UPSC Civil Services Exam Toppers Restricted from Coaching Advertisements

New Delhi, 30th November 2023: Candidates successful in the UPSC Civil Services Examination (UPSC CSE) will now face restrictions on advertising for coaching institutes. Successful candidates, particularly toppers, will be required to sever their ties with coaching institutes upon receiving their joining letters. The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has classified the utilization of UPSC exam toppers by these coaching institutions as “misleading advertisements and unfair trade practices” under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.

CCPA highlighted that coaching institutes often make exaggerated claims to entice aspirants, leading to the necessity for candidates to annul their agreements with such institutions. Media reports disclosed that CCPA issued notices to 20 IAS coaching institutes for disseminating deceptive advertisements. Consequently, individuals who achieve the ranks of IAS and IPS officers will be prohibited from featuring in coaching advertisements.

In correspondence to the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), CCPA urged the enforcement of the Central Civil Services Conduct Rules, 1964, which prevent government employees from engaging in any business or additional employment. DoPT functions as the regulating body for officers selected through various competitive exams conducted by UPSC.