Policies

Last Updated: June 2026

1. Introduction

Sowbaranika School of Fashion & Costume (SSFC) is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website, apply for programmes, or interact with us.

2. Information We Collect

A. Information You Provide Directly

Name, email address, phone number (via application forms)
Age, educational background, programme interest (via admissions forms)
Payment information (via fee payment gateway)
Messages sent through contact forms or WhatsApp
Student work, portfolios, or creative submissions (if applicable)

B. Information Collected Automatically

Device type, browser, IP address, pages visited
Time spent on site, links clicked
Cookies and similar tracking technologies
Google Analytics data (anonymized)

C. Information from Third Parties

Payment gateway providers (for transaction verification)
Google (for reCAPTCHA verification)
Social media platforms (if you link your accounts)

3. How We Use Your Information

We use collected information to:

Process admissions applications and enrolment
Send course updates, schedules, and announcements
Process fee payments and financial transactions
Communicate about scholarships or financial aid
Send marketing emails (with opt-out option)
Improve website functionality and user experience
Comply with legal obligations
Prevent fraud or misuse of services

4. Data Sharing & Third Parties

We do not sell your data. We may share information with:

Payment processors (for secure fee transactions)
Cloud storage providers (for secure document storage)
Government bodies (if required by law)
Partner institutions (MCFW, MCC MRF) — only with explicit consent

5. Data Retention

Application data: Retained for 2 years (or as per education regulations)
Student records: Retained for the duration of enrolment + 5 years (as per archival standards)
Email list: Retained until you unsubscribe
Marketing data: Retained until opt-out

6. Your Rights

You have the right to:

Access your personal data
Request correction of inaccurate data
Request deletion (subject to legal retention requirements)
Opt out of marketing communications
Withdraw consent for data processing

To exercise these rights, email: fashion@ssfc.in

7. Security

We use:

SSL encryption for all data transmission
Secure password-protected systems
Regular security audits
Limited access to sensitive data

However, no system is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security but take all reasonable precautions.

8. Cookies

Our website uses cookies to:

Remember your login information
Track site usage (Google Analytics)
Improve user experience
Display relevant content

You can disable cookies in your browser settings, but this may affect site functionality.

9. Third-Party Links

Our website may link to external sites. We are not responsible for their privacy practices. Read their privacy policies before sharing data.

10. Children's Privacy

SSFC serves students ages 10 and above. If a student under 18 applies, a parent/guardian must provide consent. We do not knowingly collect data from children without parental permission.

11. Changes to This Policy

We may update this policy at any time. Changes will be posted here with an updated date. Continued use of the site constitutes acceptance.

12. Contact Us

Questions about privacy? Email: fashion@ssfc.in WhatsApp: +91 8015445505 Address: Thoraipakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Refund Policy

1. Programme Fees

All SSFC programme fees are non-refundable once payment is made and enrolment is confirmed.

2. Withdrawal & Cancellation

Before Enrolment Begins:

If you cancel within 2 days of payment, 70 % refund is possible (minus processing fees if applicable)
After 2 days and before enrolment begins: No refund. You may transfer your seat to another person.

After Enrolment Begins:

No refunds are issued under any circumstances
You may defer to the next cohort (within 12 months) without additional charges
You cannot transfer your fees to another person once classes have started

3. Dropped Courses

If you drop a course after the first week of classes, no refund is issued. You may audit remaining classes without additional charge, but no certificate will be awarded.

4. Partial Attendance

Fees are charged per programme, not per class. Partial attendance does not reduce fees, and no prorated refunds are issued.

5. Medical or Emergency Withdrawal

In case of genuine medical emergency or hardship:

You may request a one-time deferment to the next cohort (within 12 months)
Documentation (medical certificate or emergency proof) is required
Deferment does not include refunds; you complete the programme in a later cohort
Decision on deferment is at SSFC's discretion

6. Non-Attendance

If you are enrolled but do not attend classes:

Fees remain due and non-refundable
After 4 consecutive weeks of absence without notice, your enrolment may be terminated
Termination does not result in refunds; it only releases you from future obligations

7. Payment Plans & EMI

If you're on an EMI (instalment) plan:

You are liable for all instalments, whether you complete the programme or not
Dropping out does not cancel the EMI agreement
The finance partner (not SSFC) may pursue collection

8. Scholarship & Financial Aid

Scholarships are tied to programme completion and attendance requirements
If you withdraw, any scholarship benefits are forfeited
Scholarship recipients who drop out remain responsible for the full programme cost

9. Workshop & Short Courses

Non-refundable once booking is confirmed. Date changes may be accommodated subject to availability.

10. Incubation Services

Incubation is included in diploma fees. If you complete your diploma but do not use incubation services, no refund is issued. Incubation access is available for 12 months post-graduation.

11. Exceptions

Refunds may be considered only in these cases:

SSFC cancels the programme due to insufficient enrolment (100% refund)
SSFC closes or relocates permanently (100% refund or transfer to new location)
Payment was made in error due to SSFC's system failure (refund minus processing fees)

Decision on exceptions is made by SSFC management on a case-by-case basis.

