Overview

• Drishti IAS advertised “216+ selections in UPSC CSE 2022” using names and photographs of successful candidates.
• CCPA found that 162 of the 216 highlighted candidates had only attended the institute’s free Interview Guidance Programme after clearing Prelims and Mains independently, with just 54 enrolled in IGP plus other courses.
• The authority ruled the promotion a misleading advertisement under Section 2(28) of the Consumer Protection Act and noted it undermined consumers’ right to informed choice under Section 2(9).
• This is the institute’s second penalty, following a ₹3 lakh fine in September 2024 over a “150+ selections in 2021” claim that similarly overstated its role.
• Officials said the action is part of a broader cleanup, with 54 notices issued and more than ₹90.6 lakh in fines levied on 26 coaching institutes, alongside directions to halt such claims.