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About CFAL

What is CFAL’s mission? +

To develop thoughtful, self-aware young people who learn with depth, act with responsibility, and live in harmony with the world around them. We believe education should create character, not just academic outcomes. Our trustees and administrators envision each student becoming the very best in whatever field they choose—living a life of contribution not only to their family and community, but to all species, not just for today but for generations to come.

We want you to be rich in every aspect of life: intellectually, emotionally, spiritually, and financially—because financial freedom gives you the power to make decisions from values, not desperation. When you're unburdened by debt, you can choose work that matters, serve causes you believe in, and live with integrity. We also believe in minimalism and conservation—living simply so that others may simply live. Taking only what you need, preserving resources, and caring for our planet ensures that future generations inherit a world worth living in. At CFAL, we apply the latest research in cognition and pedagogy to transform how children learn. We don't just follow tradition—we use what science tells us about how the brain learns best, adapting our methods to help each student reach their full potential. CFAL exists to help you discover your unique gifts and use them to make the world more whole.

Why was CFAL created? +

CFAL began as a response to a system that reduces learning to competition. Our journey started in 2004 when we wanted to help our siblings and our own children get into the top colleges in the country. We saw they needed something different—a place where they could truly learn, not just compete.

In 2013, we realized how badly early education was being neglected. So we started a kindergarten, incorporating the wisdom of Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and John Holt's thinking—honoring how young children naturally learn through curiosity, play, and discovery. Then we saw STEM education deteriorating in schools. Scientific thinking wasn't being taught—students were memorizing formulas without understanding the beauty of inquiry and experimentation.

With AI, everything changed. Knowledge is now available to everyone. What matters now are 21st-century skills—creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, communication. The World Economic Forum confirms this: the skills that will define success are changing rapidly. So we started these schools to prepare students not for yesterday's world, but for tomorrow's. We chose a different path—one where students learn to:

  • Think independently
  • Work with discipline and steadiness
  • Understand themselves
  • Contribute to something larger than themselves
CFAL exists because education should liberate, not limit.

How is CFAL different from large coaching institutions? +

Most coaching is built on pressure, comparison, and mass standardization. CFAL is built on **reflection, mastery, and personal growth**. We prefer small communities where every student is known, guided, and supported. Our focus is on conceptual thinking—getting back to first principles and the true application of knowledge, not just memorization.

For Foundation students (younger grades): We teach for understanding, application, and critical thinking. We want you to know why things work, not just how to solve them. For PU students (Grades 11-12): We teach deep understanding and give you the skills needed to excel in exams. Mastery and results go together.

Here, you respect your teachers by being a dedicated learner—by showing up fully, engaging deeply, and gaining the mastery you came to gain. We believe respect is earned through commitment to growth, not through empty formality. At CFAL, you're not a number in a batch. You're a person becoming who you're meant to be.

Programs Offered

What programs does CFAL offer? +

  • Early Learning Center (ELC): Our kindergarten program incorporating Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and John Holt's philosophy—where young children learn through curiosity, play, and discovery.
  • IGCSE School (Grades 1–10): A complete international curriculum with:
    • Nuffield Labs – Hands-on science education that emphasizes inquiry and experimentation
    • Nature Curriculum – Learning in and from nature, fostering connection to the living world
    • 21st Century Skills Development – Critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication
    This program prepares students for a globalized world while staying rooted in values.
  • Foundation Program (Grades 6–10): We build deep conceptual understanding and critical thinking skills during these formative years. Within Foundation, we offer Additional Development Paths (similar to gifted children programs):
    • Math and Physics Olympiads
    • Computing
    • Chemistry and Bio Olympiads
    • Research and Makers Space
    These paths are for students who want to go deeper, explore beyond the curriculum, and develop specialized skills.
  • PU Program (Grades 11–12) + JEE/NEET Preparation: We combine board exam excellence with entrance exam mastery—teaching both conceptual depth and exam strategy.
  • 13th Year Program: For students who want to compete in Olympiads and apply to the world's top universities first—before considering IIT, NIT, or medical colleges in India as backup options. We believe: The best students should aim for the world's top universities—Oxford, Cambridge, MIT, Stanford, Ivy League institutions. This path requires dedication to Olympiads, research, and a different kind of preparation—but it opens doors to the world's finest education.
Each program is designed to help you become excellent—not just successful.

