CCPA Fines Vajirao & Reddy Rs 15 Lakh for Misleading UPSC CSE 2023 Result Claims
The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has imposed a ₹15 lakh penalty on Vajirao & Reddy in a case concerning misleading UPSC result advertisements. The order relates to claims made by the institute regarding the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2023 outcomes.
The decision was passed by a Bench comprising Chief Commissioner Nidhi Khare and Commissioner Anupam Mishra. The Authority held that the institute’s promotional claims created a false impression among civil services aspirants and violated the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
The matter began as a suo motu action after the CCPA examined claims displayed on the institute’s official website. The advertisements suggested that a large number of successful candidates in UPSC CSE 2023 were associated with its courses.
Among the claims were statements that over 645 selections out of 1016 vacancies were linked to the institute. It also advertised that several candidates secured ranks within the top 10, top 50, and top 100.
The Authority initiated a preliminary inquiry and sought detailed records from the institute. It asked for enrolment details, course information, and proof such as fee receipts to verify the claims made in the advertisements.
On examining the documents submitted, the CCPA found major inconsistencies. A significant number of candidates mentioned in the advertisements were not enrolled in any regular programme conducted by the institute.
The investigation revealed that out of 645 claimed successful candidates, 431 were not enrolled in any course offered by the institute. Only a limited number had enrolled in interview-related programmes.
The Authority also noted that most candidates cited in the advertisements were not part of the main interview programme. In addition, key documents such as enrolment forms and fee receipts were not produced despite specific directions.
The CCPA observed that the advertisements continued even after a notice was issued in May 2024. Although the institute acknowledged certain lapses and stated that corrective measures would be taken, it failed to provide clear proof of compliance.
In its ruling dated February 20, the Authority stated that the continued display of such advertisements showed deliberate conduct. It treated the matter as a subsequent contravention under Section 21(2) of the Act.
The Authority emphasised that information about the exact courses undertaken by successful candidates is important for aspirants. Non-disclosure of such details may lead students to believe that full courses were responsible for the results.
Considering the repeated nature of the violation, the CCPA imposed a ₹15 lakh penalty. It also directed the institute to immediately stop publishing misleading advertisements.
The institute has been ordered to submit a compliance report within 15 days. The Authority stated that consumer protection requires transparency, especially in sectors like education where aspirants invest time, effort, and money based on such claims.
