/* ==========================================================================
   Career Care India - Modern, Responsive Education Platform Stylesheet
   Theme: Ivory, Teal & Gold | Clean Typography, Spacious Layouts, Subtle Animations
   ========================================================================== */

:root {
  /* Ivory, Teal & Gold Color Palette */
  --bg-ivory: #FDFCF7;
  --bg-ivory-soft: #F6F2E8;
  --bg-ivory-warm: #EFE8DA;
  --surface-card: #FFFFFF;
  --surface-elevated: #FFFDF9;
  
  --teal-primary: #0A4E58;
  --teal-dark: #063138;
  --teal-deep: #031E23;
  --teal-medium: #0D6975;
  --teal-light: #1693A1;
  --teal-soft: #E8F4F5;
  --teal-border: #C5E5E8;

  --gold-primary: #C7971E;
  --gold-dark: #9F740C;
  --gold-light: #ECC154;
  --gold-soft: #FDF8EB;
  --gold-border: #F3DE9F;
  --gold-gradient: linear-gradient(135deg, #EBC55B 0%, #C7971E 100%);
  --teal-gradient: linear-gradient(135deg, #0A4E58 0%, #063138 100%);
  --hero-gradient: linear-gradient(145deg, #042429 0%, #083E46 55%, #0D5A65 100%);

  --text-main: #1D2A30;
  --text-heading: #0B1E24;
  --text-muted: #566870;
  --text-light: #899BA3;
  --text-white: #FFFFFF;

  --border-subtle: #E7E2D5;
  --border-card: #ECE6D8;
  --shadow-sm: 0 2px 10px rgba(10, 78, 88, 0.05);
  --shadow-md: 0 8px 24px rgba(10, 78, 88, 0.08);
  --shadow-lg: 0 16px 42px rgba(10, 78, 88, 0.12);
  --shadow-gold: 0 8px 25px rgba(199, 151, 30, 0.28);

  --font-heading: 'Outfit', -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, sans-serif;
  --font-body: 'Plus Jakarta Sans', -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, sans-serif;

  --radius-sm: 8px;
  --radius-md: 14px;
  --radius-lg: 20px;
  --radius-xl: 28px;
  --radius-full: 9999px;

  --transition-fast: 0.2s cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1);
  --transition-normal: 0.35s cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1);
}

/* Base & Reset */
*, *::before, *::after {
  box-sizing: border-box;
  margin: 0;
  padding: 0;
}

html {
  scroll-behavior: smooth;
  font-size: 16px;
  -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;
}

body {
  font-family: var(--font-body);
  background-color: var(--bg-ivory);
  color: var(--text-main);
  line-height: 1.65;
  overflow-x: hidden !important;
  max-width: 100vw;
  width: 100%;
  position: relative;
  -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased;
}

img, svg, picture, video, canvas, iframe {
  max-width: 100%;
  height: auto;
  display: block;
}

a {
  color: inherit;
  text-decoration: none;
  transition: var(--transition-fast);
}

button, input, select, textarea {
  font-family: inherit;
  font-size: inherit;
}

/* Typography Helpers */
h1, h2, h3, h4, h5, h6 {
  font-family: var(--font-heading);
  color: var(--text-heading);
  font-weight: 700;
  line-height: 1.25;
}

.text-gold { color: var(--gold-dark); }
.text-teal { color: var(--teal-primary); }
.text-white { color: #FFFFFF; }
.text-muted { color: var(--text-muted); }

.section-tag {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 8px;
  font-size: 0.85rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 1.5px;
  color: var(--teal-primary);
  background-color: var(--teal-soft);
  padding: 6px 16px;
  border-radius: var(--radius-full);
  border: 1px solid var(--teal-border);
  margin-bottom: 12px;
}

.section-tag.gold {
  color: var(--gold-dark);
  background-color: var(--gold-soft);
  border-color: var(--gold-border);
}

.section-tag.white {
  color: var(--gold-light);
  background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.1);
  border-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.2);
}

.section-title {
  font-size: clamp(2rem, 3.5vw, 2.75rem);
  letter-spacing: -0.5px;
  margin-bottom: 16px;
}

.section-subtitle {
  font-size: 1.1rem;
  color: var(--text-muted);
  max-width: 720px;
  margin: 0 auto;
}

.text-center { text-align: center; }

/* Layout Containers */
.container {
  width: 100%;
  max-width: 1240px;
  margin: 0 auto;
  padding: 0 24px;
}

.section-padding {
  padding: 50px 0;
}

.section-padding-sm {
  padding: 34px 0;
}

/* Subtle Animations */
@keyframes floatSlow {
  0%, 100% { transform: translateY(0); }
  50% { transform: translateY(-7px); }
}

@keyframes softGlow {
  0%, 100% { box-shadow: 0 0 0 0 rgba(199, 151, 30, 0.4); }
  50% { box-shadow: 0 0 0 10px rgba(199, 151, 30, 0); }
}

.animate-float {
  animation: floatSlow 5s ease-in-out infinite;
}

.animate-glow {
  animation: softGlow 2.5s infinite;
}

/* Buttons & CTAs */
.btn {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  gap: 10px;
  font-weight: 600;
  padding: 13px 26px;
  border-radius: var(--radius-full);
  cursor: pointer;
  border: 2px solid transparent;
  transition: all var(--transition-fast);
  text-align: center;
}

.btn-primary {
  background: var(--gold-gradient);
  color: #111111;
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-gold);
}
.btn-primary:hover {
  transform: translateY(-2px);
  box-shadow: 0 10px 28px rgba(199, 151, 30, 0.35);
}

.btn-teal {
  background: var(--teal-primary);
  color: #FFFFFF;
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-sm);
}
.btn-teal:hover {
  background: var(--teal-dark);
  transform: translateY(-2px);
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-md);
}

.btn-outline {
  border-color: var(--teal-primary);
  color: var(--teal-primary);
  background: transparent;
}
.btn-outline:hover {
  background: var(--teal-primary);
  color: #FFFFFF;
}

.btn-outline-white {
  border-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.6);
  color: #FFFFFF;
  background: transparent;
}
.btn-outline-white:hover {
  background: #FFFFFF;
  color: var(--teal-dark);
}

.btn-sm {
  padding: 8px 18px;
  font-size: 0.88rem;
}

.btn-lg {
  padding: 16px 34px;
  font-size: 1.05rem;
}

/* ==========================================================================
   Header & Main Navigation Bar
   ========================================================================== */
.site-header {
  position: sticky;
  top: 0;
  z-index: 1000;
  background-color: rgba(253, 251, 247, 0.98);
  backdrop-filter: blur(14px);
  -webkit-backdrop-filter: blur(14px);
  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--border-subtle);
  transition: all var(--transition-normal);
  box-shadow: 0 2px 10px rgba(10, 77, 86, 0.04);
}

.site-header.scrolled {
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-md);
  background-color: #FFFFFF;
}

.header-container {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: space-between;
  padding: 12px 24px;
  gap: 18px;
  max-width: 1320px;
}

.brand-logo {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 12px;
  flex-shrink: 0;
}

.brand-logo img {
  height: 54px;
  width: auto;
  object-fit: contain;
  transition: transform var(--transition-fast);
}

.brand-logo:hover img {
  transform: scale(1.02);
}

.nav-menu {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 22px;
  list-style: none;
  margin: 0;
  padding: 0;
}

.nav-link {
  font-weight: 600;
  font-size: 0.92rem;
  color: var(--text-main);
  position: relative;
  padding: 8px 0;
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 6px;
  white-space: nowrap;
}

.nav-link:hover, .nav-link.active {
  color: var(--teal-primary);
}

.nav-link::after {
  content: '';
  position: absolute;
  bottom: 2px;
  left: 0;
  width: 0%;
  height: 2px;
  background: var(--gold-primary);
  transition: width var(--transition-fast);
}

