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In September 2024, the authority fined Drishti IAS Rs 3 lakh for its misleading claim of “150+ selections in UPSC CSE 2021”.
CCPA noted that this is the second penalty imposed on Drishti IAS for similar behaviour. (File Photo)
The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has fined Drishti IAS (VDK Eduventures Pvt Ltd) Rs 5 lakh for publishing misleading advertisements about the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2022 results, reported PTI. Drishti IAS claimed in its advertisement “216+ selections in UPSC CSE 2022″ with names and photographs of successful candidates. However, upon review, the CCPA found the claim misleading, as it failed to disclose crucial information about the types and durations of courses taken by these candidates, according to the Consumer Affairs Ministry.
The investigation revealed that out of the 216 candidates claimed by Drishti IAS, 162 (75 per cent) had only participated in the free Interview Guidance Programme (IGP) after independently clearing the Preliminary and Mains stages of UPSC CSE. Only 54 students were enrolled in IGP and other courses.
This omission misled aspirants and parents into believing that Drishti IAS was responsible for the candidates’ success in all stages of the UPSC examination, which is considered misleading advertising under Section 2(28) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
CCPA noted that this is the second penalty imposed on Drishti IAS for similar behaviour. In September 2024, the authority fined Drishti IAS Rs 3 lakh for its misleading claim of “150+ selections in UPSC CSE 2021″. The institute had provided details of 161 candidates, exceeding its claim, but most were only enrolled in the IGP or other minor programmes.
Despite previous penalties and warnings, Drishti IAS repeated the offence for the 2022 examination results, showing repeated non-compliance and disregard for consumer protection norms, the report added. This concealment deprived prospective students and parents of their right to make informed choices, as per Section 2(9) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
Such advertisements create false expectations and unfairly influence consumer decisions, especially when large claims are made without transparent disclosure of facts, the ministry stated.
To date, the CCPA has issued 54 notices to various coaching institutes for misleading advertisements and unfair trade practices, imposing penalties totalling over Rs 90.6 lakh on 26 coaching institutes and directing them to discontinue misleading claims.
The CCPA stressed that all coaching institutes must ensure truthful disclosure in their advertisements to allow students to make informed academic decisions.
A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, latest in …Read More
A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, latest in … Read More
October 03, 2025, 19:48 IST
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