The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi has introduced a comprehensive social media policy that prohibits students, faculty, staff and affiliated bodies from using the institute's name, logo, emblem or branding on social media platforms and promotional material without prior written approval.

The new guidelines are aimed at regulating the use of AIIMS' institutional identity across digital platforms while ensuring that official communication remains accurate, responsible and aligned with the institute's values.

Who will be covered by the new AIIMS policy?

The social media policy applies to:

• Undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral and super-speciality students.
• Student associations, societies and recognised bodies such as ASA, RDA and SYS.
• Faculty members, researchers and administrative staff communicating on behalf of AIIMS.
• Departments, centres and institutional bodies operating official or semi-official digital platforms.
• Third-party collaborators and individuals granted temporary access to AIIMS communication channels.

Approval mandatory before using AIIMS branding

Under the revised guidelines, no individual or organisation associated with AIIMS can use the institute's name, logo, emblem or official branding in digital or print formats without obtaining prior written permission from the concerned department.

The restriction covers a wide range of communication materials, including:

• Social media accounts on platforms such as Instagram, Facebook and X.
• Event posters, banners and promotional creatives.
• Videos, reels, podcasts and blogs carrying AIIMS branding.
• Publicity material prepared for institutional events or collaborations.

New registration and content approval process

Student organisations and departments operating official social media accounts must now comply with additional administrative requirements.

They will be required to:

• Register official social media accounts with the concerned department.
• Submit the names, contact details and institutional email IDs of account administrators.
• Appoint a designated Media Coordinator responsible for content approval.
• Clearly state whether content is student-generated or department-generated unless officially endorsed by AIIMS.

The institute has also instructed users to avoid posting confidential institutional information, politically sensitive or religious content, defamatory material, or any communication that could harm the institute's reputation.

Sponsored posts, promotional collaborations and partnerships with external brands will require separate institutional approval.

AIIMS warns of disciplinary and legal action

The institute has warned that misuse of its name, logo or institutional identity, or violations of the new social media policy, may invite both disciplinary and legal consequences.

Possible disciplinary measures include:

• Written warnings.
• Suspension of institutional privileges or association.
• Derecognition of student organisations or societies.
• Restriction or denial of permission to organise institutional events.
• Legal action in cases involving unauthorised use of AIIMS branding or serious policy violations.

Why the new policy matters

The latest guidelines reflect a growing trend among higher educational institutions to strengthen governance over their digital identity as social media becomes an increasingly influential communication platform.

By introducing a structured approval process, AIIMS aims to prevent unauthorised use of its brand, reduce the risk of misinformation, and ensure that official communication maintains professional standards while protecting the institute's reputation.