Tamil Nadu Free Laptop Scheme

Scheme Introduction: A Brief Overview

• Tamil Nadu Government launched the "Free Laptop Scheme" (Ulagam Ungal Kaiyil) for college students on 05-01-2026.
• In the 2025–26 budget, the Tamil Nadu government announced that students would receive either a free laptop or a tablet, depending on their preference.
• The scheme aims to bridge the digital gap and provide students with the essential devices they need for learning.
• ELCOT (Electronics Corporation of Tamil Nadu) will oversee and manage all implementation work for the programme.
• The rollout of the Free Laptop Scheme in Tamil Nadu will happen in multiple stages across the state.
• During the first phase, around 20 lakh college students will receive laptops over a two-year period under the Tamil Nadu Government's Free Laptop Scheme.
• Arts, Science, Engineering, Agriculture, and Medical, Law, ITI and Polytechnic students enrolled in government educational institutions in Tamil Nadu are eligible to receive free of cost laptops under this scheme.
• The government has set aside Rs. 2,000 crore in the year 2025-26 budget to implement this scheme effectively.
• The laptops' specifications which will be distributed among students under the Free Laptop Scheme of the Tamil Nadu Government are :-
  • The device has 8 GB DDR4 RAM (2400 MHz or above).
  • A 14-inch or 15.6-inch display.
  • At least three USB ports.
  • A 256 GB SSD for storage.
  • The laptop has 128 MB or more dedicated VRAM.
  • Bluetooth 5.0 or a newer version.
  • A 720p HD webcam.
  • The system runs on Windows 11 Home, Strategic OS, or BOSS Linux.
  • Students will also get a one-year subscription to Microsoft services.
  • The processor will be Intel i3, AMD Ryzen 3, or an ELCOT-approved equivalent.
  • Windows Defender protection for one year.
  • A 1-year comprehensive warranty, covering the battery as well.
  • Each student will also receive a laptop bag.
• The distributed laptops under this scheme will be of Acer, Dell and HP Company.
• The Official Website of Tamil Nadu Free Laptop Scheme is functional. Visit regularly for updates.
  
• No direct channel is applicable to apply for a free laptop under this scheme.
• The selection of beneficiary students to distribute free laptops under the Government of Tamil Nadu's Free Laptop Scheme will be done at the College or University Level.
• Students can also apply for other welfare schemes of the Tamil Nadu Government such as "Pudhumai Penn Scheme" and "Tamizh Pudhalvan Scheme".

Scheme Benefits

• Eligible Students will receive Free Laptops under this Scheme.
• Rs. 30,000/- is the laptop cost which is being distributed among students.

Eligibility Requirement

• Applicant Student should be a Permanent Resident of Tamil Nadu.
• Student must be in the final year of their respective course.
• Eligible Students must have enrolled in any one of the following educational institutions :-
  • Government Arts University or College.
  • Government Agricultural College or University.
  • Government Medical University or College.
  • Government Science or Engineering University/ College.
  • Government ITI or Polytechnic.
  • Government Law University/ College.

Required Documents

• Domicile of Tamil Nadu or Any Residence Proof.
• Mobile Number and Email.
• Annual Income Certificate of a Family.
• Documents Related to Education.
• Proof of Admission in College.
• Aadhaar Card.

Steps to Apply

• The Tamil Nadu Government introduced the Free Laptop Scheme during the presentation of the 2025–2026 State Budget, aiming to strengthen digital learning among students across the state.
• Through this initiative, the government seeks to support students in their academic journey by providing access to essential technological resources.
• On 5 January 2026, Chief Minister Thiru M. K. Stalin officially inaugurated the first phase of the scheme, marking the beginning of laptop distribution to eligible students.
• The government does not operate this scheme through any online application system.
• Students cannot submit applications through a website or digital portal for this benefit.
• Instead, the Tamil Nadu Government implements the scheme directly through colleges, universities, and other recognized educational institutions.
• These institutions play a central role in identifying and coordinating beneficiaries.
• Each college or university prepares a list of eligible students strictly according to the guidelines issued by the government.
• The responsibility of shortlisting students lies with the respective educational institutions.
• After preparing the list, institutional authorities verify the students' academic records, enrollment status, and eligibility details to ensure accuracy and compliance with the scheme norms.
• The government then reviews the verified lists submitted by colleges and finalises the beneficiaries for laptop distribution.
• Once the selection process is complete, the concerned colleges or universities inform the selected students about the date, time, and location of laptop distribution.
• Meanwhile, the state has also prepared a dedicated Portal for the Free Laptop Scheme.
• Beneficiary Students can go through it and check it regularly for updates.
• For any support related to the Tamil Nadu Free Laptop Scheme, students can reach the helpline at 18005999000.

Relevant Links

• Official Website of Free Laptop Scheme Tamil Nadu.
• Electronics Corporation of Tamil Nadu Website.

Contact Information

• Tamil Nadu Free Laptop Scheme Contact Number :- 18005999000.
• Electrics Corporation of Tamil Nadu Contact Numbers.