A viral WhatsApp message claims the government has launched a Students Laptop Scheme 2026. It promises free laptops to students and directs them towards a suspicious registration link.
The message reportedly claims that more than 9,60,000 laptops are available.
The Press Information Bureau Fact Check has flagged the claim as fraudulent. Students should not trust or circulate the message.
A #WhatsApp message is circulating with a link claiming to offer free laptops to students under a “Students Laptop Scheme 2026” and urging students to register through the link.#PIBFactCheck
❌ This is a fraudulent message intended to mislead students.
⚠️ Do not click on such… pic.twitter.com/IDZemSLgFP
— PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) September 5, 2026
The alleged scheme does not represent a genuine nationwide government programme.
The message uses a link such as lc.ke/Students-Free-Laptop to direct users towards a registration form.
The fraudulent page appears designed to harvest personal information from unsuspecting students.
The claim exploits genuine student welfare initiatives, making the message appear credible.
The Centre has no national programme matching the description circulated in the WhatsApp message.
Some states run legitimate schemes for meritorious students. Madhya Pradesh, for instance, provides financial incentives of ₹25,000 or devices to eligible high-performing students through official programmes.
These state initiatives, however, differ from the purported nationwide laptop scheme.
PIB has repeatedly debunked similar claims involving free laptops and other student benefits.
Students should verify government announcements through official portals before submitting personal information. They should also avoid clicking unfamiliar registration links shared through WhatsApp or social media.
The PIB Fact Check portal allows citizens to verify suspicious government-related claims.
Also Read: PIB Fact Check Warns Against Fake Supreme Court, Finance Ministry Notice Seeking Money
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