PIB Fact Check on Thursday debunked a WhatsApp message claiming that the government is accepting applications for free laptops under the ‘National Student Laptop Scheme 2026’.
She clarified that the claim was fake and said that the Government of India had not announced any such scheme. It also warned that such messages are often attempts to collect personal or financial information.
“Free laptops for students?
A WhatsApp message is circulating claiming that the government is accepting applications for free laptops under the ‘National Laptop Scheme for Students 2026’, X reported.
In an image shared by PIB Factchecker, the fraudulent link asks users to enter personal details such as name, education level and other information to “apply” for the scheme. It also falsely claims that more than 9.6 lakh students will receive free laptops in 2026.
She reiterated that the Government of India has not announced such a scheme and urged citizens to be cautious when faced with such messages online.
“Stay alert and report suspicious content to the relevant authorities,” the fact-checking unit said in its post.
The fact-checking unit urged people not to click on unknown links and avoid forwarding unverified messages without checking official sources.
Similar claims have been made in the past
The latest clarification comes amid similar allegations circulating on social media. The fact-checking unit had previously addressed identical claims on April 27 and January 12, describing them as fake, and reiterated that no such laptop distribution scheme had been launched by the government.
He once again stressed that users should verify such claims through official channels before sharing them further.
