College1st ("we", "us") respects your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains what personal information we collect when you use our platform, why we collect it, how we use and protect it, and the choices you have. By registering on College1st, you consent to the practices described here.

Information you provide directly

• Full name, email address, and password (stored as a secure hash — never in plain text).
• Class/grade and whether you'd like to see college listings, collected at signup to personalize your homepage, menus, and recommended tools.
• Optional profile details you add later — phone number, city, state, target exam, gender, and age.
• Any content you submit, such as mock test attempts, saved colleges, or support requests.

Information collected automatically

• Device and browser information, IP address, and approximate location (city/region level).
• Usage data — pages visited, tests attempted, time spent, and click patterns — to improve the product.
• Cookies and similar technologies (see Cookies section below).

• To create and secure your account, and verify your email via OTP.
• To personalize the homepage, navigation, and tools shown to you — for example, based on your class and college-listing preference.
• To generate mock test results, rank predictions, and college recommendations.
• To send account-related emails (verification, security alerts) and, where you've opted in, updates about new features or exam-related content.
• To analyze aggregate usage trends and improve platform performance and content quality.
• To detect, prevent, and address fraud, abuse, or security issues.

We process your personal data on the basis of your consent (given at signup and reaffirmed by accepting our Terms & Conditions), to perform our services to you, and to comply with applicable law, including India's Information Technology Act, 2000 (and rules made thereunder) and the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, where applicable.

We use cookies and similar technologies to keep you signed in, remember your preferences, and understand how the platform is used. You can control cookies through your browser settings; disabling essential cookies may limit some features (like staying logged in).

We do not sell your personal data to anyone.

We share data only in these limited circumstances:

• With trusted service providers who help us operate the platform (e.g. email delivery, hosting, analytics), under confidentiality obligations.
• If required by law, court order, or governmental request.
• To protect the rights, property, or safety of College1st, our users, or the public.
• In connection with a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, with continued protection under an equivalent privacy policy.

Passwords are stored using industry-standard hashing (never in plain text). We use reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your data against unauthorized access, alteration, or disclosure. However, no method of transmission or storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

We retain your personal data for as long as your account is active, or as needed to provide you the service, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements. When you request account deletion, we delete or anonymize your data except where retention is required by law.

You can, at any time:

• Access and update your class, college-listing preference, and other profile details from your profile page.
• Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
• Request correction or deletion of your personal data.
• Withdraw consent for non-essential communications (e.g. unsubscribe from update emails).

To exercise any of these rights, write to us at hello@college1st.in. We will respond within a reasonable timeframe as required by applicable law.

Many of our users are school students preparing for entrance exams and may be minors. If you are under 18, we recommend a parent or guardian review this policy with you before you register. We collect only the information necessary to provide our educational services and do not knowingly use minors' data for any purpose beyond personalizing their learning experience.

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will notify you of material changes via email or an in-app notice. The "Last updated" date at the top of this page reflects the latest revision.

For any privacy questions, data requests, or grievances, contact our Grievance Officer at hello@college1st.in in accordance with the Information Technology Act, 2000 and rules made thereunder.