The Ministry of Consumer Affairs is taking a firm stance against misleading advertisements by coaching institutes, announcing strict guidelines to curb false claims, especially the guarantee of 100% job placements.

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) collaborated with industry stakeholders to draft these guidelines, with the primary focus on reining in deceptive practices rampant in the coaching sector.

The guidelines address the issue of misleading claims, mandating transparency regarding essential course details such as duration and success rates of candidates. They emphasize that coaching institutes cannot falsely boast about success rates or selection numbers or engage in practices that could mislead consumers.

Transparency and consumer autonomy are at the core of these guidelines, emphasizing the clear communication of vital course information, be it paid or free.

The committee responsible for formulating these guidelines underscores the urgency of their implementation to counter misleading ads and safeguard consumer interests. The draft guidelines, after deliberation, are on track for prompt issuance.

Previously, the CCPA proactively took action against misleading ads by coaching institutes, noticing deliberate concealment of critical information like course details and fees. Last year, notices were sent to 31 institutes, with penalties imposed on nine.

The guidelines lay down specific do's and don'ts for coaching institutes. They mandate the inclusion of crucial information such as secured ranks, course specifics, and duration in advertisements. Importantly, coaching centers are prohibited from claiming 100% selections or job guarantees. Additionally, the guidelines stress that the font used for disclaimers and critical information must match the advertisement, ensuring clarity and visibility.