CCPA fines Dikshant IAS, Abhimanu IAS Rs 8 lakh each for misusing candidates’ names, photographs

After receiving complaints from UPSC qualified candidates over the misuse of their names and photographs in advertisements, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has imposed Rs 8 lakh fine each on Dikshant IAS and Abhimanu IAS coaching centres.

The coaching centres were penalised for indulging in misleading advertisements, unfair trade practices and violation of consumer rights under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.

“In view of the violation of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, the CCPA, headed by Chief Commissioner, Smt. Nidhi Khare, and Commissioner, Shri Anupam Mishra has issued an Orders against Dikshant IAS and Abhimanu IAS,” according to the official notice.

The CCPA said that Dikshant IAS published advertisements claiming over 200 results in UPSC CSE 2021 with photographs and names of successful candidates.

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Dikshant IAS claims over 200 results in UPSC CSE 2021

Moreover, the coaching centre did not disclose the specific courses taken by the advertised candidates. It also failed to prove with credible evidence despite multiple opportunities, the CCPA said.

It also claimed that several students had attended its Interview Guidance Programme (IGP), conducted jointly by Chahal Academy. However, the consumer protection authority, during its investigation, found that the Dikshant IAS could produce only 116 enrolment forms against its claim of more than 200 results.

“It also failed to submit any agreement with Chahal Academy or any evidence to show that the students were informed of the joint nature of the programme. In the instant case, it has been found to be taking full credit of "200+ results in UPSC CSE 2021" for all the stages of the examination by deliberately concealing important information from potential aspirants about the specific course taken by the successful candidates,” the authority said.

Similarly, Abhimanu IAS had falsely claimed a candidate as its student and used the name and photograph without authorisation.

The investigation revealed that the institute had shared a question bank with the candidate on the basis of Detailed Application Form (DAF) for a mock interview which was never conducted.

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What is Consumer Protection Act, 2019?

In addition, it also used the candidate’s name and photograph without consent. The institute also published misleading claims such as “2200+ Selections since Inception”, “10+ Selections in IAS Top 10”, and “1st Rank in HCS/PCS/HAS”, the authority revealed.

The advertisement by the Abhimanu IAS also featured pictures and names of successful candidates from various examinations in 2023, including the UPSC Civil Services Examination, Haryana Civil Services (HCS), RBI Grade-B, and NABARD Grade A.

“The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 upholds the right of consumers to make informed decisions. Misrepresentation of facts in advertisements interferes with this right, as consumer (as in this case, students) might invest their time, money, and effort based on an exaggerated & false success rate. Presenting an untrue, incomplete and misleading claim, is an engagement in unfair trade practices, warranting corrective measures,” the press release reads.

The CCPA has also urged successful candidates of competitive examinations to immediately report any instance where a coaching institute falsely uses their name or photograph in advertisements.