Fact Check

PIB Fact Check Debunks Viral ‘National Student Laptop Scheme 2026’ Claim

The Press Information Bureau’s Fact Check unit has dismissed a viral WhatsApp message claiming that the Government of India has launched a ‘National Student Laptop Scheme 2026’ offering free laptops to students nationwide.

PIB Fact Check clarified that the central government has announced no such programme.

💻 Free laptops for students?

A WhatsApp message is circulating claiming that the Government is accepting applications for free laptops under the ‘National Student Laptop Scheme 2026’.#PIBFactCheck:

❌ This claim is #FAKE.

✅ The Government of India has NOT announced any… pic.twitter.com/uZ9iPy5JRL

— PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) June 4, 2026

Officials urged students and parents to remain cautious and avoid engaging with misleading online claims.

According to the fact-checking agency, the fraudulent message includes a suspicious online application form that directs users to unverified websites.

The message circulates links such as achieve-dream. online and bxly.ke/Students-Free-Laptop and encourages students to submit personal information.

Authorities warned that such links appear designed to collect sensitive details from applicants under the guise of government assistance. They advised citizens to verify information through official government channels before sharing personal or financial data online.

The clarification comes amid growing concerns over digital scams targeting students and job seekers.

Fraudsters frequently exploit the popularity of government welfare schemes to attract unsuspecting users and gather personal information.

PIB Fact Check emphasised that no nationwide laptop distribution programme for all students is currently operational in 2026.

The agency urged the public not to trust or forward unverified messages circulating on social media and messaging platforms.

While certain state governments have introduced laptop distribution initiatives for specific beneficiary groups, these schemes remain limited in scope.

Some programmes support meritorious students, while others assist visually impaired learners or selected educational categories.

Officials stressed that these state-level initiatives should not be confused.

Also Read: PIB Fact Check Debunks Claims Of RBI Selling $12 Billion Worth Of Gold

Pragati Upadhyay

I report stories and occasionally rescue facts from chaos. By profession, I’m a journalist; by conviction, a social worker who believes words should move people, not just headlines. I question power, celebrate ordinary heroes, and sometimes irritate the comfortable. If truth had a shift, I’d probably be working overtime.