Tamil Nadu Government has announced the launch of the Tamil Nadu Free Laptop Scheme 2025 for students. Under this scheme, the state government will provide free laptops to 20 lakh students in the state in 2 years. The state government has already finalized the tender with Acer, Dell, and HP for laptop supply and is currently testing the new ERP system to track beneficiaries, distribution, and grievances. The scheme will be managed by Electronics Corporation of Tamil Nadu (ELCOT) using an ERP system and mobile app while it is being run by the Higher Education Department of the Tamil Nadu Government.
The government has set a budget of ₹2,000 crore for 2025-26 for this scheme, with a similar amount to be allocated next year. Students studying in Tamil Nadu colleges who meet eligibility criteria will get brand-new laptops with modern specifications to support their studies and skill development. The first batch is under production and is expected to reach colleges for testing by December 2025, with official distribution planned from February to March 2026.
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What is Tamil Nadu Free Laptop Scheme 2025?
Tamil Nadu Free Laptop Scheme 2025 is a major digital education plan launched to bridge the technology gap and give students equal access to modern learning tools. It aims to help college students gain essential digital skills for higher studies, coding, and jobs. The scheme will distribute high-performance laptops made by Acer, Dell, and HP to students in government and government-aided colleges across the state.
The main objective of this free laptop scheme is to make modern technology available to every student so they can learn coding, attend online classes, prepare presentations, or research using the internet. With this scheme, the Tamil Nadu Government is investing in the youth and taking another big step towards digital learning and equal education access.
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Latest Updates About Free Laptop Scheme of Tamil Nadu
- Laptop distribution to start from February 2026 after testing in January.
- Government finalized supply deal with Acer, Dell and HP for high-spec laptops.
- Each laptop will have 15-inch display, Intel i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 processor, 8-12 GB RAM and 256 GB SSD.
- First batch ready by December 2025, to undergo quality check by Anna University, IIT Madras and NIC team.
- Students can choose between a laptop or tablet as per course requirements.
- ERP and mobile app tracking to handle beneficiary verification, delivery and grievances.
- College principals will approve beneficiary lists after final delivery.
- Warranty and service support requests can be raised through the ERP portal or mobile app.
Highlights of Tamil Nadu Free Laptop Scheme
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Tamil Nadu Free Laptop Scheme 2025 |
| Launched by | Tamil Nadu State Government |
| Announced by | Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu (Budget 2025-26) |
| Target Beneficiaries | College students (Arts, Science, Engineering, Medical, Agriculture, Polytechnic) |
| Total Beneficiaries | 20 lakh students in two years |
| Budget Allocation | ₹2,000 crore (2025-26) + ₹2,000 crore (2026-27) |
| Suppliers | Acer, Dell & HP |
| Device Type | Laptop / Tablet (choice of student) |
| Device Specs | Intel i3 / AMD Ryzen 3, 8-12 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD, HD Camera, Office 365 |
| Distribution Timeline | February-March 2026 |
| Monitoring | ERP Portal & Mobile App by ELCOT |
Benefits of Tamil Nadu Free Laptop Scheme
- Gives students access to modern technology and digital tools for studies.
- Reduces digital gap for students from rural and low-income families.
- Helps students learn coding, research skills, and digital presentation techniques.
- Makes online learning and exam preparation easier from anywhere.
- Pre-installed Office 365 and learning apps help in projects and assignments.
- Latest hardware ensures good performance for the next few years.
Technical Specifications of Laptops
These laptops will now come with upgraded configurations suitable for advanced study, software use, and online learning. Here are the updated specs finalized under the new tender:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 (latest generation) |
| RAM | 8 GB to 12 GB |
| Storage | 256 GB SSD (for fast boot and smooth performance) |
| Display | 15-inch HD screen |
| Camera | HD webcam (720p) |
| Software | Windows OS pre-installed with educational tools |
| Office Suite | Microsoft Office 365 (1-year free license) |
| Warranty | Manufacturer warranty handled through ERP portal |
| Extras | Antivirus, Learning Apps and Tech Support via Mobile App |
Budget Allocation & Targets
The Tamil Nadu Government has set aside ₹2,000 crore for 2025-26 and another ₹2,000 crore for 2026-27. Around 10 lakh students per year will get laptops, covering a total of 20 lakh students by March 2027. Colleges across Arts, Science, Engineering, Agriculture and Medical streams are included in this state-wide distribution drive.
Distribution Process & Tracking of Laptops via ERP
Every laptop will be tracked digitally through the state’s ERP system developed by ELCOT. The system will manage the entire workflow from supplier to student and also allow real-time tracking of delivery and service requests. Expert committees from Anna University, IIT Madras, and NIC will check quality before final dispatch in February 2026.
Students can log in to the ERP portal or mobile app to see their application status and delivery date. In case of any technical issue, they can raise a ticket for repair or replacement within the warranty period. This system ensures transparency and timely support for every beneficiary.
Apply Online for Tamil Nadu Free Laptop Scheme
The online application process will open once the portal is live. Meanwhile, colleges have already submitted eligible student data to ELCOT. If an individual application option is enabled, follow these steps:
STEP 1: Visit the official Tamil Nadu Free Laptop Scheme portal (link to be updated soon).
STEP 2: Click on ‘Apply Online for Free Laptop Scheme’ on the homepage.
STEP 3: Fill the application form with name, Aadhaar, college name, course details and contact info.
STEP 4: Upload required documents such as ID card, photo and bonafide certificate.
STEP 5: Click ‘Submit’ and note down your application ID for future tracking.
STEP 6: Track your status using the ERP portal or mobile app once it launches.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicant must be a permanent resident of Tamil Nadu.
- Must be studying in a recognized college (Arts, Science, Engineering, Medical, Agriculture, Polytechnic).
- Scheme applicable for students only – not teachers or private institutions.
- Preference likely for first- and second-year students.
Documents Required
- Aadhaar Card (proof of identity and residence)
- College ID Card / Bonafide Certificate
- Recent Photograph
- Bank Account Details (for service registration)
- Other documents if requested on portal
Contact Details & Official Website
Implementing Agency: Electronics Corporation of Tamil Nadu (ELCOT) and Department of Higher Education
Official Website: To be announced (https://elcot.in/)
Helpdesk/Support: Contact Higher Education Department
Mobile App: Launching soon for application tracking and service support
FAQs
When will the Tamil Nadu Free Laptop Scheme start?
The scheme will begin in February 2026 after testing and quality checks are completed in January 2026.
Which companies are supplying the laptops?
Laptops will be supplied by Acer, Dell and HP under state tender finalized by ELCOT.
How many students will get laptops?
A total of 20 lakh students over two years (10 lakh each year).
What are the laptop specifications?
Each laptop will include a 15-inch screen, Intel i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 processor, 8-12 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD, HD camera, Windows OS, and educational apps.
How to apply for the Tamil Nadu Free Laptop Scheme online?
Students can apply through the official portal once live. Fill in details, upload documents, and track application via ERP portal or mobile app.
What if there’s an issue with the laptop?
Students can raise a complaint or service request via the ERP system or mobile app during warranty.
Is the device free for all college students?
Yes, it is completely free for eligible students listed as verified beneficiaries by their colleges.
Government free laptops