Gujarat’s once-thriving IELTS coaching industry has seen a major collapse, with nearly 600 centres shutting down in the first four months of 2025 — the sharpest decline reported in Ahmedabad.
Industry sources say the slump is driven by stricter visa rules in Canada, the US, the UK and Australia. Canada’s cap on international students has hit the state the hardest, leading to a 41% drop in visa applications. Overall, foreign study applications from Gujarat have fallen by around 40%, sharply reducing demand for IELTS coaching.
A shift in student behaviour has added to the downturn, with many now choosing self-study through YouTube, free online resources and digital courses. Several coaching centres have shifted fully online, leaving traditional classrooms empty.
Experts say tougher visa scrutiny, the rise of language-learning apps and changing study habits have all contributed to the fall. The old commission-based system for agents handling IELTS and admissions has also weakened.
While small towns still retain some demand for guided coaching, major cities — including Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat and Rajkot — are witnessing a steady decline.