.nav-link:hover::after, .nav-link.active::after {
  width: 100%;
}

.nav-flagship-badge {
  font-size: 0.7rem;
  font-weight: 800;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  background: var(--gold-soft);
  color: var(--gold-dark);
  padding: 2px 6px;
  border-radius: 4px;
  border: 1px solid var(--gold-border);
  letter-spacing: 0.4px;
  line-height: 1.1;
}

.nav-actions {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 12px;
  flex-shrink: 0;
}

.nav-phone-chip {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 7px;
  font-size: 0.85rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  color: var(--teal-primary);
  background: var(--teal-soft);
  padding: 7px 15px;
  border-radius: var(--radius-full);
  border: 1px solid var(--teal-border);
  transition: all var(--transition-fast);
  white-space: nowrap;
}

.nav-phone-chip .phone-icon {
  font-size: 0.95rem;
}

.nav-phone-chip:hover {
  background: var(--teal-primary);
  color: #FFFFFF;
  border-color: var(--teal-primary);
  transform: translateY(-1px);
}

.mobile-toggle {
  display: none;
  background: var(--bg-ivory-soft);
  border: 1px solid var(--border-subtle);
  border-radius: var(--radius-sm);
  color: var(--teal-dark);
  font-size: 1.5rem;
  line-height: 1;
  cursor: pointer;
  padding: 7px 11px;
  transition: all var(--transition-fast);
}

.mobile-toggle:hover {
  background: var(--teal-soft);
  color: var(--teal-primary);
}

/* Subpage Banner Header */
.page-header {
  position: relative;
  background: var(--hero-gradient);
  color: #FFFFFF;
  padding: 60px 0 50px;
  border-bottom: 3px solid var(--gold-primary);
  overflow: hidden;
}

.page-header-content {
  position: relative;
  z-index: 2;
  max-width: 860px;
}

.breadcrumbs {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 8px;
  font-size: 0.85rem;
  color: #B9D5DB;
  margin-bottom: 14px;
}

.breadcrumbs a {
  color: #FFFFFF;
}

.breadcrumbs a:hover {
  color: var(--gold-light);
}

.breadcrumbs span.separator {
  color: var(--gold-primary);
  font-size: 0.75rem;
}

.page-title {
  font-size: clamp(2rem, 3.5vw, 2.8rem);
  color: #FFFFFF;
  line-height: 1.2;
  margin-bottom: 12px;
}

.page-subtitle {
  font-size: 1.05rem;
  color: #DFECF0;
  line-height: 1.6;
}

/* ==========================================================================
   Hero Section
   ========================================================================== */
.hero-section {
  position: relative;
  background: var(--hero-gradient);
  color: #FFFFFF;
  padding: 55px 0 45px;
  overflow: hidden;
}

.hero-overlay-pattern {
  position: absolute;
  inset: 0;
  opacity: 0.05;
  background-image: radial-gradient(#FFFFFF 1px, transparent 1px);
  background-size: 24px 24px;
  pointer-events: none;
}

.hero-grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1.15fr 0.85fr;
  gap: 50px;
  align-items: center;
  position: relative;
  z-index: 2;
}

.hero-badge-pill {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 10px;
  background: rgba(199, 151, 30, 0.16);
  border: 1px solid var(--gold-primary);
  color: #F8D67F;
  padding: 6px 18px;
  border-radius: var(--radius-full);
  font-size: 0.85rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  letter-spacing: 0.5px;
  margin-bottom: 22px;
}

.hero-title {
  font-size: clamp(2.4rem, 4vw, 3.4rem);
  line-height: 1.15;
  color: #FFFFFF;
  margin-bottom: 20px;
}

.hero-title span.gold-highlight {
  color: var(--gold-light);
  background: linear-gradient(135deg, #FFE896 0%, #D8A527 100%);
  -webkit-background-clip: text;
  -webkit-text-fill-color: transparent;
}

.hero-desc {
  font-size: 1.12rem;
  color: #DFECF0;
  margin-bottom: 30px;
  line-height: 1.7;
}

.hero-highlights-list {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr);
  gap: 14px;
  margin-bottom: 35px;
}

.hero-hl-item {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 10px;
  font-size: 0.95rem;
  color: #F1F8F9;
}

.hero-hl-icon {
  width: 22px;
  height: 22px;
  border-radius: 50%;
  background: rgba(199, 151, 30, 0.25);
  color: var(--gold-light);
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  font-size: 0.8rem;
  flex-shrink: 0;
}

/* Pan-India Network of Exam Centres Hero Feature */
.hero-network-highlight {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 16px;
  background: linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(10, 78, 88, 0.75) 0%, rgba(6, 49, 56, 0.9) 100%);
  border: 1.5px solid var(--gold-primary);
  border-radius: var(--radius-md);
  padding: 14px 20px;
  margin-bottom: 30px;
  box-shadow: 0 6px 24px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.22);
  position: relative;
  overflow: hidden;
}

.hero-network-highlight::before {
  content: '';
  position: absolute;
  top: 0;
  left: 0;
  bottom: 0;
  width: 4px;
  background: var(--gold-gradient);
}

.hnh-icon {
  width: 40px;
  height: 40px;
  border-radius: 50%;
  background: rgba(199, 151, 30, 0.22);
  border: 1px solid var(--gold-primary);
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  font-size: 1.3rem;
  flex-shrink: 0;
}

.hnh-content strong {
  display: block;
  font-family: var(--font-heading);
  font-size: 1.08rem;
  color: var(--gold-light);
  letter-spacing: -0.01em;
  margin-bottom: 2px;
}

.hnh-content p {
  font-size: 0.88rem;
  color: #DFECF0;
  margin: 0;
  line-height: 1.45;
}

.hero-cta-group {
  display: flex;
  gap: 16px;
  flex-wrap: wrap;
  margin-bottom: 24px;
}

.hero-stats-row {
  display: flex;
  gap: 35px;
  padding-top: 25px;
  border-top: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.15);
}

.stat-item h3 {
  font-size: 1.9rem;
  color: var(--gold-light);
  margin-bottom: 5px;
}

.stat-item p {
  font-size: 0.88rem;
  color: #DFECF0;
}

/* Hero Quick Enquiry Card */
.hero-form-card {
  background: #FFFFFF;
  color: var(--text-main);
  padding: 34px 30px;
  border-radius: var(--radius-lg);
  box-shadow: 0 20px 50px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.25);
  border: 2px solid var(--gold-border);
  position: relative;
}

.hero-form-card::before {
  content: 'ADMISSION GUIDANCE 2026-27';
  position: absolute;
  top: -12px;
  right: 25px;
  background: var(--gold-primary);
  color: #000;
  font-weight: 800;
  font-size: 0.72rem;
  padding: 4px 12px;
  border-radius: var(--radius-sm);
  letter-spacing: 1px;
}

.hero-form-header {
  margin-bottom: 20px;
  text-align: left;
}

.hero-form-header h3 {
  font-size: 1.45rem;
  color: var(--teal-dark);
  margin-bottom: 6px;
}

.hero-form-header p {
  font-size: 0.88rem;
  color: var(--text-muted);
}
.form-group {
  margin-bottom: 15px;
  text-align: left;
}

.form-group label {
  display: block;
  font-size: 0.85rem;
  font-weight: 600;
  color: var(--text-main);
  margin-bottom: 6px;
}

.form-control {
  width: 100%;
  padding: 11px 14px;
  border-radius: var(--radius-sm);
  border: 1px solid var(--border-subtle);
  background: var(--bg-ivory);
  color: var(--text-main);
  transition: border-color var(--transition-fast);
}

.form-control:focus {
  outline: none;
  border-color: var(--teal-primary);
  background: #FFFFFF;
  box-shadow: 0 0 0 3px rgba(10, 77, 86, 0.12);
}

.form-row {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
  gap: 12px;
}

.form-note {
  font-size: 0.75rem;
  color: var(--text-light);
  margin-top: 10px;
  text-align: center;
}

/* ==========================================================================
   Trust & Accreditation Bar
   ========================================================================== */
.trust-strip {
  background: var(--bg-ivory-soft);
  border-top: 1px solid var(--border-subtle);
  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--border-subtle);
  padding: 16px 0;
}

