Welcome to First Step Biology. By accessing or using our website, services, application, our official YouTube Channel, or study materials, you agree to comply with and be bound by the following Terms and Conditions. By using these services or submitting Personal Information, you consent to the use and processing of such information in accordance with this Policy. If you do not agree with any part of these terms, please do not use our website.
Cookies and Data: Third-party websites (such as payment gateways or external educational resources) may place their own cookies or files on your computer to collect data. First Step Biology is not responsible or liable for the privacy practices of these third parties.
No Endorsement: The inclusion of any third-party link does not imply an endorsement by us. We do not guarantee the accuracy, integrity, or quality of the information or materials available on external websites.
User Responsibility: We encourage users to read the privacy policies of each third-party website or application they visit.
Security Standards: First Step Biology has taken reasonable precautions as per applicable Indian law and implemented industry standards to treat your Personal Information as confidential.
Protection: We strive to protect your data from unauthorized access, improper use, disclosure, modification, unlawful destruction, or accidental loss.
Usage Limitation: We will not use or share your information with anyone except as described in this Privacy Policy.
Each time you use our Service, you are accepting the practices described in the Privacy Policy effective at that time.
1. USAGE AND RETENTION OF INFORMATION:
At First Step Biology, we obtain the information you provide when you access and register on our Website, Application, YouTube Channel, or associated services and products.
(i). Information Collection-When you register or interact with our platform, you generally provide:
- Registration Data:Your name, age, email address, location, phone number, password, and specific educational interests (e.g., Botany or ANM-GNM nursing prep).
- Transaction Data: Information related to purchases, responses to offers, or downloads of study materials.
- Support Data: Information provided when you contact us for technical help or academic guidance.
- Engagement Data: Information entered into our system while using our services, such as asking doubts, participating in biology discussion forums, and taking mock tests.
The information collected is categorized as “Personal Information”, “Sensitive Personal Information”, and “Associated Information”. Under the Information Technology (Reasonable security practices and procedures and sensitive personal data or information) Rules, 2011 (the “Data Protection Rules”), these are collectively referred to as 'Information' in this Policy.
(ii). How We Use Your Information-We use your Information to provide a comprehensive and secure learning environment:
- Personalization:To offer a customized experience by recommending study materials and nursing courses best suited to your needs.
- Communication:To contact you via email, WhatsApp, push notifications, or SMS regarding account updates, new features, promotional offers, and surveys.
- Service Optimization:To determine your general geographic location for localized classes, identify your internet service provider for better delivery, and analyze our services for ongoing improvement.
- Customer Support:To respond quickly to your inquiries and assist with operational needs like password resets.
- Safety & Compliance:To detect, investigate, and prevent fraudulent or illegal activities and to enforce our platform terms.
(iii). Data Retention:We retain your Information for as long as your account is active or as necessary to provide you with our educational services. We provide physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards to protect the Information we process and maintain.
2. COOKIES:
We send cookies (small files containing a string of characters) to your computer, thereby uniquely identifying your browser.
- Purpose:Cookies are used to track your preferences, help you login faster, and are aggregated to determine user trends.
- Service Enhancement:This data is used to improve our offerings, such as providing more content in areas of greater interest to a majority of users (for example, specific Botany topics or ANM-GNM exam materials).
- User Control:Most browsers are initially set up to accept cookies, but you can reset your browser to refuse all cookies or to indicate when a cookie is being sent.
- Note:Please be aware that some of our features and services may not function properly if your cookies are disabled.
3.SHARING AND DISCLOSING PERSONAL INFORMATION:
At First Step Biology, we prioritize the security of your data. We share information only in the following limited circumstances:
(i). Use of Service Providers-We engage other companies, agents, or contractors ("Service Providers") to perform tasks on our behalf or to assist in providing services to you. These include providers for:
- Marketing and Communications: To send you updates regarding Biology notes and ANM-GNM course alerts.
- Infrastructure and IT:To maintain the website and hosting servers.
