Terms & Conditions

1. Introduction

Welcome to Next Chapter Skills Private Limited ("NCS", "we", "our", or "us").

By accessing our website, using our products and platforms, enrolling in programs, participating in internships, attending workshops or hackathons, or engaging with any of our services, you agree to comply with these Terms & Conditions.

These terms govern the use of all products, services, and platforms operated by Next Chapter Skills Private Limited.

2. Our Ecosystem

Next Chapter Skills Private Limited operates an AI-powered student innovation ecosystem, including but not limited to:

  • ApplicantSpace
  • CodeArena
  • NextStep
  • Startup Student Factory (SSF)
  • NCS Labs
  • Training & Internship Programs
  • Corporate Training
  • Workshops & Hackathons
  • Certificate Verification Portal
  • Software Development & IT Services

Additional products and services may be introduced in the future.

3. User Responsibilities

Users agree to:

  • Provide accurate information during registration.
  • Maintain confidentiality of account credentials.
  • Use our platforms only for lawful purposes.
  • Respect intellectual property rights.
  • Follow program and community guidelines.
  • Avoid unauthorized access, misuse, or disruption of our platforms.

4. Intellectual Property

Unless otherwise agreed in writing:

  • All platform designs, branding, software, learning materials, and proprietary content remain the property of Next Chapter Skills Private Limited.
  • Startup Student Factory projects may be governed by separate intellectual property agreements depending on project ownership, sponsorship, or commercialization.
  • Students retain ownership of their original work unless specific contractual arrangements state otherwise.

5. AI Usage & Academic Integrity

We encourage responsible use of AI technologies for learning and innovation. However:

  • CodeArena assessments may be monitored or proctored.
  • Unauthorized assistance during evaluations may result in disqualification.
  • Submission of copied, plagiarized, or fraudulent work may lead to suspension, cancellation of certificates, or removal from programs.

6. Internship & Program Participation

Participation in training, internships, hackathons, or Startup Student Factory does not guarantee employment, placement, or job offers. Program outcomes depend on:

  • Student participation
  • Performance
  • Assessment results
  • Project completion
  • Industry requirements

Internship opportunities may be offered through various platforms and partnerships where applicable.

7. Payments & GST

All prices displayed by Next Chapter Skills Private Limited are subject to applicable taxes. Where required under Indian law:

  • GST will be charged separately or included as specified on invoices.
  • A valid tax invoice will be issued for eligible transactions.
  • Customers are responsible for providing accurate billing information.

8. Refund Policy

Refund requests must be submitted through our official support channels. Refunds will only be considered under applicable program or service policies and after verification of supporting evidence. Approved refunds will normally be processed within 10 working days from the date of approval.

Refunds may not be applicable for:

  • Completed services
  • Downloaded digital products
  • Certificate issuance fees (unless due to an error on our part)
  • Administrative charges where clearly communicated

Each request is reviewed individually.

9. Certificate Verification

Certificates issued through Next Chapter Skills Private Limited may be verified using the official verification portal. Tampering with certificates, QR codes, verification IDs, or digital credentials is strictly prohibited. Fraudulent certificates may be revoked without notice.

10. Limitation of Liability

While we strive to provide accurate information and reliable services, Next Chapter Skills Private Limited shall not be liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential losses arising from the use of our platforms or services, except where required by applicable law.

11. Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to update these Terms & Conditions at any time. Continued use of our services after updates constitutes acceptance of the revised terms.