
Frequently Asked Questions
Find quick answers to some of the questions parents ask us most often.
About RARE
Questions About Who We Are and How We Work
RARE Tutorial is a learning community that helps students understand their subjects clearly, build confidence and develop good learning habits. RARE was founded in 1988 by Mrs. Ruma Mukhopadhyay.
RARE stands for Ruma Aunty's Realm of Education.
RARE Tutorial was founded in 1988.
RARE was founded by Mrs. Ruma Mukhopadhyay, who began by teaching her own two school-going children.
The RARE Way is the teaching philosophy that guides RARE. It is based on understanding before memorising, personal attention, questions, regular practice, reading, confidence and meaningful learning.
No. Examinations are important, but RARE also aims to help students build understanding, confidence, communication skills, curiosity and independent learning habits.
Every child is different. Some students understand quickly, while others need more time. RARE begins by understanding the learner and adapts explanations and guidance according to the student's needs.
Yes. RARE believes that questions are an important part of learning. Students should feel comfortable saying, “I don't understand.”
Yes. Reading is an important part of the RARE approach. RARE believes that reading helps students develop language, vocabulary, thinking, imagination and independence.
Shiladitya Mukhopadhyay joined RARE in 2000 and is its current Director.
RARE does not follow a secret formula or try to teach every child in exactly the same way. The focus is on understanding the learner, explaining ideas clearly, encouraging questions and building confidence through practice.
No. Learning can take place in different ways. RARE supports offline, online and hybrid learning while keeping personal guidance and meaningful teaching at the centre.
Courses & Learning
Questions About Subjects, Classes and Learning
RARE offers learning support in English, Mathematics, Science, Biology, Social Science, Bengali and Spoken English.
Every student has different needs. If you are unsure, contact us and tell us about your child's class, subject and learning needs. We can discuss the available options with you.
Yes. Students can learn through classroom-based, offline teaching.
Yes. RARE also offers online learning for students who prefer or need to learn from home.
Hybrid learning combines offline and online learning. It can provide the flexibility of online learning while allowing students to learn in the classroom when appropriate.
The learning mode may change, but the principles of The RARE Way remain the same. RARE aims to provide clear teaching, personal guidance, questions, practice and encouragement whether learning takes place offline, online or through a combination of both.
No. Examination preparation is an important part of learning, but RARE also focuses on strong concepts, clear thinking, communication, confidence and independent learning.
We begin by trying to understand where the student is having difficulty. We then explain the ideas clearly, break difficult work into smaller steps, encourage questions and provide practice and feedback.
No. RARE believes that understanding should come before memorising. Students are encouraged to understand ideas first and then remember important information through meaningful learning and practice.
Practice is an important part of learning at RARE. Students may practise through writing, problem-solving, revision and other subject-appropriate activities.
Yes. Questions are welcome. Students should feel comfortable sharing their doubts and saying when they do not understand something.
Yes. RARE offers Spoken English and also works on reading, writing, vocabulary, comprehension and communication as part of language learning.
Yes. RARE believes that reading beyond textbooks can help students develop vocabulary, thinking, imagination, concentration and independence.
Parents & Learning
Questions About Supporting Your Child
Parents are important partners in a child's education. At RARE, we believe that teachers and parents work together towards the same goal: helping children become capable, confident and responsible learners.
No. Parents do not need to become teachers. Simple support at home — such as encouraging reading, talking about what the child has learnt, encouraging curiosity and providing a quiet place to study — can make a meaningful difference.
We believe encouragement works better than pressure. Parents can recognise sincere effort, celebrate progress and remind children that learning is a journey.
Try asking questions such as “What did you learn today?”, “What did you find interesting?”, “Was anything difficult?” or “Is there anything you would like help with?” These questions can encourage children to think about their learning rather than focus only on marks.
Talk to the teacher and try to understand where the difficulty lies. Sometimes a child needs more time, a different explanation or additional practice. Honest and respectful communication can help teachers and parents find the right way forward.
Progress is not always the same for every learner. At RARE, we believe such situations should be discussed honestly and compassionately, with the focus on finding solutions rather than assigning blame.
Parents should feel comfortable asking questions, while teachers should be able to share their observations. Good communication should remain respectful, constructive and focused on helping the learner grow.
That can be useful. Parents and teachers see different parts of a child's learning journey. Sharing these observations can give everyone a fuller understanding of the learner.
Make books available, help your child find things they enjoy reading and talk about what they read. Reading should become an enjoyable habit rather than another source of pressure.
Mistakes are a natural part of learning. Encourage your child to understand what went wrong, learn from it and try again. The aim is not to avoid every mistake but to learn from them.
No. The aim is not to turn parents into teachers. What matters is creating a supportive environment where children can learn, ask questions, practise and grow in confidence.
Fees, Timings & Practical Questions
Things You May Want to Know Before Joining
RARE Tutorial is located in Ballygunge, Kolkata.
RARE offers offline, online and hybrid learning options.
Class timings can change depending on the course, class and current arrangements. Please contact RARE for the latest timings.
Fees may vary depending on the course and learning arrangement. Please contact RARE for the current fee details.
You can contact RARE by phone, WhatsApp or email, or use the enquiry form on the Contact Us page.
It is helpful to provide the student's name, current class or grade, subject you are interested in, preferred learning mode (if known) and your main question. You do not need to provide unnecessary personal information.
Yes. You can contact us even if you are still deciding. We are happy to discuss your child's learning needs and explain the available options.
RARE offers offline, online and hybrid learning. Please contact RARE to check whether the required course is available for your location.
Contact & Support
Still Have Questions?
You can contact RARE by phone, WhatsApp or email. You can also use the enquiry form on the Contact Us page.
Yes. If you have questions about a course, subject or learning mode, you are welcome to contact us and discuss your needs.
That is perfectly fine. Tell us about your child's class, subject and learning needs. We can explain the available options and help you understand what may be suitable.
Yes. We encourage parents to ask questions and share what they have noticed about their child. Parents and teachers can understand a learner better when they share their observations.
We believe that the learner's needs should come first. If we genuinely believe another teacher or programme would serve your child better, we would tell you honestly rather than recommend something that is not suitable.
Yes. WhatsApp can be used for enquiries.
Yes. You can use the verified RARE email address shown on the Contact Us page.
Please contact us. Not every question can be answered on a website, and sometimes a simple conversation is the best place to begin.
Still Have Questions?
We Are Happy to Help
Sometimes the best way to understand something is simply to ask. If you have a question that is not answered here, please get in touch. Tell us what you would like to know, and we will do our best to guide you clearly and honestly. You do not need to know exactly what you are looking for before you contact us.
Every learner is different. Every question matters.
At RARE, we believe that good communication begins with listening.