CCPA Imposes ₹2 Lakh Penalty on Shubhra Ranjan IAS Study for Misleading Advertisements.

In a stringent move to the protect consumer rights and uphold the integrity of education services, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has imposed a fine of ₹2 lakh on Shubhra Ranjan IAS Study for misleading advertisements related to the results of the UPSC Civil Service Examination (CSE) 2023. This decision stems from the institute’s claims that a significant number of its students secured top positions in the prestigious examination.
The advertisements by the Shubhra Ranjan IAS Study boasted that “13 students ranked in the Top 100,” “28 students in the Top 200,” and “39 students in the Top 300” of the UPSC CSE 2023. These statements were deceptive and created a false impression of the institution’s effectiveness in preparing students for the examination.
Deceptive Marketing Practices
CCPA’s investigation revealed that the institute used phrases like “Shubhra Ranjan IAS” and “Students of Shubhra Ranjan IAS” in its advertisements and letterheads, misleading the public into thinking Mrs. Shubhra Ranjan holds or held a position as an IAS officer. This representation constitutes a breach of the Consumer Protection Act of 2019.
The CCPA’s chief, Smt. Nidhi Khare, along with Commissioner Shri Anupam Mishra, took this action following evidence that indicated widespread misrepresentation. The advertisements not only misled potential students but also induced them to enroll in courses under the false premise of an unprecedented success rate.
Rationale Behind the Penalty
The CCPA’s mandate is to ensure that consumers are treated fairly and that their rights are safeguarded. Misleading advertisements fall under various definitions within the Consumer Protection Act, particularly those that conceal important information. The CCPA found it critical for students to know specific course details, which can significantly impact their choices.
In the case of Shubhra Ranjan IAS Study, the claimed successful candidates were primarily enrolled in the Political Science and International Relations (PSIR) Crash Course and Test Series, which was only meaningful after passing the preliminary examination. This is pivotal information for potential students who rely on such advertisements to make informed decisions about their education and future.
Previous Actions Against Misleading Advertisements
This recent penalty comes in the wake of similar actions taken against other educational institutions. In November 2024, the CCPA imposed a hefty penalty of ₹7 lakh on the Vajirao & Reddy Institute for making false claims about their UPSC CSE 2022 results. The CCPA discovered that all claimed successful candidates were enrolled in a Free Interview Guidance Program, which was not disclosed in the advertisements.
The CCPA has been proactive in addressing false advertising practices within the sector, having issued a total of 45 notices to various coaching institutes and imposing penalties totaling about ₹63.6 lakh on 20 institutions. Their efforts aim to uphold ethical advertising standards, ensuring that educational aspirants receive honest representations of educational outcomes.
Protecting Consumers and Enforcing Standards
With growing complaints registered on the National Consumer Helpline (NCH) regarding unfair practices by coaching institutes, the Department of Consumer Affairs has successfully intervened at a pre-litigation stage, resulting in refunds totaling ₹1.15 crore to 432 affected students over the past year. This underscores the vital role of consumer protection mechanisms in the educational sector and the need for transparency.
The CCPA remains committed to ensuring that aspiring students are well-informed and can make decisions based on accurate representations. The penalty imposed on Shubhra Ranjan IAS Study serves as a warning to all educational institutions to comply with ethical practices and to provide truthful information in their advertising efforts.
Point-wise Summary:

Penalty Imposed: The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has fined Shubhra Ranjan IAS Study ₹2 lakh for misleading advertisements regarding UPSC CSE 2023.

Misleading Claims: The institute advertised that “13 students were in the Top 100,” “28 in the Top 200,” and “39 in the Top 300” without disclosing the specifics of the courses those students undertook.

Deceptive Practices: The advertisement misrepresented that Mrs. Shubhra Ranjan was an IAS officer, which created a false impression of the institute’s credibility.

Consumer Rights Protection: The CCPA aims to ensure consumers are not subjected to false or misleading advertisements and emphasizes the importance of transparent information concerning educational services.

Previous Similar Actions: Prior penalties were imposed on other coaching institutes for misleading claims, highlighting ongoing efforts to regulate the sector.

National Consumer Helpline: The NCH assisted over 432 students in receiving refunds totaling ₹1.15 crore over unfair practices by various coaching centers.

Call for Ethical Practices: The ruling serves as a reminder to educational institutions to adhere to truthfulness and transparency in their advertising and marketing strategies.

This incident is a significant reminder of the importance of consumer rights in the educational sector, which continues to evolve rapidly.
Conclusion
The imposition of penalties by the CCPA marks a crucial step towards fostering accountability within the coaching industry, ensuring that all educational institutions maintain truthful and fair advertising standards. As consumer awareness increases, it is essential for institutes to comply with legal standards to build trust and uphold the quality of education provided. read more