Refunds Policy

BioTecNika Info Labs Pvt. Ltd. REFUNDS, CANCELLATIONS & RETURNS POLICY

Effective: April 2020 • Version 4.0 • All previous versions stand superseded

PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASE — THIS IS A BINDING AGREEMENT

By completing payment for any program, course, project, scholarship, or product offered by BioTecNika Info Labs Pvt. Ltd., you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to this Refund Policy. This policy takes legal effect from the moment payment is initiated. We strongly recommend reading this document in full before purchasing.

1. Definitions

Program / Course — Any learning offering by BioTecNika including training modules, live or recorded sessions, study material, assessments, certifications, and any associated project or mentorship component.

Project Component — Any live project, research project, or industrial project included in or purchased as part of a Training Program — regardless of whether it is referred to separately in pricing tiers or promotional materials.

Integrated Package — A Program combining a Training Component and a Project Component into a single, indivisible service offering — regardless of how components are priced, described in promotions, or listed on an invoice.

Enrollment / Booking — The act of completing payment — in full or in installments — for any Program. The service is deemed booked from the moment the first payment is received.

Project Activation — For project components: reservation of a project slot and the process of assigning PI/supervisor resources, which is initiated upon enrollment. See Section 4.1 for the objective delivery milestones that define completion of project activation.

Verified Deficiency — A specific, documented, and demonstrable failure by BioTecNika to meet the delivery milestones set out in Section 4.1, established through the grievance process in Section 5.

Quality Grievance — A complaint relating to mentor availability, teaching effectiveness, platform access, or a gap between expected and delivered service — filed formally through the process in Section 5.

Physical Product — Tangible goods such as T-shirts, books, study kits, or merchandise sold via BioTecNika stores.

2. Cooling-Off Period

24-Hour Full Cancellation Window

BioTecNika offers a voluntary 24-hour cooling-off period from the time of payment. If you wish to cancel your enrollment for any reason within 24 hours of making payment, and you have not yet accessed any program content, attended any session, or received any materials, you are entitled to a full refund of fees paid. To exercise this right, you must write to cst@biotecnika.org within 24 hours of payment, stating your name, registered email ID, program name, and reason for cancellation. Refunds under the cooling-off period will be processed within 21 working days to the original payment source.

After the 24-hour cooling-off period has elapsed, or if any program content has been accessed within the 24-hour window (whichever occurs first), the full no-refund policy set out in Section 3 applies.

3. Core Principle: Refund Position on Services

NO REFUND EXCEPT WHERE VERIFIED DEFICIENCY IS ESTABLISHED OR AS REQUIRED BY LAW

Refunds are not available for any Service (Program, Course, Project, Scholarship, Subscription, Career Counselling, or Mentorship) except: (a) within the 24-hour cooling-off period described in Section 2; (b) where a Verified Deficiency is established through the four-step process in Section 5; or (c) where required by applicable law. Outside these three situations, no refund shall be issued regardless of: whether the learner started, partially completed, or did not commence any part of the program; whether any interview, assessment, or allocation step was completed; any change in career plans or personal circumstances; dissatisfaction with any component, mentor, or outcome; the time elapsed since enrollment; or any other learner-side reason.

BioTecNika's position is grounded in the irreversible costs incurred upon enrollment: faculty time, content infrastructure, project slot reservation, PI/supervisor allocation, and administrative overhead. These cannot be recovered once committed, regardless of whether the learner chooses to proceed.

4. Integrated Programs: Training + Project Components

Training + Project = One Indivisible Service

Programs that include both a Training Component and a Project Component are offered as a single integrated service. The two components are NOT independently purchasable, independently refundable, or independently cancellable — even if presented at different pricing tiers, described separately in promotional material, or listed separately on an invoice.

4.1 Project Delivery Milestones

BioTecNika commits to delivering the project component of any Integrated Program according to the following objective milestones:

(a) Project slot confirmed and learner notified via email — Within 7 working days of enrollment (b) PI / Supervisor assigned and introduction made to learner — Within 14 working days of enrollment (c) Project interview scheduled (learner must respond to scheduling within 7 days of notification) — Within 30 days of enrollment (d) Project topic finalised following learner's completion of interview — Within 7 working days of interview

Failure to meet any of the above milestones due to reasons within BioTecNika's control, following a formal grievance filed under Section 5, may constitute a Verified Deficiency. Failure of a milestone arising from the learner's own actions — including non-response to scheduling communications, non-appearance for interview, or refusal to engage — does not constitute a deficiency on BioTecNika's part.

