Refund of on line course

In the given situation, the issue relates to refund of fees paid for an online coaching course and falls under consumer protection law and general contract principles.
Payment of the course fee on 09 January 2026 created a consumer–service provider relationship between the student and the coaching institute. The course has not yet commenced (scheduled to start on 19 January 2026), which is a material fact. Non-commencement of services strengthens the consumer’s right to seek a refund, subject to reasonable deductions, if any, as per disclosed terms and conditions.
If the study material supplied is substantially incomplete or inadequate (for example, only 7–8 books received when more were promised), this may amount to deficiency in service and unfair trade practice under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. Denial of refund without proper justification or without clearly communicated refund terms may also be legally unsustainable.
The refusal to take back books does not automatically defeat the right to refund, especially when the course services have not started and the materials supplied are alleged to be incomplete. At most, the institute may claim a reasonable deduction for books already supplied, provided such deduction is supported by written policy.
The following legal remedies are available:
Firstly, a written legal notice may be issued to the coaching institute demanding refund of the course fee within a stipulated time, citing non-commencement of course and deficiency in service.
Secondly, a complaint may be filed before the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission having jurisdiction over the place of residence or the institute’s office. The complaint may seek refund of fees, compensation for mental harassment, and litigation costs.
Thirdly, if the institute made misleading promises regarding course content or materials, the matter may also be reported as an unfair trade practice under consumer law.
Courts and consumer forums have consistently held that educational and coaching institutes providing paid courses are service providers, and arbitrary “no refund” policies cannot override statutory consumer rights.
Proper documentation such as payment receipts, course brochure, refund policy (if any), courier proof of books received, and written communication with the institute should be preserved, as these will be crucial in legal proceedings.