free laptop scheme for students 2025-26

What is the scheme?

Budget allocation & scale
In the Tamil Nadu Budget 2025–26, the state government allocated ₹2,000 crore for this scheme, aiming to distribute 20 lakh free laptops (or tablets) over two years, with half in the first year and the rest next year.

Specifications & procurement details

Device specs:

• Processor: Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 (minimum 4 cores, 8 threads); launched between Jan 2022–Jun 2024

• Memory: 8 GB RAM.

• Storage: SSD, 256 GB.

• Display: 14″ or 15.6″.

• USB‑C port, 720p HD webcam, & integrated graphics with at least 128 MB VRAM

  Tender process:

• ELCOT floated an international tender to procure the first 10 lakh laptops. Bidders must supply at least 1 lakh units each and meet financial/production thresholds (e.g.₹200 crore turnover & capacity of 1 lakh units/year)

• Laptops must include tamper-proof logos, BIOS-level tracking, and have a one-year warranty plus three years of after-sales support via 63+ service centers

Scheme goals & context

The revival and upgrade of earlier efforts:
The Amma Free Laptop Scheme (2011–17) distributed dual-core, 2 GB RAM laptops (~51 lakh units)

Now offering mid-spec, modern devices capable of video editing and 4K playback — reflecting technological advancement since earlier distributions

Boosts local PC manufacturing/assembly ("Make in India" push) and supports the domestic PC market by injecting up to 7–8% additional volume

What’s next?

• Vendors respond to the tender by June 26.

• E‑bids open the same day; deliveries expected within six months post-order.

• Second phase: another 10 lakh laptops likely to follow next fiscal, matching similar specs and timeline.

  
  

  Here are the eligibility criteria for the Tamil Nadu Free Laptop Scheme 2025:

  Apply link - Click here

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  ✅ Eligibility Criteria (Expected Based on Previous Scheme & Current Updates)

  1. Domicile:

     • Student must be a resident of Tamil Nadu.

  2. Educational Institution:

     • Must be studying in a government or government-aided:

       • Arts & Science College

       • Engineering College

       • Polytechnic College

       • Medical College

       • Agricultural / Law / Other professional colleges under govt control

  3. Year of Study:

     • Priority will likely be given to first-year students.

     • In some cases, final-year students may also be eligible if not provided earlier.

  4. Course Type:

     • Undergraduate (UG) and Diploma students are eligible.

     • Full-time regular courses only (not correspondence or private).

  5. Income Criteria:

     • In the earlier scheme, no strict income cap was applied, but preference may be given to students from economically weaker sections (EWS).

  6. Academic Performance:

     • No minimum marks have been specified yet, but students must be enrolled and attending classes.

  7. One-Time Benefit:

     • The student should not have received a laptop previously under any government scheme.

  8. Valid ID Proofs Required:

     • Aadhaar Card

     • College ID

     • Admission Certificate / Bonafide Certificate