Admissions

Who should apply to CFAL? +

Students who are sincere, curious, and willing to grow—regardless of where they begin. Anyone can apply to:

  • CFAL Foundation Program (Kindergarten & Primary)
  • CFAL Grades 7–10 Program
  • CFAL PU (Grades 11–12)
  • CFAL 13th Year Program
We conduct an entrance test to understand your current foundation level—not to reject you, but to know where you are so we can meet you there. We also conduct a psychometric test to understand your attitude toward learning—your curiosity, your willingness to work, your openness to growth. We're not looking for perfect students. We're looking for committed ones.

What do you look for in students? +

Not just strong marks—but:

  • Willingness to question – Curiosity about why things work, not just how to solve them
  • The habit of working steadily – Consistency over intensity, discipline over drama
  • Respect for community and discipline – Shown through dedication to learning, not empty formality
  • Sincere desire to grow – You don't have to be perfect, but you must be willing to improve
  • Independence of thought – We want you to think for yourself, not just follow the crowd
  • Ownership of your learning – Taking responsibility for your mistakes and breakthroughs
  • Openness to reflection – Being able to look honestly at yourself and your work
  • Values alignment – Care for something beyond yourself—your community, the planet, future generations
We're not looking for students who: want shortcuts or easy answers, need constant pressure to work, are here only because their parents sent them, or see education as just a transaction for marks. If you're ready to learn deeply, contribute meaningfully, and become your best—we're ready to walk with you.

Are entrance assessments required? +

Yes, but they are for correct placement, not exclusion. We conduct two assessments:

  1. Academic Test – To understand your current foundation level in key subjects. This helps us know where you are so we can design your learning path appropriately.
  2. Psychometric Test – To understand your attitude toward learning—your curiosity, persistence, openness to growth, and willingness to take responsibility for your education.
The purpose is not to reject you. The purpose is to understand you—so we can meet you where you are and guide you forward. If you're sincere, curious, and willing to grow, there's a place for you at CFAL.

When should I apply? +

Admissions open around October for the next academic year (starting in April). We admit in limited numbers to maintain quality and ensure every student receives personalized attention. Early applications are encouraged—this gives us time to understand you properly and ensures you have a place in the batch that suits you best. Don't wait until the last moment. The earlier you apply, the more thoughtfully we can plan your learning journey with you.

How do I apply? +

We welcome you to connect with us in the way that feels most comfortable:

  • Email us: office@cfalindia.com
  • Call us: 9900520233
  • Visit our campus: Come see CFAL for yourself
A short conversation helps us understand your aspirations and readiness—and helps you see if CFAL is the right fit.

Academics & Learning Approach

How do you prepare students for JEE/NEET? +

In the first 18 months: We teach you depth in every topic—understanding from first principles, real application, deep work, and deep thinking. We want you to:

  • Discuss problems with peers and teachers
  • Discuss theories and understand why they matter
  • Debate ideas and defend your reasoning
  • Think critically, not just memorize
This builds the foundation that makes you truly capable—not just exam-ready.

In the last 6 months: We organize classes into batches based on the specific exam you're targeting—JEE Main, JEE Advanced, NEET, or other paths. Then we teach:
  • Rigor – The discipline of consistent practice
  • Speed – How to solve accurately under time pressure
  • Strategy – Exam patterns, question selection, time management
The sequence matters: Deep understanding first. Then speed and strategy. You cannot build speed on shallow knowledge—it collapses under pressure. But when you understand deeply, speed becomes natural. This is how CFAL students perform with both mastery and confidence.

