CCPA fines two IAS institutes for false ads, misuse of toppers’ photos

New Delhi

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has imposed penalties of ₹8 lakh each on Dikshant IAS and Abhimanu IAS for publishing misleading advertisements, unfair trade practices, and violating consumer rights under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.

The action followed complaints from UPSC toppers whose photos and names were used without consent. Mini Shukla (AIR 96, UPSC 2021) reported that Dikshant IAS falsely featured her in ads claiming “200+ results” without revealing her limited association with a mock interview jointly held with another academy. The CCPA found that the institute could produce only 116 enrolment forms and deliberately concealed crucial details to exaggerate its success rate.

In Abhimanu IAS’s case, Natasha Goyal (AIR 175, UPSC 2022) complained that her photo and name were used without authorisation. The institute had shared a mock interview question bank but never conducted the session. It falsely claimed “2200+ selections since inception” and “10+ selections in IAS Top 10,” though most top results were from 2001–2012. The CCPA found these omissions misleading to aspirants.

The CCPA said misleading advertisements distort facts, exploit trust, and harm consumers, especially in education where aspirants invest time and money. Headed by Chief Commissioner Nidhi Khare, the authority has so far issued 57 notices to coaching centres and imposed fines of ₹98.6 lakh on 27 institutes for false claims.