**Executive Summary**
The Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, issued a notification on November 26, 2025, addressing the circulation of fake information, specifically a "Strict Ban on Using Government Recruitment Names, Logos, and Exam Content for Selling Courses or Promotional Activities" notice, dated November 25, 2025. The notification warns against unauthorized use of MeitY's name, logo, and authority and advises caution against unverified information. It outlines potential legal actions for offenders.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Fake Information Circulation:** A fake notice regarding a ban on using government recruitment information for commercial purposes is being circulated.
* **Unauthorized Use:** The use of MeitY's name, logo, or authority to spread misleading information is illegal and punishable under the Information Technology Act, 2000, and other laws.
* **General Public Advisory:**
* Do not believe or forward unverified messages.
* Verify information only through official channels.
* MeitY has not authorized third parties to collect fees or provide offers without notification.
* Individuals involved in creating or spreading fake information will face legal action.
* **Unauthorized Commercial Activities:**
* YouTube channels, Telegram groups, coaching centers, websites, or social media pages are unauthorized to use Government Recruitment Board names, emblems, or exam content for commercial purposes or promotional activities.
* Misuse includes selling courses, promoting materials, publishing unofficial keys, analyzing papers, and creating "official-looking" content.
* **Punishments for Violations:**
* **Indian Penal Code (IPC):**
* Section 170: Impersonation of a public authority (Up to 2 years imprisonment + fine)
* Section 420: Cheating and fraud (Up to 7 years imprisonment + fine)
* **IT Act, 2000:** Section 66D: Online impersonation / cheating (Up to 3 years imprisonment + 1,00,000 fine)
* **Emblems & Names Act, 1950:** Improper use of government names/emblems (Fine up to ₹5,000 and/or 6 months imprisonment)
* **Consumer Protection Act, 2019:** Misleading advertisements (Fine up to ₹10 lakh + account suspension)
* **Platform Action (IT Rules 2021):** Permanent blocking of YouTube/Telegram channels, removal of misleading content, suspension of accounts involved
**Impact Analysis**
**General Public and Stakeholders Impact**
* **Impact:** Must be cautious about unverified information related to MeitY and government recruitment.
* **Action Required:** Verify all information through official MeitY channels.
**Individuals/Online Platforms Using Government Recruitment Information Commercially**
* **Impact:** Strict ban on unauthorized use of government names, logos, and exam content. Subject to legal penalties.
* **Action Required:** Cease all unauthorized commercial activities using government recruitment related content immediately.
**Social Media Platforms (YouTube, Telegram, etc.)**
* **Impact:** Subject to platform action including permanent blocking, removal of misleading content and suspension of accounts involved.
* **Action Required:** Implement measures to identify and remove unauthorized and misleading content, and cooperate with MeitY in addressing the issue.
Key Entities Referenced
IT Rules 2021: Rules prescribing actions for platforms to take against misuse of official government recruitment content.
Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY): The government ministry issuing the notification regarding the circulation of fake information.
Information Technology Act, 2000: Law under which falsely using the name, logo, and authority of MeitY is considered an offense.
Indian Penal Code (IPC): Criminal code under which impersonation of a public authority or cheating and fraud are punishable.
Consumer Protection Act, 2019: Act under which misleading advertisements are punishable.
Government of India
Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY)
MeitY Website Cell
New Delhi-110003
Dated: 26.11.2025
NOTIFICATION
Subject: Circulation of Fake Information in the Name of the Ministry of Electronics &
Information Technology
It has come to the notice of the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY)
that fake Notice having subject Strict Ban on Using Government Recruitment Names,
Logos, and Exam Content for Selling Courses or Promotional Activities dated 25
November, 2025 (Fake Notice attached at page no. 2) is being circulated through social
media (WhatsApp) which has no significance. Certain individuals and/or online platforms are
circulating misleading and unauthorized information by falsely using the name, logo, and
authority of Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY). Such actions are
illegal and constitute a serious offense under the Information Technology Act, 2000 and other
applicable laws.
The general public and stakeholders are hereby advised:
1. Do not believe or forward any unverified messages, advertisements, or
communications claiming to be issued by MeitY.
2. Always verify information only through the official website and communication
channels of the Ministry.
3. MeitY has not authorized any third party to collect fees, personal data, or provide
job offers, subsidies, grants, or digital services without official notification.
4. Any person found involved in the creation or circulation of fake information will face
strict legal action.
For any clarification or to report suspicious content, please contact at email
webmaster@meity.gov.in or Official Website link https://www.meity.gov.in
The Ministry urges all citizens to remain cautious and help in preventing the spread of
misinformation in cyberspace.
Tulika Pandey (Ms)
Scientist 'G' & Group Coordinator
(HRD Division, RajBhasha Section, Gender budgeting, NIELIT & ERNET)
Chief Information Officer & Web Master
Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, Government of India
Electronics Niketan, 6 CGO Complex New Delhi - 110 003
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