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 issued the tender for the procurement of 10 thousand laptops and is working on the ERP system to track and manage the scheme progress, beneficiaries list and grievances. The scheme will be managed by Electronics Corporation of Tamil Nadu using the new ERP system and mobile app while it is being run by the Higher Education Department of Karnataka Government.
The state government has set a budget of ₹2,000 crore for the year 2025-26 for implementation of this scheme and similar allocation will be made for the next year. If you are studying in a college in Tamil Nadu and meet the eligibility criteria for the free laptop scheme, then, you can get a brand new laptop with high specifications to assist you in your studies or work.
What is Tamil Nadu Free Laptop Scheme 2025?
Tamil Nadu Free Laptop Scheme 2025 is a flagship initiative by the Tamil Nadu Government to bridge the digital divide and provide modern, high-performance laptops to eligible college students across the state. This scheme aims to empower students with access to the latest technology, online learning, and essential digital skills needed for the current job market.
The main objective of this laptop scheme is to put modern technology into the hands of every young student, making sure they are ready to compete in today’s digital world. This free laptop scheme of Tamil Nadu government could be a game changer for thousands of students. After getting free laptops under this scheme, the students will be able to learn coding, attend virtual classes, prepare presentations, or simply browse the internet for assignments or use it for any other work related to their studies or work. With this free laptop scheme, the state government of Tamil Nadu is investing in the future of students and working to bridge the digital divide.
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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 in Tamil Nadu (Arts, Science, Engineering, Medical, Agriculture, Polytechnics) |
| Total Beneficiaries | 20 lakh students (over 2 years) |
| Budget Allocation | ₹2,000 crore (2025) + similar for 2026 |
| Device Type | Laptop or Tablet (student’s choice) |
| Device Specs | Intel Core i3 / AMD Ryzen or better, 8GB RAM, SSD, HD Camera, Office 365 |
| Application Mode | Online via official portal |
| Monitoring | End-to-end ERP and mobile app |
| Implementation | Managed by Electronics Corporation of Tamil Nadu (ELCOT) |
Benefits of Tamil Nadu Free Laptop Scheme
- Empowers students with access to the latest technology and internet.
- Bridges the digital divide for underprivileged and rural youth.
- Helps students learn IT skills, code, and research for academics and jobs.
- Enables online learning, e-classes, and exam prep from anywhere.
- Free Office 365 helps students prepare assignments, projects, and presentations.
- Future-proof specs ensure laptops remain fast and useful for years.
Technical Specifications of Laptops
Under the earlier free laptop schemes in the state, only basic dual-core laptops were given, but this scheme will provide laptops with modern specs suitable for video editing, 4K playback, and coding. Below is the detailed specifications of the laptops which may be provided under this new scheme.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Processor | Minimum Intel Core i3 (latest generation) or AMD Ryzen (Quad-core or better) |
| RAM | 8 GB (much higher than 2GB in earlier schemes) |
| Storage | SSD (Solid State Drive) for fast performance |
| Display | 14 Inch or 15.6 Inch screen |
| Ports | At least one USB-C port |
| Camera | HD (720p) video camera |
| Software | Dual Boot: Windows Starter Edition (1-year license) + Linux (Tamil) |
| Office Suite | Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, Teams – 1 year) |
| Educational Apps | Loaded on both Windows & Linux |
| Warranty | Manufacturer warranty, with service request via portal |
| Extras | Antivirus for 1 year, open-source educational tools |
Free Software vs Proprietary
- Both Windows and Linux will be provided as dual-boot options.
- Educational advocates suggest more emphasis on free and open-source software for flexibility and lower recurring cost.
- Office 365 subscription and Windows license are free for one year; students may later switch to Linux or renew as per need.
Budget Allocation & Targets
Tamil Nadu free laptop scheme 2025 is not just a small initiative, but a massive state-wide project backed by a substantial budget and ambitious targets. The state government has allocated a total of ₹2,000 crore in the current financial year just for this scheme, which shows how committed they are to making this vision a reality. Another ₹2,000 crore is expected to be allocated in the next year 2026-27 budget cycle to continue the scheme into the following year.
The goal is to provide 20 lakh (2 million) laptops or tablets to eligible college students across Tamil Nadu within the next two years. This means that in each phase, 2025 and 2026, about 10 lakh students will be covered. The scheme targets students from various streams including arts, science, engineering, agriculture, medicine, and polytechnic colleges.
