Code of conduct

AIIEC Code of Conduct

As members of the All India Independent Education Consultants (AIIEC), we affirm our commitment
to the highest standards of ethical, transparent, and student-focused educational counseling. This
Code of Conduct is binding upon all members and outlines the principles that govern our
professional conduct:

1. Student-Centered Counseling

AIIEC Members are encouraged to steer clear of associations that might lead to real or perceived conflicts of interest and hinder their capacity to provide impartial judgment and guidance to the families they serve.

2. Prohibition of Commission-Based Admissions

(i) Members must not accept commissions or any form of compensation from educational
institutions or agents in exchange for student admissions. Any prior or existing affiliations with
institutions must be fully disclosed to clients.

(ii) Exception to the above would be concerning Australian admissions or selected American, British,
or Swiss Boarding Schools: IECs may refer students to an Australian agent, and take a referral
payment, not commission for admissions. Consequently, they may not charge the student or family
for Australian admissions.

3. Transparency in Fees and Services

Before initiating work, members must provide clients with a written agreement outlining the scope
of services, deliverables, timelines, and all associated fees. Hidden charges or retrospective billing
are strictly prohibited.

4. No Guarantees of Admission or Scholarships

Members shall not guarantee admission, scholarships, or any other outcomes. Any promotional
materials or verbal communication suggesting guaranteed results is considered unethical and a
breach of this code.

5. Confidentiality and Data Protection

Members shall protect the confidentiality of student information and shall not share data with any
third party without explicit, written consent. Data must be stored and handled by applicable data
protection laws.

6. Respect, Equity, and Inclusion

Members shall treat all individuals with dignity and fairness, irrespective of age, race, gender,

religion, sexual orientation, disability, language, nationality, or socio-economic background.
Discrimination of any kind is strictly prohibited.

Members shall actively foster inclusive and respectful environments in all interactions, ensuring
every client feels heard, valued, and supported.

7. Professional Conduct and Communication

Members must maintain professionalism in all written, verbal, and digital communications.
Derogatory, defamatory, or discriminatory comments—whether public or private—against
institutions, individuals, or fellow members are not acceptable.

8. Honest Representation of Qualifications

Members must truthfully represent their credentials, expertise, affiliations, and the scope of services
offered. Misleading claims or implying preferential access to institutions is strictly prohibited.

9. Ongoing Professional Development

Members are expected to remain informed about trends and changes in the global and Indian
education sectors. Participation in AIIEC’s professional development programs is strongly
encouraged to ensure continued competence and relevance.

10. Legal and Regulatory Compliance

Members shall operate in full compliance with all applicable local, state, and national laws, including
those related to taxation, advertising, business licensing, and data protection.

11. Accountability and Disciplinary Action

Members who violate this Code of Conduct may be subject to review and disciplinary measures by
AIIEC, including warnings, suspension, or revocation of membership, depending on the severity of
the breach.

12. Public Statements, Social Media, and Branding

A. Responsible Communication

Public representations—including advertising, website content, media appearances, and social
media posts—must be accurate, respectful, and free from exaggeration or fear-based messaging.
Members shall not exploit student anxieties or sensationalize outcomes.

10. Legal and Regulatory Compliance

Members shall operate in full compliance with all applicable local, state, and national laws, including
those related to taxation, advertising, business licensing, and data protection.

B. Truthful Claims

All claims related to institutional rankings, admission success rates, test score improvements, or
application conversions must be factually substantiated and not misleading.
C. Use of AIIEC Branding
Members may reference their AIIEC membership and use the AIIEC logo following the brand usage
guidelines. Such references must not imply endorsement or accreditation by AIIEC beyond
membership status.