Becoming a tutor in India can be one of the most rewarding careers. With the growing demand for personal attention in learning, both home tutoring and online teaching are great options. But the first year can be tricky. Many new tutors make simple mistakes that can cost them students, money, and confidence.
This guide will help you understand the most common mistakes new tutors make—and how you can avoid them to grow faster.
1. Starting Without a Clear Plan
Many tutors start teaching without thinking about what subjects they’re best at, what age group they enjoy teaching, or how they want to teach.
Why it’s a problem:
Without a plan, you may take on subjects you’re not comfortable with, feel stressed, or lose interest quickly.
Example:
A friend who loved maths started teaching English just because there was more demand. She got tired and lost her students in just a few weeks.
What to do:
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Choose the subjects you’re confident in.
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Decide if you want to teach online or offline, part-time or full-time.
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Create a short tutor profile or introduction to share with students or post on platforms like IndiaTutor.in.
2. Setting the Wrong Price
New tutors often charge too little to get more students or too much without showing value.
Why it’s a problem:
Low prices make you look less qualified. High prices without results make students quit.
Tip:
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Most beginner tutors charge between ₹300 to ₹800 per hour.
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Offer a free trial or discounted first class to show your quality.
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Increase your rate slowly after you get good feedback and results.
3. Boring Teaching Style
Some tutors only teach from books without making the class fun or interactive.
Why it’s a problem:
Today’s students want engaging and creative classes. Boring classes lead to dropouts.
Real scenario:
One of my early students told me, “It felt like regular school.” She stopped coming after 3 weeks.
What to do:
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Use pictures, videos, quizzes, and real-life examples.
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Ask questions and let students take part in the learning.
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Take feedback and improve your teaching style regularly.
4. Avoiding Online Tools
Many offline tutors don’t use tools like Zoom, Google Meet, Canva, or online whiteboards.
Why it’s a problem:
Digital tools make your classes better, help you reach more students, and save time.
Fact:
Over 80% of students in big cities now prefer online learning.
What to do:
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Learn how to use Zoom, Google Jamboard, and screen sharing.
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Use WhatsApp to share homework and notes.
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Record classes (if allowed) and send recordings to students for revision.
5. Not Promoting Yourself
Some tutors think students will come to them automatically. That rarely happens.
Why it’s a problem:
Even great tutors need to promote themselves. No visibility means no students.
Real example:
When I listed myself on IndiaTutor.in, I got 8 student inquiries in the first month. Before that, I was only getting 1 or 2 through friends.
What to do:
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Create your tutor profile on platforms like IndiaTutor.in.
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Ask parents or students for reviews and recommendations.
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Share simple tips or demo videos on Instagram, YouTube Shorts, or Facebook.
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Make a WhatsApp brochure of your services and share it.
6. Saying Yes to Everything
New tutors often agree to last-minute classes, odd hours, or extra work just to please students.
Why it’s a problem:
This leads to stress, burnout, and students start taking you for granted.
What to do:
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Fix your class timings and stick to them.
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Set rules for rescheduling, homework, and communication hours.
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Take time off when needed—you’ll be a better tutor when you’re well-rested.
7. Not Taking Feedback Seriously
Some tutors ignore feedback or think they know everything already.
Why it’s a problem:
Students have many options today. If your class doesn’t work for them, they’ll leave.
What to do:
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Ask questions like, “How can I make this better for you?”
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Use feedback to improve your methods.
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Attend free webinars, online courses, or learn from other tutors.
My Thoughts
Tutoring is one of the best and most flexible careers in India today. But to grow and succeed, it’s important to avoid these common beginner mistakes.
Plan well, teach with heart, use the right tools, promote yourself smartly, and always keep learning.
Ready to become a successful tutor? Start your journey with IndiaTutor.in today.
By Nidhi Mehta – Founder, IndiaTutor.in