The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has imposed a penalty of Rs 8 lakh on Narayana Educational Institutions for publishing allegedly misleading advertisements related to the JEE Advanced 2024 examination results.
According to media reports, the institution’s advertisements prominently showcased the success of top-ranking students and projected the results as representative of its broader coaching outcomes. However, the CCPA found that the advertisements failed to adequately disclose that the featured students were enrolled in a specialised preparatory programme with a significantly higher fee structure and a selective admission process.
The authority observed that the omission of material information had the potential to mislead prospective students and parents by creating the impression that the results were achieved through Narayana’s regular coaching programmes. The regulator held that such advertisements could influence consumer decisions by withholding important details regarding the nature of the course undertaken by the successful candidates.
Reports also suggest that in its order, the CCPA noted that educational institutions are required to ensure transparency in their advertising and must not make claims that are likely to mislead consumers regarding academic outcomes or the services being offered.
The authority subsequently imposed a penalty of ₹8 lakh on Narayana Educational Institutions under provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, citing misleading advertising practices.
The action forms part of the CCPA’s continuing scrutiny of advertising by educational institutions, particularly around competitive examination results, where claims related to student performance and rankings can significantly influence enrolment decisions.
