New Delhi, Feb 23 (NationPress) The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has levied a fine of Rs 15 lakh on Vajirao & Reddy Institute for disseminating deceptive advertisements concerning the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2023 results. The ruling emphasized that the coaching institute intentionally withheld vital information about the actual courses undertaken by successful candidates.

In an order issued on February 20, the CCPA, led by Chief Commissioner Nidhi Khare and Commissioner Anupam Mishra, determined that the institute’s promotional statements—including "Over 645 selections out of 1,016 vacancies in UPSC CSE 2023", "6 in Top 10 AIR", "35 in Top 50 AIR", and "64 in Top 100 AIR"—misled aspirants regarding the nature of the services provided.

The investigation revealed that while the advertisements showcased the names and images of successful candidates, they simultaneously promoted several long-term classroom programs. However, an inquiry by the Director General, Investigation, uncovered significant inconsistencies between the advertised claims and the institute’s actual enrollment records.

The probe report indicated that of the 645 candidates touted by the institute as successful selections, a staggering 431 had not enrolled in any program offered by Vajirao & Reddy Institute.

Moreover, it was found that only a few candidates had registered for interview-related programs, while the vast majority had either utilized minimal services or had no verifiable link to the institute.

The CCPA stated, "The omission of essential details regarding the services availed by the featured candidates amounts to misleading advertising," adding that the usage of names and images of candidates who had never engaged with the institute's services constituted an unfair trade practice under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.

Despite multiple requests, the institute failed to provide crucial documentary evidence such as consent forms, enrollment records, fee receipts, or details about courses to validate its claims.

In its defense, Vajirao & Reddy Institute asserted that all individuals highlighted in the advertisements had utilized some form of service, and that specifics like course duration or fee structure were irrelevant to student affiliation.

The institute further argued that aspirants typically conduct further inquiries prior to enrollment, and thus could not be considered misled.

The CCPA, however, dismissed these arguments, maintaining that advertisements must be inherently truthful and transparent. It noted that relying on consumer diligence cannot exempt advertisers from their legal responsibilities.

The authority pointed out that a penalty had already been imposed on the institute in November 2024 for misleading advertisements concerning UPSC CSE 2022 results.

The CCPA reiterated that advertisements claiming high numbers of selections without clear disclosure of course details, durations, and nature of association mislead students and unduly affect their academic choices.

Instructing the institute to cease misleading advertisements, the CCPA underscored the necessity for coaching institutes to provide accurate and verifiable disclosures of results so that prospective UPSC aspirants and their parents can make informed decisions.

"The opposite party (institute) must refrain from future misleading advertisements and provide truthful and comprehensive disclosures henceforth," the regulator mandated, instructing Vajirao & Reddy Institute to submit a compliance report within 15 days.