Terms and Conditions for ShikshAQ
Acceptance of Terms
By accessing, browsing, registering, or using ShikshAQ (the "Platform," "Website," "Service"), operated by NGO AquaTerra, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.
Your use of ShikshAQ automatically signifies acceptance of these Terms. If you do not agree with any section, discontinue use immediately.
These Terms apply to all users, including students, parents/guardians, tutors, educators, and others accessing the Platform.
Platform Purpose and Scope
2.1 What ShikshAQ Does
ShikshAQ is a free, non-profit tutor-student matchmaking platform intended to connect students and parents with verified tutors in the Kolkata metropolitan area. The Platform enables:
Subject- and board-based tutor search
Viewing tutor profiles and qualifications
Communication between tutors and students/parents
Initial introductions
2.2 What ShikshAQ Does Not Do
ShikshAQ does not:
Handle or process any payments
Charge fees, commissions, or subscriptions
Negotiate tuition fees
Mediate payment or service disputes
Guarantee tutor quality or conduct
Employ or manage tutors
Provide tuition services directly
Manage contracts between users
2.3 Direct Negotiation Requirement
All tuition-related decisions—fees, schedules, methods—are handled directly between students/parents and tutors. ShikshAQ is not involved and assumes no responsibility.
User Eligibility and Registration
3.1 Eligibility Requirements
To use ShikshAQ, users must:
Be 13+ (or have guardian consent if under 18)
Provide accurate information
Comply with laws
Not use the Platform for unlawful purposes
Have authority to accept these Terms
3.2 Registration Obligations
Users must:
Provide accurate details
Update information when needed
Keep login credentials private
Be responsible for all account activity
Report unauthorized access immediately
3.3 Account Termination
ShikshAQ may suspend or terminate accounts for providing false information, violating Terms, engaging in prohibited conduct, or misusing the Platform.
Prohibited Conduct
Users may not engage in:
4.1 Fraudulent and Illegal Activities
Using the Platform illegally
Impersonation or misrepresentation
Falsifying qualifications
Fraud or deception
Gathering personal data under false pretenses
Scams or pyramid schemes
4.2 Harassment and Harmful Conduct
Harassment, threats, abuse
Unsolicited or inappropriate messages
Bullying or discriminatory behavior
Exploitation or abuse
4.3 Platform Abuse
Spamming
Posting obscene content
Fake or duplicate accounts
Bypassing security
Scraping or crawling data
Reverse engineering or unauthorized automation
4.4 Intellectual Property Violations
Copyright infringement
Uploading unauthorized content
Sharing pirated material
4.5 Privacy Violations
Collecting or misusing user data
Sharing personal information without consent
Unauthorized account access
4.6 Commercial Misuse
Unauthorized advertising
Promoting competing services
MLM recruitment
Payment and Fees
5.1 No Platform Charges
ShikshAQ is completely free for all users.
5.2 Direct Tuition Fee Negotiation
All tutor fees are negotiated directly between tutors and students/parents.
5.3 No Payment Processing
ShikshAQ does not handle or manage any form of payment and is not responsible for disputes or unauthorized transactions.
Tutor Verification and Qualifications
6.1 Verification Process
ShikshAQ performs basic verification such as:
Qualification checks
Identity verification
Background checks where applicable
6.2 Limitations
Verification does not guarantee quality, safety, performance, or satisfaction.
6.3 Student Responsibility
Students/parents should independently verify tutor suitability, safety, compatibility, and credentials.
Intellectual Property Rights
7.1 Platform Content
All Platform content—design, layout, text, graphics, code—is the property of ShikshAQ and NGO AquaTerra.
7.2 User-Generated Content
Users grant ShikshAQ permission to display and distribute profile content on the Platform.
7.3 Restrictions
Users may not reproduce or commercially use Platform content without authorization.
Limitation of Liability
8.1 Disclaimers
ShikshAQ is provided "as is" without warranties.
8.2 No Liability
ShikshAQ is not liable for damages, losses, disputes, or issues arising from Platform usage.
8.3 Causation Limitation
Limitations apply even if ShikshAQ is notified of potential damages.
Indemnification
Users agree to indemnify ShikshAQ and NGO AquaTerra against claims, damages, or legal issues arising from misuse or violation of Terms.
Disputes and Grievances
10.1 Tutor-Student Disputes
ShikshAQ does not mediate disputes. Resolve directly or pursue legal remedies.
10.2 Platform Issues
Contact support@shikshaq.in for platform-related problems.
10.3 Misconduct Reporting
Report misconduct via email with evidence.
Safety and Conduct Guidelines
ShikshAQ encourages safe practices such as verifying identities, meeting in public spaces, involving guardians for minors, and keeping records.
ShikshAQ monitors for fraud but cannot guarantee user safety.
Third-Party Links
ShikshAQ is not responsible for external websites or third-party services.
Account Suspension and Termination
Accounts may be suspended or terminated with or without notice for violations or complaints.
Modification of Terms
Terms may be updated at any time. Continued use signifies acceptance.
Modification of Services
Features or services may change or be discontinued anytime without liability.
Geographic Scope
Currently serves Kolkata metropolitan area; coverage may change.
Governing Law
Governed by Indian law; disputes fall under Kolkata jurisdiction.
Severability
Invalid provisions will be modified or removed without affecting remaining Terms.
Entire Agreement
These Terms and the Privacy Policy form the full agreement.
Contact Information
Email: support@shikshaq.in
Mailing Address: NGO AquaTerra, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Website: https://www.shikshaq.in
Special Provisions for NGO AquaTerra
ShikshAQ is a non-profit initiative. Future premium features may be introduced but core services will remain free.
Aggregated anonymized data may be used for research and impact assessment.
Acknowledgment
By using ShikshAQ, you acknowledge reading and agreeing to all Terms.
Version: 1.0
Effective Date: November 2025
Last Updated: November 2025