.trust-strip-inner {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(4, 1fr);
  gap: 16px;
  align-items: stretch;
}

.trust-item {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 12px;
  background: #FFFFFF;
  padding: 12px 16px;
  border-radius: var(--radius-md);
  border: 1px solid var(--border-subtle);
  box-shadow: 0 2px 6px rgba(10, 78, 88, 0.04);
  transition: all var(--transition-fast);
}

.trust-item:hover {
  border-color: var(--teal-primary);
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-sm);
  transform: translateY(-2px);
}

.trust-icon {
  width: 40px;
  height: 40px;
  border-radius: 50%;
  background: var(--teal-soft);
  border: 1.5px solid var(--teal-border);
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  color: var(--teal-primary);
  font-size: 1.15rem;
  flex-shrink: 0;
  box-shadow: none;
}

.trust-text h4 {
  font-size: 0.92rem;
  color: var(--teal-dark);
  font-weight: 700;
  margin-bottom: 2px;
  line-height: 1.25;
}

.trust-text p {
  font-size: 0.78rem;
  color: var(--text-muted);
  line-height: 1.35;
  margin: 0;
}

/* ==========================================================================
   Primary Offering: NIOS Class 10th Spotlight
   ========================================================================== */
.primary-offering-section {
  background-color: var(--bg-ivory);
  position: relative;
}

.offering-card {
  background: #FFFFFF;
  border-radius: var(--radius-xl);
  border: 2px solid var(--gold-border);
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-lg);
  overflow: hidden;
  margin-top: 22px;
}

.offering-header {
  background: linear-gradient(135deg, var(--teal-primary) 0%, var(--teal-dark) 100%);
  color: #FFFFFF;
  padding: 40px;
  display: flex;
  justify-content: space-between;
  align-items: center;
  flex-wrap: wrap;
  gap: 20px;
}

.offering-header-content h3 {
  color: #FFFFFF;
  font-size: 2rem;
  margin-bottom: 8px;
}

.offering-header-content p {
  color: #D3E6E8;
  font-size: 1.05rem;
  max-width: 700px;
}

.badge-spotlight,
.badge-flagship {
  background: var(--gold-gradient);
  color: #121212;
  font-weight: 800;
  font-size: 0.85rem;
  padding: 8px 18px;
  border-radius: var(--radius-full);
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-gold);
  letter-spacing: 0.5px;
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 6px;
}

.offering-body {
  padding: 40px;
}

.streams-grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(280px, 1fr));
  gap: 24px;
  margin-bottom: 40px;
}

.stream-card {
  background: var(--bg-ivory-soft);
  border: 1px solid var(--border-subtle);
  border-radius: var(--radius-md);
  padding: 24px;
  position: relative;
  transition: transform var(--transition-fast), border-color var(--transition-fast);
}

.stream-card:hover {
  transform: translateY(-4px);
  border-color: var(--teal-primary);
  background: #FFFFFF;
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-md);
}

.stream-card.highlight {
  border: 2px solid var(--gold-primary);
  background: var(--gold-soft);
}

.stream-badge {
  display: inline-block;
  font-size: 0.75rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  color: var(--teal-primary);
  background: #FFFFFF;
  padding: 3px 10px;
  border-radius: var(--radius-sm);
  margin-bottom: 12px;
  border: 1px solid var(--teal-border);
}

.stream-card h4 {
  font-size: 1.25rem;
  margin-bottom: 8px;
}

.stream-card p {
  font-size: 0.9rem;
  color: var(--text-muted);
  margin-bottom: 14px;
}

.stream-features {
  list-style: none;
  font-size: 0.86rem;
  color: var(--text-main);
}

.stream-features li {
  margin-bottom: 6px;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 8px;
}

.stream-features li svg {
  color: var(--teal-primary);
  flex-shrink: 0;
}

/* Subject Badges Matrix */
.subjects-matrix-box {
  background: #FFFFFF;
  border: 1px solid var(--border-subtle);
  border-radius: var(--radius-md);
  padding: 28px;
  margin-top: 25px;
}

.subjects-matrix-box h4 {
  font-size: 1.2rem;
  color: var(--teal-dark);
  margin-bottom: 16px;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 10px;
}

.subject-tags {
  display: flex;
  flex-wrap: wrap;
  gap: 10px;
}

.subject-pill {
  background: var(--bg-ivory-soft);
  border: 1px solid var(--border-subtle);
  padding: 8px 16px;
  border-radius: var(--radius-full);
  font-size: 0.88rem;
  font-weight: 600;
  color: var(--text-main);
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 8px;
  transition: var(--transition-fast);
}

.subject-pill span.code {
  font-size: 0.75rem;
  color: var(--gold-dark);
  background: rgba(199, 151, 30, 0.15);
  padding: 2px 6px;
  border-radius: 4px;
}

.subject-pill:hover {
  background: var(--teal-soft);
  border-color: var(--teal-primary);
  color: var(--teal-primary);
}

/* 4 Pillars of NIOS Success */
.success-pillars {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(230px, 1fr));
  gap: 20px;
  margin-top: 35px;
}

.pillar-item {
  display: flex;
  gap: 15px;
  align-items: flex-start;
  background: var(--bg-ivory);
  padding: 18px;
  border-radius: var(--radius-md);
  border-left: 4px solid var(--gold-primary);
}

.pillar-icon {
  font-size: 1.5rem;
  color: var(--teal-primary);
}

.pillar-item h5 {
  font-size: 1rem;
  margin-bottom: 4px;
}

.pillar-item p {
  font-size: 0.82rem;
  color: var(--text-muted);
}

/* ==========================================================================
   Courses & Programs (10th & 12th Arts & Commerce)
   ========================================================================== */
.courses-section {
  background-color: var(--bg-ivory-soft);
}

.programs-tabs {
  display: flex;
  justify-content: center;
  gap: 12px;
  margin: 20px auto 26px;
  flex-wrap: wrap;
}

.tab-btn {
  background: #FFFFFF;
  border: 1px solid var(--border-subtle);
  color: var(--text-main);
  padding: 12px 28px;
  border-radius: var(--radius-full);
  font-weight: 700;
  font-size: 0.95rem;
  cursor: pointer;
  transition: all var(--transition-fast);
}

.tab-btn:hover {
  border-color: var(--teal-primary);
  color: var(--teal-primary);
}

.tab-btn.active {
  background: var(--teal-primary);
  color: #FFFFFF;
  border-color: var(--teal-primary);
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-sm);
}

.tab-content {
  display: none;
  animation: fadeIn 0.4s ease;
}

.tab-content.active {
  display: block;
}

@keyframes fadeIn {
  from { opacity: 0; transform: translateY(10px); }
  to { opacity: 1; transform: translateY(0); }
}

.course-grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(350px, 1fr));
  gap: 30px;
}

.course-grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr);
  gap: 24px;
  align-items: stretch;
}

.course-card {
  background: #FFFFFF;
  border-radius: var(--radius-lg);
  border: 1px solid var(--border-card);
  overflow: hidden;
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-sm);
  transition: all var(--transition-normal);
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  height: 100%;
}

.course-card:hover {
  transform: translateY(-4px);
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-md);
  border-color: var(--teal-primary);
}

.course-card-top {
  padding: 24px 24px 20px;
  border-bottom: 1px solid var(--border-subtle);
  background: var(--surface-elevated);
}

.course-badge {
  display: inline-block;
  font-size: 0.74rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.5px;
  padding: 4px 12px;
  border-radius: var(--radius-full);
  margin-bottom: 12px;
}

.badge-arts {
  background: #F8EFEA;
  color: #B45309;
}

.badge-commerce {
  background: #EAF4EE;
  color: #047857;
}

.badge-sec {
  background: #EEF2F6;
  color: #1E40AF;
}

.course-card-top h3 {
  font-size: 1.35rem;
  margin-bottom: 8px;
  color: var(--teal-dark);
  line-height: 1.3;
}

