1. Introduction

1951, it is our aim to ensure that all students are provided with a national platform to come together for our Programs and Activities. In order to ensure continued interest and participation in our Programs and Activities, a nominal participation fee is charged from each school or student.

Payment of fee is normally done after all details of programs and activities have been shared with schools for group registrations (via the teachers), and with parents (for individual student registrations). In cases of group registrations, we deem that information and details of programs and activities have been appropriately communicated to parents (via students, who have in turn been informed by teachers). We take no responsibility in miscommunication, misunderstanding, or any other instance either by schools (through its teachers), or the parents (via the students). All our programs and activities have clear and concise information mentioned on all official communication. We encourage schools (via the teachers), and parents (via students, who have in turn been informed by teachers) to contact our offices should there be even an iota of doubt regarding our programs and activities, prior to proceeding with any “Payment Modes”.

2. About USO Payment Policy

USO Payment Policy contains the terms and conditions specified hereof that constitute United Schools Organisation of India (USO) (thereafter referred to as “we” or “us” or “our”) and our stand towards payment terms, in relation to payments made via our website https://usoindia.org (“Site”), through other online channels (direct bank transfer, UPI, debit/credit cards, usage of other mobile wallets to our bank account, or through traditional means (such as, but not limited to, demand draft), (thereafter collectively referred to as “Payment Modes”) for the various national extra-curricular tests, national competitions, national campaigns, national conferences, national seminars and other activities that may be undertaken by us (“Programs and Activities”), either ourselves or in collaboration with one or several partners. Terms not defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed to them in USO Terms of Use and USO Privacy Policy.

We reserve the right to make changes to USO Payment Policy at any time and for any reason. We will alert you about any changes by updating the “Last Updated” date of this USO Payment Policy. Any changes or modifications will be effective immediately upon posting the updated Payment Policy on the Site, and you waive the right to receive specific notice of each such change or modification.
You are encouraged to periodically review USO Payment Policy to stay informed of updates. You will be deemed to have been made aware of, will be subject to, and will be deemed to have accepted the changes in any revised USO Payment Policy by your continued use of the Site after the date such revised USO Payment Policy is posted.

3. Purpose of the Policy

USO Payment Policy clearly defines USO’s stand towards payments (both online and offline mode), refunds, cancellations, and all things related to payments made by any individual, organisation, or institution (“User”). It is imperative that the User acquaint themselves with USO Payment Policy prior to proceeding with any payment. USO Payment Policy applies under the following instances:

• Using the online payment gateway service (“Service”) made available by us through our website https://usoindia.org (“Site”). This Service is offered jointly by Standard Chartered Bank and One 97 Communications Ltd. (“Paytm”). The Service is provided to Users in order to facilitate access to make quick payments online.
• Using online banking services and effecting transfer of funds to USO account held with Standard Chartered Bank, with information to us via email: info@usoindia.org or contacting our offices at: (011) 4106-8486. Transfer instructions as below:
  • Account Name – United Schools Organisation of India
  • Account Number – 533-104-414-92
  • IFSC/RTGS Code – SCBL0036042
  • Branch Address – Standard Chartered Bank, E-26, Saket, New Delhi-110017

• Using traditional payment methods such as demand draft, certified cheque from a User in the name of United Schools Organisation of India and mailed to us at the mailing address: USO House, USO Road, 6, Special Institutional Area, New Delhi – 110 067, under advice to us via email: info@usoindia.org or contacting our offices at: (011) 4106-8486.

4. Using Online Payment Gateway

The following should be noted by User while using the Service through our Site:

• In case the Site or Paytm webpage, that is linked to the Site, is experiencing any server related issues like ‘slow down’ or ‘failure’ or ‘session timeout’, the User shall, before initiating the second payment, check whether their Bank Account has been debited and accordingly resort to one of the following options:
  • In case the Bank Account appears to be debited, ensure that the payment is not made twice and immediately thereafter contact USO via e-mail to confirm payment.
  • In case the Bank Account is not debited, the User may initiate a fresh transaction to make payment.

• However, the User agrees that under no circumstances USO or Paytm be held responsible for such fraudulent/duplicate transactions and hence no claims should be raised to Paytm. Any communication received shall not be entertained by Paytm.
• USO and Paytm assume no liability whatsoever for any monetary or other damage suffered by the User on account of:
  • Delay, failure, interruption, or corruption of any data or other information transmitted in connection with use of Paytm or Services in connection thereto
  • Interruption or errors in the operation of the Service.
• The User agrees, understands, and confirms that their personal data including details relating to debit card / credit card transmitted over the Internet may be susceptible to misuse, hacking, theft and / or fraud and that USO or Paytm have no control over such matters.
• Although care has been exercised to protect against any unauthorized use of any information transmitted by the User, we do not represent or guarantee that the use of the Services will not result in theft and / or unauthorized use of data over the Internet.
• USO and Paytm, and their affiliates and associates shall not be liable, at any time, for any failure of performance, error, omission, interruption, deletion, defect, delay in operation or transmission, computer virus, communications line failure, theft or destruction or unauthorized access to, alteration of, or use of information contained on the Site.

