The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has imposed a penalty of ₹11 lakh on Vision IAS (AjayVision Education Private Limited) for publishing misleading advertisements on its official website
The Central Consumer Protection Authority(CCPA) imposed a penalty of 11 lakh on Vision IAS (Ajay Vision Education Private Limited) for publishing misleading advertisements on its official website concerning the results of the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2022 and 2023, in violation of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
The institute had advertised claims such as “7 in Top 10 & 79 in Top 100 selections in CSE 2023” and “39 in Top 50 selections in CSE 2022”, prominently featuring the names, photographs and ranks of successful candidates.
CCPA imposed ; CCPA Exposes Inflated Claims by Coaching Institute
Upon examination, the CCPA found that the institute disclosed the specific course chosen by Mr. Shubham Kumar (AIR 1, UPSC CSE 2020)—the GS Foundation Batch (Classroom Student)—but deliberately concealed information about the courses chosen by other successful candidates whose names and photographs appeared alongside his on the same webpage.
This concealment created the misleading impression that all remaining candidates had enrolled in the GS Foundation Batch Classroom Course, which was not the case. Additionally, in the same advertisement, the institute prominently promoted its “Foundation Course,” which involves fees running into lakhs of rupees. Such conduct misled students into enrolling in the institute’s programmes based on false claims. The claims were inflated and unverified.
Finds Vision IAS Ads Misleading
After a detailed investigation, the CCPA found that the institute claimed 119+ successful candidates in UPSC CSE 2022 and 2023. However, only three candidates had enrolled in foundation courses. In comparison, the remaining 116 candidates chose services such as Test Series for Preliminary and Mains examinations. They also opted for Abhyaas tests (one-time tests) and Mock Interview programmes. This deliberate concealment of material information misled aspirants and parents into believing that Vision IAS was responsible for the candidates’ success across all stages of the UPSC Civil Services Examination, thereby constituting a misleading advertisement under Section 2(28) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
The Authority further observed that the institute’s advertisements on its official website, featuring successful candidates’ names and photographs along with tall claims, were misleading. By projecting such claims without proper authorisation or consent from the students, the institute misled prospective aspirants. Unlike print media, a website is accessible globally and remains available for an extended period. It is also the primary platform. Aspirants, particularly in the digital era, use it to research coaching institutes. They evaluate their claims and make informed choices.
Vision IAS Faces Higher Penalty for Repeat Offence
CCPA also noted that Vision IAS had earlier been proceeded against for publishing misleading advertisements. Despite regulatory intervention and caution, the institute continued to make similar claims in its subsequent advertisements. This behavior demonstrated a lack of due diligence. It also showed inadequate regulatory compliance. The violation was recurring. Therefore, the present instance was treated as a subsequent contravention. This warranted a higher penalty to protect consumers.
The Authority further noted that in highly competitive examinations like the UPSC Civil Services Examination, many aspirants invest substantial time. They also invest a large amount of effort and financial resources. Incomplete and selective disclosures mislead students and parents. They create false expectations regarding outcomes and the effectiveness of coaching services.
Misleading Ads: CCPA Issues 57 Notices
So far, the CCPA has issued 57 notices to various coaching institutes for misleading advertisements and unfair trade practices. CCPA imposed penalties of ₹1,09,60,000 on 28 coaching institutes and directed them to discontinue such misleading claims.
The Authority has emphasized that all coaching institutes must strictly ensure truthful and transparent disclosure of information in their advertisements. This will enable students to make fair and informed academic decisions.
