In the matter of: Misleading advertisement by Vajiram and Ravi IAS Study Centre LLP with respect to UPSC CSE 2023 advertisements (Central Consumer Protection Authority)
The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) imposed a penalty of ₹7 lakh on a prominent UPSC coaching institute for publishing misleading advertisements that concealed material information regarding the actual courses attended by successful UPSC Civil Services Examination candidates. The CCPA found that the institute prominently advertised claims such as “8 Rank Holders in the Top 10” and “37 Rank Holders in the Top 50” while displaying candidates’ names and photographs, but failed to disclose that a majority of those candidates had only participated in its free Interview Guidance Programme (IGP), which begins after candidates independently clear the Preliminary and Mains examinations. The Authority held that non-disclosure of the specific course attended by successful candidates amounted to deliberate concealment of important information under Section 2(28) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, and violated consumers’ right to be informed under Section 2(9). Rejecting the institute’s argument that UPSC aspirants are discerning consumers capable of independent verification, the CCPA emphasized that service providers bear the responsibility of making truthful and transparent disclosures. The Authority concluded that such advertisements created a misleading impression about the institute’s contribution to candidates’ success and directed compliance with advertising norms in future.
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
CCPA Imposes ₹7 Lakh Penalty for Misleading Claims Relating to UPSC Civil Services Examination Results
Institute concealed material information about nature of courses attended by successful candidates
CCPA reiterates that consumers have the right to accurate information before choosing coaching services
Posted On: 30 MAY 2026 1:24PM by PIB Delhi
The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has passed a final order against Vajiram and Ravi IAS Study Centre LLP, imposing a penalty of ₹7,00,000 for indulging in misleading advertisement through deliberate concealment of material information, in violation of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. The decision was taken to protect and promote the rights of consumers as a class and to ensure that no false or misleading advertisement is made in respect of any goods or services in contravention of the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