What is the DPP system? +

Daily Practice Problems help you improve through small daily progress, which is more powerful than intense last-minute study. But the deeper truth is this: Unless you practice what is taught, there is no learning. You can sit in class, nod your head, and feel like you understand—but until you put pen to paper and solve problems yourself, you haven't truly learned. It's through practice that:

  • Application is learned
  • Concepts are understood deeply
  • Your brain makes the connections that matter
  • You discover what you actually know versus what you only think you know
This is not busywork. This is how learning happens—one problem at a time, one day at a time, with your own hand and mind doing the work.

Why does CFAL design its own study material? +

Because learning is not one-size-fits-all. Every classroom has different material. This is intentionally difficult—it requires our teachers to prepare deeply and thoughtfully for each batch. They cannot simply walk from one class to the next with the same problem set. This demands a lot from our teachers, and they give it willingly because they know you deserve material designed specifically for where you are in your learning journey. Our material is shaped continuously by:

  • Real exam patterns
  • Student error trends
  • Teacher observation
  • The specific nature of each batch
We ask our teachers not to teach too much theory—there is abundant material online for that. Instead, we focus on teaching: How to apply what you know, how to tackle a problem you haven't seen before, how to reason it out from first principles, and how to become a problem solver, not just a formula-memorizer. At CFAL, the material serves you—not the other way around.

What does a “tailored learning path” mean? +

Your study journey unfolds with you—your pace, your patterns, your strengths, your challenges. We work with the student, not against their natural way of learning. This means:

  • We observe how you think and where you struggle
  • We design problems that meet you where you are and stretch you forward
  • We honor that you may need more time in one area and less in another
  • We don't force everyone through the same material at the same speed
You are not a machine to be programmed. You are a person learning to think. Your path is yours. Not a photocopy of someone else's.

How does batch shuffling work? +

Purpose: Put every student in a class where they're rightly challenged—not overwhelmed, not bored—so learning stays fast, joyful, and focused on their exam goals.

Three pillars:

  1. Dynamic learning (healthy competition) – Movement is earned through effort and understanding. Top groups are taught at a higher rigor; teachers come extra-prepared and push depth.
  2. Tailored instruction (right level, right pace) – We regroup by subject when needed. Example: if a student needs more support in Math but excels in Physics, they'll attend the appropriate Math batch and the top Physics batch.
  3. Accountability for continuous growth – Placement is a support decision, not a reward or punishment. Students who act on feedback move up; those needing consolidation get targeted support.
How we decide: Evidence: Major test results, DPPs, bimonthly tests, chapter tests, teacher observations, attendance/effort, and your stated exam goals (NEET/JEE/IISER/IISc). Frequency: Reviewed after each major test (at least monthly). Process: Subject teachers propose → academic lead confirms → update shared with student and mentor. If a class is too easy, you'll stagnate; if too hard, you'll lose confidence. We place you where growth is fastest.

What is the CFAL-IGNUS portal? +

Your academic journey—visualized. Progress, attendance, strengths, gaps—all in one place. IGNUS contains:

  • Recorded classes – Every lecture by every teacher, kept for you to review anytime
  • Previous year DPPs – Access to past Daily Practice Problems for additional practice
  • Chapter tests and topic tests – All assessments organized by subject and topic
  • Timetable – Your class schedule displayed clearly
  • Student progress reports – Detailed data of every test you've taken, showing your growth over time
  • Performance analytics – Where you're strong, where you need work, tracked continuously
If you miss a class, you can watch it later. If you want to review a concept, the lecture is there. If you need more practice, previous DPPs are available. Everything you need to take ownership of your learning—in one place.

Can students use external prep resources? +

Yes—but don't scatter yourself across too many. There is already abundant material at CFAL. If you feel you need additional resources, choose one and stick with it. Don't keep jumping from platform to platform. Here's the truth: Every online provider is trying to convince you that they have the secret solution—the magic course, the perfect batch, the guaranteed strategy. Don't get fooled by marketing campaigns. There is no alternative to the work you have to put in. No app, no course, no "shortcut" can replace your own daily practice, your own thinking, your own mistakes and corrections. The best resource you have is your own consistent effort, guided by teachers who know you.

