A practical, honest guide for parents — how to find a verified private tutor, what to ask, what to pay, and how to avoid making the same mistake twice.
The short version
Byju's, once India's most valuable ed-tech startup, entered insolvency proceedings in 2024–25. Their Android app was pulled from Google Play in May 2025. Live classes were disrupted, refunds became difficult, and hundreds of thousands of families were left without the tutoring they had paid for.
If your child was enrolled in a Byju's programme, you are not alone. Millions of families across India are in the same position and are now looking for a more reliable alternative. This guide will help you find one quickly and safely.
The good news: private tutors in India are plentiful, skilled, and far more accountable than any app-based platform. And finding one has never been easier.
The Byju's situation taught a hard lesson: when you pay an app company for your child's education, you are betting on that company's survival. A private tutor is different.
A private tutor's livelihood depends on your child's results. They cannot disappear overnight.
One teacher, one student. Your child's specific weaknesses are addressed — not a generic syllabus.
Pay per class or per month. Stop anytime. No 12-month contracts, no lock-ins.
Classes at 7am or 9pm, online or at home — the tutor works around your family.
Before you search, write down: your child's class, the board (CBSE/ICSE/State board), the specific subjects needed, and whether you want online or home tutoring. This narrows your search to people who are actually qualified.
WhatsApp groups and local notice boards are fine starting points, but you have no way to verify the tutor's background. Use a platform where tutors are verified by the team and reviewed by past students.
Any good tutor will offer a 20–30 minute free demo class. This is your chance to see their teaching style, how they interact with your child, and whether their pace is right. Never skip this step.
Look for tutors with at least 2–3 genuine reviews. If they are new and have no reviews yet, ask them for a reference from a previous student's parent that you can call directly.
Confirm: classes per week, duration, rate per hour, payment frequency (weekly or monthly), and what happens if a class is cancelled. Get this in writing — even a WhatsApp message works.
What board and class do you most commonly teach?
You want a tutor who regularly teaches your child's specific board (CBSE/ICSE/State) and class level — not someone who occasionally dabbles in it.
Can you describe how you would approach a student who is behind?
A good tutor will talk about diagnosing gaps, going back to basics, and building confidence before speed. A bad one will just say 'we'll cover the syllabus.'
How do you keep parents updated on progress?
Expect a weekly or fortnightly update — even a short WhatsApp message. If they have no system for this, that's a red flag.
What are your cancellation and rescheduling terms?
Life happens. A good tutor will be clear and fair — 24-hour notice for both sides is standard.
Do you offer a free trial class?
Every good tutor should say yes. If they refuse, move on.
Rates vary widely by city, subject, and tutor experience. Here is a realistic guide:
| Level | Subject | Typical rate/hr |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1–5 | All subjects | ₹200 – ₹500 |
| Class 6–8 | Core subjects | ₹300 – ₹700 |
| Class 9–10 (Boards) | Maths / Science | ₹500 – ₹1,200 |
| Class 11–12 (Boards) | Maths / Physics / Chemistry | ₹700 – ₹1,500 |
| JEE / NEET Prep | Maths / Physics / Chemistry / Biology | ₹1,000 – ₹3,000 |
| English / Language | Any class | ₹300 – ₹800 |
Online tutors are generally 20–30% cheaper than home tutors for the same quality, since they save on travel time. Rates in metros (Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore) run 30–50% higher than smaller cities.
We built TuitionsInIndia specifically for this — a simple, trustworthy way to find a private tutor in India. Here's how we're different from Byju's:
Takes 2 minutes to post your requirement. Free. No credit card.
Can I get a refund from Byju's?
Refunds from Byju's are being handled through insolvency proceedings — contact their official support or the National Consumer Helpline (1800-11-4000). Many parents have had partial success through consumer court complaints.
Is online tutoring as effective as home tutoring?
For most subjects and most students, yes — especially for Class 6 and above. Online tutoring is often better because the tutor can share their screen, use digital whiteboards, and record sessions for review. Younger children (Class 1–5) may benefit more from in-person sessions.
How quickly can my child start with a new tutor?
On TuitionsInIndia, most parents get matched with a tutor within 24 hours. After that, the first class can usually happen within 2–3 days once you agree on a schedule.
What if the tutor is not a good fit?
Simply stop. There is no contract. Pay for the classes you have taken and move on to the next tutor. On TuitionsInIndia, you can find a replacement immediately.
Is there a platform that guarantees a match?
Yes — TuitionsInIndia offers a 24-hour match guarantee. Post your requirement and if we cannot find you a matched tutor in 24 hours, our team personally contacts tutors on your behalf until we find one.
Know another parent affected by Byju's?
Share this guide with them. It takes 2 minutes to read and could save weeks of searching.