Supply Free Laptops to Visually Impaired Students Pursuing Higher Education

Supply Free Laptops to Visually Impaired Students Pursuing Higher Education gives visually impaired students in Odisha a laptop loaded with JAWS assistive software to support their undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional studies. This state government scheme, run by the Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SSEPD) Department, supplies the laptops free of cost to eligible students.

The scheme has been in operation in Odisha since 2014-15 and continues in the 2026-27 academic year. Eligible students can apply online or through their district office to get a laptop during distribution camps organized across the state. The laptops come with JAWS software installed, which helps visually impaired students read and write digital content more easily.

Supply Free Laptops to Visually Impaired Students Pursuing Higher Education

This scheme is part of the existing Special Appliances program of the Odisha government. It was brought under the SSEPD Department when that department was created on 1 July 2015. Before that, it was handled by the Women and Child Development Department. The aim is simple: give students with visual disability the digital tools they need so they do not fall behind in higher education.

Students pursuing professional courses after class XII, under-graduate or post-graduate programs, M.Phil, PhD, Law, Management, Medicine, and other technical courses are covered. The qualifying disability is 40% or more, and the student must be a permanent resident of Odisha.

Key Information

Benefits

Students selected under this scheme receive a branded laptop free of cost. The laptop is configured to meet the learning needs of a visually impaired student.

Each laptop comes with the JAWS screen reader software pre-installed, which reads aloud the text on the screen. This makes it easier for students to attend online classes, read study material, and prepare notes without depending on others. Laptops are handed over during distribution camps held in different regions of the state, where public representatives and government officers are present.

Eligibility

Only students who meet all the following conditions can apply for this scheme:

• The applicant must be a permanent resident of Odisha.
• The applicant must hold a Disability Certificate showing a disability of 40% or more, issued by a competent authority.
• The applicant must be pursuing the first year or any later year of a professional course after class XII, or an under-graduate or post-graduate course, including M.Phil, PhD, Law, Management, Medicine, and other technical courses.

Students who have already received a free laptop through this scheme in an earlier year cannot apply again. The support is given only once to each eligible student.

Application Process

STEP 1 - Visit the official SSEPD department website at ssepd.odisha.gov.in and open the free laptop scheme section to begin an online application.

STEP 2 - Click the option for a new application and proceed to the application form.

STEP 3 - Fill in all required details, including your disability certificate information and details of your course and institution.

STEP 4 - Review the undertaking box carefully, submit your details, and keep a printed copy of the submission for your personal records.

Students who prefer to apply offline can visit their district Collector's office during working hours and request a hard copy of the prescribed application form. Fill in all the fields, attach self-attested copies of the required documents, and submit the form to the designated official. Always collect the receipt or acknowledgment slip that carries the date, time, and a unique identification number for tracking.

Documents Required

Make sure the following documents are ready before submitting the application:

• A valid Disability Certificate showing 40% or more disability.
• A copy of your Aadhaar card.
• A recent passport-sized photograph.
• A recommendation certificate from the Principal or Head of your institution.

References

You can read the latest official guidelines for this scheme here: Official Guidelines 2026 PDF

The official scheme page on the state department website is available at: Free Laptop for Visually Impaired Students

FAQ's

Can visually impaired students from other states apply?

No, only permanent residents of Odisha are eligible for this scheme.

What if my disability certificate shows less than 40% disability?

You need a valid certificate confirming a disability of 40% or more to qualify.

Are students in non-professional courses eligible?

No, this scheme is only for students pursuing professional, under-graduate, or post-graduate courses.

Is there any age limit for this scheme?

The official guidelines do not specify an age limit for applicants.

Can I apply if I am in my second year of college?

Yes, as long as you are in the first year or any later year of an eligible course, you can apply.

How many times can I receive a laptop?

Only once. Students who have already received a free laptop through this scheme cannot apply again.

Do I need a recommendation from my college?

Yes, the application must be endorsed by the Principal or Head of your institution.

Can I choose the laptop model or brand?

No, the department procures branded laptops of reputed companies at its discretion, and students cannot choose the model.

Is there any maintenance support for the laptop?

The current guidelines do not mention any provision for ongoing maintenance or repairs.

What is the deadline for applying?

Proposals are generally sent to the Director, SSEPD by 31 July every year, so apply well before that date.