‘Failed’ to provide regular faculty, UPSC coaching institute told to refund Rs 55,000

A district consumer commission in Punjab has ordered a UPSC coaching institute to refund Rs 55,000 to a student after it was found that the institute failed to provide the promised regular and permanent faculty. President S K Aggarwal and member Paramjeet Kaur noted that changes in faculty, lack of regular teaching, and failure to deliver promised educational services can negatively impact an aspirant's preparation for competitive exams like UPSC.

The commission emphasized that an aspirant's preparation requires continuity, regularity, and guidance from qualified faculty. The complainant, who had paid Rs 55,000 for the coaching course, alleged that the institute did not provide regular faculty and that classes were merged with other batches, with teachers frequently changing.

The institute initially offered to refund Rs 40,000 but later proposed deductions totaling Rs 45,000, leaving only Rs 10,000 refundable. The complainant moved the consumer commission seeking both refund and compensation. The commission held that the assurance of experienced and qualified permanent faculty given by the institute was crucial for the complainant's decision to enroll in the course.

The commission found that the opposite parties failed to deliver the promised coaching services and awarded Rs 55,000 in refund and Rs 15,000 in compensation for mental agony, harassment, and litigation expenses.