.course-card-top p {
  color: var(--text-muted);
  font-size: 0.88rem;
  line-height: 1.5;
  margin: 0;
}

.course-card-body {
  padding: 24px;
  flex: 1;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  justify-content: space-between;
  gap: 16px;
}

.course-info-list {
  list-style: none;
  margin: 0;
  padding: 0;
}

.course-info-list li {
  display: flex !important;
  align-items: flex-start !important;
  gap: 10px !important;
  font-size: 0.88rem;
  line-height: 1.5;
  margin-bottom: 10px;
  color: var(--text-main);
}

.course-info-list li:last-child {
  margin-bottom: 0;
}

.course-info-list li svg {
  color: var(--teal-primary) !important;
  width: 18px !important;
  height: 18px !important;
  min-width: 18px !important;
  flex-shrink: 0 !important;
  display: inline-block !important;
  margin-top: 2px;
}

.course-pathway {
  background: var(--bg-ivory);
  border-radius: var(--radius-sm);
  padding: 12px 14px;
  font-size: 0.82rem;
  line-height: 1.5;
  border-left: 3px solid var(--teal-primary);
  margin: 0;
}

.course-pathway strong {
  color: var(--teal-dark);
  display: block;
  margin-bottom: 4px;
  font-size: 0.85rem;
}

.course-card-body .btn {
  width: 100%;
  margin-top: auto;
}

/* ==========================================================================
   Boards Slider Component (3 Boards per Slide)
   ========================================================================== */
.boards-slider-wrapper {
  margin-top: 12px;
  position: relative;
}

.boards-slider-controls {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: space-between;
  margin-bottom: 14px;
  flex-wrap: wrap;
  gap: 12px;
}

.slider-info {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 12px;
}

.slider-status-pill {
  background: var(--gold-soft);
  color: var(--gold-dark);
  border: 1px solid var(--gold-border);
  font-size: 0.74rem;
  font-weight: 800;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.8px;
  padding: 4px 12px;
  border-radius: var(--radius-full);
}

.slide-indicator-text {
  font-size: 0.90rem;
  font-weight: 600;
  color: var(--text-muted);
}

.slider-nav-buttons {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 8px;
}

.board-nav-btn {
  width: 40px;
  height: 40px;
  border-radius: 50%;
  background: #FFFFFF;
  border: 1.5px solid var(--border-subtle);
  color: var(--teal-primary);
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  cursor: pointer;
  transition: all var(--transition-fast);
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-sm);
}

.board-nav-btn:hover {
  background: var(--teal-primary);
  color: #FFFFFF;
  border-color: var(--teal-primary);
  transform: translateY(-2px);
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-md);
}

.boards-slider-viewport {
  overflow: hidden;
  border-radius: var(--radius-lg);
  position: relative;
  width: 100%;
}

.boards-slider-track {
  display: flex;
  transition: transform 0.4s cubic-bezier(0.25, 1, 0.5, 1);
  width: 100%;
  will-change: transform;
}

.boards-slide {
  flex: 0 0 100%;
  min-width: 100%;
  width: 100%;
  box-sizing: border-box;
}

.boards-slide-grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr);
  gap: 20px;
  align-items: stretch;
}

.boards-slide-grid.two-cards {
  grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr);
  max-width: 820px;
  margin: 0 auto;
}

.boards-slide-grid .board-card {
  height: 100%;
  margin-top: 0;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  justify-content: space-between;
}

.boards-slider-dots {
  display: flex;
  justify-content: center;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 10px;
  margin-top: 14px;
  margin-bottom: 6px;
}

.slider-dot {
  width: 12px;
  height: 12px;
  padding: 0;
  border-radius: var(--radius-full);
  background: #D1D5DB;
  border: none;
  cursor: pointer;
  transition: all 0.28s ease;
  outline: none;
}

.slider-dot:hover {
  background: var(--teal-primary);
  opacity: 0.85;
}

.slider-dot.active {
  width: 32px;
  height: 12px;
  border-radius: 6px;
  background: var(--teal-primary);
  box-shadow: 0 2px 6px rgba(11, 79, 108, 0.35);
}

/* ==========================================================================
   Recognized Education Boards Section
   ========================================================================== */
.boards-section {
  background: var(--bg-ivory);
}

.boards-grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(360px, 1fr));
  gap: 24px;
  margin-top: 24px;
}

.board-card {
  background: #FFFFFF;
  border-radius: var(--radius-md);
  border: 1px solid var(--border-card);
  padding: 28px;
  transition: all var(--transition-normal);
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  position: relative;
}

.board-card:hover {
  transform: translateY(-5px);
  border-color: var(--teal-primary);
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-md);
}

.board-header {
  display: flex;
  justify-content: space-between;
  align-items: flex-start;
  margin-bottom: 16px;
  gap: 14px;
}

.board-tag {
  font-size: 0.75rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  padding: 3px 10px;
  border-radius: var(--radius-sm);
  text-transform: uppercase;
}

.board-tag.national {
  background: #E8F5E9;
  color: #2E7D32;
}

.board-tag.state {
  background: #E0F2FE;
  color: #0369A1;
}

.board-tag.intl {
  background: #FEF3C7;
  color: #B45309;
}

.board-card h3 {
  font-size: 1.3rem;
  margin-bottom: 6px;
  color: var(--teal-dark);
}

.board-badge-verified {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 5px;
  font-size: 0.78rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  color: var(--teal-medium);
  background: var(--teal-soft);
  padding: 4px 10px;
  border-radius: var(--radius-full);
  margin-bottom: 12px;
}

.board-desc {
  font-size: 0.9rem;
  color: var(--text-muted);
  margin-bottom: 18px;
  flex: 1;
}

.board-meta {
  background: var(--bg-ivory-soft);
  border-radius: var(--radius-sm);
  padding: 12px 14px;
  font-size: 0.82rem;
  margin-bottom: 18px;
}

.board-meta-row {
  display: flex;
  justify-content: space-between;
  margin-bottom: 6px;
}

.board-meta-row:last-child {
  margin-bottom: 0;
}

.board-meta-row span.label {
  color: var(--text-muted);
}

.board-meta-row span.val {
  font-weight: 600;
  color: var(--text-main);
}

.board-disclaimer-note {
  font-size: 0.76rem;
  color: var(--text-light);
  line-height: 1.4;
  border-top: 1px dashed var(--border-subtle);
  padding-top: 10px;
}

/* Verified Partnership Authorization Notice */
.authorization-banner {
  background: linear-gradient(135deg, #FFF9EA 0%, #FFF3D6 100%);
  border: 1px solid var(--gold-border);
  border-radius: var(--radius-lg);
  padding: 20px 24px;
  margin-top: 16px;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 20px;
}

.auth-badge-icon {
  width: 50px;
  height: 50px;
  border-radius: 50%;
  background: var(--gold-primary);
  color: #FFFFFF;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  font-size: 1.5rem;
  flex-shrink: 0;
}

.auth-text h4 {
  font-size: 1.1rem;
  color: var(--gold-dark);
  margin-bottom: 4px;
}

.auth-text p {
  font-size: 0.88rem;
  color: #634C15;
}

/* ==========================================================================
   Interactive Eligibility & Admission Checker Tool
   ========================================================================== */
.checker-section {
  background: var(--teal-gradient);
  color: #FFFFFF;
  position: relative;
}

.checker-container {
  max-width: 900px;
  margin: 0 auto;
  background: #FFFFFF;
  color: var(--text-main);
  border-radius: var(--radius-xl);
  padding: 40px;
  box-shadow: 0 20px 60px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2);
  border: 2px solid var(--gold-primary);
}

.checker-header {
  text-align: center;
  margin-bottom: 30px;
}

.checker-header h3 {
  font-size: 1.8rem;
  color: var(--teal-dark);
  margin-bottom: 8px;
}

.checker-header p {
  color: var(--text-muted);
  font-size: 0.95rem;
}

.checker-steps-bar {
  display: flex;
  justify-content: space-between;
  margin-bottom: 30px;
  position: relative;
}

.checker-steps-bar::after {
  content: '';
  position: absolute;
  top: 18px;
  left: 30px;
  right: 30px;
  height: 2px;
  background: var(--border-subtle);
  z-index: 1;
}

.step-indicator {
  position: relative;
  z-index: 2;
  text-align: center;
  background: #FFFFFF;
  padding: 0 10px;
}

.step-circle {
  width: 36px;
  height: 36px;
  border-radius: 50%;
  background: var(--bg-ivory-soft);
  border: 2px solid var(--border-subtle);
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  font-weight: 700;
  font-size: 0.9rem;
  color: var(--text-muted);
  margin: 0 auto 6px;
  transition: all var(--transition-fast);
}

.step-indicator.active .step-circle {
  background: var(--gold-primary);
  border-color: var(--gold-dark);
  color: #000;
}

.step-indicator.completed .step-circle {
  background: var(--teal-primary);
  border-color: var(--teal-primary);
  color: #FFFFFF;
}

.step-title {
  font-size: 0.78rem;
  font-weight: 600;
  color: var(--text-muted);
}

.checker-options-grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(200px, 1fr));
  gap: 16px;
  margin-bottom: 30px;
}

.checker-option-card {
  border: 2px solid var(--border-subtle);
  border-radius: var(--radius-md);
  padding: 20px 16px;
  text-align: center;
  cursor: pointer;
  background: var(--bg-ivory);
  transition: all var(--transition-fast);
}

.checker-option-card:hover {
  border-color: var(--teal-light);
  background: var(--teal-soft);
}

.checker-option-card.selected {
  border-color: var(--teal-primary);
  background: #FFFFFF;
  box-shadow: 0 0 0 3px rgba(10, 77, 86, 0.15);
}

.checker-option-card h4 {
  font-size: 1.05rem;
  margin-bottom: 6px;
}

.checker-option-card p {
  font-size: 0.8rem;
  color: var(--text-muted);
}

.checker-results-box {
  display: none;
  background: var(--bg-ivory-soft);
  border: 2px solid var(--gold-primary);
  border-radius: var(--radius-md);
  padding: 30px;
  text-align: center;
  animation: fadeIn 0.4s ease;
}

.checker-results-box.active {
  display: block;
}

.result-badge {
  display: inline-block;
  background: var(--gold-gradient);
  color: #000;
  font-weight: 800;
  font-size: 0.85rem;
  padding: 6px 16px;
  border-radius: var(--radius-full);
  margin-bottom: 16px;
}

.result-boards-list {
  display: flex;
  justify-content: center;
  flex-wrap: wrap;
  gap: 10px;
  margin: 18px 0 25px;
}

.result-board-chip {
  background: #FFFFFF;
  border: 1px solid var(--teal-primary);
  color: var(--teal-primary);
  font-weight: 700;
  padding: 6px 16px;
  border-radius: var(--radius-full);
  font-size: 0.9rem;
}

/* ==========================================================================
   Network Across India Section
   ========================================================================== */
.network-section {
  background: var(--bg-ivory-soft);
}

.network-zones-nav {
  display: flex;
  justify-content: center;
  gap: 10px;
  margin: 30px 0;
  flex-wrap: wrap;
}

.zone-filter-btn {
  background: #FFFFFF;
  border: 1px solid var(--border-subtle);
  color: var(--text-main);
  padding: 9px 20px;
  border-radius: var(--radius-full);
  font-size: 0.88rem;
  font-weight: 600;
  cursor: pointer;
  transition: all var(--transition-fast);
}

.zone-filter-btn.active, .zone-filter-btn:hover {
  background: var(--teal-primary);
  color: #FFFFFF;
  border-color: var(--teal-primary);
}

.centres-grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(290px, 1fr));
  gap: 22px;
}

.centre-card {
  background: #FFFFFF;
  border-radius: var(--radius-md);
  border: 1px solid var(--border-card);
  padding: 24px;
  transition: all var(--transition-fast);
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
}

.centre-card:hover {
  border-color: var(--teal-primary);
  transform: translateY(-4px);
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-md);
}

.centre-card-header {
  display: flex;
  justify-content: space-between;
  align-items: center;
  margin-bottom: 12px;
}

.centre-card-header h4 {
  font-size: 1.15rem;
  color: var(--teal-dark);
}

.centre-zone-badge {
  font-size: 0.72rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  background: var(--teal-soft);
  color: var(--teal-primary);
  padding: 3px 8px;
  border-radius: 4px;
  text-transform: uppercase;
}

.centre-details {
  list-style: none;
  font-size: 0.86rem;
  color: var(--text-muted);
  margin-bottom: 18px;
  flex: 1;
}

.centre-details li {
  margin-bottom: 8px;
  display: flex;
  align-items: flex-start;
  gap: 8px;
}

.centre-details li svg {
  color: var(--gold-primary);
  margin-top: 3px;
  flex-shrink: 0;
}

/* ==========================================================================
   Result Assurance & Refund Policy (Trust & Compliance)
   ========================================================================== */
.assurance-section {
  background: var(--bg-ivory);
}

.policy-box {
  background: #FFFFFF;
  border: 2px solid var(--border-card);
  border-radius: var(--radius-xl);
  padding: 45px;
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-sm);
  margin-top: 35px;
}

.policy-grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
  gap: 40px;
}

.policy-col h3 {
  font-size: 1.45rem;
  color: var(--teal-dark);
  margin-bottom: 15px;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 10px;
}

.policy-col p {
  font-size: 0.92rem;
  color: var(--text-muted);
  margin-bottom: 20px;
  line-height: 1.7;
}

.terms-checklist {
  list-style: none;
}

.terms-checklist li {
  position: relative;
  padding-left: 28px;
  margin-bottom: 14px;
  font-size: 0.88rem;
  color: var(--text-main);
  line-height: 1.5;
}

.terms-checklist li::before {
  content: "\2713";
  position: absolute;
  left: 0;
  top: 0;
  color: var(--gold-primary);
  font-weight: 800;
  font-size: 0.9rem;
}

.refund-terms-box {
  background: var(--gold-soft);
  border: 1px solid var(--gold-border);
  border-radius: var(--radius-md);
  padding: 20px;
  font-size: 0.85rem;
  color: #553E0B;
  margin-top: 20px;
}

/* ==========================================================================
   FAQ Section
   ========================================================================== */
.faq-section {
  background: var(--bg-ivory-soft);
}

.faq-container {
  max-width: 860px;
  margin: 24px auto 0;
}

.faq-item {
  background: #FFFFFF;
  border-radius: var(--radius-md);
  border: 1px solid var(--border-card);
  margin-bottom: 14px;
  overflow: hidden;
  transition: all var(--transition-fast);
}

.faq-question {
  width: 100%;
  padding: 20px 24px;
  text-align: left;
  background: none;
  border: none;
  display: flex;
  justify-content: space-between;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 15px;
  cursor: pointer;
  font-size: 1.05rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  color: var(--teal-dark);
  transition: color var(--transition-fast);
}

.faq-question:hover {
  color: var(--teal-primary);
}

.faq-icon {
  width: 28px;
  height: 28px;
  border-radius: 50%;
  background: var(--bg-ivory-soft);
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  font-size: 1.2rem;
  flex-shrink: 0;
  color: var(--gold-dark);
  transition: transform var(--transition-fast);
}

.faq-item.active .faq-icon {
  transform: rotate(45deg);
  background: var(--teal-soft);
  color: var(--teal-primary);
}

.faq-answer {
  max-height: 0;
  overflow: hidden;
  transition: max-height 0.35s ease, padding 0.35s ease;
  padding: 0 24px;
  color: var(--text-muted);
  font-size: 0.92rem;
  line-height: 1.7;
}

.faq-item.active .faq-answer {
  max-height: 400px;
  padding: 0 24px 22px;
}

/* ==========================================================================
   Contact Us & Enquiry Form Section
   ========================================================================== */
.contact-section {
  background: var(--bg-ivory);
}

