Privacy Policy

Effective Date: November 25, 2025

This Privacy Policy explains how FirstGrad ("we," "us," "our") collects, uses, stores, shares, and protects your personal data when you use our website, platform, applications, and related services (collectively, the "Services").

By using the Services, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Policy. We may update this Policy periodically, and your continued use constitutes acceptance of any changes.

1. About This Policy

FirstGrad is a student-success and education-solutions provider based in Bangalore, Karnataka, India. We assist students with counseling, profile evaluation, university shortlisting, documentation support, application processing, and related services.

This Policy outlines:

  • What personal data we collect

  • How we use and protect your data

  • When we share your data

  • Your rights under applicable laws

  • How to exercise those rights

2. Personal Data We Collect

Depending on your interaction with our Services, we may collect:

2.1 Personal & Contact Information

  • Name, phone number, email address

  • Date of birth, gender, nationality

  • Residential address

  • Parent/guardian information (for minors)

2.2 Academic & Educational Data

  • Academic transcripts and certificates

  • Test scores (IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, GMAT, etc.)

  • Course preferences and career goals

  • Resume/CV

  • Statement of Purpose (SOP), Letters of Recommendation (LOR), essays

  • Documents shared via email, WhatsApp, or cloud storage

2.3 Identity & Financial Data (processed only with explicit consent)

  • Passport details

  • Visa information

  • Government-issued identification

  • Bank statements or income proof

  • Loan-related documentation

  • Sponsor information

2.4 Technical & Usage Data

  • IP address, browser type, device information

  • Platform usage analytics (clicks, session duration, interactions)

  • Cookies and tracking data

2.5 Communication Records

  • WhatsApp messages

  • Email correspondence

  • SMS logs

  • Phone call records (recordings only with express consent)

  • Form submissions and chatbot interactions

3. How We Collect Your Data

We collect data when you:

  • Submit forms or inquiries

  • Communicate with us via WhatsApp, email, SMS, or phone

  • Upload or share documents

  • Participate in counseling sessions

  • Use our website, dashboards, or applications

  • Engage with partner institutions or service providers

4. How We Use Your Personal Data

We process your data for these purposes:

4.1 Service Delivery

  • Counseling and profile assessment

  • University and course shortlisting

  • Application preparation and submission

  • Document review and verification

  • Visa guidance and support

  • Loan and financial assistance facilitation

  • Accommodation support

  • Personalized program recommendations

4.2 Communication & Support

  • Sending updates, reminders, and notifications

  • Coordinating with universities and partners

  • Providing customer support

  • Managing institutional payments

4.3 Platform Improvement

  • Enhancing website and platform performance

  • Analytics and usage insights

  • Developing AI-assisted tools and recommendations

4.4 Security & Compliance

  • Fraud detection and prevention

  • Platform security and backups

  • Meeting legal and regulatory obligations

4.5 Legal Basis

We process your data based on:

  • Your explicit consent

  • Performance of our services

  • Legal obligations

  • Legitimate business interests

5. When We Share Your Data

We share your data only when necessary and with appropriate safeguards:

5.1 Universities & Educational Institutions

Shared with your consent for application submissions, eligibility checks, admissions decisions, and enrollment.

5.2 Financial Institutions & Loan Partners

Shared when you request financial or loan assistance.

5.3 Accommodation Partners

Shared when you request housing support.

5.4 Service Providers

We work with trusted third-party providers for:

  • CRM platforms

  • Cloud hosting and storage

  • Communication platforms (SMS, email, WhatsApp)

  • Analytics tools

  • Payment processing

These providers process data only under strict confidentiality and security obligations.

5.5 Legal Authorities

We may disclose data when required by law, for compliance, fraud prevention, or to protect our legal rights.

6. Data Storage & Security

6.1 Where We Store Data

Your data may be stored in:

  • Google Workspace

  • Cloud storage platforms

  • CRM systems

  • Secure internal servers

  • Communication platforms (WhatsApp Business)

Data may be stored in India or internationally, with appropriate safeguards in place.

6.2 Security Measures

We use reasonable technical and organizational safeguards including:

  • Data encryption

  • Secure cloud infrastructure

  • Access controls and authentication

  • Regular security monitoring

  • Trained personnel

While we take security seriously, no system is completely secure, and you acknowledge the inherent risks of online data transmission.

7. Data Retention

We retain your data only as long as necessary to:

  • Deliver our Services

  • Comply with legal obligations

  • Resolve disputes

  • Maintain business records

Some data may be retained as required by law even after a deletion request.

8. Your Rights

You have the right to:

  • Access your personal data

  • Request correction of inaccuracies

  • Request deletion (where permitted by law)

  • Withdraw consent

  • Opt out of marketing communications

  • Request data portability

To exercise these rights, contact us at hello@firstgrad.in. We may verify your identity before fulfilling requests.

9. Cookies & Tracking

We use cookies and similar technologies for functionality, analytics, and performance. You may adjust your browser settings to limit cookies, though this may affect some features.

10. Communications

By using our Services, you consent to receive communications via WhatsApp, email, SMS, and phone for:

  • Application updates and deadlines

  • Reminders and verification

  • Service instructions

  • Important notifications

You may opt out of marketing messages at any time, but essential service communications will continue.

11. Minors

If you are under 18, you may use our Services only with parental or guardian consent. The parent or guardian is responsible for the minor's use of our Services. If we learn that data has been collected without valid consent, we will take appropriate action to delete it.

12. Data Breach Response

If a security incident occurs, we will:

  • Investigate and contain the breach promptly

  • Assess the scope and impact

  • Notify affected users when legally required

  • Cooperate with authorities

  • Implement corrective measures

13. Third-Party Links & Tools

Our Services may include links to external websites or integrate with third-party tools. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of third parties. Please review their privacy policies separately.

14. International Data Transfers

Your data may be processed or stored outside India. We implement appropriate safeguards—such as contractual protections—to ensure compliance with applicable data protection laws.

15. Sensitive Personal Data

Sensitive data (such as passport details, financial records, or sponsor information) is processed only with your explicit consent. If you provide information about another person, you confirm that you have authority to do so.

16. Success Stories & Testimonials

As outlined in our Terms of Use, we may use your success story, admission results, and related information in our promotional materials. You may opt out by contacting us at hello@firstgrad.in

17. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Policy at any time. Updated versions will be posted with a revised Effective Date. Your continued use of the Services constitutes acceptance of the changes.

18. Contact Us

If you have questions or wish to exercise your rights, please contact us at hello@firstgrad.in

By using FirstGrad's Services, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy.