FIITJEE Noida reopens as 'FIITJEE 2.0'; parents protest, demand refunds

NEW DELHI: Forum for Indian Institute of Technology Joint Entrance Examination (FIITJEE) Noida centre has resumed operations under a rebranded model, FIITJEE 2.0, nearly three months after it was shut down. Several parents protested outside the Noida Sector 62 centre on Sunday, questioning the relaunch and demanding refunds for previously paid fees.

Parents are demanding action against the institute and its founder, DK Goyal, over the sudden shutdown of multiple FIITJEE centres in January. They alleged that despite several complaints and an FIR registered at Sector 58 police station, no action has been taken.

In a social media post, FIITJEE described the reopening as the beginning of a new chapter: “FIITJEE Noida Centre reopens under the powerful wave of FIITJEE 2.0. This is not just a new session, it's FIITJEE 2.0 reimagined, redefined, and more impactful than ever,” the FIITJEE posted on its official X account. Despite the relaunch, parents have continued their protest, alleging that their complaints remain unresolved.

Accusations of ‘fraud’ surface online

Several users have voiced their anger on social media, calling the institute “fraudulent” and accusing it of exploiting students and parents. “FIITJEE is a fraud and cheating Parents of their hard-earned money and most importantly playing with the students' careers and thereby leading them into chaos... avoid them for your kids if u love them,” an X user posted on X.

Other protesting parents alleged that FIITJEE is now attempting to operate again under the guise of a franchise model, which they believe is another attempt to defraud families. “How shameless an owner can be. He is being completely ignorant and after looting thousands of students, where centres are completely shut. Now trying hard to find fresh victims.

Parents question fee collection, demand refunds

Parents further claimed that many of them paid substantial fees, but the closure disrupted classes and no refunds were issued. The parents accused the FIITJEE management and franchise owners of restarting operations without refunding the money of the earlier batch. A parent claimed that fees for a four-year programme were collected within 18 months, with no refund or resolution after the closure. “FIITJEE, please return our money. You have cheated us,” the post read.

While some students have already resumed classes at the reopened centre, a large number of parents continue to protest outside, urging authorities to intervene. “Offline Class Conduction at FIITJEE Punjabi Bagh Centre, April 13th 2025,” FIITJEE posted on official X account.

Pending refunds worry parents

Adding to the demand for official intervention, Yatender Kasana, president of the All Noida School Parents Association, said, "A proper committee should be formulated by the district administration to look into FIITJEE so that no more parents are cheated like many previous ones. They are taking admissions due to their strong marketing presence."

He added that many parents have already shifted their children to new coaching centres, but their payments to the previous institute are still pending. However, the institute has shown no accountability in refunding the money.