- Payment Processing:To securely handle credit card transactions or other payment methods for premium study materials.
- Analytics:To analyze and enhance data to improve our educational offerings.
- Customer Support:To assist you with your queries and technical issues.
In the course of providing such services, these Service Providers may have access to your personal information. However, we do not authorize them to use or disclose your personal information except strictly in connection with providing their services.
(ii). Internal Usage-We use your Personal Information to:
- Ensure the platform's content is presented in the most effective manner for your device.
- Secure the platform and implement technical improvements.
- Carry out our obligations arising from any contracts entered into between you and us.
(iii). Communication & Opt-Out-We may communicate with you via calls, text messages (SMS), or emails for purposes that include:
- Transactional: Payment receipts or account verification.
- Service:Important updates about the syllabus or website downtime.
- Promotional:Announcements about new Biology courses or discount offers.
Your Choice: If at any time you wish to stop receiving communications from us, you can opt-out by writing to us at firststepbio9@gmail.com.
4. INFORMATION SECURITY:
At First Step Biology, we view the protection of your privacy as a fundamental principle. We understand clearly that you and your Information are among our most important assets.
- No Data Selling:We do not sell, transfer, or rent your personal information to third parties for their marketing purposes without your explicit consent. We only use your information as described in this Privacy Policy.
- Storage and Processing:Your personal information is stored and processed on computers located in India. These systems are protected by both physical and technological security devices to prevent unauthorized access.
- Verification:We may use third parties to verify and certify our privacy principles to ensure the highest standards of data protection.
- Legal Disclosure:While we do not share your data for marketing, we reserve the right to disclose your personal information to any third party that makes a legally-compliant request (e.g., a government or court order) for its disclosure.
If you object to your Information being transferred or used in this way, please do not use this Website/Application.
5. PUBLIC FORUMS:
When you use certain features on our Website, Application, or YouTube Channel—such as discussion forums—and you post or share personal information (including comments, messages, files, or photos), this content will be available to all users and will be in the public domain.
- User Responsibility:All such sharing of information is done at your own risk.
- Public Visibility:Please keep in mind that if you disclose personal information in your profile or while posting on our forums, this information may become publicly available and accessible to others.
6. CONSULTING:
We engage trusted third-party partners to assist us in providing high-quality services to you. These third parties help us with various operational tasks, including:
- Service Fulfillment:Assisting in the delivery of our educational courses and materials.
- Payment Processing:Securely handling transactions for mock tests or study modules.
- Site Monitoring & Analytics:Monitoring website activity and performance to ensure a smooth user experience.
- Data Management:Maintaining our database, administering emails, and managing content delivery.
- Research & Surveys:Conducting surveys to understand student needs and providing aggregate, comparative information on the performance of our Website/Application to us and a select group of partners.
7. USER CUSTOMS:
At First Step Biology, we provide you with options to manage how your information is used. You have the right to customize your experience in the following ways:
- Communication Preferences:You can choose how we communicate with you and the types of marketing information you receive.
- Personalized Advertising:You can manage how we provide you with customized and relevant educational advertisements.
- Account Settings:You can choose whether you want to stay signed into your account on your devices.
- Unsubscribe Options:If you no longer wish to receive marketing communications, you can use the "unsubscribe" link provided in our emails, update your preferences in your account settings, or email us directly to block promotional messages.
Note:We maintain a strict policy of not selling or renting your personal information to third parties for their marketing purposes without your explicit consent.
8. OWNERSHIP OF RIGHTS:
All rights, including copyright, in this Website and its associated Applications are owned by or licensed to First Step Biology.
- Limited Personal Use:Any use of this Website/Application or its contents—including copying or storing it in whole or part—other than for your own personal, non-commercial use is strictly prohibited without our prior written permission.
- Prohibited Activities:You are prohibited from modifying, copying, distributing, transmitting, displaying, printing, publishing, selling, licensing, creating derivative works, or using any content available on or through our platform for commercial or public purposes.
