Tamil Nadu Free Laptop Scheme 2025 for college students has been announced by the state government and laptop distribution is expected to be started in Feb-March 2026. Under this scheme, 20 lakh students across the state will be given new laptops or tablets for free in next two years. The state government has allocated a ₹2,000 crore budget for the year 2025-26, and a similar fund will be allocated in 2026-27 for laptop distribution.
Latest Update (November 2025): The Tamil Nadu government has finalized tender agreements with three multinational companies including Acer, Dell, and HP to supply laptops under the Free Laptop Scheme. Around 20 lakh students from over 4,600 Arts, Science, Engineering, Agriculture, and Medical colleges will receive laptops between February and March 2026. The first batch will be ready by December 2025 or January 2026 after expert testing by a committee from Anna University, IIT, and NIC. Each laptop will have a 15-inch display, Intel i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 processor, 8-12 GB RAM, and 256 GB SSD storage.
The scheme will be implemented by the Electronics Corporation of Tamil Nadu (ELCOT) through an ERP system and a mobile app. This system will track applications, distribution, and even service requests. Students from Arts, Science, Engineering, Agriculture, Medical, and Polytechnic colleges will be provided free laptops under this scheme.
Tamil Nadu Free Laptop Scheme 2025 – Overview
Tamil Nadu Free Laptop Scheme 2025 is started to help students with modern technology, making them ready for online learning, coding, research, and future jobs. Distribution of laptops to students will now begin in February-March 2026 after successful testing of the first batch in January 2026.
Latest Updates of Tamil Nadu Free Laptop Scheme 2025
- Tender finalized with Acer, Dell, and HP for laptop supply.
- Each laptop to include 15-inch display, Intel i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 CPU, 8-12 GB RAM, and 256 GB SSD.
- First batch to arrive by December–January, distribution planned for February–March 2026.
- Expert quality check by Anna University, IIT, and NIC committee.
- ELCOT to handle all supply, testing, and ERP tracking.
- Colleges have submitted verified student data by August 2025.
- ERP system will track delivery schedules, vendor details, and stock movement.
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Highlights of Tamil Nadu Free Laptop Scheme
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Tamil Nadu Free Laptop Scheme 2025 |
| Announced in | Budget 2025-26 by Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu |
| Managed by | ELCOT & Higher Education Department |
| Total Beneficiaries | 20 lakh students (2 years) |
| Budget Allocation | ₹2,000 crore per year |
| Eligible Students | Arts, Science, Engineering, Medical, Agriculture, Polytechnic colleges |
| Device Type | Laptop / Tablet (choice of student) |
| Distribution Start Date | February-March 2026 |
| Tracking | Online ERP system and Mobile App |
| Official Website | elcot.tn.gov.in |
Benefits of TN Free Laptop Scheme
This scheme will bring big changes for students in Tamil Nadu. Below are the main benefits of the Free Laptop Scheme by the state government.
- Students will get simple access to internet, e-learning, and digital tools.
- They will gain computer skills, coding, and research experience for future jobs.
- Helps in attending online classes, creating presentations, and completing digital assignments.
- Comes with pre-installed Microsoft Office 365 and learning software for 1 year.
- After-sales support and warranty management through ERP system.
Laptop Specifications
As per government tender finalization, laptops under this scheme will include the following features:
- 15-inch HD display
- Intel i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 processor
- 8-12 GB RAM
- 256 GB SSD storage
- HD webcam for video calls and classes
- Windows operating system with educational software
- Microsoft Office 365 (1-year access)
- Pre-installed antivirus and study tools
Budget & Distribution Targets
Tamil Nadu government has set aside ₹2,000 crore for 2025–26 and another ₹2,000 crore for 2026–27 to complete the laptop distribution. Around 10 lakh students each year will get devices through their respective colleges. The project will cover more than 4,600 state-run institutions and technical colleges across Tamil Nadu.
How to Apply Online for Tamil Nadu Free Laptop Scheme
Online applications might not be needed since colleges have already submitted verified student data. But if the online option opens, students can follow this process:
STEP 1: Visit the official Higher Education Department or ELCOT website.
STEP 2: Click on “Apply Online for Free Laptop Scheme”.
STEP 3: Fill in name, Aadhaar number, college name, course, and mobile number.
STEP 4: Upload required documents and a photo.
STEP 5: Submit form and save Application ID.
STEP 6: Track your status on ERP portal or mobile app.
Choice of Laptop
Students will get the option to choose between a laptop or tablet as per their academic need. This choice will be available through ERP portal or directly at the college level. The government will soon share the final list of available models under Acer, Dell, and HP categories.
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Eligibility Criteria
- Student must be a permanent resident of Tamil Nadu.
- Must be enrolled in a recognized government or aided college in the state.
- Scheme is open only for students, not teaching staff.
- Preference may be given to first- and second-year students.
Documents Required
- Aadhaar Card
- College ID Card or Bonafide Certificate
- Passport-size Photograph
- Bank Account Details (for warranty registration)
- Any extra document if mentioned on official portal
Contact Details & Official Website
Implementing Agency: Electronics Corporation of Tamil Nadu (ELCOT)
Official Website: https://elcot.tn.gov.in/
FAQs
Who is eligible for Tamil Nadu Free Laptop Scheme 2025?
Students who are permanent residents of Tamil Nadu and studying in government or aided Arts, Science, Engineering, Medical, Agriculture, or Polytechnic colleges.
What is the budget for this scheme?
₹2,000 crore for 2025-26 and ₹2,000 crore for 2026-27, making a total of ₹4,000 crore.
When will laptops be distributed?
The distribution is expected between February and March 2026 after quality checks and testing in January 2026.
What are the laptop specifications?
Laptops will have 15-inch screen, Intel i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 processor, 8-12 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD, HD webcam, Windows OS, and pre-installed educational software.
What if there’s an issue with the laptop?
Students can raise a complaint or request service directly on the ERP portal or mobile app during the warranty period.
Which companies are supplying the laptops?
The laptops will be supplied by Acer, Dell, and HP after quality testing and technical approval by expert committees.