**Executive Summary**
This notification, dated November 26, 2025, from the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), addresses the circulation of fake information and the misuse of government recruitment materials for commercial purposes. It advises the general public and stakeholders to verify information and warns of strict legal action against offenders.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Misinformation Alert:**
* Fake notices are being circulated via social media, falsely using MeitY's name, logo, and authority.
* Specifically targets a fake notice dated November 25, 2025, regarding a "Strict Ban on Using Government Recruitment Names, Logos, and Exam Content for Selling Courses or Promotional Activities."
* **Advisory to the Public:**
* Do not believe or forward unverified messages claiming to be issued by MeitY.
* Verify information only through MeitY's official website and communication channels.
* MeitY has not authorized third parties to collect fees, personal data, or provide job offers/subsidies without official notification.
* **Prohibited Activities:**
* Unauthorized use of government recruitment names, emblems, or exam content (notifications, question papers, answer keys, cutoffs, etc.) for commercial or promotional purposes.
* Selling paid courses/batches, promoting study materials, publishing unofficial keys/cutoffs, analyzing previous papers, and creating "official-looking" content using government exam names.
* **Legal Consequences:**
* Violators will face strict legal action under various laws.
* *Indian Penal Code (IPC)*: Section 170 (Impersonation) - Up to 2 years imprisonment + fine. Section 420 (Cheating) - 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 25,000 and/or 6 months imprisonment.
* *Consumer Protection Act, 2019*: Misleading advertisements - Fine up to 10 lakh + account suspension.
* *IT Rules 2021*: Permanent blocking of YouTube/Telegram channels, removal of misleading content, and suspension of accounts involved.
**Impact Analysis**
**General Public**
* **Impact:** Risk of being misled by fake information and fraudulent schemes.
* **Action Required:** Verify information through official channels and avoid forwarding unverified messages.
**Online Platforms (YouTube, Telegram, Social Media)**
* **Impact:** Increased scrutiny and potential blocking/suspension for allowing misuse of government information.
* **Action Required:** Monitor content, remove misleading material, and suspend accounts involved in the misuse of government data.
**Individuals and Coaching Centers**
* **Impact:** Potential legal penalties for using government recruitment materials for commercial purposes.
* **Action Required:** Cease all unauthorized use of government names, logos, and exam content for selling courses or promotional activities.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY): The central government ministry issuing the notification regarding the misuse of its name and resources.
Information Technology Act, 2000: Law under which the actions of circulating misleading information using the ministry's name are considered illegal and a serious offense.
IT Rules 2021: Rules under which platforms can take action against misuse of content, including blocking channels and suspending accounts.
Strict Ban on Using Government Recruitment Names, Logos, and Exam Content for Selling Courses or Promotional Activities: Subject of fake notice being circulated that triggered this notification.
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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