The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has found Vajirao & Reddy Institute guilty of publishing false and misleading advertisements relating to its claims on the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2023 results and has imposed a penalty of ₹15 lakh for subsequent contravention under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
In an order dated 20 February 2026, the CCPA held that Vajirao & Reddy’s advertisements claiming “Over 645 selections out of 1016 vacancies in UPSC CSE 2023”, along with representations such as “6 in Top 10 AIR”, “35 in Top 50 AIR” and “64 in Top 100 AIR”, conveyed a misleading impression that the successful candidates had enrolled in and benefitted from the institute’s regular coaching programmes.
The proceedings were initiated suo motu after the Authority examined promotional material displayed on the institute’s official website. Following a preliminary inquiry and a detailed investigation conducted by the Director General (Investigation), the CCPA found that while the names and photographs of successful candidates were prominently showcased, material particulars such as the specific course opted, duration of enrolment, and the nature of academic assistance availed were deliberately concealed.
The investigation revealed that out of the 645 candidates claimed as ‘selected’, 431 candidates were not enrolled in any programme offered by the institute. Further, 643 candidates were not enrolled in the Interview Programme, only 57 candidates had enrolled in the Interview Course, 33 in Interview Guidance, and 644 candidates were not enrolled in the Interview (Mock) Course. The Authority observed that a significant number of candidates had cleared the UPSC examination without availing any academic support from Vajirao & Reddy, yet their names and photographs were used to promote the institute’s services.
The CCPA also recorded that despite repeated notices, the institute failed to submit enrolment forms, consent records, fee receipts, KYC details or scholarship documents to substantiate its claims. It further noted that the misleading advertisements continued to remain live on the website even after issuance of formal notices.
Holding that the conduct amounted to misleading advertisements and unfair trade practices under Sections 2(28), 2(47) and 2(9) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, the CCPA invoked its powers under Sections 20 and 21 read with Section 10 of the Act. In addition to imposing a ₹15 lakh penalty for subsequent contravention, the Authority directed the institute to desist from publishing misleading advertisements in the future, ensure truthful and complete disclosures, and submit a compliance report within 15 days of receipt of the order.
The Authority reiterated that in competitive examinations like UPSC where nearly 10–11 lakh aspirants appear annually coaching institutes bear a heightened responsibility to ensure transparency, as misleading success claims directly impair consumers’ ability to make informed choices.
Appearances:
For Vajirao & Reddy Institute:
Mr. Sameer Abhyankar, Advocate
Ms. Yachna Sharma, Advocate
