CCPA Cracks Down on Misleading Coaching Ads With New Guidelines

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has issued new guidelines for academic coaching centers in India, prohibiting misleading claims about the quality or standards of their services.

These guidelines were finalized following numerous complaints on the National Consumer Helpline. To date, the CCPA has issued 54 notices and imposed fines totaling approximately Rs 54.60 lakh.

According to the guidelines, coaching centres are now banned from making false statements about courses, course durations, faculty qualifications, fees and refund policies, selection rates, exam rankings, or guaranteed job security and salary increases.

The term 'coaching' is defined broadly to include academic support, education, guidance, study programs, and tutoring, while excluding counseling, sports, and creative activities.

Centres are also prohibited from using names, photos, or testimonials of successful students without their written consent, obtained after selection. Additionally, they must display disclaimers prominently and provide essential course information clearly.