// LEGAL_DOCUMENTATION

Refund Protocol (R-2026-A)

Our Commitment: We built Simulpus to help you bridge the gap between learning and doing. Whether you are operating a System-Level virtual environment or mastering an Instrument-Level workflow that combines cloud systems with physical tools, our policy is designed to ensure you give this new method a fair chance, while respecting your decision if it ultimately isn't the right fit.

LAST_UPDATED: DEC_2025

01.The "Active Learning" Commitment

Let's be honest: Learning by doing is harder than watching a video. It requires patience, resilience, and the willingness to make mistakes.

We believe that once you push through that initial friction—whether it's fixing your first virtual server or completing your first tactile drill—you will realize the immense value of this approach. That breakthrough moment usually happens after a few days of struggle.

However, we understand that everyone learns differently. If, after giving it a genuine try, you feel that the Active Simulation method (Digital or Hybrid) isn't aligned with your learning style, and you prefer a different approach, we will respect that choice and process your refund.

The "Burn-In" Period

To ensure you don't quit just because it feels "new" or "hard" at first, we have a 7-Day Burn-In Period.

Why wait 7 days? We want you to experience the full cycle of a simulation—from confusion to clarity. Real growth happens outside your comfort zone, and we want you to stay long enough to feel that growth.

The Promise: If you stick with us for the first week and still feel it's not working, you can leave with no hard feelings.

Eligibility Window

You can initiate a refund request ONLY between Day 8 and Day 10 from your batch start date.

02.Initiation Protocol

We want you here because you want to be here, not because you feel trapped. Please follow the protocol matching your track type:

Path A: System-Level Simulation Tracks (Digital-Only)

Pure software environments. Examples: Cloud Operations, SOC Analyst, DevOps

Step 1:
Compose an email to support@simulpus.org with Subject: REFUND_REQUEST_[STUDENT_ID]. Please mention your reason briefly.
Step 2:
The Feedback Briefing. We schedule a 5-minute call to understand your experience. This is not a sales call; it's a product feedback session.
Step 3:
Immediate Release. Once the briefing is done, your refund is approved immediately.

Path B: Instrument-Level Simulation Tracks (Hybrid)

Integrated workflows combining Cloud Simulations with Physical Devices. Examples: IoT, Robotics, Dental/Medical

Step 1:
Compose the email and complete the Feedback Briefing (same as Path A).
Step 2:
RMA Generation. We will issue a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number and a prepaid shipping label to you. The label will show the exact logistics cost (typically ₹200-500) that will be deducted from your refund.
Step 3:
The Return Window. You have 7 calendar days from receiving the RMA to ship the kit back. We recommend using the prepaid label immediately.
Need an extension? If you need more time due to travel, logistics delays, or any legitimate reason, email support@simulpus.org before Day 7. We're flexible with reasonable requests—just ask.
Step 4:
Inspection. Once our warehouse receives the kit, we verify its condition (see deductions below) before releasing funds. Inspection typically takes 2-3 business days.

03.Execution & Deductions

Processing Time

5-7 business days

(starts after Approval for System-Level; after Inspection for Instrument-Level)

Source

Original Payment Method

If technical issues arise, we will request bank account/UPI details.

Deduction Breakdown

1. System-Level Simulations

10%

Flat deduction covering Payment Processing, Administrative Fees, and Cloud Infrastructure Provisioning.

2. Instrument-Level Simulations

  • Base Deduction10%
  • LogisticsActual Cost (₹200-500)
  • Instrument Condition Deduction:
    Functional 30% of market value
    Minor Wear 50% of market value
    Severe Damage 100% of market value
Note: Subsidized kits are deducted based on actual market value. Contact support for exact calculation.

04.Exclusions & Exceptions

We protect our platform from abuse, but we also protect you from our failures. Refunds will NOT be issued in the following cases:

A. Timing Violation

Requests received before Day 8 (premature) or after Day 10 (expired).

B. Lack of Effort ("Fair Shot")

You must have completed at least 7 Lab Assignments. If you leave without ever stepping into the simulator, you haven't rejected our method—you've rejected the opportunity.

C. Resource Consumption

If you have completed more than 20% of the Program Milestones by Day 8, the course value is considered consumed.

D. Hardware Tampering

Refunds are denied if instruments show signs of deliberate disassembly, soldering, removal of warranty seals, or unauthorized firmware modification.

E. Technical Limitations

Claims of technical blockers will be rejected unless a valid Support Ticket was raised at the time of the issue.

F. Conduct Violations

Refunds are void if a user is removed for violating our community guidelines or Terms of Use.

Hardware Defects & Replacements

If your instrument arrives defective, don't worry—we've got you. Raise a support ticket with evidence, and we'll ship a replacement within 24 hours.

Your refund eligibility is NOT affected. A defective instrument is our problem to solve, not your burden.

Hardware Condition Assessment

When we receive the returned kit, we inspect its condition objectively:

  • Functional: Works as designed. Normal cosmetic wear acceptable.
  • Minor Wear/Damage: Surface scratches, minor dents, loose connections. Still usable.
  • Severe/Non-Functional: Broken components, water damage, non-responsive, missing parts.

Platform Downtime Protocol

If Simulpus faces critical downtime, we ensure fairness by extending your refund eligibility window by the duration of the outage.

05.Appeals & Disputes

If you disagree with a judgment or feel your situation was judged incorrectly, you may file a one-time appeal.

Process
Send an email to appeal@simulpus.org explaining the situation.
Review
A high-level manager will personally review your logs, support tickets, and inspection reports within 72 hours.
Outcome
If upheld, you receive a full refund (minus base deductions). If denied, we explain the specific reasoning.

By enrolling in Simulpus (Pilot Batch or future cohorts), you agree to this refund protocol.