.contact-grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 0.9fr 1.1fr;
  gap: 35px;
  margin-top: 24px;
}

.contact-info-panel {
  background: var(--teal-gradient);
  color: #FFFFFF;
  border-radius: var(--radius-xl);
  padding: 40px 35px;
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  justify-content: space-between;
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-lg);
}

.contact-info-panel h3 {
  color: #FFFFFF;
  font-size: 1.8rem;
  margin-bottom: 12px;
}

.contact-info-panel p.lead {
  color: #C8E5E8;
  font-size: 0.95rem;
  margin-bottom: 30px;
}

.contact-cards-list {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  gap: 20px;
  margin-bottom: 30px;
}

.contact-card-sub {
  display: flex;
  gap: 15px;
  align-items: flex-start;
}

.contact-icon-box {
  width: 44px;
  height: 44px;
  border-radius: var(--radius-sm);
  background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.12);
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  color: var(--gold-light);
  font-size: 1.2rem;
  flex-shrink: 0;
}

.contact-card-sub h5 {
  color: #FFFFFF;
  font-size: 1rem;
  margin-bottom: 4px;
}

.contact-card-sub p, .contact-card-sub a {
  color: #DFECF0;
  font-size: 0.88rem;
}

.contact-form-panel {
  background: #FFFFFF;
  border-radius: var(--radius-xl);
  padding: 40px;
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-md);
  border: 1px solid var(--border-card);
}

.contact-form-panel h3 {
  font-size: 1.6rem;
  color: var(--teal-dark);
  margin-bottom: 8px;
}

.contact-form-panel p {
  color: var(--text-muted);
  font-size: 0.9rem;
  margin-bottom: 25px;
}

/* ==========================================================================
   Site Footer - Perfectly Organized & Fully Compliant
   ========================================================================== */
.site-footer {
  background: #04242B;
  color: #B4C9CF;
  padding: 50px 0 0;
  font-size: 0.9rem;
  border-top: 3px solid var(--gold-primary);
  position: relative;
}

.footer-grid {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1.35fr 1fr 1.05fr 1.25fr;
  gap: 32px;
  padding-bottom: 40px;
}

.footer-logo-link {
  display: inline-block;
  margin-bottom: 14px;
}

.footer-logo-img {
  height: 50px;
  background: #FFFFFF;
  padding: 6px 14px;
  border-radius: var(--radius-sm);
  display: block;
}

.footer-brand-desc {
  font-size: 0.88rem;
  line-height: 1.65;
  color: #B4C9CF;
  margin-bottom: 16px;
}

.footer-badge-strip {
  display: flex;
  flex-wrap: wrap;
  gap: 8px;
  margin-bottom: 18px;
}

.footer-trust-pill {
  font-size: 0.74rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  color: var(--gold-light);
  background: rgba(199, 151, 30, 0.15);
  border: 1px solid rgba(199, 151, 30, 0.35);
  padding: 3px 10px;
  border-radius: var(--radius-full);
  display: inline-block;
}



.footer-col h4 {
  color: #FFFFFF;
  font-size: 1.08rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  margin-bottom: 20px;
  position: relative;
  padding-bottom: 10px;
}

.footer-col h4::after {
  content: '';
  position: absolute;
  bottom: 0;
  left: 0;
  width: 32px;
  height: 2.5px;
  background: var(--gold-primary);
  border-radius: 2px;
}

.footer-links {
  list-style: none;
  margin: 0;
  padding: 0;
}

.footer-links li {
  margin-bottom: 9px;
}

.footer-links li:last-child {
  margin-bottom: 0;
}

.footer-links a {
  color: #B4C9CF;
  text-decoration: none;
  font-size: 0.88rem;
  transition: all var(--transition-fast);
  display: inline-block;
  line-height: 1.45;
}

.footer-links a:hover {
  color: var(--gold-light);
  transform: translateX(4px);
}

/* Contact List in Footer */
.footer-contact-list {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  gap: 12px;
  margin-bottom: 16px;
}

.footer-contact-item {
  display: flex;
  align-items: flex-start;
  gap: 10px;
}

.footer-contact-icon {
  color: var(--gold-primary);
  flex-shrink: 0;
  margin-top: 3px;
}

.footer-contact-text {
  font-size: 0.85rem;
  line-height: 1.5;
  color: #B4C9CF;
}

.footer-contact-text strong {
  display: block;
  color: #FFFFFF;
  font-size: 0.82rem;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.5px;
  margin-bottom: 2px;
}

.footer-contact-text p {
  margin: 0;
  color: #B4C9CF;
}

.footer-contact-text a {
  color: var(--gold-light);
  text-decoration: none;
  font-weight: 600;
  transition: color var(--transition-fast);
}

.footer-contact-text a:hover {
  color: #FFFFFF;
  text-decoration: underline;
}

.footer-policy-link-box {
  margin-top: 14px;
  padding-top: 12px;
  border-top: 1px dashed rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.12);
}

.footer-highlight-link {
  font-size: 0.84rem;
  color: var(--gold-light) !important;
  text-decoration: none;
  font-weight: 600;
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 6px;
  transition: all var(--transition-fast);
}

.footer-highlight-link:hover {
  color: #FFFFFF !important;
  transform: translateX(4px);
}

/* Bottom Legal Bar */
.footer-bottom-bar {
  background: #02191E;
  border-top: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.08);
  padding: 20px 0;
}

.footer-bottom-inner {
  display: flex;
  justify-content: space-between;
  align-items: center;
  flex-wrap: wrap;
  gap: 20px;
}

.footer-copyright {
  flex: 1 1 500px;
}

.footer-copyright p {
  font-size: 0.84rem;
  color: #DFECF0;
  margin: 0;
}

.footer-disclaimer-legal {
  font-size: 0.74rem !important;
  color: #7A96A0 !important;
  line-height: 1.5;
  margin-top: 6px !important;
}

.footer-legal-links {
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  flex-wrap: wrap;
  gap: 18px;
}

.footer-legal-links a {
  color: #ADC2C8;
  font-size: 0.82rem;
  text-decoration: none;
  transition: color var(--transition-fast);
}

.footer-legal-links a:hover {
  color: var(--gold-light);
  text-decoration: underline;
}

/* ==========================================================================
   WhatsApp Floating Widget & Quick Action Callout
   ========================================================================== */
.whatsapp-float {
  position: fixed;
  bottom: 25px;
  right: 25px;
  z-index: 999;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 10px;
  background: #25D366;
  color: #FFFFFF;
  padding: 12px 20px 12px 16px;
  border-radius: var(--radius-full);
  box-shadow: 0 8px 24px rgba(37, 211, 102, 0.4);
  font-weight: 700;
  font-size: 0.95rem;
  transition: all var(--transition-fast);
}

.whatsapp-float:hover {
  transform: scale(1.05);
  box-shadow: 0 12px 30px rgba(37, 211, 102, 0.5);
  color: #FFFFFF;
}

.whatsapp-icon-inner {
  font-size: 1.4rem;
  line-height: 1;
}

.whatsapp-pulse {
  position: absolute;
  top: -4px;
  right: -4px;
  width: 14px;
  height: 14px;
  background: #FF3B30;
  border: 2px solid #FFFFFF;
  border-radius: 50%;
  animation: pulse 1.8s infinite;
}

@keyframes pulse {
  0% { transform: scale(0.95); box-shadow: 0 0 0 0 rgba(255, 59, 48, 0.7); }
  70% { transform: scale(1.1); box-shadow: 0 0 0 8px rgba(255, 59, 48, 0); }
  100% { transform: scale(0.95); box-shadow: 0 0 0 0 rgba(255, 59, 48, 0); }
}

/* ==========================================================================
   Modal Dialogues & Alerts
   ========================================================================== */
.modal-overlay {
  display: none;
  position: fixed;
  inset: 0;
  background: rgba(4, 30, 34, 0.75);
  backdrop-filter: blur(4px);
  z-index: 1050;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  padding: 20px;
}

