Privacy Policy

Shikkha (“we”, “our”, “us”) operates the NEET counselling and medical admission guidance services available at shikkha.in and through our internal CRM and WhatsApp channels. This Privacy Policy explains what personal information we collect, how we use it, and the rights you have over it.

By engaging our services, contacting us, or messaging us on WhatsApp, you agree to the practices described in this policy.

We collect the following categories of information:

• Identity & contact: name, phone number, WhatsApp number, email address, date of birth, parent/guardian name and contact details.
• Academic information: NEET roll number, score, All India Rank, category (General/OBC/SC/ST/EWS), board marks, state of domicile.
• Counselling preferences: preferred states, colleges, courses, budget range, package selected.
• Documents: identity documents, mark sheets, category certificates and other documents you upload for admission processing.
• Payment information: transaction references, receipts and payment status. We do not store full card or bank account details — payment processing is handled by our payment gateway partners.
• Communications: WhatsApp messages, emails, call notes and counselling session records exchanged between you and our team.
• Technical data: IP address, device/browser type and usage analytics when you visit shikkha.in.

• To provide counselling, admission guidance and seat allotment support.
• To send registration deadlines, choice-filling slots, allotment results, document reminders and payment notifications via WhatsApp, SMS and email.
• To process payments and issue receipts.
• To respond to enquiries you submit through our website or messaging channels.
• To improve our services, train staff, and maintain quality.
• To comply with applicable laws and counselling authority requirements.

We use the WhatsApp Business Platform (Meta) to send counselling updates, document requests, payment reminders and admission notifications. By sharing your WhatsApp number with us during onboarding, you consent to receive these messages.

You may opt out at any time by replying STOP to any WhatsApp message from us, or by emailing support@shikkha.in. Note that essential service messages (e.g. allotment results) may still be sent through alternative channels.

We do not sell your personal information. We share it only with:

• Counselling authorities (state and central) when required for registration, choice-filling and seat allotment.
• Service providers who help us operate the service: Supabase (database hosting), Meta (WhatsApp messaging), payment gateways and email delivery providers. These providers process data on our behalf under contractual confidentiality obligations.
• Law enforcement or regulators when legally required.

We retain your information for as long as your counselling engagement is active and for up to 7 years thereafter to comply with tax, accounting and counselling-authority record-keeping requirements. After that period, your data is securely deleted or anonymised.

We use industry-standard security measures including encrypted transport (TLS), role-based access control, row-level security on our database, and audit logging. Access to your records is restricted to authorised Shikkha staff who need it to provide the service.

You have the right to:

• Access the personal information we hold about you.
• Request correction of inaccurate information.
• Request deletion of your data — see our Data Deletion page.
• Withdraw consent for marketing or WhatsApp communications.
• Request a copy of your data in a portable format.

To exercise these rights, write to support@shikkha.in from the email address registered with us.

Our services are intended for NEET aspirants, who are typically 17 years or older. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must provide consent and engage with us on your behalf.

We may update this policy from time to time. The “Last updated” date at the top reflects the most recent change. Material changes will be communicated through our website or WhatsApp channel.

For privacy-related questions or to exercise your rights, contact:

Shikkha
Email: support@shikkha.in
Website: shikkha.in