Exam Guidance

When should I take mock tests? +

Short answer: Not until the 2nd year portions are done. Focus on finishing CFAL portions, chapter tests, bimonthlies, and majors. Start portal mocks after Second QC ends (end-October), when our structured revision begins. Why wait? Running portal part-tests now splits your focus—you'll do neither the current portions nor the mocks well. Depth first, then speed. Our plan & timeline:

  • Now → End-Oct (Second QC): Prioritise CFAL classes, DPPs, chapter tests, bimonthlies, majors.
  • End-Oct → 1st week of Jan (Revision phase): Institute-led revision plan with part tests and cumulative tests in sync with the plan.
  • From January (full-length phase): JEE Main target 20+ full-length papers before Attempt 1. NEET aim ~2 full-length papers/week Jan→May.
Non-negotiables for every mock: Timed conditions, immediate analysis (error log by topic & reason), fix list → DPPs → re-test the weak areas, discuss trends with your mentor each cycle. Quality beats quantity. Master today's portions; then scale up mocks with discipline and analysis.

As a NEET student, should I write JEE Main? +

Yes: write the first JEE Main attempt. Skip the second. It gives a clean, national-level check of your Physics & Chemistry readiness and builds exam stamina before NEET. Why we recommend it:

  • Diagnostic: Section-wise JEE Main scores show where you stand in Physics/Chemistry
  • Correlation: NEET students hitting ~98th percentile in JEE Main Phy/Chem typically do very well in NEET
  • Acclimatization: You practise a full-length national CBT under pressure—exactly the mindset NEET needs
Target: Aim for ~99th percentile in Physics & Chemistry on JEE Main (first attempt). January attempt only. After that, focus fully on NEET. Do not schedule the second JEE Main attempt.

What if I don’t know whether to choose JEE or NEET? +

You need to know yourself first. Ask yourself: Can I see myself doing this work—and taking responsibility for it—for the rest of my life? Choose a career, not a job. A career is something you grow into—you get better with time, you excel over the years, you find deeper meaning in it. A job is something you do for money—external rewards, social approval, comfort. Here's how we help:

  1. Step 1 (January): Everyone writes JEE Main – first attempt as a diagnostic.
  2. Step 2 (right after results): We do a 1:1 mentoring to choose your best-fit focus.
  3. Step 3: We give you a clear plan—primary exam choice, weekly study focus, mock count & calendar, and feedback check-ins.
Don't choose based on what seems safe or impressive. Choose based on what calls to you—what you can give your life to with integrity and joy.

Teaching & Support

What is the student–teacher ratio? +

Small enough that teachers know each student as a person, not a roll number. If we count all the teachers in the institute, we have a 10:1 ratio—10 students for every teacher. In practice: Most classes have around 40 students, and some specialized classes have fewer than 20 students. But here's what makes CFAL different: We are an organization with high teacher support. Teachers don't have to do administrative tasks—they focus entirely on students. We have nearly one administrative support person for every 5 teachers. This creates an inverted system: Administrators support teachers → Teachers support students. The students are at the top—receiving the most care, attention, and support. When teachers are supported, they can fully support you.

How is progress tracked? +

Regularly—through test analytics, one-on-one reviews, and honest feedback. We also use AI and data analysis to understand how teachers are performing and how students are progressing. But here's what matters most: We don't tell you if you're "good" or "bad." We tell you:

  • Which specific topics you haven't understood yet
  • Which habits are not working for you
  • Where your effort is paying off and where it's not
  • What patterns we see in your mistakes and breakthroughs
This data serves learning, not judgment. Progress tracking is not about comparing you to others. It's about helping you become better than you were yesterday.

What if I fall behind? +

You are not left alone. We adjust plans, reduce clutter, increase clarity, and walk with you step by step. Here's what happens:

  1. We identify the gap quickly – Through our regular tracking and data analysis, we see when you're falling behind before it becomes a crisis.
  2. We understand why – Is it a conceptual gap? A habit issue? Too much external distraction? Personal challenges? We look at the root cause, not just the symptom.
  3. Shuffling between batches – We move students to ensure every teacher is teaching at the right level. You need to be stretched, not broken.
  4. Remedial classes or individual attention – For students falling significantly behind, we provide extra support—smaller groups, focused sessions, one-on-one guidance.
But first, we check: Are you working at home/hostel? Are you writing notes in class? Are you doing the DPPs consistently? Are you doing the basic things required of every learner? Falling behind is not failure. Refusing to do the work is.

