Andhra Pradesh Free Smartphone Scheme 2026 for Students: Eligibility and Application Process

Andhra Pradesh Free Smartphone Scheme 2026: Andhra Pradesh government first talked about giving free smartphones to poor students back in 2016, and the idea came up again during a state Cabinet meeting under Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. Similar to Samajwadi Smartphone Yojana in UP and Captain Smart Connect Scheme in Punjab, the plan is to help students from poor families connect digitally and use online study material.

Around 60 lakh students from BPL families were expected to benefit once the scheme rolls out. State cabinet has agreed to the idea in principle, but a final decision on launch date, budget and application process is still pending.

Note: As of August 2026, this scheme has not been officially launched by Andhra Pradesh government. No application portal or registration process is active right now. This page will be updated as soon as an official notification is issued.

Objective of AP Free Smartphone Scheme

Main aim of Andhra Pradesh Free Smartphone Scheme is to help students transact and connect digitally. Government wants to increase digital literacy and move Andhra Pradesh toward a cashless economy. Free smartphones under the scheme are meant for students belonging to BPL families.

Many bright students from poor families are unable to reach their full potential because of money problems. A free smartphone would help such students stay connected, access study material online and keep up with students who already own a phone.

AP Government's Wider Smartphone Plan for Families

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has also spoken about a wider plan to give a free smartphone to every household in the state, not just students. Idea is that a smartphone would help families access welfare schemes directly, without depending on a middleman. This broader household scheme and the student-focused scheme are both still at planning stage, and neither has a confirmed launch date yet.

How to Apply for AP Free Smartphone Yojana

Once the scheme is formally launched, applications are expected to open through an online portal, similar to the process followed in Uttar Pradesh and Punjab. Students will likely need to fill in basic details, upload a photograph and submit required documents on the website.

An alternate phone number will probably be needed too, so the department can send the OTP, registration number and application status by SMS. After successful registration, a registration ID is expected to be sent to this number, along with a copy shown on screen for record.

Note: Official website has not been launched yet. This article will be updated with the registration link as soon as it goes live.

Eligibility for Andhra Pradesh Free Smartphone Scheme

Based on government's proposal so far, following conditions are likely to apply once scheme launches.

• Applicant should be a permanent resident of Andhra Pradesh with valid address proof.
• Applicant should be a student and hold a valid student identity card from a recognised school or college.
• Applicant should belong to a BPL household and be able to show related income documents.

Quick Details about AP Free Smartphone Scheme

For updates on this scheme, check official Andhra Pradesh government website at https://www.ap.gov.in/