- The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) issued guidelines to address false advertising and deceptive practices in the coaching sector, aiming to protect students and ensure transparency.
- These guidelines apply to coaching centres, endorsers, and others involved in promotional activities.
- Advertisement Regulation: Prohibits false claims-
- About courses, fees, faculty qualifications, success rates, and job assurances.
- Guaranteed admissions, selections, or promotions.
- Misrepresentation of infrastructure or resources is not allowed.
- Truthful Representation: Advertisements must accurately depict the services offered.
| Key Definitions Coaching: Includes academic support, guidance, and education but excludes sports, arts, and creative activities. Coaching Center: A Center offering coaching to more than 50 students. |
- Student Consent: Use of students’ names, photos, or testimonials requires post-success written consent.
- Transparency Requirements: Advertisements must disclose accurate course details, fees, ranks, and funding clarity. Prominent display of disclaimers.
- No False Urgency: Restricts tactics like implying limited seats or exaggerated demand.
- Fair Contracts: Prohibits unfair agreements and misleading guarantees for students.
- National Consumer Helpline Integration: Coaching centres must partner with NCH to address grievances effectively.
- Accountability for Endorsers: Endorsers must verify claims they promote or face accountability for misleading endorsements.
- Enforcement and Penalties: Violations treated under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. Penalties are imposed on offenders to ensure compliance.
Dig Deeper: Read important provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
