The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has penalised Drishti IAS, a prominent UPSC coaching institute, with a ₹5 lakh fine for misleading advertisements related to the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2022 results. The institute claimed over 216 selections, showcasing the names and photographs of successful candidates.
However, a CCPA investigation revealed that approximately 75% of these candidates had only attended a free Interview Guidance Programme (IGP), having independently cleared Preliminary and Mains exams. Only 54 students were enrolled in both the IGP and other paid courses.
The commission determined that crucial information was deliberately concealed, misleading aspirants and their families about the institute’s actual role and contribution. This marks a repeat offence by Drishti IAS, which was fined ₹ 2.3 lakh in 2024 for similar misleading claims about the 2021 UPSC results.
Concealment of Crucial Information and Consumer Deception
Drishti IAS’s adverts did not disclose important details about the extent and nature of courses undertaken by the candidates whose success it claimed to have facilitated. The CCPA noted that by including the names and photographs of all 216 candidates, the institute created a false impression that it had played a pivotal role in every candidate’s entire UPSC journey.
The authority found this to be a violation of Section 2(28) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, which addresses misleading advertisements. A senior official from the authority emphasised that “such concealment prevents aspirants and parents from making informed academic decisions, thereby infringing on their consumer rights.”
Repeat Violations and Industry-Wide Crackdown
Drishti IAS’s current penalty follows a ₹3 lakh fine imposed in 2024 for similar misconduct related to claims of 150+ selections in UPSC 2021. Despite being adjudged non-compliant previously, the institute once again engaged in deceptive advertising, amplifying its claim to 216+ selections for 2022.
The CCPA has been actively monitoring coaching institutes across India and has issued 54 notices and imposed over ₹90.6 lakh in penalties on 26 coaching centres for misleading advertisements and unfair trade practices. The authority highlighted that many coaching centres use omissions and inflated claims to appeal to aspirants, creating an uneven and unethical competitive environment.
Expert Advice on Consumer Safety in Education
Consumer rights experts stress the importance of due diligence when selecting coaching institutes. Prospective students and their families are advised to verify claims independently, seek detailed course information, inquire about the exact nature and duration of training programs, and check for transparency in advertising.
Experts recommend consulting multiple sources, including student testimonials and independent reviews, before entrusting a coaching centre with aspirational goals. Consumer rights advocates also urge regulatory bodies to stiffen penalties and enforce stricter monitoring to deter repeated violations and protect vulnerable students from deceptive practices.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The pursuit of education and career advancement should be rooted in honesty, transparency, and mutual respect. Misleading advertisements in the education sector undermine trust, misdirect aspirations, and exploit the hopes of countless young Indians and their families.
The Logical Indian believes that the coaching sector must embrace transparency as a non-negotiable standard to preserve ethical practices. Regulatory authorities and coaching institutes must work in tandem with students to foster an environment where informed decisions are the norm and misleading commercialization is the exception.
