The North News
New Delhi, October 3
The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has imposed a fine of ₹5 lakh on Drishti IAS (VDK Eduventures Pvt. Ltd.) for publishing misleading advertisements about its role in the results of the 2022 UPSC Civil Services Examination. Drishti IAS had claimed “216+ selections in UPSC CSE 2022” with names and photographs of successful candidates. An investigation found that 162 of those candidates — about 75% — had only attended the free Interview Guidance Programme (IGP) after clearing the preliminary and mains exams independently. Only 54 were enrolled in additional paid courses.
The CCPA said this concealment misled aspirants and parents into believing the institute was responsible for success in all stages of the examination, violating the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
The CCPA noted that this was a repeat violation. In September 2024, the institute was fined ₹3 lakh for similar claims related to the 2021 examination.
So far, the authority has issued 54 notices to various coaching centres and imposed penalties of more than ₹90.6 lakh on 26 institutes for misleading advertisements. It has stressed the need for truthful disclosures in educational advertising to allow students to make informed choices.
