New Delhi, October 3 (Udaipur Kiran News): The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has imposed a penalty of ₹5 lakh on Drishti IAS (VDK Eduventures Pvt. Ltd.) for publishing a misleading advertisement related to the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2022 results.
According to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Drishti IAS had prominently claimed “216+ selections in UPSC CSE 2022” along with names and photographs of successful candidates in its advertisements. Upon investigation, the CCPA found the claim misleading and lacking essential details regarding the type and duration of courses attended by those candidates.
The inquiry revealed that out of the 216 candidates cited, only 54 were enrolled in paid programs such as IGP+ and other courses, while 162 (around 75%) had cleared the Prelims and Mains independently and only participated in the free interview guidance program.
The authority observed that concealing such crucial information misled aspirants and parents into believing that Drishti IAS was responsible for the candidates’ success across all stages of the exam — an act defined as a “misleading advertisement” under Section 2(28) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
This is the second penalty imposed on Drishti IAS for similar conduct. In September 2024, the CCPA had passed a final order against the institute for its misleading claim of “150+ selections in UPSC CSE 2021.”
So far, the CCPA has issued 54 notices to various coaching institutes for false claims and unfair trade practices, imposing fines exceeding ₹90.6 lakh on 26 institutes and directing them to cease deceptive advertisements.
The authority emphasized that coaching institutes must ensure truthful disclosure in their promotional materials, enabling students to make informed and fair decisions about their educational choices.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.