Centre fines ‘Drishti IAS’ for misleading advertisements

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has imposed a penalty of ₹5 lakh on coaching institute Drishti IAS (VDK Eduventures Pvt. Ltd.) for publishing misleading advertisements based on the results of the civil services examination (CSE) conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in 2022.

“Drishti IAS in its advertisement prominently claimed ‘216+ selections in UPSC CSE 2022’ along with names and photographs of successful candidates,” the Union Consumer Affairs Ministry said in a statement in New Delhi on Friday (October 3, 2025).

The Ministry said, upon examination, the CCPA found that the claim was misleading and the institute concealed crucial information regarding the type and duration of courses opted by these candidates.