Privacy Policy

1 Introduction & Scope

Smile Career Consultancy (“we”, “our”, or “us”), previously operating as Smile Education Consultancy, is an international career and education consultancy based in Kolkata, West Bengal, India. We specialize in global admission counselling (MBA, MBBS, Engineering, Dental, Nursing, etc.), student visa guidance, apostille services, and career advisory.

We are committed to safeguarding the privacy and confidentiality of students, parents, guardians, and website visitors (“you”, “user”). This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, store, utilize, process, and protect your personal information in compliance with the Information Technology Act, 2000, the Information Technology (Reasonable Security Practices and Procedures and Sensitive Personal Data or Information) Rules, 2011, and the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDP Act) of India.

2 Information We Collect

Depending on your interaction with us (visiting our website, filling an enquiry or eligibility check form, contacting us via WhatsApp/call, or enrolling for admission services), we may collect:

3 How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information solely for legitimate educational and consulting purposes, including:

• Providing personalized admission guidance, college shortlisting, and eligibility evaluation.
• Submitting application dossiers to authorized partner universities and colleges on your behalf.
• Assisting with embassy paperwork, apostille attestation, and student visa submissions.
• Communicating essential updates, counselling dates, admission confirmation, and fee reminders via phone, WhatsApp, SMS, or email.
• Facilitating secure online fee payments via certified gateways (e.g. Razorpay).
• Improving website usability, analyzing performance, and preventing fraudulent submissions.

4 Data Sharing & Disclosure

We do not sell, rent, lease, or trade your personal data to any third-party marketing companies.

Your information is shared only under strict necessity with:

• Accredited Institutions & Universities: Only those universities or institutes you have chosen to apply for admission.
• Embassies & Government Agencies: Relevant consulates, passport offices, or the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) strictly for visa or apostille processing.
• Payment Processors: Authorized third-party payment gateways (Razorpay). Note: Smile Career Consultancy does not store, access, or record your debit/credit card numbers, CVVs, or Net Banking credentials on our servers.
• Legal & Regulatory Authorities: If required by Indian law, court order, or official governmental request.

5 Cookies & Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies (small text files stored in your browser) to ensure proper website functionality, keep track of form sessions, and compile aggregate traffic statistics.

We utilize Google Analytics and Google Tag Manager to understand visitor demographics and popular topics. You can disable cookies at any time through your browser settings, though certain dynamic features of the site may be impacted.

6 Integration with Meta, LinkedIn & Developer APIs

To reach aspiring students and publish verified educational notifications, Smile Career Consultancy utilizes developer tools and business APIs provided by third-party social platforms, including Meta Platforms, Inc. (Facebook / Instagram) and LinkedIn Corporation.

• Meta Platform: When you interact with our official Facebook Page, Instagram account, or lead ads, information submitted is handled in compliance with Meta's Platform Terms and this Privacy Policy.
• LinkedIn Platform: When using LinkedIn developer integrations or visiting our LinkedIn company profile, data handling complies with LinkedIn's Developer Terms and Privacy Policy.
• No Unauthorized Access: Our applications access only the minimum necessary API permissions granted explicitly for social publishing, scheduling updates, or responding to direct student inquiries.

7 Data Security Measures

We maintain technical, physical, and administrative security measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, accidental alteration, disclosure, or destruction.

• All data transmissions across our website are secured via industry-standard SSL/TLS encryption (HTTPS).
• Sensitive documents and admissions files are stored in restricted-access directories accessible only to authorized counselling staff.
• Regular audits are performed to maintain software updates and safeguard user records.

8 Data Retention

We retain personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfill the academic admissions cycle, complete the required visa/apostille formalities, resolve potential disputes, and satisfy legal and tax accounting requirements. Once the purpose has elapsed or when requested by you, records are securely archived or permanently deleted.

9 Your Privacy Rights & Choices

Under Indian data protection laws and international best practices, you have the right to:

• Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you.
• Correction: Request updates or corrections to any incomplete or inaccurate data.
• Erasure: Request the deletion of your personal records, subject to legal or university enrollment retention mandates.
• Withdraw Consent: Opt-out of non-essential promotional communications, WhatsApp updates, or newsletters at any time.

10 Grievance Redressal & Contact Details

In accordance with the Information Technology Act, 2000 and the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, if you have any questions, concerns, or grievances regarding this Privacy Policy or your personal information, please contact our Grievance Officer: