Misleading Claims on UPSC Results
Vision IAS 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 names, ranks, and photographs of successful candidates. However, the CCPA found that the institute concealed crucial details about the actual courses chosen by most of these candidates, creating a false impression that they were enrolled in its high-fee Foundation Course.
While the institute disclosed that Shubham Kumar (AIR 1, UPSC CSE 2020) was a classroom student in the GS Foundation Batch, it withheld similar information for other candidates. This selective disclosure misled aspirants into believing that the Foundation Course was responsible for widespread success.
Findings of the Investigation
CCPA’s investigation revealed that out of 119+ candidates claimed as successful in 2022 and 2023, only three had enrolled in foundation courses. The remaining 116 candidates had opted for limited services such as test series, one-time practice exams, or mock interviews. By projecting inflated claims, the institute induced students and parents to invest lakhs of rupees in its programmes under false expectations.
The Authority noted that such practices constitute misleading advertisements under Section 2(28) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. It further observed that Vision IAS had previously been cautioned for similar violations but continued to publish misleading claims, warranting a higher penalty for repeated contravention.
Impact on Aspirants
In highly competitive examinations like UPSC CSE, where lakhs of aspirants dedicate years of preparation and significant financial resources, misleading advertisements can distort decision-making. By selectively showcasing results and concealing material facts, coaching institutes create false expectations about success rates and the effectiveness of their courses.
CCPA stressed that websites, unlike print media, remain accessible globally and for extended periods. As aspirants increasingly rely on digital platforms to evaluate coaching institutes, misleading online claims pose a greater risk of deception.
Wider Crackdown on Coaching Institutes
The penalty against Vision IAS is part of a broader regulatory push. So far, CCPA has issued 57 notices to coaching institutes for misleading advertisements and unfair trade practices. Penalties amounting to ₹1.09 crore have been imposed on 28 institutes, alongside directions to discontinue deceptive claims.
The Authority reiterated that coaching centres must ensure truthful and transparent disclosures in advertisements, enabling students to make fair and informed academic decisions. It emphasised that misleading claims not only violate consumer rights but also erode trust in the education sector.
Consumer Protection First
By penalising Vision IAS, CCPA has sent a strong message to the coaching industry: misleading advertisements will not be tolerated. The move underscores the government’s commitment to protecting students and parents from unfair trade practices in the education sector.