- No Ownership Transfer:You acknowledge that you do not acquire any ownership rights by downloading copyrighted materials, such as Botany notes or ANM-GNM study modules.
- Trademarks:All trademarks, logos, and service marks displayed on the Website/Application are the exclusive property of First Step Biology (or used under license). They are not in the public domain and may not be used without authorization.
9. CONSENT:
By registering with First Step Biology, you provide informed consent for the collection, processing, and handling of your information as outlined in this Policy.
(i). General Consent & Minors
- Informed Consent:You agree to our processing of your information in India, including collecting, storing, and sharing as described.
- Minors:For users who are minors, consent is deemed to be given by their parents or guardians at the time of registration.
(ii). Content & Material
By submitting content (comments, questions, or notes) through our services, you grant First Step Biology a worldwide, royalty-free license to use, modify, and distribute such material across any media. This material may remain available even if you delete your account.
(iii). Use of Personal Attributes (Rank Holders & Testimonials)
If you achieve a rank in your exams (like ANM-GNM) or provide a testimonial, you consent to First Step Biology using your:
- Name, age, photograph, and videos.
- Voice recordings, rank, and statements.
These "Personal Attributes" may be used for publication, advertising, or promotion on our website, social media, newspapers, or other educational awareness materials. You understand that this is done at our discretion without further notice or financial compensation, and the marketing material created remains the sole property of First Step Biology
10. EXCLUSIVE SERVICE:
By maintaining a First Step Biology account and using our interactive features, you explicitly provide your consent for the following:
- Camera & Microphone Access:To enable high-quality interaction, we may request permissions to access your device's camera and microphone.
- Video Calls & Recording:These permissions are used to facilitate live video calls, doubt-clearing sessions, and interactive classes.
- Purpose:You acknowledge that these sessions may be recorded for educational review, quality assurance, and to provide playback options for students who missed the live session.
11. SECURITY:
At First Step Biology, we are committed to safeguarding the confidentiality of your Information. We provide physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards to protect the Information we process and maintain.
12. UPDATES TO POLICY:
As First Step Biology evolves and introduces new educational features or courses, our Privacy Policy will need to evolve as well to cover new situations.
- Regular Review:You are advised to review this Policy regularly for any changes.
- Acceptance of Changes:Continued use of our Website, Application, or Services after any updates are posted is deemed as your approval of all changes. We may also notify you of significant changes via email or through a notice on our platform.
13. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY:
By using First Step Biology, you agree to the following limitations regarding our legal responsibility:
- Content Responsibility:You acknowledge that the Company may host content from various educators or sources and shall not be liable for any repercussions arising from the use of such content on the Website, Application, or YouTube Channel.
- Damages:In no event shall First Step Biology, its officers, employees, or partners be liable to you for any special, incidental, indirect, consequential, or punitive damages. This includes, but is not limited to, loss of data, loss of profits, or any other claims arising from your use of or access to our services.
- Breach of Terms:In the event of a breach of these Terms by you, you agree that the Company may be irreparably harmed and entitled to seek an injunction or other equitable relief from a court of competent jurisdiction.
- Account Termination:Any violation of these terms may result in the immediate suspension or termination of your account, in addition to any legal remedies available to us.
- Legal Liability:Violation of these Terms could result in civil or criminal liability under applicable Indian laws.
14. REFUND POLICY:
At First Step Biology, we strive to provide the best educational resources. Please read our refund terms carefully before making a purchase:
- Online Batches/Services:Once you purchase any online batch or digital service, the purchase is non-refundable.
- Batch Change:If you purchase a batch by mistake, you may request to change it to another batch of the same value within 10 days of the purchase.
- Study Materials & Books:We recommend that you thoroughly review the system and samples before making a payment for books.
- Damaged or Lost Items:If a physical product (like a book) is received in a damaged condition or is lost by the courier partner, the student is entitled to a replacement.
- Non-Eligibility for Refund:No refunds or replacements will be provided if:
1. The student provided an incorrect or incomplete shipping address.
2. The student refuses to accept the books upon delivery.