Overview
- Drishti IAS advertised “216+ selections in UPSC CSE 2022” using names and photographs of successful candidates.
- CCPA found 162 of the 216 had only taken the free Interview Guidance Programme after clearing prelims and mains independently, while 54 were in IGP plus other courses.
- The omission of course type and duration was ruled a misleading advertisement under Section 2(28) and undermined the right to informed choice under Section 2(9) of the Consumer Protection Act.
- This is the second sanction on the institute, following a ₹3 lakh penalty in September 2024 over a similar “150+ selections” claim for 2021.
- The penalty comes within a sector-wide enforcement drive, with 54 notices issued and over ₹90.6 lakh in fines across 26 coaching institutes, as Drishti’s CEO says new guidelines now guide compliant advertising.