4.2 Non-Utilisation Is Not Non-Delivery

Where BioTecNika has met its delivery milestones, a learner's decision not to utilise the project — for any reason including career change, competing commitments, or deliberate choice — does not constitute a deficiency and does not give rise to any refund claim. BioTecNika's obligation is to make the service available according to its milestones; the learner bears sole responsibility for engaging with it.

4.3 Tiered Pricing Does Not Create Separately Refundable Units

BioTecNika offers programs in pricing tiers (e.g., Training Only; Training + 3-Month Project; Training + 12-Month Project) as packaging options within a single program family. These tiers do NOT create independently refundable units. A learner who purchases Training + 12-Month Project cannot claim a refund for the "project portion" on the basis that only the training was completed.

5. Service Quality, Deficiency of Delivery & Grievance Resolution

BioTecNika Stands Behind Its Delivery Commitments

BioTecNika takes its delivery obligations seriously. In the rare and verified event of a genuine deficiency in service delivery — one that BioTecNika acknowledges after investigation — we will not rely on a blanket no-refund clause. However, a learner's subjective dissatisfaction, unmet personal expectations, or change in career direction does not constitute a deficiency in delivery. Only failure to meet the objective milestones in Section 4.1 can constitute a Verified Deficiency.

5.1 What BioTecNika Commits to Deliver

BioTecNika's delivery obligations for programs with a project component are defined by the milestones in Section 4.1. For training-only programs, BioTecNika commits to: (a) providing access to all enrolled course content within 24 hours of payment; (b) conducting live sessions as per the published program schedule; and (c) making a subject-matter resource available for doubt resolution during the enrolled program period.

The following do NOT constitute a Verified Deficiency regardless of a learner's characterisation:

• Subjective dissatisfaction with guidance style, teaching pace, or mentor communication style
• The learner's perception that outcomes fell short of personal expectations
• The supervisor suggesting alternative approaches that the learner found unhelpful
• The learner's reliance on or preference for external tools (e.g., AI assistants, online resources)
• Short meetings where the mentor assessed no further input was required at that time
• The perceived market value or employability currency of any certificate issued
• A change in the learner's career plans or personal priorities at any point

5.2 Mandatory Four-Step Grievance Resolution Process

Any claim of service deficiency must be processed through the following four steps in sequence. This process is BioTecNika's internal resolution pathway and is offered to provide expedited resolution. Nothing in this process limits the learner's right to approach consumer forums under applicable law. However, BioTecNika strongly encourages learners to complete this process first, as consumer forums typically view documented internal resolution attempts favourably.

Step 1 — Formal Grievance Filing: The learner must file a written grievance to support@biotecnika.org within 30 days of the incident. The grievance must include: specific dates, names of persons involved, a description of the failure against the milestones in Section 4.1, and any supporting evidence (screenshots, emails, meeting logs). Grievances filed beyond 30 days of the incident, or based solely on generalised dissatisfaction without reference to specific missed milestones, will not be processed as Verified Deficiency claims.

Step 2 — Investigation & Remedy Period: BioTecNika will acknowledge the grievance within 48 working hours and investigate within 21 working days. If a milestone failure is confirmed, BioTecNika will offer a remedy: supervisor reassignment, additional structured sessions, extended program access, or a revised learning plan. Learners are encouraged to engage with the remedy offered. Where a learner reasonably considers a remedy inadequate, they may proceed to Step 3 — this does not waive any legal rights.

Step 3 — Credit Transfer If Remedy Is Insufficient: If the Step 2 remedy fails to resolve the verified milestone failure, BioTecNika may offer a credit transfer of the proportionate undelivered value toward another BioTecNika program. This is the preferred resolution path where a genuine delivery gap has been confirmed.

