Last updated: 16 August 2026
In short: Writers recuse from ranking or reviewing an institute where they have a close family, employment or financial tie. Advertising teams do not set editorial scores. Conflicts are disclosed or the work is reassigned.
When must a writer recuse?
- They work or recently worked for the named institute.
- A close family member owns, teaches at, or markets that institute.
- They have a financial interest in the institute’s success beyond ordinary journalism.
What happens instead?
Another editor handles the comparison, or the institute is covered only with a disclosed note if recusal is impossible and the fact is still newsworthy. We would rather omit a centre than fake independence.
Ads versus scoring
Sales can sell labelled inventory. Sales cannot assign, raise or lower an editorial rank. See Editorial Policy, Sponsored Content Policy and What Cannot Influence Rankings.
Reader and institute questions
If you believe a writer has an undisclosed conflict, write to theeducationmarket1@gmail.com with evidence. Complaints about process also go to the Grievance Officer.
How this sits in the method
Conflicts protect the scoring step on How we rank coaching institutes. They do not replace verification of fees or results.
Related: How we rank coaching institutes · How institutes are selected · How data is collected · What cannot influence rankings.
