**Executive Summary**
The Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, issued a notification on November 26, 2025, regarding the circulation of misleading information using MeitY's name, logo, and authority. The notification warns the public about a fake notice circulating on social media related to the use of government recruitment information for commercial purposes and details potential legal repercussions for violations. The notice is effective immediately.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Fake Notice:** 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" is circulating.
* **Unauthorized Activities:** Some individuals/online platforms are falsely using MeitY's name, logo, and authority to circulate misleading information, and misusing official exam names (SSC, RRB, UPSC, IBPS, Defence, State Boards etc.) to sell courses/batches, promote materials, publish unofficial content, and analyze question papers.
* **Advisory to the Public:**
* Do not believe or forward unverified messages claiming to be issued by MeitY.
* Verify information through MeitY's official website and communication channels.
* MeitY has not authorized third parties to collect fees, data, or provide services without official notification.
* **Legal Action:** Strict legal action will be taken against anyone involved in creating or circulating fake information.
* **Reporting Suspicious Content:** Clarifications or suspicious content can be reported via webmaster@meity.gov.in or the official website.
* **Punishments for Violation:**
* **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 ₹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:** Advised to be cautious about unverified messages and information related to MeitY.
* **Action Required:** Verify all information through official MeitY channels and refrain from forwarding unverified content.
**Individuals/Online Platforms Misusing MeitY's Name**
* **Impact:** Subject to strict legal action under the Information Technology Act, Indian Penal Code, Emblems and Names Act, and Consumer Protection Act.
* **Action Required:** Cease all unauthorized activities immediately.
**Social Media Platforms (YouTube, Telegram, Websites, etc.)**
* **Impact:** May face blocking, content removal, and account suspensions under IT Rules 2021 if found hosting or disseminating misleading information.
* **Action Required:** Monitor and remove misleading content, and suspend accounts involved in such activities.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY): The central government ministry issuing the notice regarding the circulation of fake information.
Information Technology Act, 2000: The act under which illegal actions, such as circulating misleading information, can be prosecuted.
Strict Ban on Using Government Recruitment Names, Logos, and Exam Content for Selling Courses or Promotional Activities: The subject of the fake notice being circulated, which claims to prohibit the use of government recruitment information for commercial purposes.
Indian Penal Code (IPC): Relevant legal framework for prosecuting offenses related to impersonation and fraud.
IT Rules 2021: Rules that allows for permanent blocking of YouTube/Telegram channels.
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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