Integral Education Society - Seth M R Jaipuria School

Recommendation: Upheld | Medium: Suo Motu - NAMS (TAMS)

The ASCI had approached the advertiser for its response in addressing the objection raised in the complaint. The advertiser was offered an option to seek Informal Resolution (IR) of the complaint by modifying or withdrawing the claim objected to in the advertisement, or alternately to substantiate the claim with the required supporting data. The advertiser was also offered an opportunity for a telecon with the ASCI Secretariat, which they did not avail nor did they submit their written response. The Consumer Complaints Council (CCC) noted that no response was received from the advertiser prior to the prescribed due date for this complaint. The CCC viewed the print advertisement. Upon careful consideration of the complaint, and in the absence of response from the advertiser, the CCC concluded that the claim, “Best K12 Education Group of the Year 2020(Business World)” was not substantiated with a copy of the award certificate, details of the process for award selection, criteria for granting the award, survey methodology, parameters considered, questionnaires used, names of other similar schools that were part of the survey, the outcome of the survey, and details about the awarding body. The source for the claim was not indicated in the advertisement. The claim is misleading by exaggeration and is likely to lead to widespread disappointment in the minds of consumers. The print advertisement contravened Chapter I, 1.1, 1.2, 1.4, and 1.5 of the ASCI Code, ASCI Guidelines for Advertising of Educational Institutions and Programs, and ASCI Guidelines for Usage of Awards/ Rankings in Advertisements. This complaint was UPHELD.