Returns & Refund Policy

1. Overview

At Sampath Academy, we are committed to providing high-quality CA coaching services. We understand that circumstances may change, and this refund policy outlines the terms and conditions for course fee refunds, cancellations, and transfers for all our programs including CA Foundation, CA Intermediate, CA Final, and special programs like Inter Rapid Revision.

2. Refund Eligibility

2.1 Course Cancellation Before Commencement

• 15+ days before course start: 90% refund of fees paid (10% administrative charges apply)
• 8-14 days before course start: 75% refund of fees paid
• 3-7 days before course start: 50% refund of fees paid
• Less than 3 days before course start: 25% refund of fees paid

2.2 Course Cancellation After Commencement

• Within first week of classes: 60% refund of remaining course fees
• Within first month of classes: 40% refund of remaining course fees
• After one month: No refund applicable

2.3 Non-Refundable Items

• Registration and admission fees
• Study materials and books provided
• Online portal access fees
• Examination fees paid to ICAI
• One-time workshop or seminar fees

3. Course Transfer Policy

3.1 Batch Transfer

• Students may request transfer to another batch of the same course level
• Transfer requests must be made at least 7 days before the new batch commencement
• No additional fees for one-time transfer within the same academic year
• Subject to availability of seats in the requested batch

3.2 Course Level Transfer

• Transfer from lower to higher level courses: Pay the difference in fees
• Transfer from higher to lower level courses: Credit note issued for future use
• Credit notes valid for 12 months from the date of issue
• Transfer fee of ₹1,000 applicable for course level changes

4. Medical and Emergency Circumstances

4.1 Medical Reasons

In case of serious illness or medical emergency preventing course attendance:

• Medical certificate from registered physician required
• Up to 80% refund may be considered on case-by-case basis
• Option to defer course to next available batch without additional fees
• Request must be submitted within 15 days of medical incident

4.2 Family Emergencies

• Death in immediate family: Up to 70% refund or course deferment
• Job relocation to different city: Transfer to nearest branch or 60% refund
• Documentation required for all emergency claims

5. Academy-Initiated Changes

5.1 Course Cancellation by Academy

• 100% refund if academy cancels a course due to insufficient enrollment
• Alternative course options will be provided
• Refund processed within 7-10 business days

5.2 Schedule Changes

• Minor schedule adjustments (1-2 hours): No refund applicable
• Major schedule changes: Option to transfer or partial refund
• Faculty changes: No refund applicable

6. Online Course Refund Policy

6.1 Digital Content Access

• Refund not applicable once online course content is accessed
• 7-day trial period for new online courses (where applicable)
• Technical issues resolved within 48 hours, no refund required

6.2 Recorded Sessions

• Access to recorded sessions is non-refundable
• Downloaded materials cannot be returned
• Online test series access is non-transferable and non-refundable

7. Refund Process

7.1 How to Request a Refund

1. Submit written refund request via email to contact@sampathacademy.org
2. Include student ID, course details, and reason for refund
3. Attach supporting documents if applicable
4. Wait for acknowledgment and review process

7.2 Processing Timeline

• Refund requests reviewed within 5-7 business days
• Approved refunds processed within 10-15 business days
• Refund credited to original payment method
• Bank transfer may take additional 3-5 business days

7.3 Required Documentation

• Original fee receipt or transaction proof
• Valid photo ID
• Course enrollment confirmation
• Additional documents for special circumstances

8. Special Program Policies

8.1 Rapid Revision Classes

• Intensive programs with limited refund options
• No refund after 50% course completion
• Materials provided are non-refundable

8.2 Workshop and Seminars

• One-day events: Refund only if cancelled 48 hours prior
• Multi-day workshops: Standard refund policy applies
• Guest faculty sessions: No refund for individual sessions

8.3 Mock Tests and Practice Sessions

• Test series fees are non-refundable once accessed
• Individual mock test fees cannot be refunded
• Group study session fees are non-refundable

9. Payment Method Specific Terms

9.1 Cash Payments

• Refunds processed via bank transfer or demand draft
• Bank details required for processing
• Processing fee may apply for demand drafts

9.2 Card and Online Payments

• Refunded to original payment method
• Credit card refunds may take 5-7 business days to reflect
• Payment gateway charges are non-refundable

9.3 EMI and Installment Payments

• Refund calculated on payments made till date
• Future EMI obligations cancelled upon approved refund
• Bank processing charges for EMI cancellation may apply

10. Exceptions and Special Cases

10.1 Force Majeure Events

• Natural disasters, pandemics, government restrictions
• Alternative delivery methods offered (online classes)
• Course deferment options available
• Partial refunds considered on case-by-case basis

10.2 Student Misconduct

• Disciplinary action may result in course termination
• No refund applicable for misconduct-related terminations
• Academy reserves right to deny re-enrollment

11. Appeals and Disputes

11.1 Appeal Process

• Students may appeal refund decisions within 15 days
• Written appeal with additional supporting documents
• Review by academy management committee
• Final decision communicated within 10 business days

11.2 Dispute Resolution

• Mediation preferred for dispute resolution
• Legal jurisdiction: Bengaluru, Karnataka
• Applicable law: Indian Consumer Protection Act

12. Contact Information for Refunds