New Delhi
The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has imposed a fine of Rs 8 lakh each on Dikshant IAS and Abhimanu IAS for misleading advertisements, unfair trade practices, and violating consumer rights under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
This action is part of a wider crackdown by the CCPA, which has issued 57 notices to coaching institutes for similar violations. So far, 27 institutes have been penalized, totaling over Rs 98.6 lakh, along with directions to stop deceptive claims in their promotions.
The CCPA investigated complaints from successful UPSC candidates whose names and photographs were used without consent in advertisements, falsely claiming credit for their results. Mini Shukla (AIR 96, UPSC 2021) revealed that Dikshant IAS used her details without permission, despite her only attending a mock interview at Chahal Academy. Dikshant IAS had advertised “200+ Results in UPSC 2021” but could substantiate only 116 enrollments, failing to prove joint programs or proper disclosure.
Similarly, Abhimanu IAS used Natasha Goyal’s (AIR 175, UPSC 2022) name and photo without authorization and made exaggerated claims such as “2200+ selections since inception”. The investigation found many of these claims unsupported or misleading, with several candidates clearing exams without the institute’s help.
The CCPA, led by Chief Commissioner Nidhi Khare and Commissioner Anupam Mishra, stated that the penalties aim to protect consumer rights and prevent institutes from making false or deceptive claims.
