The Central Consumer Protection Authority fines Drishti IAS ₹5 lakh for publishing misleading advertisements related to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2022. The authority observed that the coaching institute made exaggerated claims about the number of successful candidates associated with its courses, thereby violating the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
Misleading Claims in UPSC 2022 Results
According to the order, Drishti IAS (VDK Eduventures Pvt. Ltd.) advertised “216+ selections in UPSC CSE 2022,” showcasing the names and photographs of candidates. However, an investigation by the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) revealed that the claims concealed important details about the courses taken by these candidates. Out of 216 names, 162 aspirants (75 percent) had only enrolled in the free Interview Guidance Programme (IGP) after clearing both the Preliminary and Mains examinations independently. Only 54 candidates were enrolled in IGP combined with other paid courses of the institute.
By omitting such information, Drishti IAS created the impression that its coaching programs were directly responsible for the success of all 216 candidates. The CCPA concluded that this was a misleading advertisement under Section 2(28) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
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Repeat Violation by Drishti IAS
The Central Consumer Protection Authority fines Drishti IAS for the second time. Earlier in September 2024, the authority had imposed a ₹3 lakh penalty for similar misleading claims related to UPSC CSE 2021 results. At that time, Drishti IAS had claimed “150+ selections.” The subsequent probe revealed that out of 161 candidates it presented, 148 were from the free interview program, with very few from regular courses.
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Despite being penalized and cautioned, the institute repeated the practice in the following year. The CCPA viewed this as a deliberate non-compliance and disregard of consumer protection norms.
Wider Action Against Coaching Institutes
The action against Drishti IAS is part of a larger effort by the consumer protection authority to curb unfair trade practices in the coaching industry. So far, the CCPA has issued 54 notices to different coaching institutes for misleading advertisements. Penalties amounting to over ₹90.6 lakh have been imposed on 26 coaching institutes. Most of these cases involved the concealment of critical information about the type and duration of courses undertaken by successful candidates.
The authority emphasized that such practices mislead aspirants and parents by creating false expectations. Concealment of facts deprives consumers of their right to make informed choices under Section 2(9) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
Need for Transparency in Coaching Sector
The Central Consumer Protection Authority fines Drishti IAS with the reminder that transparency is essential in the education sector. Coaching institutes wield significant influence over students’ academic decisions, and misleading claims can unfairly impact consumer choices. The CCPA has directed all institutes to ensure full disclosure of relevant details in their promotional materials, thereby protecting the rights of students and their families.
With the growing role of coaching centers in competitive examinations, the recent penalty underscores the importance of honest advertising practices. The Central Consumer Protection Authority reiterated that it will continue monitoring the sector and take strict action against misleading claims to safeguard student interests.
Author’s take: Just not only coaching institutes related to UPSC coaching misleading but many institutes who gives coaching for the entrance exam like JEE, NEET, CUET, NET as well as institutes who are teaching students for governmental exams like SSC, Railways, state govt., etc… It’s a serious issue prevailing all over India. This institute makes huge revenue still misleads. This fine amount is very less for them.
