AIIMS New Delhi warns doctors, students against unauthorised social media use of institute name, branding

New Delhi: The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, has released comprehensive social media guidelines for students, resident doctors, faculty members and employees, laying down rules for the use of the institute's name, logo and branding on digital platforms.

Issuing an office memorandum on June 22, 2026, AIIMS said the guidelines have been approved by the competent authority and will be implemented with immediate effect.

The guidelines have been issued to avoid improper use of institutional branding or representation without authorisation which can lead to reputational damage and legal complications since social media platforms are powerful tools for outreach, engagement, and communication.

The guidelines apply to undergraduate and postgraduate students, super-speciality trainees, resident doctors, student associations, societies, clubs, and organising committees recognised by AIIMS (ASA, RDA, SYS, etc.), faculty members, researchers, and administrative staff who communicate on behalf of or in connection with AIIMS, departments, centres, and institutional bodies operating official or semi-official digital communication channels and any third-party collaborators or invitees granted temporary or delegated access to the institute.

Use of AIIMS name and logo

The institute has stated that no student, employee or affiliated body can use the name "AIIMS, New Delhi", its logo, emblem or official branding in any digital or print form without prior written approval from the concerned department.

The institute said unauthorised use includes event posters, banners, social media posts, and social media handles on platforms such as Instagram, Facebook and X that may create an impression of official representation. Videos, reels and blogs using AIIMS branding for promotional purposes have also been covered under the restrictions.

"Any use of the name/logo must align with official branding standards prescribed by AIIMS," the guidelines read.

Legal and Ethical Compliance

The guidelines also place importance on patient confidentiality. Students, doctors and employees have been directed not to post, share or discuss any patient information, photographs or case details on social media, even if the patient is not identified, in line with the Indian Medical Council Regulations and the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.

Further, the institute has prohibited sharing copyrighted material without proper authorisation and has warned against posting content that is harassing, threatening, discriminatory, obscene, defamatory or amounts to hate speech. It asked to comply with UGC Regulations on Curbing the Menace of Ragging in Higher Education Institutions, 2009.

Under academic integrity provisions, AIIMS has instructed students and staff not to engage in plagiarism or academic dishonesty on social media and not to share examination questions, answer keys or confidential academic material.

For official social media accounts, AIIMS has directed student bodies and employees to register their accounts with the concerned department, provide details of administrators and appoint a media coordinator for content approval. Such accounts must clearly state whether the content is student-generated or department-generated and should not disclose confidential or sensitive institutional information.

"Avoid political, religious, or defamatory material, maintain a respectful and professional tone aligned with AIIMS values and sponsored content or collaborations with external brands require special clearance," mentioned the guidelines.

Legal and Disciplinary provisions

Warning of disciplinary consequences, AIIMS stated that misuse of its identity may attract legal action. Internal action may include written warnings, suspension of association or access privileges, derecognition of student bodies and ban on participation in institutional events or denial of permission to such activities

The memorandum further states that the concerned department reserves the right to monitor social media platforms for compliance. In cases of violation, a takedown notice may be issued and the content must be removed within 12 hours.

AIIMS has directed all heads of departments and centres to circulate the guidelines among faculty members, residents, research staff, students and administrative personnel for immediate compliance.

"These guidelines are binding on all students/residents, employees, and associations functioning under the AIIMS, New Delhi umbrella. Non-adherence will invite appropriate institutional or legal action. In this context, all Heads of Departments (HoDs)/Chiefs of Centres (CoCs) are requested to circulate these guidelines among all faculty members, residents, research staff, students, administrative personnel, and other employees under their administrative control for immediate compliance," the memorandum added.

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