Step 4 — Partial Monetary Adjustment (Last Resort): Only where Steps 1 through 3 are exhausted and BioTecNika independently acknowledges a material, verified, and unremedied milestone failure will a partial monetary adjustment be considered. Any adjustment will be limited to the proportionate value of the specific undelivered component. This is an exception, not an entitlement, and will not be offered on the basis of subjective dissatisfaction alone.

5.3 Learner Responsibility for Outcomes

Learning outcomes depend substantially on the learner's own effort, engagement, and consistency. BioTecNika's obligation is to provide access to content, faculty, and support structures as committed in Section 5.1 — not to guarantee specific skills, employment outcomes, publication, or career advancement.

5.4 Use of External Tools

The use of external learning tools (e.g., AI assistants, online resources, peer groups) is a normal and expected part of modern learning. It does not constitute a failure of BioTecNika's delivery and does not give rise to any grievance or refund claim.

5.5 Certificate Value

BioTecNika issues experience and completion certificates based on enrollment and participation records. Certificate issuance confirms program participation. The perceived or market value of a certificate is subjective and not a warranty of employment outcomes or external skill benchmarking.

6. Common Claim Scenarios and BioTecNika's Position

I want to cancel within 24 hours of payment and have not yet accessed any content. Full refund available under the Cooling-Off Period (Section 2). Write to cst@biotecnika.org immediately.

I have not started the project / not appeared for the PI interview. Check whether BioTecNika met its delivery milestones (Section 4.1). If milestones were met and the learner did not engage, no refund. If milestones were not met, file a formal grievance under Section 5.

Training and project are separate — refund the unused project portion. Training + Project is one indivisible Integrated Package. Tiered pricing does not create separately refundable units. No refund outside the grievance process.

My career plans have changed since I enrolled. BioTecNika is not responsible for changes in personal direction. Service was available and ready. No refund (Cooling-Off Period in Section 2 excepted).

The mentor was not helpful / meetings were too short / guidance was insufficient. File a formal grievance within 30 days of the incident via support@biotecnika.org with specific dates and evidence. BioTecNika will investigate against Section 4.1 milestones and remedy first. Monetary adjustment considered only as last resort after all four steps are exhausted.

I expected publication / placement / specific skills and that did not happen. BioTecNika does not guarantee specific outcomes. Learner effort is the primary determinant. No refund unless a specific delivery milestone failure is established.

I used external tools (ChatGPT etc.) because in-program guidance was insufficient. Use of external tools is normal and expected. Does not constitute a delivery failure. No refund.

I completed training but found the project component disappointing. Subjective dissatisfaction does not constitute a Verified Deficiency. Check Section 4.1 milestones. If milestones were met, no refund.

I enrolled but have not accessed any content yet. If within 24 hours and no content accessed: full refund available (Section 2). After 24 hours: no refund.

I am not eligible for the exam I enrolled for. Eligibility verification is the learner's sole responsibility prior to enrollment. No refund.

I wish to discontinue mid-course. No refund for mid-course discontinuation. Learner may use the Pause Option (Section 8). No refund.

Refund of scholarship activation fee. Scholarship activation fees are strictly non-refundable without exception. No refund.

I would like to approach a consumer forum regarding my grievance. Learners may approach consumer forums as provided under applicable law. BioTecNika is committed to resolving all genuine grievances through the process in Section 5 and encourages completing that process first.

7. Additional No-Refund Provisions

7.1 Eligibility Responsibility If enrolling for a preparatory course for any competitive examination, you are solely responsible for verifying your eligibility before enrollment. Refund claims made after enrollment on the basis of non-eligibility will not be entertained.

7.2 Scholarship Activation Fees Scholarship activation fees, processing fees, and administrative charges related to fee-waiver or discount programs are non-refundable without exception.

7.3 Sale and Promotional Pricing Programs purchased at promotional, discounted, or sale prices follow the same grievance-based refund framework as standard-priced programs (Section 5). Any partial monetary adjustment under Step 4 will take into account the discounted price actually paid, not any higher standard price, as the basis for calculating proportionate value.

7.4 Digital and Downloadable Content Downloadable software, digital study materials, recorded content, and e-certificates are non-refundable once delivered or made accessible.

