
A WhatsApp and social media message is going around stating that the Government of India has issued a "Free Smart Tablet Scheme 2024-25" for students of 8th, 10th, and 12th classes, as well as undergraduates, postgraduates, and diploma students. The message directs users to apply through links given, assuring free tablets for online education and skill upgradation.
Official government schemes have official URLs ending with http://gov.in/ & http://nic.in/
Example: https://pmaymis.gov.in (for PMAY), https://scholarships.gov.in (for scholarships).
These unofficial links always redirect to imitation sites that are made to steal information or for installing malware.
There have been similar "free laptop/tablet/scholarship" scams in the past, preying on the hopes of students and parents. These are regularly busted by independent fact-checkers and cybersecurity professionals.
Check always
If a scheme is not available on these websites, it is highly likely to be fake.
The fake viral news regarding a "Free Smart Tablet Scheme 2024-25" by the Indian Government is totally false.
Don't click on the link, and don't share your personal data. Always check any scheme through official government websites or authentic news channels.