A WhatsApp message claiming that the Indian Government is offering free laptops to students under the 'National Student Laptop Scheme 2026' has been identified as a hoax by the Press Information Bureau (PIB). The message falsely asserts that 960,000 students will benefit from this scheme, which is designed to assist financially disadvantaged pupils. However, PIB confirmed that no such scheme exists and warned that the message is intended to collect personal and financial information from students. Students are urged to refrain from sharing unverified messages and to verify information through official channels. While there is no national initiative for free laptops, some Indian states, including Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh, do provide electronic devices to meritorious or financially needy students after they achieve notable academic success. For instance, the Delhi government previously distributed laptops to 1,200 high-achieving Class 10 students. Students are reminded to remain vigilant against potential scams.