7.5 Gift Cards and Vouchers Gift cards and vouchers are non-refundable and non-transferable.

8. Alternatives to Refund

BioTecNika Wants You to Succeed — These Options Protect Your Investment

While monetary refunds are not available for services outside the cooling-off period and grievance process, BioTecNika offers the following alternatives. We strongly encourage learners to explore these options before concluding that their enrollment has no further value.

8.1 Pause Option You may pause your program enrollment up to 3 (three) times. The program must be resumed within 1 (one) year from the original date of purchase. To initiate a pause, write to cst@biotecnika.org.

8.2 Course Credit Transfer The value of your enrollment may be transferred toward another BioTecNika program of equivalent or higher value, subject to availability and management approval. A nominal processing adjustment may apply. Write to cst@biotecnika.org.

8.3 Grievance Escalation For quality concerns, write to support@biotecnika.org. BioTecNika may offer supervisor reassignment, additional sessions, or extended access where a genuine delivery gap is verified through the grievance process in Section 5.

9. Returns and Refunds: Physical Products Only

The 30-Day Return Window Applies to Physical Products Only

The 30-day return/refund window described below applies exclusively to tangible, physical goods. It has no application to service-based programs, courses, projects, scholarships, or digital content.

9.1 General Physical Products (Excluding T-Shirts) Returns are accepted within 30 days of delivery, provided the item is unused, in its original condition, and in original packaging. The following are non-returnable:

• Books, newspapers, magazines, and printed study materials
• Downloadable software and digital products
• Gift cards and vouchers
• Opened physical media (CDs, DVDs, cassettes)
• Items not in original condition, damaged, or missing parts
• Health, personal care, or sanitary items

9.2 T-Shirt Returns and Exchanges T-shirts may be returned or exchanged within 7 days of receipt, provided they retain original packaging and tags and have not been worn, washed, or soiled. Email cst@biotecnika.org with photos of the item. Size-related exchanges are processed within 7–10 working days subject to stock. T-shirt refunds are processed within 25 working days from confirmed return receipt.

9.3 Refund Processing for Approved Physical Product Returns Approved refunds are processed within 45 working days via online transfer or cheque, to the original payer's account only. Return shipping costs are borne by the learner and are non-refundable. Return address: BioTecNika Info Labs Pvt. Ltd., 1218, 11th A Cross, 24th Main, Sector-1, HSR Layout, Bangalore – 560102.

10. Partial Refunds

PARTIAL REFUNDS FOR SERVICES ARE NOT AN ENTITLEMENT

Partial refunds are not available for any portion of any course, program, or project enrollment on the basis of non-utilisation, dissatisfaction, career change, or any other learner-side reason. The sole exception is where BioTecNika has independently verified a material deficiency against the milestones in Section 4.1, all four steps of the Grievance Resolution Process (Section 5.2) have been exhausted, and non-monetary remedies have failed. In such cases only, a partial monetary adjustment limited to the proportionate undelivered value may be considered at management's discretion. This is an exception, not an entitlement.

11. Enrollment Terms: Access Period, Non-Transferability & BioTecNika's Right to Terminate

11.1 Personal and Non-Transferable Enrollment Enrollment in any BioTecNika program is strictly personal and solely for the benefit of the individual who enrolled. Enrollments may not be resold, transferred, gifted, or shared with any other person. If BioTecNika discovers that an enrollment has been shared or used by any person other than the enrolled learner, BioTecNika reserves the right to immediately cancel the enrollment without notice and without refund.

11.2 Program Access Is Tied to the Enrollment Period Access to program content is provided for the duration of the enrolled program only. BioTecNika does not guarantee perpetual access. Upon expiry of the program period or termination of enrollment, access to all program materials will be discontinued.

11.3 BioTecNika's Right to Suspend or Terminate Enrollment BioTecNika reserves the right, at its sole discretion and without prior notice, to suspend or permanently terminate a learner's enrollment if the learner: (a) violates any term of this policy or any other BioTecNika policy; (b) engages in disruptive, abusive, or fraudulent conduct toward BioTecNika staff, faculty, supervisors, or other learners; or (c) misrepresents their identity, qualifications, or enrollment status. In such cases, no refund shall be payable. Note: raising a grievance or approaching a consumer forum does not constitute grounds for suspension or termination.

