Privacy Policy

1. What this policy covers

ArivArk Academy ("we", "us", "our") operates arivark.com and the associated TNPSC test-series platform. This policy explains what information we collect from students, how we use and protect it, and the choices you have. By creating an account or using our services, you agree to this policy.

2. Information you give us

• Account details: your name, email address, mobile number and password. Passwords are stored only in hashed (one-way encrypted) form - nobody, including us, can read them.
• Sign in with Google: if you use Google sign-in, Google shares your name, email address and profile picture with us to create your account. We do not receive your Google password or anything else from your Google account.
• Support messages: anything you send us through the in-app chat or doubt-clearing features, including images you attach.

3. Information created as you study

• The tests you attempt, your answers, scores, ranks and progress - this is what powers your results pages, rank lists and progress analytics.
• Which study materials and current-affairs pages you open on the platform, so your dashboard can show what is new for you.
• Aggregate, anonymous read counts on public articles (for example, the view counts behind the "Trending" list on our TNPSC Official Updates page). These counts are not linked to your identity.

4. Payment information

When you purchase a test series, the payment is processed by our payment gateway, Razorpay, on its PCI-DSS compliant systems. We store only the order reference, payment reference, amount and status - enough to activate your access and trace any issue. We never see or store your card number, UPI PIN or bank credentials.

5. Technical and security data

We record basic technical data such as your IP address and sign-in events. This is used for security only - for example, to prevent password-guessing attacks and to enforce the one-active-device rule that protects paid content.

6. Cookies and on-device storage

• Session cookie: a cookie keeps you signed in as you move between pages. It is essential for the platform to work.
• On-device features: reading features like Save for later, Recently viewed and Continue reading store their lists in your own browser's local storage. This data stays on your device, is never transmitted to our servers, and disappears if you clear your browser data.

7. Analytics

We use Google Analytics to understand, in anonymous and aggregate form, how students use the platform - pages visited, device type and approximate location. This helps us improve the site (for example, making pages read better on small phones). Analytics data is not used to identify you.

8. How we use your information

• To create and manage your account and give you access to free and purchased test series.
• To calculate scores, rank lists and progress analytics.
• To send account-related emails: verification, password reset, payment receipts and important service updates.
• To provide student support and respond to your questions.
• To keep the platform secure and prevent misuse.

We do not use your information for third-party advertising, and we do not send marketing on behalf of anyone else.

9. Sharing of information

We do not sell or rent your personal information. We share data only with the service providers who help us run the platform - principally our payment gateway (Razorpay) and our email delivery service - and only to the extent needed to provide the service. We may also disclose information where the law requires it.

10. How we protect your data

The site is served over HTTPS. Passwords are stored using strong one-way hashing. Payment processing happens entirely on Razorpay's systems. Access to student data is restricted to what is needed to run the academy. That said, no method of transmission over the internet is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

11. How long we keep data

We keep your account data for as long as your account is active, so your test history and progress remain available to you. Payment records are kept as required for accounting and tax purposes. If you ask us to delete your account, we remove your personal data except what we are legally required to retain.

12. Your rights and choices

• View and update your name and mobile number from your profile page at any time.
• To change your registered email address or correct other details, contact us.
• To request a copy of your data, or deletion of your account and personal data, contact us using the details below. We act on such requests promptly.

13. Students under 18

Our services are intended for candidates preparing for government examinations. If you are under 18, please use the platform under the guidance of a parent or guardian.

14. Changes to this policy

We may update this policy from time to time - for example, when we add a new feature that touches data. The latest version, with its revision date, is always on this page.