Special Correspondent
Pune: Thousands of aspiring IIT and engineering students have been left in distress following the sudden and permanent closure of FIITJEE coaching centres, including those in Pune and Delhi-NCR. Known for its rigorous training programs and impressive track record, the institute’s abrupt shutdown has left students and parents grappling with uncertainty after investing lakhs in tuition fees.
FIITJEE, founded in 1992 by IIT Delhi alumnus D.K. Goel, grew from a single centre in Delhi to 72 branches nationwide. The coaching institute became synonymous with success, producing numerous IIT-JEE toppers and expanding its offerings to NEET preparation and school education through associated institutions like FIITJEE World School.
In 2023, FIITJEE reported an impressive turnover of Rs 542 crore, making the sudden closure even more puzzling. The shutdown process reportedly began in July and August, gradually affecting various centres. However, the abrupt overnight closure of key locations, including Swargate and Chinchwad in Pune, has left over 350 students in Pune alone stranded without refunds.
A distraught parent, shared his experience: “I paid Rs 2,60,000 for my son’s IIT JEE Advanced Pinnacle Integrated Course. My friend paid Rs 4,50,000 for his daughter’s course. Classes were irregular since July, and now they’ve closed without any notice or refund. Where do we seek justice?”
A former staff member, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that around 18 to 20 staff members at the Pune branches had not received salaries since July. “The centres eventually shut down completely, and this happened across all branches in the country,” the source added.
FIITJEE’s unexpected collapse has sparked outrage among parents and students, who are now left without answers.
Authorities are yet to clarify the reasons behind the shutdown, and those affected are demanding accountability for their lost investments and disrupted academic futures.
