A message claiming to offer free laptops to students has been widely circulated online. The message asks students to apply under the supposed ‘National Student Laptop Scheme 2026’, giving the impression that the programme has been launched by the Centre.
However, the claim is fake, according to the Press Information Bureau’s Fact Check Unit.
PIB Fact Check debunks viral claim
PIB Fact Check said the Government of India has neither announced a scheme called ‘National Student Laptop Scheme 2026’ nor invited applications from students for free laptops.
The clarification came after the message began circulating through WhatsApp and other social media platforms. The viral post reportedly used the name of the Government of India to make the offer appear official.
💻 Did you come across the Free Laptop Scheme message?
⚠️ A #WhatsApp message is being circulated claiming that the Government has invited applications from students for free laptops under the ‘National Student Laptop Scheme 2026.’#PIBFactCheck
❌This claim is #FAKE .
✅ The… pic.twitter.com/tToU3fxmzq
— PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) September 21, 2026
The PIB Fact Check Unit advised people to be cautious about such messages and verify government schemes through official sources before sharing personal information or submitting applications.
Warning about fraudsters
The government also warned that fake offers involving free laptops, scholarships and cash benefits can be used by fraudsters to obtain sensitive information.
Such messages may ask users to provide personal details, banking information or other data through links or forms. Users should therefore avoid clicking on suspicious links or sharing financial information based solely on social media messages.
The PIB Fact Check Unit has previously advised people to verify information related to government schemes through authorised government platforms. The unit checks claims concerning the Government of India against official sources, including government websites, notifications and other authorised communications.
Genuine student schemes are available
The clarification does not mean that the government has no education-related assistance for students. Several genuine scholarship and educational support programmes are currently operated by different ministries.
For example, the National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship Scheme (NMMSS) is an official government scholarship programme. For the 2026-27 academic year, applications are being processed through the National Scholarship Portal, with eligible students receiving financial assistance subject to the scheme’s conditions.
However, this scholarship programme is separate from the alleged ‘National Student Laptop Scheme 2026’.
How to check government schemes
The PIB Fact Check Unit recommends checking suspicious claims through official government sources before believing or sharing them. The unit also accepts complaints about information related to the Government of India through its official fact-checking channels.
Verdict: Fake
The claim that the Government of India has invited applications for free laptops under the ‘National Student Laptop Scheme 2026’ is false. PIB Fact Check has confirmed that no such scheme has been announced.
