Fact Check: Government Has Not Announced Any Free Laptop Scheme for Students in 2026

Claim: The Government of India has invited applications from students for free laptops under the “National Student Laptop Scheme 2026.”

Verdict: Fake

What is the claim?

A message circulating on WhatsApp and other social media platforms claims that the Government of India has launched the “National Student Laptop Scheme 2026.”

According to the viral message, students can apply for free laptops through a government-backed programme.

The claim has prompted concerns about whether the scheme is genuine and whether students should share their personal details to register.

What did we find?

The Press Information Bureau’s Fact Check unit (PIB Fact Check) has rejected the claim.

In a post on X on September 21, 2026, PIB Fact Check clarified that the Government of India has not announced any scheme called the “National Student Laptop Scheme 2026.”

The government has also not invited applications from students for free laptops under such a programme.

Factcheck India described the circulating claim as fake and warned people against responding to such messages.

Factcheck India warns against online fraud

The government’s fact-checking unit cautioned that fraudsters often use attractive offers—including free laptops, scholarships and cash benefits—to persuade people to share sensitive information.

Such messages may be designed to collect:

• Personal details
• Banking information
• Financial information
• Other sensitive data

Factcheck India advises users to exercise caution before clicking on links or submitting information through unverified forms.

How did the false claim spread?

The clarification followed the circulation of a WhatsApp message claiming that students could apply for free laptops through the alleged national scheme.

The message used the name of the Government of India to appear credible. However, PIB Fact Check confirmed that no such programme had been officially announced.

Students should verify claims about government schemes through official government websites and verified government communication channels.

Conclusion

The viral message claiming that the Government of India has launched the “National Student Laptop Scheme 2026” is false.Factcheck India confirms that no such scheme has been announced and that the government has not invited applications for free laptops under the programme. People should avoid sharing personal or financial details in response to unverified offers circulated through WhatsApp or social media.