12. Processing Refunds

If a refund is approved:

Processing takes 5–7 business days
Refund is issued to the original payment method
Payment gateway fees (if any) are not refunded

13. Disputes

Disputes regarding refunds must be raised within 30 days of the disputed transaction. After 30 days, no refund requests will be considered.

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing and using the SSFC website and enrolling in programmes, you agree to these Terms of Service. If you do not agree, do not use our services.

2. Eligibility

You must meet the eligibility criteria for the programme you're enrolling in:

DFD, DPM: Class 10 pass, age 16+
DIFD: Class 12 pass, age 17+, portfolio review
DFTT: Bachelor's degree in any field, age 21+
JDFD: Ages 10–16, no prior experience needed

SSFC reserves the right to verify credentials and reject applications that do not meet eligibility standards.

3. Admissions Process

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis
A counselling call will be scheduled within 48 hours of application
Admission is conditional upon meeting eligibility and completion of the application process
SSFC reserves the right to reject any application without stating reasons

4. Student Conduct & Code of Conduct

Students agree to:

Attend classes regularly and on time
Respect faculty, peers, and SSFC facilities
Not engage in harassment, discrimination, or disruptive behaviour
Follow SSFC's safety and hygiene protocols
Not plagiarize or misrepresent work
Maintain confidentiality of proprietary curriculum and techniques

Violations may result in:

Suspension from classes
Termination of enrolment (without refund)
Legal action (if applicable)

5. Intellectual Property

Student Work: You retain ownership of your creative work. SSFC may display your work in portfolios, exhibitions, or marketing materials with your permission.

SSFC Content: All curriculum, course materials, recorded sessions, and proprietary techniques are SSFC's intellectual property. You may not reproduce, distribute, or share these materials without written permission.

Photography & Video: SSFC may photograph or video record classes for documentation and marketing purposes. You consent to this by enrolling. If you object, notify SSFC in writing.

6. Attendance & Academic Performance

Minimum attendance requirement: 80% per term
Classes below 80% attendance may result in grade reduction or non-issuance of certificate
No exceptions for casual absences (illness or emergency documentation required)
Certificate is awarded only upon successful completion of all assessments and attendance requirements

7. Fee Payment & Financial Obligations

Fees are due on the schedule specified in your enrolment agreement
Late payment of 15+ days may result in suspension from classes
Bounced cheques or failed digital transactions incur a ₹500 processing charge
If fees remain unpaid for 30 days, SSFC reserves the right to terminate enrolment and pursue legal collection

8. Data & Privacy

Your data is collected and used per our Privacy Policy. By enrolling, you consent to data collection and use as outlined in the Privacy Policy.

9. Limitation of Liability

SSFC is not liable for:

Indirect, incidental, or consequential damages
Loss of earnings or business opportunities due to programme completion or non-completion
Third-party actions or services (including finance partners, payment gateways)
Website downtime or technical errors (except where caused by SSFC's gross negligence)

Maximum Liability: SSFC's liability is limited to the amount of fees paid for the specific programme.

10. Disclaimers

SSFC does not guarantee job placement or brand success
Career outcomes depend on individual effort, market conditions, and external factors beyond SSFC's control
Industry partnerships (MCFW, MCC MRF) do not guarantee placement or opportunities
Student testimonials are individual experiences and do not guarantee similar results

11. Website Use

By using our website, you agree to:

Not upload malware, viruses, or harmful code
Not engage in hacking, scraping, or automated access
Not reproduce or distribute website content without permission
Not use the site for illegal activities

SSFC reserves the right to block access to users who violate these terms.

12. Third-Party Services

SSFC uses third-party services (payment gateways, analytics, hosting). We are not responsible for their policies or failures. Read their terms before using their services.

13. Modifications to Terms

SSFC may update these Terms at any time. Updated terms are effective upon posting. Continued use of the site or enrolment in programmes constitutes acceptance of modified terms.

14. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of India. Any disputes shall be resolved under Indian jurisdiction.

15. Contact for Disputes

For disputes or clarifications: Email: admissions@ssfc.in WhatsApp: 8015445505 Address: Thoraipakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

Additional Policies (Summary)

Attendance Policy

Minimum 80% attendance required per term
Absences beyond 80% result in grade reduction
Medical/emergency leaves require documentation within 2 days

Grading & Assessment Policy

Continuous assessment (40%) + final project (60%)
Fail grades can be retaken in the next cohort
Final capstone project must be submitted to graduate

Student Support Policy

Academic counselling available free of charge
Career guidance from faculty mentors
Mental health support resources provided
Grievance redressal within 7 days

Technology & Device Policy

Students must have access to a laptop/desktop
Software requirements listed on course pages
Technical support available via email (24-hour response)

Health & Safety Policy

All facilities meet Indian building codes
First aid kit available on-site
Emergency evacuation procedures in place
COVID protocols followed as per government guidelines

Document prepared for SSFC Effective: June 2026 Version: 1.0