5. Debit/Credit Card, Bank Account Details

• The User agrees that the debit / credit card details provided for use of the Service isare correct and accurate and that the User shall not use a debit / credit card, that is not lawfully owned by them or the use of which is not authorized by the lawful owner thereof. The User further agrees and undertakes to provide correct and valid debit / credit card details.
• The User may make the payment using a debit/credit card or through the online banking account. The User hereby warrants, agrees, and confirms that the User is:
  • Fully and lawfully entitled to use such credit / debit card, bank account for such transactions.
  • Responsible to ensure that the card / bank account details provided are accurate.
  • Authorizing debit of the nominated card / bank account for the payment of fees selected by such User along with the applicable Fees.
  • Responsible to ensure sufficient credit is available on the nominated card / bank account at the time of making the payment to permit the payment of the amount due by the User, inclusive of the applicable Fee.

6. Cancellation Policy

Should the User choose to cancel a transaction either via the Site or during online transfer due to any reason, any amounts debited as a result, shall not be the responsibility of USO or Paytm (if using the Service). USO and / or Paytm shall not be in any way held liable for any amounts incurred by the User towards cancellation.

7. Online Payment Gateway Disclaimer

The Service provided by us is in order to facilitate access to pay participation fees online, and encourage students, and schools nationally participate in our programs and activities. USO or Standard Chartered Bank or Paytm do not make any representation of any kind, express or implied, as to the operation of the Online Payment Gateway other than what is specified on the Website for this purpose.

By accepting these Online Payment Terms, the User expressly agrees that use of the aforesaid Online Payment Gateway Service is entirely at own risk and responsibility of the User.

8. Online Payment Gateway Limitation of Liability

User is requested to acquaint themselves of the below:

• We have made this Service available to the User as a matter of convenience. We expressly disclaim any claim or liability arising out of the provision of this Service. The User agrees and acknowledges that they shall be solely responsible for their conduct and that we reserve the right to terminate the rights to use of the Service immediately without giving any prior notice thereof.
• USO and/or the Paytm shall not be liable for any inaccuracy, error, or delay in, or omission of:
  •  Any data, information, or message.
  • The transmission or delivery of any such data, information, or message.
  • Any loss or damage arising from or occasioned by any such inaccuracy, error, delay or omission, non-performance or interruption in any such data, information or message.
• Under no circumstances shall the USO and/or the Paytm, its employees, directors, and its third party agents involved in processing, delivering or managing the Services, be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special or consequential damages, or any damages whatsoever, including punitive or exemplary arising out of or in any way connected with the provision of or any inadequacy or deficiency in the provision of the Services or resulting from unauthorized access or alteration of transmissions of data or arising from suspension or termination of the Services.
• USO and the Paytm assume no liability whatsoever, for any monetary or other damage suffered by the User on account of:
  • The delay, failure, interruption, or corruption of any data or other information transmitted in connection with use of the Payment Gateway or Services in connection thereto.
  • Any interruption or errors in the operation of the Payment Gateway.
• The User shall indemnify and hold harmless USO and Paytm and their respective officers, directors, agents, and employees, from any claim or demand, or actions arising out of or in connection with the utilization of the Services.

9. Privacy

We are dedicated to keeping your details private. Any information we collect in relation to you is kept strictly secured. We do not pass on, sell, or swap any of your personal details with anyone, except where this forms an integral part of the designated project. We use this information to identify your payments and provide you with the relevant resources. For further details, refer to USO Privacy Policy.

10. Online Payment Charges

Payment of participation fees through online channels for our programs and activities, may attract a transfer charge. We are in no way responsible for the amount charged as we do not have control over the same. Normally the charge is displayed for the school / parent to view and /or accept. It is the sole responsibility of the school / parent to be aware of the amount being charged.

It is the sole responsibility of the User for the accuracy and authenticity of the payment instructions. We accept no liability for any consequences arising from erroneous information provided by the User towards payment instructions to us or extra charges incurred as a result.

11. Refund Policy

We receive amounts from schools or parents towards our programs and activities (including but not limited to) competitions, tests, conferences, seminars, and membership fees. These fees are paid to USO by schools or parents through online channels (online transfer through NEFT, IMPS, UPI, and others), or via means of a physical payment, such as demand draft.

11. 1 Refund Request by Schools

11.1.1 Membership Fees

Schools apply for USO Membership in April each year. The Membership is valid from April 1 to March 31 of the following year, and USO Member Schools may participate in member-only activities such as participation in, including but not limited to, National Campaigns, National Competitions, General Conference & All-India Schools Festival. We reserve the right to revise the fees at any point of time, at the start of new membership period, without prior notification.

No refund or cancellation of the membership fees shall be made to schools at any point during the year, regardless of the extent of the participation by school in our Programs and Activities. Any discussion in this matter shall not be entertained.