Do you support emotional and mindset development? +

Yes. Strength of mind matters as much as strength in Physics, Chemistry, or Biology. Academic excellence without inner strength is fragile. We want you to be resilient, self-aware, and grounded—not just high-scoring. Here's how we support you:

  • Student Welfare Officers (SWO) – We have two levels of SWOs, and some are among the best in town. They are trained professionals who understand what young people face—academically, emotionally, socially.
  • Strong admission follow-up – From the moment you join CFAL, we track not just your academics but your overall well-being. We notice when something shifts.
  • When we don't see academic progress, we investigate emotionally – We don't just push harder. We ask: What's going on beneath the surface?
We help you develop: Growth mindset (ability to learn from failure), self-discipline and consistency, emotional regulation under pressure, and clarity about your purpose and values. Your mental and emotional health are not distractions from learning—they are the foundation of it.

Campus & Daily Life

Can I visit CFAL? +

Yes—we encourage it. Culture is best experienced firsthand. When you visit, you'll see: A natural, green environment designed to ground students in something real—not just concrete and air conditioning. We believe students should interact with nature, not be sealed away from it. The campus invites you to walk around under trees, socialize outdoors, and feel connected to the earth. Our buildings are built with sustainability and wellbeing in mind:

  • Natural ventilation wherever possible—we prioritize fresh air over artificial cooling
  • Thoughtful design that considers light, space, and human comfort
  • Minimal environmental impact—honoring our commitment to conservation and future generations
Come see for yourself. Walk the campus. Talk to students and teachers. Feel the space. Contact us at office@cfalindia.com or call to schedule your visit.

What does a day at CFAL feel like? +

Purposeful, disciplined, and quiet enough for thinking—yet warm, communal, and human. Work hours: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Saturdays are half days—giving you time to rest, reflect, and recharge. Sufficient breaks throughout the day—because sustained focus requires rest, not relentless grinding. Even though students are preparing for JEE and other demanding exams, we believe: Focus is important. Happiness is also important. We refuse the toxic model that says you must sacrifice your well-being to achieve excellence. A typical day includes:

  • Morning classes with focused learning
  • Lunch and breaks where you can socialize, walk outdoors, or simply rest
  • Afternoon classes and practice sessions
  • Time for doubt-clearing, mentoring, and reflection
  • Evening release so you can study independently, rest, or engage in activities you care about
You'll leave each day tired from good work—but not broken.

What clubs and activities are available? +

We encourage students to explore beyond academics—because a full education develops the whole person. Existing clubs and spaces include:

  • Astrophysics Club – For students fascinated by the cosmos, space, and the fundamental questions of the universe
  • Makers Space – A hands-on environment where you can build, tinker, experiment, and bring ideas to life
  • Nuffield Labs – Dedicated science labs for genuine inquiry-based learning and experimental projects
  • Robotics Club – For students interested in engineering, programming, and building intelligent systems
But here's what makes CFAL different: Any group of students who want to start a club are encouraged to form one. Gather interested students with a shared passion, find a teacher to serve as mentor, develop clear objectives, and run the club with a budget we provide. If you care about something—music, debate, environmental action, philosophy, coding, art—start a club. We'll support you.

What sports facilities are available? +

Physical health and movement are essential—not optional extras. A strong body supports a strong mind. We want you active, energized, and balanced—not just sitting at desks all day. Sports facilities include:

  • Team Sports: Basketball, Volleyball, Pickleball
  • Individual Sports: Table tennis and more
Events throughout the year: Sports Day – A day dedicated to athletic competition, team spirit, and celebration of physical excellence. Individual sports tournaments – Regular competitions that give you opportunities to test yourself and grow through challenge. A well-rounded education includes movement, play, and physical challenge.

