This Privacy Policy explains how the Central Instrumentation Facility (CIF) collects, uses, stores, and protects the personal and transactional information of users accessing the online sample booking portal. CIF, which functions as a part of Christ University (a Unit of Christ Trust), is committed to ensuring that all data collected through the portal is handled responsibly and securely.

1. Data Collection

We collect only the information necessary for account creation, communication, booking management, sample analysis, and payment processing. This includes:

• Name, contact details, and institutional affiliation.
• Sample details submitted for analysis.
• Payment-related information (processed exclusively through secure gateways).

No unnecessary or unrelated personal data is collected.

2. Use of Information

User information is used strictly for the following purposes:

• Managing instrument bookings.
• Processing secure payments.
• Sample submission, testing, and analysis.
• Providing analytical reports.
• Communicating booking updates, delays, or technical issues.

The data provided by users will never be sold, rented, or shared with any external party without explicit written consent, unless required by law.

3. Data Security

We implement strong technical and administrative safeguards to protect user information, including:

• Encrypted transactions via PCI-compliant payment gateways.
• Restricted internal access to personal and analytical data.
• Secure servers and database protection mechanisms.

CIF ensures that all personal and analytical data is stored safely and protected from unauthorized use, loss, or alteration.

4. Payment Security

• All payments are processed through secure, industry-standard PCI-compliant payment gateways.
• CIF does not store, access, or retain full credit/debit card or net-banking details.

5. Confidentiality of Analytical Data

• Analytical results will be shared only with the registered user who booked the service.
• Research data, sample details, and results will not be disclosed to external parties/agencies unless mandated by law or authorized by the user in writing.

6. Data Retention

• Booking and sample-related data is retained only for operational and audit requirements.
• Analytical reports are retained for 30 days from the date of generation unless specified otherwise.
• Users may request deletion of their personal data after all services are completed.

7. User Responsibilities

Users are responsible for:

• Maintaining the confidentiality of their login credentials.
• Ensuring accuracy of the information provided.
• Downloading reports within the designated timeframe.

8. Policy Updates

CIF may update this Privacy Policy periodically. The most recent version will always be available on the official website.

This Refund & Cancellation Policy outlines the conditions under which users of the online sample booking portal may receive refunds or reschedule their bookings. As CIF operates under Christ University (a Unit of Christ Trust), all refund decisions are governed by the institutional policies and operational guidelines of the University and the Trust.

1. Refund Due to Facility or Operator Error

A full refund will be issued if:

• The sample is damaged or mishandled by CIF staff.
• Analysis cannot be completed due to operator error or equipment malfunction not caused by the user.
• CIF cancels the booking due to internal reasons such as instrument breakdown, calibration, or emergency shutdown.

Users may alternatively choose to reschedule their slot.

2. Refund for User-Initiated Cancellation

• Cancellation before the result is generated → 50% refund of the booking amount.
• Cancellation after the result is generated → No refund.
• Cancellations must be submitted through the portal or via official email.

3. Refund for Sample-Related Issues

No refund will be issued if:

• The sample is spilled, leaked, or damaged during transit to CIF.
• The sample quantity is insufficient or does not meet declared specifications and analysis cannot proceed.
• Hazardous or restricted samples are submitted without prior declaration (sample will be rejected).

Users may resubmit a corrected or replacement sample to continue analysis.

4. Slot Change / Rescheduling

• Rescheduling is permitted only subject to instrument availability.
• If rescheduling is not possible and the user opts for cancellation, the standard cancellation rules above will apply.

5. No-Show Policy

If the user fails to submit the sample or does not report for the allocated in-person slot:

• No refund will be issued.

6. Refund Processing Timeline

• Approved refunds will be processed within 15 working days.
• Refunds will be credited only to the original mode of payment.

7. Final Decision Authority

CIF management reserves the right to:

• Approve or reject refund claims based on documentation and evidence.
• Request additional information where required.
• Modify the Refund & Cancellation Policy at any time.