11.1.2 Test, Program or Activity Fees

With schools registering students for our various Programs and Activities, and with nominal fees charged by us, refund shall not be offered. Given that most of the information has already been shared with schools (including but not limited to study material for USO Online Tests, resources of various Programs and Activities), no school may approach us for any refund, especially under the following circumstances:

• • • A school student who has failed to appear for our Programs and Activities, and a refund is sought for that student alone.
    • Several students failed to appear for our Programs and Activities, and a refund is sought for those students.
    • Is unhappy with the result obtained for one or several of their school students.
    • Is re-considering participation in our programs and activities organised by us.
    • Pressure from parents, for whatever reason.
    • Any other instance.

11.1.3 Adjustment of Paid Fees Towards Other Programs or Activities

Exceptions

• • • If a school has accidentally transferred fees twice, or any amounts in excess of our Programs and Activities Fees, a refund shall be made to the same account after providing a valid explanation, verification that the amount has indeed been credited to our account, and written request by school / teacher specifying mode of refund as well as complete account transfer instructions.
    • This applies for all channels of fund transfers – Online Payment Gateway from the Site, Online Fund Transfer, Offline channels.
    • Any charges / costs of refunding the charges shall be borne by the User.
    • Under no circumstances, shall any payment be made to a third-party.

11.2 Refund Request by Students

11.2.1 Test, Program or Activity Fees

We have, since 2020, begun individual registration from students for our various tests, competitions, programs and activities. A nominal participation fee applies per student. We may not be approached for any refund by any student, their parent, their school, or any third party – under any representation, especially under the following circumstances:

• • • A school student was unable to appear for our programs and activities.
    • Is unhappy with the result obtained in our programs and activities.
    • Is unsure of participation in our programs and activities, due to change of mind or peer pressure.

11.2.2 Adjustment of Paid Fees Towards Other Programs or Activities

We are not obligated to adjust fees paid by a parent for a specific program or activity towards any other of our programs or activities due to any reason. No discussion on any grounds shall be entertained.

• • • Fees received multiple times, or any amounts in excess of our Programs and Activities Fees, from any parent towards enrolment for their children’s participation in our programs and activities, shall be duly refunded, upon confirmation via our bank account statement. In such instances, a request shall be invited from the parent, along with complete account transfer instructions.
    • This applies for all channels of fund transfers – Online Payment Gateway from the Site, Online Fund Transfer, Offline channels.
    • Any charges / costs of refunding the charges shall be borne by the User.
    • Under no circumstances, shall any payment be made to a third-party.

12. Refund Processing Timeline

Where a refund is due under this Policy, we will process it within 15 (fifteen) business days of the refund request being approved. Refunds will be credited only to the original account or payment instrument used for the transaction, and processing times beyond this may occur due to delays at the User’s bank, card network, or payment gateway, which are outside our control.

13. Taxes and Invoicing

Applicable taxes, including GST, will be charged in accordance with prevailing Indian tax laws and based on the nature of the service and the status of the payer. Where GST is applicable, the applicable tax amount will be included in the invoice. Schools or other entities that are not liable for GST may be invoiced without GST, where applicable. Users are responsible for providing accurate billing and GSTIN details, where relevant, prior to payment. Invoices cannot be revised after issuance except in cases of genuine errors on our part.

14. Failed or Delayed Payments

Where a payment fails, is delayed, or is not received in full for any reason, including but not limited to insufficient funds, expired card details, or bank/network errors, the User’s registration or participation shall be treated as incomplete until the outstanding amount is received. We reserve the right to withhold access to results, certificates, or program materials until payment is successfully completed.

15. Data Retention

Payment and transaction records, including the minimum data required for reconciliation, audit, and regulatory compliance, are retained for as long as necessary to meet our legal and accounting obligations under applicable Indian law, including the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023. Card and full banking details are not stored by us; such data is handled directly by our payment gateway partners in accordance with applicable Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guidelines. For further details on how we handle personal data, refer to USO Privacy Policy.

16. Force Majeure

We shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performing our obligations under this Policy, including processing of payments or refunds, where such failure or delay arises from circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, pandemics, internet or banking infrastructure outages, strikes, or government action.

17. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

This Policy shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of India. Any disputes arising out of or in connection with this Policy shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts at New Delhi, India.

18. Verification of Payment Instructions

Bank account details, payment links, and fee amounts shared through official USO communication (email from an @usoindia.org address, the Site, or our verified offices) are the only valid sources for payment instructions. We do not send payment requests through unsolicited calls, personal messaging apps, or AI-generated communication, and Users should independently verify any payment instruction directly with our office before transferring funds.

19. Contact Us

If you have questions or comments about this Payment Policy, please contact us at:

Mail: United Schools Organisation of India, USO House, USO Road, 6, Special Institutional Area, New Delhi – 110 067

Tel: (011) 4106 – 8486 / 4165 – 1103

Email: info@usoindia.org