FAQ’s about the Admission process, Fees, Class times and Class levels

Can i just drop into a class?

Unfortunately, no. All our classes are based on monthly or quarterly enrolment. This lets the teacher decide on a curriculum, and sequence classes so that each class builds upon the previous one. Beginners, or those who have practiced yoga in other traditions, will be confused even if they are physically able to ‘do’ an Asana. This is also distracting for the rest of the class

Exceptions are made for those who are regular students of Iyengar Yoga in other cities/ with other teachers – after prior discussion with the teacher.

Can i come for a trial class?

We do not do trial classes for the same reasons that we do not do drop-in classes (see the question/ answer above). However, you can do the next best thing: come in to observe the classes after discussing with the teacher, speak with our current students, and ask us any questions that you have.

Can i join yoga at the practice room at any time?

Our admissions open up every few months – usually in December and May.  Having a fixed admission schedule enables us to make a coherent beginning for the entire batch – just like it does in any school or college.  It gives structure to the program, avoids confusion in the  minds of the new entrant, and brings everyone on the same page  – whether they are absolute beginners, or those who have practiced yoga in other traditions.

We usually have a waiting list.  If you would like us to let you know when we admissions re-open, please write to us  here

 What do i have to do before registering for admission at the practice room?

You might have heard great things about us from your friend. But we strongly recommend that you do the following:

• Read through the entire FAQ section, and if you have any doubts about anything at all, speak with us.
• Come in and observe any one of our regular classes. If you have any queries or concerns, talk to us
• Pay the fees in advance.

Doing the above in order to ensure that you come into the practice room with a certain level of commitment and confidence. We have found that this goes a long way in ensuring a more rewarding learning experience for you, and teaching experience for us.

What are the class times and fees?

The Program offerings and the levels, along with the schedules and different fees, can be found  here

Which Batch is better for me – the morning batch or the evening batch?

As long as you can realistically expect to make your way to class on a regular basis, either time is fine, 

For personal practice, both early morning and evening can be used. Mornings are good to do an active practice, as well as for doing Pranayama. Evenings are great for doing restorative and supported sequences. Its best not to do energizing and stimulating asanas like backbends too close to the bedtime.

What are the terms of fee payment?

We operate on a ‘Subscription Model,‘ which means that when you enroll with us, we reserve your spot, regardless of whether or not you attend the class. Many of the following payment terms are based on this principle:

• The current fees for our standard programs, drop-in rates, and discounts available are always published on our website here. 
• Fees can be paid in cash, through bank transfer, or via UPI.
• Fees must be paid in advance at the beginning of each month, in units of calendar months (from the 1st of the month to the last date of the month), regardless of the transaction date.
• Fees are not pro-rated for half-month or quarter-month periods.
• If you are unable to attend classes during a particular month, you are not required to pay the fees for that month. However, you can still attend some classes at the ‘drop-in’ rates.
• The discounted drop-in rates apply only to participants who are usually enrolled for the monthly classes, and have taken a one-month break. If you are on an extended break and occasionally dropping in for classes, the full drop-in rates will be applicable.
• Fees paid for a specific period cannot be adjusted or transferred to another period.
• Fees are non-refundable and non-transferable to another participant.
• If you require a formal acknowledgement for the fees you have paid, choose the option to make the payment through the website payment gateway. You will receive an automated acknowledgment immediately.
• The website payment gateway is set up for auto-renewal. If you do not want the amount to be automatically debited, either use a payment instrument that does not allow auto-debits or go to your dashboard and ‘CANCEL’ your subscription after making the payment. Please note that online transactions cannot be reversed once completed.
• For new admissions, payments must be made for the entire duration of the Introductory module. After that, payments are made on a monthly or quarterly  basis.

I have done yoga earlier. Why do I need to go through the Introductory Module/  join the Beginner (FOUNDATION) level batch? Why cant I be admitted directly into a more advanced batch?

In theory all yoga is one.  Practically speaking, the many ‘forms’ of yoga that are taught and practiced in our urban environments have very different objectives, methodologies and vocabulary. With the popularity of yoga, more and more people are coming in with prior experience of asana practice.  We often have aspiring teachers as students as well.  In order to ensure that we are all on the same page, that when the teacher says the name of an asana you can do the basic positioning and actions without wasting too much time, we insist that all new students go through a basic familiarisation process – we call this the Introductory Module. The Introductory Module is usually an 8 – 16 week program.  If you don’t want to (or you don’t have the time) to do this in the in-studio format, we offer the option of doing this online. You can go through the Online Bridge Course for the Level Foundation at your own pace.  You can go through the material faster if you have prior experience.  Once you have a reasonable amount of familiarity with the online program, you can join the in-studio Level FOUNDATION at the beginning of almost any calendar month.

There is no strict time limit for staying in the Level Foundation.  In our experience, it take a beginner level student approximately 18 – 24 months to move to the level Consolidation.   If you have prior experience with asana practice, if you have more ability and capacity than the other beginner students, you will move faster into the Intermediate level (CONSOLIDATION) .

How long is the yoga course?

“Yoga has a beginning. But no end.”

-Dr. Geeta Iyengar

These are ongoing classes. Like other traditional systems of learning, yoga involves lifelong learning. However, in our experience, it takes approximately 1 year for a beginner level student with a reasonable level of fitness, with regular attendance, to be safely introduced to the basic Asanas covering the range of actions in asanas, in the standing, seated and supine positions: lateral, forward and backward extensions, twistings, balancing and abdominal actions.  It takes another couple of years to learn the basic inversions safely, to appreciate some of the more subtle aspects of adjustments in Asanas, and to be introduced to breath actions.

Can I learn yoga and then do it by myself?

Although Mr. Iyengar himself was largely self-taught, practicing by oneself and progressing on the path of yoga without a teacher is not so easy. You will realise this yourself pretty soon after you start coming to class. Even if you are disciplined and motivated enough to start a self-practice, in order to consistently progress, to delve deeper into the subject, and to understand its finer intricacies, a teacher will probably be required for a very long time to come.

I am learning yoga at another place as well. But I want to experience Iyengar yoga.

Even though in theory all yoga is one, in practice, there are very different objectives, methodologies and vocabulary. Straddling across traditions will not bring any real benefit, and will only serve to confuse you. Yoga is not to be done for the sake of ‘experience’. Don’t waste your time looking at other forms of yoga if your current practice is taking care of your physical, intellectual, and spiritual evolution. If you feel something missing, discuss with your teachers. 

I want to do more yoga – can I attend more than 2/3 classes in a week? Is 2/3 days in a week enough?

Our favorite answer to this question is a counter-question – “Enough for what?”

2/3 classes in a week is just enough for a beginner to start to learn the subject. Unlike many other traditions where the methodology is to repeat the same set of actions (a few rounds of surya namaskara, some fixed vinyasa routines) with minor modifications, each one of our classes is different. You will LEARN in each class. Too many classes do not give you the time to integrate, experiment and practice by yourself what has been taught in class. Eventually (and quite soon) you are expected to start a more regular practice at home. Yoga is a personal practice, and progress will happen only through reflection, analysis and self-practice. The mode of learning in a class is very different from the mode of learning through self-practice.  

So, 2/3 days in a week is enough to learn, it is not enough practice.