Anant National University - Anant National University
Recommendation: Upheld | Medium: Consumer Organization
The ASCI had approached the advertiser for its response in addressing the grievances of the complainant and forwarded
the details of the complaint, verbatim, to the advertiser with a request to respond to the same. The advertiser was offered
an option to seek an Informal Resolution (IR) of the complaint by modifying or withdrawing the claimsin the advertisement,
or alternately to substantiate the claims with supporting data. The advertiser was also offered an opportunity for a telecon
with the ASCI Secretariat, which they did not avail and submitted their response.
The advertiser agrees to withdraw the claims "Assured Placements" and "India’s First DesignX University" due
to lack of evidence. They have revised their advertisements and are in the process of removing the claims from
all media platforms, seeking resolution through the informal procedure.
The Consumer Complaints Council (CCC) viewed the print advertisement, considered the complaint, and the advertiser’s
response.
The CCC noted that the advertiser has not provided any supporting data for the claims made. The advertiser acknowledged
the concerns raised regarding the claims, "Assured Placements", and "India’s First DesignX University", and have assured
to withdraw both due to insufficient substantiation. The advertiser has confirmed that the revised advertisements have been
issued. Efforts are also underway to withdraw the claims from all digital platforms, and the advertiser has requested time
to ensure compliance.
Claim - "India’s First DesignX University" - The advertiser has not provided verifiable and independent evidence to
demonstrate that no other university in India offers a comparable program under the "DesignX" model, and thus has not
adequately supported the claim of being the first or unique in this regard.
Claim – “Assured Placements” - The advertiser has not provided authentic supporting data such as batch size of
students per year, detailed list of students and evidence to support their enrolment, contact details of students for verification, list of students who were placed through their institute in relevant industries on completion of their
courses, their appointment letters, list of students who were not placed and the reason for their non-placement,
nor any independent audit or verification certificate. Furthermore, the advertisement does not have any disclaimers
to indicate “Past record is no guarantee of future job prospects” nor does it have a declaration of the total number
of students passing out from the placed class.
In the absence of claim support data, the CCC concluded that the said claims were not substantiated. The claims
are misleading by exaggeration and are likely to lead to widespread disappointment in the minds of students.
The said claims in the advertisement contravened Chapter I, Clauses 1.1, 1.4 and 1.5 of the ASCI Code, and ASCI
Guidelines for Advertising of Educational Institutions and Programs. This complaint was UPHELD.
