New Delhi: The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has imposed a penalty of ₹15 lakh on Vajirao & Reddy Institute for publishing what it described as misleading advertisements in connection with the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2023 results.
The action follows claims made by the institute shortly after the results were declared in April 2024. On its website, the coaching centre stated that over 645 selections out of 1,016 vacancies were from its institute. It also highlighted that six candidates were in the top 10 All India Rank (AIR), 35 in the top 50, and 64 in the top 100.
According to the CCPA’s order, the institute did not disclose which specific courses these candidates had enrolled in. At the same time, the website promoted a range of programmes, including foundation courses, GS courses, optional subject batches and interview guidance sessions.
The Authority held that the absence of clarity about the course undertaken by each candidate could give the impression that all successful candidates had completed comprehensive classroom programmes with the institute.
During the proceedings, the CCPA examined enrolment forms submitted by the institute. It noted that 431 forms did not mention the course name or the date of enrolment.
The Authority also recorded that supporting documents such as fee receipts were not produced to substantiate the claims made in the advertisements.
In several cases where course details were available, candidates had enrolled only in interview guidance or mock interview programmes, which are typically taken after clearing the Preliminary and Mains stages independently.
The Authority observed that projecting such candidates alongside regular classroom students, without clear disclosure, could mislead aspirants about the nature and extent of coaching received.
This is not the first time the institute has faced regulatory scrutiny. The CCPA had earlier imposed a ₹7 lakh penalty in relation to advertisements concerning the 2022 Civil Services Examination results.
Taking note of the earlier order, the Authority treated the present case as a subsequent contravention and imposed a higher penalty.
The regulator also pointed out that lakhs of candidates apply for the Civil Services Examination every year and that aspirants and their families often invest substantial financial resources in preparation.
Advertisements, it said, must therefore present information in a manner that allows students to make informed choices.
The Authority has directed that coaching institutes ensure accurate and complete disclosure of material information in their promotional content.