Parul University - Parul University

Recommendation: Not Upheld | Medium: Consumer Organization

Ad Description

The advertisement is a billboard for Parul University featuring an image of M.S. Dhoni and promoting its education offerings in Gujarat and Goa. It claims “Education Ka Highest Standard Yahan Possible Hai!” and highlights accreditations and rankings including NAAC A++ Grade, NIRF Top 50, and ranking for universities in innovation 2023. 

Issue

Whether the advertisement’s claim “Education Ka Highest Standard Yahan Possible Hai” suggests that the education service meets or has set a recognised industry benchmark or certified standard in the field, and gives the impression that the institution is delivering standards that are comparatively better than other institutes, without independent third-party studies/research.

Advertiser’s Response

The advertiser did not submit their response.

Consumer Complaints Council (CCC) Assessment

The CCC noted that no response was received from the advertiser prior to the prescribed due date as specified by the ASCI Secretariat.  

The CCC observed that the advertisement claims, “Education ka highest standard yahan possible hai”. The advertisement also refers to institutional credentials such as NAAC accreditation and NIRF rankings, and it was noted that the advertiser appears to have such certifications.

The CCC discussed whether an average consumer would understand “highest standard” as an absolute claim of being the best institution, or as something linked to known ranking and accreditation systems like NAAC and NIRF. The CCC was of the view that since NAAC and NIRF are recognised standards to establish the level of quality in education, the claim may be seen in that light rather than as an absolute superiority claim. The CCC further discussed that NAAC accreditation and NIRF rankings are based on multiple parameters and scores, and institutions with good grades or rankings may refer to their standing on that basis.

Taking into account the overall impression of the advertisement and the possible consumer understanding of the claim, the CCC was of the view that the claim, “Education ka highest standard yahan possible hai,” does not appear to be misleading.

Based on these observations, the CCC concluded that the said claim is not in contravention of Chapter I of the ASCI Code. 

Decision

Claim - “Education ka highest standard yahan possible hai” – Not Upheld