advance, and now the centre has shut down with no explanation or refund. We need answers.”
In Ghaziabad, parents filed an FIR ten days ago after operations at another centre ceased abruptly. The complaint also revealed that teachers at the Ghaziabad branch had not been paid, leading to their resignation.
A Blow to Students Amid Exam Season
The closures come at a critical time for students preparing for the JEE Mains exams, held from January 22 to 24, with additional sessions scheduled later in the month. For many, FIITJEE’s sudden shutdown has disrupted their academic momentum, adding immense stress during this crucial phase.
A Noida parent, Rajiv Kumar Chaudhary, shared his distress: “We paid 100% of the fees for a five-year program. With two years still remaining, FIITJEE told us to transfer our child to another institute like Aakash. That’s not their decision to make.”
Authorities Step In
Police have intervened, with Noida Deputy Commissioner of Police Ram Badan Singh assuring parents that the matter is under investigation. “We have called FIITJEE’s head, DK Goel, to the station to address the complaints. This matter will be resolved soon,” Singh stated.
A History of Controversy
This is not the first time FIITJEE has faced backlash. In December 2024, a viral video featuring Chairman DK Goel verbally abusing employees during an online meeting stirred public outrage. In the video, Goel launched a tirade against a staff member who questioned the company’s investments in the Edtech sector, making personal attacks against the employee and their family.
Goel’s remarks, including “Go ask your mother who your father is,” drew widespread condemnation and highlighted alleged issues within FIITJEE’s corporate culture.
What’s Next for Students and Parents?
Founded in 1992 by IIT Delhi alumnus DK Goel, FIITJEE has long been a trusted name in competitive exam preparation, operating 72 centres across 41 cities. However, the recent shutdowns have shaken public confidence.
The institute’s silence on refund policies and future plans has only added to the uncertainty. Parents are demanding immediate action from authorities to safeguard their investments and ensure their children’s education continues uninterrupted.
As the situation unfolds, FIITJEE faces mounting pressure to address these grievances, restore its reputation, and provide clarity to thousands of affected families. For now, the fate of many students’ dreams hangs in the balance.
