CCPA takes action against coaching institute for false UPSC success claims

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has imposed a ₹15 lakh fine on Vajirao and Reddy Institute for publishing misleading advertisements related to the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2023.

The regulator found that the institute’s promotional material concealed key details, particularly regarding the specific courses actually taken by successful candidates.

Soon after the UPSC CSE 2023 results were declared on April 16, 2024, the institute’s website carried claims such as over 645 selections out of 1016 vacancies from Vajirao & Reddy Institute, six in the Top 10 AIR, 35 in the Top 50 AIR, and 64 in the Top 100 AIR.

According to the CCPA, these claims were displayed alongside the names and photographs of candidates while the institute simultaneously advertised multiple courses, creating a misleading impression that all successful candidates had enrolled in the regular courses promoted by the institute.

The authority also highlighted significant discrepancies in the enrollment records submitted by Vajirao and Reddy Institute, noting that 431 forms did not specify the courses registered for or the date of enrollment.

The institute failed to provide satisfactory explanations or supporting documents, such as fee receipts, when asked.

For the remaining forms where course names were mentioned, most listed only “Interview Guidance Programme” or “Mock Interview.”

The CCPA observed that these candidates had cleared the Preliminary and Mains stages independently and joined the institute solely for interview preparation, making the advertisements deceptive regarding the extent of services actually provided.

This is not the first time the institute has faced action for misleading promotions, having been fined ₹7 lakh for similar practices related to UPSC CSE 2022 results.

To date, the CCPA has issued 57 notices to coaching institutes over misleading advertisements and unfair trade practices, imposing penalties totaling ₹1.24 crore on 29 institutes and directing them to immediately discontinue such deceptive claims.