What training is given to students? +

We don't just teach content—we teach you how to learn, think, and manage yourself. Students receive training in:

  1. SMART Goals – How to set goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Breaking large ambitions into actionable daily steps.
  2. Meditation – Practices to calm the mind, reduce anxiety, and increase focus. Building mental resilience for high-pressure situations.
  3. Journalling – Reflecting on your day, your learning, your struggles, and breakthroughs. Processing emotions and gaining self-awareness.
  4. Learning How to Learn – Evidence-based study techniques (active recall, spaced repetition, interleaving). Understanding how memory works and how to retain information effectively.
  5. Best Learning Practices – Making students aware of what research says about effective learning. Teaching metacognition—thinking about your own thinking.
These skills transform you from someone who studies blindly to someone who learns strategically, lives intentionally, and grows continuously.

Student Conduct

What kind of community is CFAL? +

CFAL is a learning community where students are expected to grow not only in knowledge, but in character. We believe excellence emerges from: Academic honesty, kindness and respect, mindful use of time, care for community and environment, and discipline in daily habits. We expect every student to help create the culture they wish to learn in, not merely follow rules.

What does academic honesty mean? +

Learning requires truthfulness—to oneself and to others. Students are expected to: Complete assessments independently, use the IGNUS portal responsibly, and take responsibility for their performance and mistakes. Any form of cheating, data tampering, or impersonation is taken seriously. The goal of the response is reflection and restoration, not punishment—but consequences may include temporary suspension and competency re-evaluation.

What is the attendance expectation? +

Presence is essential for growth. Students must maintain 75% attendance to remain eligible for the academic year. Absence due to medical or personal reasons should be communicated formally. When you return, it is your responsibility to catch up—and support is available.

Why are mobile phones restricted? +

A learning mind must learn to focus. Phones fragment attention, increase social anxiety, and weaken reflective thinking. Therefore: Phones are not to be used on campus. If carried, they must remain stored in lockers. Repeated misuse results in delayed return. This is not about control. It is about protecting your attention from being consumed by noise.

What is CFAL’s social media policy? +

While you are studying at CFAL, you are not permitted to maintain or use personal social media accounts (including Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, X, and anonymous or secondary accounts). This applies for the duration of your enrollment. Why? Social media fragments attention, increases anxiety and comparison, and can create unnecessary distraction and pressure. Our learning community is built on presence, clarity, and inner steadiness—qualities that require freedom from constant external noise. At CFAL, we want you to: Think deeply, not react quickly; Build identity from your work and growth, not from online visibility; Develop confidence and calm that is not dependent on screens or judgement loops. We believe your mind deserves quiet space to develop strength.

How can students get help? +

We want you to feel safe asking for support—whether academic, emotional, or practical. Multiple channels are available:

  1. Email Communication – Emails are listed in the guidelines book provided to every student. You can write directly to teachers, administrators, SWOs, or leadership.
  2. Student Concern Book – Available on every floor of the campus. A physical space where you can write down any concern you have—anonymously if needed.
What happens after you share a concern? Every concern is investigated seriously and thoughtfully. We look into the issue, gather information, and understand what's happening. Solutions are shared with students—we don't just take your concern and disappear. No concern is too small. No question is stupid. No struggle should be faced alone.

Practical Matters

What are the fees? +

Fees vary by program—ELC, IGCSE, Foundation, PU, 13th Year, and specialized programs all have different fee structures. A detailed breakdown is available through admissions. Contact us at office@cfalindia.com or visit campus to discuss specifics.

But here's what matters more than the number: See the value you're getting when comparing fees. It's not about how much you pay—it's about what you get in return. Consider what CFAL offers:

  • Small batches with 10:1 overall student-teacher ratio
  • Customized DPPs designed specifically for your batch
  • AI-driven progress tracking and personalized feedback
  • Student Welfare Officers and emotional support systems
  • Administrative support freeing teachers to focus entirely on you
  • Recorded lectures, comprehensive portal access, and materials
  • A community built on wisdom, compassion, and excellence
  • Teachers who know you as a person, not a roll number
Education is not an expense—it's an investment in your entire life. If finances are a genuine concern, speak with us. We're here to find solutions, not turn away sincere students.

