Has the CCPA Fined Drishti IAS Rs 5 Lakh for Misleading UPSC Ads?
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Synopsis
The CCPA's recent fine of Rs 5 lakh on Drishti IAS for misleading UPSC CSE 2022 ads raises concerns about transparency in educational advertisements. The authority emphasizes the importance of truthful information disclosure to protect students' rights. What does this mean for future educational advertising?
Key Takeaways
- CCPA fines Drishti IAS Rs 5 lakh for misleading UPSC ads.
- 162 out of 216 claimed selections were only in free programs.
- This marks the second penalty for Drishti IAS for similar practices.
- Regulator emphasizes the need for transparency in educational advertising.
- Over 54 notices have been issued to coaching institutes for misleading ads.
New Delhi, Oct 3 (NationPress) The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has levied a fine of Rs 5 lakh on Drishti IAS (VDK Eduventures) for disseminating misleading advertisements pertaining to the outcomes of the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2022, according to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution on Friday.
The CCPA determined that Drishti IAS, in its advertisement, prominently asserted "216+ selections in UPSC CSE 2022"; however, this was misleading as it obscured vital information regarding the types and duration of courses undertaken by these candidates.
“The investigation disclosed that out of the 216 candidates claimed by Drishti IAS, a significant 162 candidates (75 percent) had only participated in the complimentary Interview Guidance Programme (IGP) after independently succeeding in the Preliminary and Mains phases of the UPSC CSE. Only 54 students were enrolled in IGP along with other courses,” stated the Ministry.
“This intentional omission of critical information misled hopeful candidates and their parents into believing that Drishti IAS was accountable for their achievements in all aspects of the UPSC examination, constituting a misleading advertisement under Section 2(28) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019,” it added.
Moreover, CCPA highlighted that this marks the second penalty imposed on Drishti IAS for comparable misconduct as of September 2024. The authority had previously charged a fine of Rs 3 lakh and ordered the company to cease the misleading advertising.
Despite having faced penalties and warnings, Drishti IAS repeated this behavior, demonstrating a pattern of non-compliance and disregard for consumer protection standards.
“The concealment of such essential information deprived potential students and parents of their right to make an informed choice under Section 2(9) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. Such advertisements foster false expectations and unfairly sway consumer decisions, particularly when substantial claims are made without transparent disclosure of facts,” the Ministry remarked.
To date, the CCPA has issued 54 notices to various coaching institutions for misleading advertisements and unfair trade practices. Penalties exceeding Rs 90.6 lakh have been imposed on 26 coaching institutes, along with directives to halt such misleading claims.
The CCPA observed that all such institutions concealed significant information regarding the courses chosen by successful candidates in their advertisements, which constitutes a misleading advertisement under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
The regulator has underscored that all coaching institutions must diligently ensure truthful information disclosure in their advertisements so that students can make informed decisions about their academic pursuits.
Point of View
It is imperative to recognize the CCPA's actions as a crucial step towards ensuring accountability in educational advertising. The fine imposed on Drishti IAS underscores the necessity for transparency and integrity in the coaching industry. Students and parents deserve to make informed decisions without falling prey to misleading claims. Upholding consumer rights is essential for fostering trust and credibility in educational institutions.
NationPress
03/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the reason behind the Rs 5 lakh fine on Drishti IAS?
The fine was imposed by the CCPA for publishing misleading advertisements regarding the results of the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2022, which concealed crucial information about the courses opted by the candidates.
How many candidates were actually enrolled in the courses offered by Drishti IAS?
Out of the 216 claimed candidates, only 54 were enrolled in the Interview Guidance Programme along with other courses, while 162 had only participated in the free Interview Guidance Programme.
What does the Consumer Protection Act say about misleading advertisements?
Under Section 2(28) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, misleading advertisements are those that misrepresent information and create false expectations, which can mislead consumers into making uninformed decisions.
Has Drishti IAS faced penalties before for similar issues?
Yes, this is the second penalty imposed on Drishti IAS for similar misleading conduct. They were previously fined Rs 3 lakh in September 2024 for the same reasons.
What actions is the CCPA taking against misleading advertisements in the education sector?
The CCPA has issued 54 notices to various coaching institutes for misleading advertisements and has imposed penalties exceeding Rs 90.6 lakh on 26 institutes while directing them to discontinue such misleading claims.
