AIIMS issues social media guidelines; bars unauthorised use of name, logo

The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi has issued social media guidelines for students, residents, faculty members, researchers and employees. The institute has laid down strict rules on the use of the institute's name, logo and official branding in bio. AIIMS has also outlined responsibilities related to patient confidentiality, academic integrity and digital conduct.

In an office memorandum dated June 22, 2026, the Academic Section said the Competent Authority has approved the "Comprehensive Social Media Guidelines for Students/Residents and Employees of AIIMS, New Delhi" for immediate implementation. The guidelines are to regulate the responsible use of social media and prevent reputational as well as legal risks arising from unauthorised or inappropriate use of institute name.

AIIMS believe that social media platforms are valuable tools for outreach, engagement and communication. However, it noted that improper use of institutional branding or representation without authorisation can result in reputational damage and legal complications.

Scope of guidelines

The document has been issued to provide guidance to students, residents and employees associated with AIIMS Delhi.

• Students enrolled in any undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral, or super-speciality programs.
• 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.
• Any third-party collaborators or invitees granted temporary or delegated access to the institute.

One of the key provisions concerns the use of the AIIMS name, logo and official branding. The institute has directed that no student, employee or associated body shall use the name "AIIMS, New Delhi", its logo, emblem or official branding in any digital or print format without obtaining prior written approval from the concerned department. Any authorised use of the institute's name or logo must comply with the official branding standards prescribed by AIIMS.

AIIMS branding prohibited in videos

The memorandum further states that unauthorised use includes, but is not limited to, event posters, banners and social media posts, as well as Instagram, Facebook and Twitter handles that suggest official representation. It also prohibits the use of AIIMS branding in videos, reels or blogs created for promotional purposes.

The institute states that this requirement is mandated under the Indian Medical Council Regulations, 2002, and the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.

In addition, the guidelines prohibit the sharing of copyrighted material without proper authorisation or citation. Users must not post or forward content that is harassing, threatening or discriminatory and to comply with the UGC Regulations on Curbing the Menace of Ragging in Higher Educational Institutions, 2009. The memorandum further instructs members of the AIIMS community not to publish obscene, defamatory or hate speech content on social media.

To safeguard academic integrity, AIIMS has prohibited plagiarism and academic dishonesty on social media platforms. Students and employees have also been instructed not to share confidential academic material, including examination questions, answer keys or other sensitive academic documents.

The memorandum also lays down governance norms for official social media accounts managed by student bodies or employees. Such accounts must be registered with the concerned department, and the names, contact details and institutional email IDs of the administrators must be provided. The institute has also directed departments to appoint a Media Coordinator to serve as the point of contact for content approval.

Further, official accounts must clearly indicate whether the content is student-generated or department-generated and should not imply official endorsement unless explicitly stated.