Government Releases New Guidelines to Curb Misleading Ads by Coaching Institutes

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has issued new guidelines to address misleading advertisements by coaching institutes, specifically prohibiting false claims like “100% selection” or “job security.” These guidelines come after multiple complaints were reported on the National Consumer Helpline, leading to 54 notices and penalties totaling Rs 54.60 lakh. Consumer Affairs Secretary Nidhi Khare emphasized that while the government is not against coaching centres, advertisements must uphold consumer rights.

The new rules prohibit coaching centres from making misleading claims about course offerings, faculty qualifications, fee structures, refund policies, and guaranteed employment or salary increases. Coaching centres must also avoid using successful candidates’ names, photos, or testimonials without written consent and are required to display disclaimers prominently. The guidelines cover various coaching services but exclude areas like counseling, sports, and creative activities.

These guidelines mandate that coaching institutes accurately portray their facilities, resources, and recognition status, ensuring clarity for students. Violations will incur penalties under the Consumer Protection Act, underscoring the government’s commitment to safeguarding consumer interests in the education sector.

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