Are scholarships available? +

Yes—for both excellence and need. Education must remain accessible. We have different kinds of scholarships:

  1. Excellence-based scholarships: Students who excel in Olympiads receive higher scholarships than others. Students who excel in national-level STEM exams are also awarded scholarships.
  2. Need-based scholarships—The Pragathi Program: For students from backgrounds that cannot afford the fees. We don't want financial circumstances to prevent a sincere, capable student from accessing quality education.
  3. Ambassador Program: Referrals from parents of existing students can help good students receive scholarships. When current CFAL families refer exceptional students to us, both the new student and the referring family benefit.
Talent exists everywhere. Opportunity does not. If you're willing to work hard and grow, and finances are the only barrier, let's talk.

Do you provide hostel facilities? +

Yes—currently available for PU students only. Our hostel is designed as a community space for disciplined living, shared study, and reflection. It's not just accommodation—it's an extension of the CFAL learning environment where:

  • Students live and study together with structure and support
  • Routines foster discipline and consistency
  • Peer learning happens naturally
  • Student Welfare Officers are nearby
  • The focus remains on growth, not just convenience
Living in the hostel means: Waking, eating, studying, and resting with intention; Being surrounded by others on the same journey; Learning to manage yourself without constant supervision; Building lifelong friendships rooted in shared purpose.

How do students manage study materials? +

We train organization—order in workspace, thought, and routine. Clarity is a skill. We teach it. Specifically, we provide training on:

  1. DPP Organization – How to compile your Daily Practice Problems systematically, mark questions you struggled with, write insights and corrections, and create your personal revision file.
  2. Notebook Writing Training – How to take notes that actually help you learn (not just copy the board), structure concepts, and make notes you can review quickly before exams.
  3. Planning Your Study Schedule – How to break large goals into daily, manageable tasks, balance subjects, build routines that protect deep work time, and review regularly instead of cramming.
Disorganized students waste time searching for things, redoing work, and feeling overwhelmed. Organized students have clarity, confidence, and control.

Results & Future Pathways

What is CFAL's track record? +

Most schools post results in terms of number of ranks—because bigger batches produce bigger numbers. CFAL posts results in **percentages**—because what matters is the proportion of students who excel, not the raw count. Here's what the data shows:

  • JEE Performance: Nearly 150 students take the JEE exam each year. 20–30 students score in the 99th percentile—which is nearly 15X the national average. 20% of students score above 500 marks—which is nearly 5X the national average.
  • NEET Performance: Similarly strong results when measured by percentage of students achieving top scores.
  • Olympiads and National STEM Exams: When you measure by percentage, CFAL does exceptionally well across all competitive platforms. CFAL students have represented India in Olympiads—competing at the international level.
  • University Admissions: Our students consistently earn places in leading institutions—IITs, IISERs, NITs, AIIMS, and global universities.
But the greater success is this: They leave with self-belief, steadiness, and awareness. They don't just get into top colleges—they know who they are, what they value, and what they want to contribute to the world.

Is college and career guidance provided? +

Yes—we guide thoughtfully and responsibly. We don't just push you toward the "best" college. We help you understand yourself, explore options, and make conscious choices aligned with your values and strengths. We provide guidance through multiple platforms:

  1. Mentoring: One-on-one conversations with teachers and counselors. Helping you clarify what you actually want, not what others expect. Guiding you through application processes and strategic decisions.
  2. Alumni Interactions: Direct access to CFAL graduates who have walked the path before you. Honest conversations about what different colleges, careers, and life choices are really like.
  3. Webinars with Alumni: Regular sessions where alumni share their journeys. Covering topics like choosing between IITs and international universities, life in research vs. industry, medical careers, entrepreneurship, and more.
The goal is not just to get you into a prestigious institution—it's to help you find a path where you can grow, contribute, and thrive.

