The case began when UPSC candidate Mini Shukla (AIR 96, CSE 2021) reported that Dikshant IAS had used her name and photo without permission in its promotional content. The institute claimed “200+ Results in UPSC CSE 2021,” but could only produce 116 valid enrolments.
Investigations revealed that many of these students had participated only in interview guidance sessions co-conducted with Chahal Academy. However, Dikshant IAS advertised as if it had guided them throughout the entire UPSC preparation process, concealing the joint nature of the program.
According to the CCPA, such acts violate Sections 2(28) and 2(47) of the Consumer Protection Act, which protect consumers’ right to accurate information and prohibit unfair trade practices.
Abhimanu IAS Also Found Guilty
Another UPSC candidate, Natasha Goyal (AIR 175, CSE 2022), alleged that Abhimanu IAS used her photograph without consent. The institute falsely claimed her as a student despite having only shared a question bank for a mock interview that never took place.
The CCPA found multiple misleading claims by the institute, including “2200+ Selections since Inception,” “10+ Selections in IAS Top 10,” and “1st Rank in HCS/PCS/HAS.” Most of these assertions were unverified or outdated, some dating back to 2001–2012, misleading aspirants about the institute’s present performance.
The investigation confirmed that out of 139 claimed selections across various exams in 2023, 88 candidates had cleared stages independently without significant contribution from Abhimanu IAS. The omissions and exaggerations were found to constitute deceptive trade practices.
CCPA’s Broader Action Against Coaching Institutes
The CCPA emphasized that misleading advertisements harm students’ decision-making process and erode trust in the education sector. Aspirants invest heavily in coaching based on these claims, making transparency critical. As of now, the authority has issued 57 notices and imposed penalties worth over ₹98.6 lakh on 27 institutes for similar violations.
The CCPA has urged successful candidates to immediately report any instance of unauthorized use of their names or photos by coaching centres.