New Delhi: The Central Consumer Protection Authority imposed a ₹15 lakh CCPA penalty on Vajirao and Reddy Institute for issuing misleading advertisements related to UPSC CSE 2023 results.
In its final order, the Authority held that the institute concealed material information in its advertisements. Specifically, it did not disclose the exact courses opted for by successful candidates whose names and photographs it published.
The institute had claimed “Over 645 Selections Out of 1016 Vacancies in UPSC CSE 2023 From Vajirao & Reddy Institute.” It also stated “6 in Top 10 AIR,” “35 in Top 50 AIR,” and “64 in Top 100 AIR.” At the same time, it promoted several courses such as GS/Foundation, Pre-Foundation, Weekend Course, Optional Subject Course and GS Pre-cum-Mains Course.
According to the Authority, these representations created the impression that all successful candidates had enrolled in the advertised regular courses. However, the institute did not clarify the specific courses each candidate had actually taken.
CCPA penalty follows discrepancies in enrolment records
During proceedings, the Authority examined enrolment forms submitted by the institute. It found that 431 forms did not mention the course name. Moreover, those forms lacked dates of enrolment.
The Authority sought clarification, but the institute failed to provide a satisfactory explanation. It also did not submit supporting documents such as fee receipts to substantiate its claims. As a result, the Authority questioned the genuineness of the advertised success figures.
In several other cases, enrolment forms mentioned only “Interview Guidance Programme” or “Mock Interview.” Therefore, those candidates had approached the institute after clearing the Preliminary and Mains stages independently. Despite this, the advertisements suggested comprehensive training across all stages.
The Authority stated that concealment of such material information violated consumer rights under Section 2(9) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. It noted that specific course details directly influence a UPSC aspirant’s decision.
The Authority also treated the matter as a repeat offence. Earlier, it had imposed a ₹7 lakh penalty on the same institute for misleading advertisements linked to UPSC CSE 2022 results. Despite that action, the institute repeated similar claims.
The Authority observed that around 11,00,000 candidates apply for the Civil Services Examination each year. Misleading claims, it said, can affect a large number of students and parents who invest significant time and money.
So far, the CCPA has issued 57 notices to coaching institutes. It has imposed penalties totalling ₹1,24,60,000 on 29 institutes and directed them to discontinue misleading advertisements.