.modal-overlay.active {
  display: flex;
}

.modal-card {
  background: #FFFFFF;
  border-radius: var(--radius-xl);
  max-width: 600px;
  width: 100%;
  padding: 35px;
  position: relative;
  border: 2px solid var(--gold-primary);
  box-shadow: var(--shadow-lg);
  max-height: 90vh;
  overflow-y: auto;
  animation: modalScale 0.3s ease;
}

@keyframes modalScale {
  from { opacity: 0; transform: scale(0.95); }
  to { opacity: 1; transform: scale(1); }
}

.modal-close {
  position: absolute;
  top: 18px;
  right: 18px;
  background: var(--bg-ivory);
  border: 1px solid var(--border-subtle);
  width: 34px;
  height: 34px;
  border-radius: 50%;
  cursor: pointer;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  font-size: 1.2rem;
  color: var(--text-muted);
}

.modal-close:hover {
  background: #FFE4E6;
  color: #E11D48;
}

/* Flash message for form submissions */
.alert-box {
  padding: 14px 18px;
  border-radius: var(--radius-sm);
  margin-bottom: 20px;
  font-size: 0.9rem;
  display: none;
}
.alert-box.success {
  display: block;
  background: #E8F5E9;
  border: 1px solid #A5D6A7;
  color: #1B5E20;
}
.alert-box.error {
  display: block;
  background: #FFEBEE;
  border: 1px solid #FFCDD2;
  color: #B71C1C;
}

/* ==========================================================================
   Responsive Media Queries & Mobile-First Optimization Engine
   ========================================================================== */

/* Universal Responsive Utility Classes */
.grid-2-col {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1.15fr 0.85fr;
  gap: 45px;
  align-items: center;
}
.grid-2-col-equal {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
  gap: 30px;
  align-items: center;
}
.grid-2-col-compact {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
  gap: 16px;
}
.mobile-nav-cta {
  display: none;
}

/* Tablet Landscape & Below (<= 1080px) */
@media (max-width: 1080px) {
  .trust-strip-inner {
    grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr);
    gap: 14px;
  }
  .site-header {
    background-color: #FFFFFF;
  }
  .header-container {
    padding: 10px 20px;
  }
  .brand-logo img {
    height: 46px;
  }
  .mobile-toggle {
    display: inline-flex;
    align-items: center;
    justify-content: center;
    width: 44px;
    height: 44px;
    padding: 0;
  }
  .nav-actions .btn {
    display: none;
  }
  .nav-menu {
    position: fixed;
    top: 66px;
    left: 0;
    width: 100%;
    background: #FFFFFF;
    flex-direction: column;
    align-items: stretch;
    padding: 22px 24px 35px;
    gap: 12px;
    box-shadow: 0 20px 45px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.16);
    border-bottom: 3px solid var(--gold-primary);
    max-height: calc(100vh - 66px);
    overflow-y: auto;
    display: none;
    z-index: 999;
  }
  .nav-menu.open {
    display: flex;
    animation: slideDownMenu 0.25s ease-out;
  }
  .nav-link {
    width: 100%;
    padding: 12px 4px;
    font-size: 1.05rem;
    border-bottom: 1px solid var(--border-subtle);
    display: flex;
    justify-content: space-between;
    align-items: center;
  }
  .mobile-nav-cta {
    display: block;
    margin-top: 10px;
    list-style: none;
  }
  @keyframes slideDownMenu {
    from {
      opacity: 0;
      transform: translateY(-8px);
    }
    to {
      opacity: 1;
      transform: translateY(0);
    }
  }
}

/* Laptops & Standard Tablets (<= 1024px) */
@media (max-width: 1024px) {
  .boards-slide-grid {
    grid-template-columns: repeat(2, 1fr);
    gap: 18px;
  }
  .hero-grid {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr;
    gap: 40px;
  }
  .contact-grid {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr;
    gap: 40px;
  }
  .policy-grid {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr;
  }
  .footer-grid {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
    gap: 35px;
  }
}

/* Small Tablets & Large Phablets (<= 900px) */
@media (max-width: 900px) {
  .grid-2-col,
  .grid-2-col-equal,
  .grid-2-col-compact,
  [style*="grid-template-columns: 1.1fr 0.9fr"],
  [style*="grid-template-columns: 1.15fr 0.85fr"],
  [style*="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr"] {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr !important;
    gap: 22px !important;
  }
}

/* Standard Mobile & Small Tablets (<= 768px) */
@media (max-width: 768px) {
  /* Prevent iOS Safari auto-zooming into inputs when tapped */
  .form-control,
  input[type="text"],
  input[type="tel"],
  input[type="email"],
  select,
  textarea {
    font-size: 16px !important;
  }

  .container {
    padding: 0 20px;
  }
  .section-padding {
    padding: 38px 0;
  }
  .section-padding-sm {
    padding: 26px 0;
  }

  .section-title,
  .page-title {
    font-size: clamp(1.75rem, 5vw, 2.2rem) !important;
    line-height: 1.25;
  }
  .section-subtitle,
  .page-subtitle {
    font-size: 0.98rem !important;
    line-height: 1.6;
  }

  /* Header & Navigation */
  .nav-phone-chip .phone-num {
    display: none;
  }
  .nav-phone-chip {
    padding: 0;
    width: 40px;
    height: 40px;
    border-radius: 50%;
    justify-content: center;
  }

  /* Hero Adjustments */
  .hero-section {
    padding: 45px 0 35px;
  }
  .hero-highlights-list {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr;
    gap: 10px;
  }
  .hero-stats-row {
    flex-direction: column;
    gap: 12px;
  }
  .stat-item {
    width: 100%;
    padding: 16px 20px;
    text-align: center;
  }

  /* Grids to Single Column */
  .course-grid,
  .boards-grid,
  .streams-grid,
  .success-pillars,
  .benefits-grid,
  .centres-grid {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr !important;
    gap: 20px !important;
  }

  /* Responsive Card Paddings */
  .contact-info-panel,
  .contact-form-panel,
  .offering-header,
  .offering-body,
  .checker-container,
  [style*="padding: 40px"],
  [style*="padding: 45px"],
  [style*="padding: 50px"] {
    padding: 24px 18px !important;
    border-radius: var(--radius-md) !important;
  }

  .form-row {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr;
    gap: 12px;
  }

  /* Trust Bar 2x2 */
  .trust-strip {
    padding: 22px 0;
  }
  .trust-strip-inner {
    display: grid;
    grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
    gap: 16px;
  }
  .trust-item {
    gap: 10px;
  }

  /* Swipeable Horizontal Navigation Tabs */
  .programs-tabs,
  .network-zones-nav {
    display: flex;
    flex-wrap: nowrap;
    overflow-x: auto;
    -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch;
    justify-content: flex-start;
    padding: 4px 6px 12px;
    gap: 8px;
    margin: 20px 0 25px;
    scrollbar-width: thin;
  }
  .programs-tabs::-webkit-scrollbar,
  .network-zones-nav::-webkit-scrollbar {
    height: 4px;
  }
  .programs-tabs::-webkit-scrollbar-thumb,
  .network-zones-nav::-webkit-scrollbar-thumb {
    background: var(--gold-primary);
    border-radius: 4px;
  }
  .tab-btn,
  .zone-filter-btn {
    flex-shrink: 0;
    white-space: nowrap;
    padding: 10px 18px;
    font-size: 0.88rem;
    min-height: 44px;
  }

  /* Diagnostic Eligibility Checker */
  .checker-header h3 {
    font-size: 1.35rem;
  }
  .checker-steps-bar {
    margin-bottom: 22px;
  }
  .step-circle {
    width: 32px;
    height: 32px;
    font-size: 0.82rem;
  }
  .step-title {
    font-size: 0.72rem;
    line-height: 1.15;
  }
  .checker-options-grid {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr !important;
    gap: 12px;
  }
  .checker-option-card {
    padding: 16px 14px;
  }