Distribution Process & Tracking of Laptops via ERP
Distribution of laptops under the Tamil Nadu Free Laptop Scheme 2025 will be designed to be smooth, efficient, and transparent. To handle the delivery of lakhs of laptops to students in thousands of colleges across the state, Tamil Nadu government has adopted a modern, end-to-end Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. This advanced online system will work as a digital backbone for the entire process.
From the moment students apply online for this free laptop scheme, their details are entered into this ERP portal, which is managed by the Electronics Corporation of Tamil Nadu (ELCOT). The ERP tracks each step: from procurement and logistics to delivery scheduling, beneficiary verification, and even after-sales support. Every device is mapped and tracked from the supplier’s warehouse to student’s college and then to the hands of the student. Heads of colleges will play a key role by verifying and approving the beneficiary lists, ensuring that laptops reach only eligible students.
Even students will be able to monitor the status of their application and delivery in real time. If students face any issues, like receiving a faulty laptop or needing technical support, they can raise a service request directly through the portal or soon-to-be-launched mobile app. The ERP will also helps the government generate monthly delivery schedules, monitor the performance of vendors, and track service and warranty claims throughout the device’s life cycle.
Latest Updates About Free Laptop Scheme of Tamil Nadu
- The first phase tender for 10 lakh laptops is floated internationally.
- Device specs raised to modern standards, allowing 4K video, video editing, and coding.
- Students now get a choice between a laptop or tablet, as per their study needs.
- ERP and mobile app tracking ensures zero leakages and quick grievance redressal.
- Heads of colleges will approve beneficiary list after delivery.
- Service and warranty issues can be directly raised by students on the app.
Apply Online for Tamil Nadu Free Laptop Scheme
All eligible students can follow the below step by step Tamil Nadu free laptop scheme apply online process:
Visit the Official Portal: First, go to the apply online link of Tamil Nadu Free Laptop Scheme at the official portal of scheme (Link updating soon).
Click on “Apply Online”: On the homepage of the portal, click on the ‘Apply Online for Free Laptop Scheme‘ button.
Fill the Application Form: In the new page, application form for the laptop scheme will open, enter all required details like name, Aadhaar number, college details, course, contact info, etc.
Upload Documents: Attach scanned copies of all the required documents.
Submit Application: After entering all the information and attaching the documents, review everything once again and click “Submit” button.
Application Submitted: You application is now complete, the concerned department will check your documents and details. You will get the application ID or acknowledgement number after the application. Use your application ID, Aadhaar or mobile number to track the status of your free laptop scheme application on the ERP portal or mobile app.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Tamil Nadu Free Laptop Scheme 2025, the following eligibility conditions could be set by the government:
- Applicant student must be a permanent resident of Tamil Nadu.
- Student must be currently enrolled in a college (arts, science, engineering, agriculture, medical, or polytechnic) in Tamil Nadu.
- The scheme is for students only (not faculty or private institutions).
- Preference may be given to first-year or second-year students.
Documents Required
Following documents might be required for application under the Tamil Nadu free laptop scheme
- Aadhaar Card (as proof of identity and residence)
- College ID Card / Bonafide Certificate
- Bank Account Details (for warranty/service registration)
- Recent Photograph
- Other Documents as specified on the portal (if any)
Contact Details & Official Website
- Implementing Agency: Electronics Corporation of Tamil Nadu (ELCOT) and Department of Higher Education
- Official Website: To be announced
- Helpdesk/Support: Contact Higher Education Department
- Mobile App: To be launched soon for delivery, application tracking, warranty status and support
FAQs
Who is eligible for the Tamil Nadu Free Laptop Scheme 2025?
Permanent residents of Tamil Nadu studying in colleges (arts, science, engineering, medical, agriculture, polytechnic) are eligible.
What is the official budget for the scheme?
₹2,000 crore has been allocated for 2025, with another ₹2,000 crore expected next year.
How many students will get laptops?
20 lakh students over two years (10 lakh per phase).
What is the laptop specification?
Intel Core i3/AMD Ryzen or better, 8GB RAM, SSD, Office 365, dual boot OS (Windows + Linux), HD camera, USB-C.
How to apply for the Tamil Nadu Free Laptop Scheme online?
Through the official website, fill the form, upload documents, and submit online. Track status via portal or mobile app.
What if I have an issue with my laptop after receiving it?
You can raise a service request for repair or replacement via the ERP portal/mobile app during the warranty period.
Is the device free for all college students?
Yes, if you meet the eligibility and are listed as a beneficiary.
Government free laptops