The government has introduced regulations targeting misleading advertisements by coaching centers, which are designed to lure students. The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has invited public feedback on the ‘Draft Guidelines for Prevention of Misleading Advertisement in Coaching Sector’.
The draft guidelines aim to prohibit false assertions regarding success rates, number of selections, etc., made by individuals involved in coaching. They characterize ‘coaching’ as any form of tuition, instructional academic support, learning program, or guidance offered by any individual. The guidelines outline conditions for misleading advertisements.
Any individual involved in coaching will be deemed to engage in misleading advertising if they employ any of the following practices:
- Making false claims regarding success rates, number of selections, or rankings of students in any competitive exam without providing verifiable evidence.
- Creating a false sense of urgency or fear of missing out that could exacerbate anxieties among students or parents. Any other practices that may deceive consumers or undermine consumer autonomy and choice.
- Withholding important information related to the course name (whether free or paid), duration of the chosen course by a successful candidate, or any other significant information that could influence a consumer’s decision to opt for their services.
- Falsely attributing students’ success solely to the coaching without acknowledging the individual efforts of the students. It is necessary to clearly state the extent of the coaching’s involvement in their success.
These guidelines will apply to all individuals engaged in coaching. The guidelines aim to safeguard consumers from misleading advertisements in the coaching sector, as stated by the CCPA. The draft guidelines have been posted on the Department of Consumer Affairs website and are available for public submission for a period of 30 days, ending on March 16, 2024. The document can be accessed HERE.
In January 2024, guidelines were issued stating that coaching centers could not enroll students under 16 years of age, make deceptive assurances, or promise specific ranks or high marks.