11.4 No Guarantee of Uninterrupted Access BioTecNika does not guarantee continuous, uninterrupted, or error-free access to any platform or program resource. Planned maintenance or temporary disruptions do not constitute a service deficiency provided BioTecNika makes reasonable efforts to restore access promptly.

12. Limitation of Liability, Disclaimer & Force Majeure

12.1 Disclaimer — No Warranty of Outcomes BioTecNika's programs and resources are provided on an "as available" basis. BioTecNika makes no warranty regarding: (a) the achievement of any specific learning outcome, skill level, publication, employment, or career advancement; (b) the fitness of any program for a learner's specific professional goals; or (c) the quality or availability of any third-party tools referenced in program materials.

12.2 Limitation of Liability To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, BioTecNika's total liability to any learner for any claim arising from a program enrollment shall not exceed the total fees actually paid by the learner for that specific program. BioTecNika shall not be liable for indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages, including loss of career opportunity or anticipated publication. Consumer forums under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 retain the authority to award compensation beyond fees paid in cases of established deficiency; this clause does not override any statutory remedy available to consumers under applicable law.

12.3 Force Majeure BioTecNika shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performing its obligations if caused by events beyond its reasonable control, including: acts of God; natural disasters; epidemic or pandemic; fire, flood, or storm; war, terrorism, or civil unrest; government orders or restrictions; power outages or internet disruptions; or any other force majeure event. In such circumstances, BioTecNika will make reasonable efforts to reschedule or restructure affected program components but shall not be obligated to issue any refund.

Faculty or Supervisor Departure: In the event of the resignation, termination, or incapacity of an assigned PI or supervisor, BioTecNika will assign a replacement within 14 working days and notify the affected learner. If no suitable replacement is available within 21 working days, the learner may elect a full credit transfer under Section 8.2 at no processing charge. If the learner does not elect a credit transfer within 14 days of being notified, the original enrollment terms continue with the next available supervisor.

13. General Provisions

13.1 Policy Modification BioTecNika reserves the right to modify or update this policy at any time. Revised versions will be published on BioTecNika's official website. For programs already enrolled in prior to a policy update, the version in force at the time of enrollment shall apply to refund matters arising from that enrollment.

13.2 Severability If any provision of this policy is found to be unlawful, void, or unenforceable, that provision shall be deemed severable and shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any remaining provisions.

13.3 Governing Law and Jurisdiction This policy shall be governed by the laws of India. For civil disputes that are not consumer disputes, jurisdiction shall be the courts at Bangalore, Karnataka, India. Consumer disputes shall be governed by the jurisdictional provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, under which a consumer may file before the District Commission where the consumer resides or works for gain, or where the cause of action arises.

13.4 Designated Grievance Officers

Nodal / Grievance Officer (Billing): Shekhar Suman | cst@biotecnika.org Academic Grievance Officer: Mrs Tithi Saha | support@biotecnika.org Registered Office: BioTecNika Info Labs Pvt. Ltd., 1218, 11th A Cross, 24th Main, Sector-1, HSR Layout, Bangalore – 560102

14. Consumer Grievance Channels

BioTecNika's refund policy is designed to comply with applicable Indian consumer protection law, including the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. Learners are free to approach consumer grievance forums or courts if they believe their rights have been violated. BioTecNika is committed to resolving all genuine grievances through the process in Section 5 and encourages learners to complete that process before approaching external forums.

Internal contacts: cst@biotecnika.org for billing matters; support@biotecnika.org for program quality matters.

15. Management's Final Authority

BioTecNika Info Labs Pvt. Ltd. reserves the right to accept or reject any refund or exchange request within the framework of this policy and applicable law. All decisions of BioTecNika management are final for internal purposes. Learners retain the right to seek external redress through consumer forums as provided under applicable law.

This policy supersedes all previous versions and all verbal or informal representations made by any BioTecNika staff member. In case of conflict between this document and any other communication, this policy shall prevail.

By purchasing any product or enrolling in any program from BioTecNika Info Labs Pvt. Ltd., you confirm that you have read, understood, and accepted this policy in its entirety.

BioTecNika Info Labs Pvt. Ltd. • Bangalore, India • www.biotecnika.org