Privacy Policy

1. Information We Collect

We collect information that you voluntarily provide to us when you:

• Book a consultation or contact us via email, phone, or contact form
• Purchase our career guidance and academic counseling services
• Subscribe to our newsletter or download free resources
• Submit a question through our FAQ form
• Communicate with us via email, WhatsApp, or phone calls

The types of information we may collect include:

• Personal Information: Name, email address, phone number, mailing address
• Academic Information: Class, board, stream, academic performance, interests
• Payment Information: Billing details, payment method information (processed securely via third-party payment gateways)
• Communication Data: Emails, messages, consultation notes
• Technical Data: IP address, browser type, device information, cookies (via Google Analytics)

We do not collect sensitive personal information without your explicit consent.

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your information for the following purposes:

• To provide career guidance and academic counseling services
• To communicate with you about your questions, progress, or service updates
• To process payments and manage your account
• To improve our services based on student and parent feedback
• To send you newsletters, updates, or promotional materials (only with your consent)
• To comply with legal obligations

Important: We do NOT sell, rent, or trade your personal information to any third parties for marketing purposes.

3. Confidentiality

We take your confidentiality seriously. Here's how we protect your information:

• Privacy First: All student and parent information is kept strictly confidential
• No Third-Party Sharing: Your academic records and personal information are never shared with any third party
• Internal Access Only: Only the counselor assigned to your case has access to your information
• Data Encryption: All files and communications are encrypted and stored securely
• Post-Project Deletion: Upon request, we can delete your data after project completion

4. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information:

• SSL Encryption: Our website uses SSL encryption to secure data transmission
• Secure Servers: Data is stored on secure, password-protected servers
• Access Controls: Only authorized personnel have access to client information
• Regular Audits: We regularly review our security practices
• Payment Security: Payments are processed through PCI-compliant gateways

While we strive to protect your data, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.

5. Cookies & Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience:

• Essential Cookies: Required for website functionality
• Analytics Cookies: Google Analytics to understand website traffic and user behavior
• Preference Cookies: Remember your preferences

You can control cookie settings through your browser. Disabling cookies may affect website functionality.

We do not use cookies for advertising tracking or retargeting.

6. Third-Party Services

We use trusted third-party services to operate our business. These services have their own privacy policies:

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to:

• Provide our counseling services to you
• Comply with legal obligations (tax, accounting, legal requirements)
• Resolve disputes or enforce our agreements

Typical Retention Periods:

• Client records: 3 years after project completion
• Payment records: 7 years (for tax/accounting purposes)
• Email communications: 2 years
• Website analytics: 26 months

Upon request, we can delete your data earlier, subject to legal retention requirements.

8. Your Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Right to Access: Request a copy of the data we hold about you
• Right to Rectification: Correct inaccurate or incomplete information
• Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your data (subject to legal requirements)
• Right to Restrict Processing: Limit how we use your data
• Right to Data Portability: Receive your data in a structured format
• Right to Object: Object to certain data processing activities
• Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent at any time

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at enquiry@studydecode.com.

9. Children's Privacy

Our services are directed toward students in Classes 8-12 and their parents. We collect information about students with parental consent. If you believe a child has provided us with personal information without parental consent, please contact us immediately.

10. International Data Transfers

StudyDecode is based in India and serves clients worldwide. Your information may be transferred to and processed in India or other countries where we operate. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place for international data transfers in compliance with applicable laws.

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this privacy policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last updated" date. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

Significant changes will be notified via email or a prominent notice on our website.

12. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this privacy policy or how we handle your personal information, please contact us:

• Email: enquiry@studydecode.com
• Phone: +91-7665235235
• Privacy Concerns: Email us with "Privacy Inquiry" in the subject line