Vacation tutoring boom: Dharwad’s junior grades turn to holiday coaching

Dharwad: There was a time when only Class 9 and I PUC passed students used to join coaching classes for their next year's board exams. Now, students pursuing Class 4 to 9 are coming to Dharwad for their next year's coaching. Since the govt took strict measures such as web cameras in SSLC and PUC examinations, many parents want their wards to be studious from their lower grades. Thanks to such awareness, Dharwad tutors have become famous in North Karnataka, as they focus on the all-round development of children during summer months.They have adopted yoga, mass prayer, and sports activities in their daily routines, along with personality development classes and cultural activities at weekends. Students are coming to Dharwad even from distant places such as Kalaburagi and Bidar. On the other hand, the ‘Dharwad tutors' brand is seen at coaching centres located in Yadgir, Raichur, and other districts.Ramesh Ullagadi, founder, Creative Academy, told TOI that Dharwad tutors for primary and high school classes has become a brand, on the lines of ‘Kota tutors' for competitive exams. "Especially after the Covid pandemic, Dharwad coaching centres have been attracting students from Vijayapura, Kalaburagi, Davanagere, Uttara Kannada, and other districts. Parents are generous enough to send their wards for 2 months' coaching for the next class. Responding to parents' and students' demands, coaching centres are also upgrading and expanding their services in the interest of students," he shared.YR Kabber, founder, Adishakti Coaching Classes, said that they are attracting students even from Bengaluru and Mysuru. "Students and parents from across the state, observe the performance of coaching centres and the facilities available here. Parents from cities such as Bengaluru prefer the Dharwad environment, which is supportive for studious students. The number of students is higher for Class 5 and 10. Many Class 4 students want coaching to crack entrance tests of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya and Sainik School. Students who passed Class 9 want to focus on Class 10 studies, whether it is CBSE, ICSE, or state. The number of Class 5 to 8 passed students is moderate," he stated.When asked why students prefer Dharwad, both Ullagadi and Kabber say that apart from the prescribed syllabus, Dharwad coaching centres conduct classes as per lesson-based assessment and prepare students according to the blueprint of the respective class. "We also provide printed notes to students. Well-trained teachers are another strength of Dharwad city. To meet the extra rush of students, we hire buildings near the classes, ensure safety for all students, and take extra care of girls. Healthcare is another priority, and we maintain a panel of doctors available 24x7, apart from first aid," they said.