Context:

Recently, the Central Consumer Protection Authority issued Guidelines for the “Prevention of Misleading Advertisement in the Coaching Sector”.

More on the News

• The Union Consumer Affairs Ministry has issued guidelines prohibiting coaching institutes from publishing misleading advertisements that make false claims about courses offered, their duration, faculty qualifications, fees and refund policies.
• Section 18 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 states that the Central Authority shall ensure that no false or misleading advertisement is made in respect of any goods or services which contravenes the provisions of the act.
• Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) had taken sou moto action and issued 45 notices to various coaching centres for misleading advertisements. 

Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA)

• CCPA is a regulatory body established in 2020 based on the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
• CCPA works under the administrative control of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs to regulate matters relating to violation of consumer rights, misleading advertisement and unfair trade practices which are prejudicial to the interest of consumers as a class and the public at large.

Key Highlights of the Guidelines

• Scope of Coaching: The term "coaching" encompasses academic support, education, guidance, study programs, and tuition.
• False Selection and Job Guarantees: Coaching institutes are prohibited from making false claims about:
  Course offerings and durations. 
  Faculty credentials. 
  Fee structures and refund policies. 
  Selection rates and exam rankings.
  Guaranteed job security or salary increments.
• Course Information: Misleading statements regarding course duration, faculty qualifications, fee structures, and refund policies are strictly prohibited.  
• Advertising Standards:
  All forms of advertisements related to academic support, guidance, and tuition fall under these guidelines. 
  Non-academic activities, such as sports and creative pursuits, are excluded.  
• Government’s Stance: The quality of advertisements should uphold “consumer rights” and avoid misleading information.  
• Consent Required: Coaching institutes must obtain written consent from successful candidates before using their names, photos, or testimonials in promotional materials.  
• Transparency: Testimonials must include clear disclaimers and provide accurate, complete information about the course offerings.
• Fair Presentation: Coaching centres must accurately present their resources, facilities, and course recognitions to ensure compliance with approval standards (e.g., AICTE, UGC).  
• Compliance Requirements:
  Course Recognition: All courses must be recognized and approved by a competent authority, such as AICTE or UGC. 
  Penalties: Any violations will result in penalties under the Consumer Protection Act.