Privacy Policy

Utkal Skill Centre ("we," "our," or "us") operates the Utkal Skill Centre mobile application (Package ID: com.utkalskillcentre.app) and web platform. We are committed to protecting the privacy of our users, especially school students, parents, and teachers using our services. This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard user information.

1. Information We Collect

We collect information to provide a personalized, high-quality educational experience. This includes:

• Authentication Information: Mobile phone numbers (used for SMS OTP verification) and email addresses (used for Google Sign-in).
• Student Profile Information: Student names, selected class/grade levels (Class 3 to 10), and school board affiliations (e.g., BSE Odisha).
• Learning Progress & Activity Data: Chapter read history, streak counts, experience points (XP), leaderboard statistics, and responses to practice multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
• Camera & Device Storage Permissions: We request access to your device's camera and photo/file gallery. These permissions are required only when a student or teacher chooses to capture or upload photos/files of homework sheets, written test worksheets, or exam answer booklets for grading. Captured images are uploaded securely to Firebase Storage and processed by our secure AI grading system (Google Vertex AI / Gemini API) to evaluate answers and generate feedback.
• Push Notifications & Device Tokens: We collect and register device tokens (Firebase Cloud Messaging / FCM tokens) to send real-time alerts, daily MCQ reminders, monthly test series schedules, and exam results to your device. You can opt out of push notifications at any time in your device settings.
• Voice Data & Audio Processing: If the student uses the bilingual audio tutor feature ("Gundulu Voice Mode"), their speech inputs are captured and processed via AI services (Google Gemini API / Vertex AI) to return real-time text-to-speech feedback. Audio inputs are processed transiently and are not permanently saved or stored.
• Transaction Records: Subscription billing information processed securely via our payment gateway partner, Razorpay. We do not store credit card or bank login details on our servers.

2. Children's Privacy (Google Play Families Policy Compliance)

Because our application serves students in Class 3 to 10, we strictly adhere to children's privacy protection guidelines, including the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and Google Play's Families Policy:

• We do not collect more personal information from children than is reasonably necessary to participate in the learning activities.
• We do not show third-party ads or sell user profile data to any marketing/advertisement companies.
• Parents can manage and secure sibling accounts on shared mobile devices using the 4-digit PIN security feature.
• Parents can review their child's weak areas and progress through the dedicated secure Parent Dashboard.

3. How We Use the Information

We use the collected data for the following purposes:

• To verify identity and authenticate users securely.
• To personalize learning pathways and recommend subjects, classes, and tests.
• To gamify learning through streaks, level badges, and statewide leaderboard systems.
• To power the AI Homework Tutor (Gundulu) and resolve student homework questions.
• To process payments and verify premium subscriptions.
• To analyze app performance and fix technical glitches.

4. Data Sharing and Third-Party Services

We do not sell, trade, or rent personal data. We only share information with third-party processors necessary for app functionality:

• Firebase (Google LLC): Used for secure cloud hosting, Firestore database storage, push notifications, and phone/Google authentication services.
• Vertex AI & Gemini API (Google LLC): Used to power the bilingual AI tutor logic, transiently translate/ground study questions, and evaluate/grade handwritten subjective answer sheets or student submissions in monthly tests.
• Razorpay: Used to process premium subscription checkouts securely.

5. Data Retention & Deletion Rights

We retain user information as long as the account remains active. Parents and users have the right to request deletion of their account and all associated study progress records at any time. To delete your account and all associated personal data, you can do so in-app under settings, or visit our online Account Deletion Request Page. Alternatively, you can contact us at the email address provided below.

6. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update our Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last Updated" date at the top.