  /* Modals */
  .modal-overlay {
    padding: 12px;
  }
  .modal-card {
    padding: 24px 18px !important;
    border-radius: 18px !important;
    max-height: 92vh;
    width: 100%;
    max-width: 100%;
  }
  .modal-close {
    top: 12px;
    right: 12px;
    width: 34px;
    height: 34px;
    font-size: 1.1rem;
  }

  /* WhatsApp Float Compact Circular */
  .whatsapp-float {
    bottom: 20px;
    right: 18px;
    width: 52px;
    height: 52px;
    padding: 0;
    border-radius: 50%;
    justify-content: center;
    box-shadow: 0 6px 20px rgba(37, 211, 102, 0.5);
  }
  .whatsapp-float span:not(.whatsapp-icon-inner) {
    display: none;
  }
  .whatsapp-float .whatsapp-icon-inner {
    font-size: 1.55rem;
    margin: 0;
    display: flex;
    align-items: center;
    justify-content: center;
  }
  .whatsapp-pulse {
    top: -2px;
    right: -2px;
    width: 13px;
    height: 13px;
  }

  /* Footer Responsive */
  .footer-grid {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr !important;
    gap: 30px;
    padding-bottom: 28px;
  }
  .site-footer {
    padding: 38px 0 0;
  }
  .footer-bottom-inner {
    flex-direction: column;
    text-align: center;
    gap: 14px;
  }
  .footer-legal-links {
    justify-content: center;
    gap: 14px;
  }
}

/* Compact Smartphones (<= 480px) */
@media (max-width: 650px) {
  .boards-slide-grid,
  .boards-slide-grid.two-cards {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr;
    max-width: 100%;
    gap: 16px;
  }
  .slider-dot {
    width: 10px;
    height: 10px;
    padding: 0;
  }
  .slider-dot.active {
    width: 26px;
    height: 10px;
  }
  .boards-slider-controls {
    flex-direction: column;
    align-items: flex-start;
  }
}

@media (max-width: 480px) {
  .container {
    padding: 0 16px;
  }
  .section-padding {
    padding: 30px 0;
  }
  .section-padding-sm {
    padding: 20px 0;
  }

  /* Header & Logo */
  .header-container {
    padding: 8px 14px;
    gap: 8px;
  }
  .brand-logo img {
    height: 38px;
  }
  .nav-menu {
    top: 58px;
    max-height: calc(100vh - 58px);
    padding: 16px 18px 25px;
  }

  /* Hero Section */
  .hero-section {
    padding: 35px 0 28px;
  }
  .hero-content h1 {
    font-size: 1.7rem !important;
    line-height: 1.22;
  }
  .hero-desc {
    font-size: 0.9rem;
    line-height: 1.6;
    margin-bottom: 20px;
  }
  .hero-badge-pill {
    font-size: 0.76rem;
    padding: 4px 12px;
  }
  .hero-network-highlight {
    padding: 12px 14px;
    gap: 10px;
  }
  .hero-cta-group {
    flex-direction: column;
    width: 100%;
    gap: 10px;
    margin-bottom: 25px;
  }
  .hero-cta-group .btn {
    width: 100%;
    justify-content: center;
  }

  /* Buttons Touch Size */
  .btn {
    padding: 12px 18px;
    font-size: 0.94rem;
    min-height: 44px;
  }
  .btn-lg {
    padding: 13px 20px;
    font-size: 0.98rem;
    min-height: 46px;
  }

  /* Cards & Panels */
  .hero-form-card,
  .contact-form-panel,
  .contact-info-panel,
  .offering-header,
  .offering-body,
  .checker-container,
  [style*="padding: 40px"],
  [style*="padding: 45px"],
  [style*="padding: 50px"] {
    padding: 20px 14px !important;
  }
  .hero-form-header h3,
  .contact-form-panel h3,
  .offering-header h3 {
    font-size: 1.35rem;
  }

  /* Trust Bar Single Col */
  .trust-strip-inner {
    grid-template-columns: 1fr;
    gap: 12px;
  }

  /* Checker Steps Bar */
  .step-circle {
    width: 28px;
    height: 28px;
    font-size: 0.78rem;
  }
  .step-title {
    font-size: 0.65rem;
    max-width: 58px;
  }

  /* Modal Mobile Optimization */
  .modal-overlay {
    padding: 8px;
  }
  .modal-card {
    padding: 20px 14px !important;
    border-radius: 14px !important;
  }
  .modal-card h3 {
    font-size: 1.3rem;
  }

  /* Floating WhatsApp */
  .whatsapp-float {
    bottom: 16px;
    right: 16px;
    width: 50px;
    height: 50px;
  }
}

/* Extra Small Devices (<= 360px - iPhone SE 1st gen, Fold) */
@media (max-width: 360px) {
  .brand-logo img {
    height: 34px;
  }
  .hero-content h1 {
    font-size: 1.55rem !important;
  }
  .section-title,
  .page-title {
    font-size: 1.55rem !important;
  }
  .btn {
    padding: 10px 14px;
    font-size: 0.88rem;
  }
  .tab-btn,
  .zone-filter-btn {
    padding: 8px 14px;
    font-size: 0.82rem;
  }
}

/* Dynamic 'Other' Course Input Box */
.other-course-box {
  animation: fadeInDown 0.25s ease-out;
}
.other-course-box input {
  border-color: var(--teal-primary);
  background-color: var(--ivory-white);
}
@keyframes fadeInDown {
  from {
    opacity: 0;
    transform: translateY(-6px);
  }
  to {
    opacity: 1;
    transform: translateY(0);
  }
}

/* ==========================================================================
   Always On-Demand Highlighted Boards
   ========================================================================== */
.board-card.highlighted {
  border: 2.5px solid var(--gold-primary);
  background: linear-gradient(180deg, #FFFFFF 0%, #FFFDF8 100%);
  box-shadow: 0 10px 30px rgba(199, 151, 30, 0.18);
  position: relative;
  transform: translateY(-2px);
}
.board-card.highlighted:hover {
  transform: translateY(-8px);
  border-color: var(--gold-dark);
  box-shadow: 0 18px 42px rgba(199, 151, 30, 0.28);
}
.on-demand-ribbon {
  display: inline-flex;
  align-items: center;
  gap: 6px;
  background: linear-gradient(135deg, #ECC154 0%, #C7971E 100%);
  color: #063138;
  font-size: 0.74rem;
  font-weight: 800;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.7px;
  padding: 5px 12px;
  border-radius: var(--radius-full);
  margin-bottom: 14px;
  box-shadow: 0 2px 8px rgba(199, 151, 30, 0.28);
  border: 1px solid rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8);
  align-self: flex-start;
}


/* NIOS Spotlight Clean Structured Styles */
.subject-groups-wrapper {
  display: flex;
  flex-direction: column;
  gap: 14px;
}

.subject-group {
  background: var(--bg-ivory-soft);
  border: 1px solid var(--border-subtle);
  border-radius: var(--radius-sm);
  padding: 14px 16px;
}

.subject-group-title {
  display: block;
  font-size: 0.8rem;
  font-weight: 700;
  text-transform: uppercase;
  letter-spacing: 0.5px;
  color: var(--teal-primary);
  margin-bottom: 10px;
}

.subject-pill.highlight {
  background: #FEF9EB;
  border-color: rgba(199, 151, 30, 0.45);
}

.pillar-icon-box {
  width: 44px;
  height: 44px;
  border-radius: var(--radius-md);
  background: rgba(11, 79, 108, 0.08);
  color: var(--teal-primary);
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  flex-shrink: 0;
  border: 1px solid rgba(11, 79, 108, 0.15);
}

.offering-bottom-bar {
  margin-top: 35px;
  padding: 20px 24px;
  background: linear-gradient(135deg, #F0F9FF 0%, #FEF9EB 100%);
  border: 1.5px solid var(--gold-border);
  border-radius: var(--radius-md);
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: space-between;
  gap: 20px;
  flex-wrap: wrap;
}