Does support continue after results? +

Yes. We stay with the student through counseling and transition. The relationship doesn't end when exam results come out—that's when some of the most important decisions begin. Students and parents have come to us many times after results to seek guidance on:

  • Which college to choose among their options
  • Which branch/specialization aligns best with their strengths and aspirations
  • Understanding the differences between institutions
  • Making difficult trade-offs
  • Whether to take a gap year and try again or accept current offers
Even after you leave CFAL and join college, you're part of the CFAL community. Many alumni stay connected, return for advice, or simply come back to share their journey. We don't abandon you at the finish line.

Institutional Values

What is CFAL's position on religion and politics? +

We stay away from both on campus. Our religion is humanity. The world is a single community. This is not because religious and political beliefs are unimportant—they are deeply important to many people. But CFAL is a learning community built on what unites us, not what divides us. Why we maintain this boundary:

  • To protect inclusivity: Students come from diverse backgrounds, faiths, and political perspectives. No student should feel excluded, pressured, or judged because of their family's beliefs.
  • To maintain focus: Our purpose is education—developing thoughtful, capable, compassionate human beings. Religious and political debates can fragment communities.
  • To avoid coercion: Teachers and administrators hold positions of influence. It would be inappropriate to use that influence to promote any religious or political agenda.
What we believe: We believe in the fundamental dignity of every human being; We believe in service to all species, not just our own; We believe in conservation, minimalism, and care for future generations; We believe in wisdom, compassion, purpose, and meaning. These values transcend borders, traditions, and ideologies. They belong to humanity itself.

Is CFAL a brand with many locations? +

No. CFAL is only in Mangalore. We are not a franchise, not a chain, not a brand expanding across cities. We are a single school—built and run by a few passionate people who care deeply about scientific thinking and education. Why we remain small:

  • Quality over scale: We believe in knowing every student, every teacher, every family. Growth for its own sake dilutes purpose.
  • People, not systems: CFAL works because of the people here—teachers who prepare custom materials, administrators who support them, SWOs who care for students. This cannot be replicated by copying a model to another city.
  • A small difference matters: We are not trying to transform the entire education system. We are trying to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the students who come here.
We stay small intentionally—because we believe depth matters more than reach.

For Teachers

Is there an age limit to work at CFAL? +

No. Only ability, attitude, and intentions matter. We do not believe age determines wisdom, capacity, or contribution. Why we refuse age limits:

  • Experience is valuable – The older we get, the more we have lived, learned, and understood. A lifetime of experience should be shared—if the values are right.
  • Wisdom transcends age – We have met young people wiser than those twice their age. Some fresh graduates bring clarity, energy, and insight that transforms learning.
What truly matters: Your character, your integrity, your depth; Your attitude—your openness to growth, your humility, your passion; Your ability—your expertise, your capacity to teach, your skill in connecting with students; Your intentions—why you want to teach, what you hope to give. If you are 25 or 85, and you have the wisdom, the skill, and the heart to teach—we want to talk to you.

What kind of teachers should apply to CFAL? +

Teachers who see teaching as a calling, not just a profession. CFAL is not for everyone. The work is demanding—but it is deeply meaningful. We are looking for teachers who:

  • Have profound expertise and intellectual curiosity – You know your subject deeply—not just well enough to teach. You can teach from first principles, not just formulas.
  • Believe in personalized education – You are willing to prepare different materials for each batch. You refuse to treat students as numbers.
  • Care about the whole student – You see character development as part of your role. You notice when a student is struggling emotionally, not just academically.
  • Are passionate about your work – Teaching energizes you, not drains you. You want to kindle a flame of lifelong learning in students.
  • Value collaboration and community – You work well with others. You contribute to building a culture of excellence and support.
  • Are willing to teach application, not just theory – You focus on how to tackle problems, how to reason, how to think.
What we offer in return: Administrative support; Small communities; Intellectual respect; Meaningful impact; A values-driven environment. If you want to truly teach—to change lives, not just deliver lectures—CFAL may be where you belong. If this resonates with you, contact us at hr@tlc.edu.in

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