Indore (Madhya Pradesh): Even as the IMC continues its drive against fire safety violations, a Free Press investigation by Arsh Rafik Visaal and Pintu Namdev across coaching institutes in Indore exposed serious safety concerns. For thousands of students studying in Bhanwarkuan, the city’s largest student hub, the risk appears real.
At Concept Academy near Tower Square, the team found a three-foot-wide staircase serving as the only entry and exit point, poor ventilation despite air-conditioners and electrical wiring near windows. The building also housed a medical facility, café, basement pathology lab and coaching classes!
At Ranawat Trade Center in Bhanwarkuan, PS Academy and Tally classes were operating in congested spaces with windows covered by billboards. Similar concerns were observed at Disha Computer Institute, Vission IAS Academy, The Knowledge Campus Institute and Jeet Sahayata Classes in Sundaram Complex.
At Veda Complex, some classrooms relied on broken glass sections for ventilation, while windows remained covered with dark glass. Harshdeep Arcade also had coaching classes operating under a tin-covered terrace.
Experts warn that smoke inhalation, panic and delayed evacuation cause most fire deaths, making overcrowded coaching centres particularly vulnerable during emergencies.
SAFETY NORMS: WHAT THE LAW SAYS
Coaching institutes must comply with government norms, building rules and fire safety regulations.
Classrooms should provide adequate space to avoid overcrowding.
Proper ventilation, lighting, safe wiring, fire extinguishers and emergency exits are essential.
Corridors, staircases and exits must remain obstruction-free.
Lack of fire preparedness and overcrowding can turn minor incidents into major tragedies.
STING FINDINGS
Major safety concerns observed
Congested classrooms packed beyond comfortable capacity
Single-entry and single-exit routes in many buildings
Narrow staircases incapable of handling mass evacuation
Lack of emergency exits
Poor ventilation and inadequate natural light
No visible fire extinguishers in several premises
Absence of fire alarms and smoke detectors
Coaching centres operating from commercial and residential buildings
Electrical wiring hanging openly in some premises
Air-conditioned rooms with sealed windows
No emergency evacuation maps displayed
Lack of trained emergency response staff
Parking congestion outside institutes obstructing emergency vehicle access
DANGER ZONES
Narrow exits may trigger panic and stampede risks during fire incidents
Poor ventilation
Overloaded circuits, heavy equipment use and poor wiring maintenance
Many students have never undergone fire drills.
Illegal structure
Free Press also found that several coaching classes have developed tin-shade structures above the terraces and top floors of the buildings to extend their classes, but these structures are illegal.
STUDENTS SPEAK
"We Never Think About Safety"
"Nobody tells us where to go if a fire breaks out. We have never seen any evacuation drill," said Sadhya Pawar studying in Bhanwarkuan.
"Classrooms are crowded, especially during evening batches. Sometimes students stand near the doors as rooms are full making it difficult to escape in an eventuality,” said Aysuh Khaira a student.
Pallavi Dashore, an 11th-class student, said, "Many coaching centres have only one staircase. During class change, the crowd swells. In an emergency, it could be dangerous," Pallavi Dashore, Class 11 student
PARENTS’ A RIGHT TO KNOW
Parents often check faculty, results and fees but overlook safety. Before admission, they must verify fire compliance, emergency exits, safety inspections, working extinguishers, evacuation drills and approved student capacity to ensure their child’s security.
POINTS TO PONDER ON
Single staircase
Locked exits
Overcrowded classrooms
No fire extinguishers
No emergency signage
Poor ventilation
Exposed electrical wiring
No smoke detectors
Blocked corridors
Generator or electrical rooms located near classrooms
WHAT MAKES THE SITUATION MORE ALARMING?
Growing Commercialisation of Education:
Rising fees and increasing competition have turned coaching into a business, while student safety often remains ignored. Many institutes operate from spaces not designed for large crowds, increasing emergency risks.
Psychological Impact:
Overcrowded and poorly ventilated classrooms affect students’ comfort, concentration and mental health. Spending long hours in such conditions can increase stress, fatigue and anxiety.
