Hi friends, here is the latest update about the Tamil Nadu government’s free laptop scheme. The scheme is already started from January 5, 2026, by our CM M.K. Stalin. The government will give free laptops to college students studying in Arts, Science, Engineering, Medical, and Agriculture colleges.
ELCOT Laptop Distribution Scheme Portal
They will give 20 lakh laptops in the next two years. The first phase will be completed by the end of February 2026. They have chosen three companies, namely Acer, Dell, and HP, to supply the laptops. Each laptop will have a 15-inch screen, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, and an Intel i3 processor. The budget for this scheme is Rs. 2000 crore annually.
You don’t have to apply online for this scheme. Your college principal will select the students and send the list to the government. So, friends, wait until your college notifies you about this scheme. Don’t believe the fake news circulating in social media about the registration process.
Also, ELCOT has signed an agreement with Perplexity AI to give free training in Artificial Intelligence to students. If you have any doubts, you can call the toll-free number 18005999000.
This scheme is started by the Tamil Nadu government on 5th January 2026. The name of this scheme is “Ulagam Ungal Kaiyil”. This scheme is launched by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin for free laptops to college students. In the first phase, 10 lakh students will receive laptops by February 2026. The laptops are from Dell, HP, and Acer companies with Intel i3 processors, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, and Windows 11.
ELCOT Laptop Scheme
The cost of each laptop is Rs 30,000. The government has allocated Rs 2,000 crore for this scheme. ELCOT is handling all the distribution work. Students from government arts, science, engineering, medical, law, and polytechnic colleges are eligible. You cannot apply online directly – your college will choose you and notify you. Already more than 1 lakh laptops are distributed. The second phase will begin in March 2026. The helpline number is 18005999000 if you require assistance. Do not trust the news of online registration.
Finally, the good news came for the students of Tamil Nadu who are waiting for the free laptop scheme. Chief Minister MK Stalin inaugurated the scheme in a program held on December 19th at the Trade Centre in Nandambakkam, Chennai.
Under this scheme, the Tamil Nadu government is going to distribute 20 lakh free laptops to The Eligible students. In the inauguration ceremony, they are going to launch the first phase (2025-26), in which 10 lakh college students will receive a laptop. The laptop distribution process will be completed by February 2026. It will help students to strengthen their digital education, help in online learning and gain technology knowledge.
The free laptop scheme for students in Tamil Nadu was first started in 2011. Tamil Nadu is one of the earliest adopters of the scheme in which the government will provide free laptops to meritorious students. The scheme is handled by the Electronics Corporation of Tamil Nadu (ELCOT). They issued a tender in May for the purchase of new laptops. Now the complete the technical evaluation process and finalise the vendors. The laptop distribution scheme will be rolled out from February and March 2026.
Tamil Nadu Free Laptop Scheme
In a recent news report under the Tamil Nadu Free Laptop Scheme government will distribute 20 lakh laptops in the next 2 years. To implement the scheme government has a budget of 2000 crore rupees. Laptops of companies like Acer, Dell and HP will be distributed. Out of 20 lakh laptops, 4600 students from Arts, Science, Engineering, medical colleges and Agriculture will get laptops in the next February and March distribution drive.
The first batch of the distribution will be ready in the month of December 25. Laptops having a configuration with a 15-inch display, Intel i3 processor or AMD Ryzen 3 processor, 8 GB RAM, 256 GB SSD and preloaded educational software will be provided.
| Scheme Name | Tamil Nadu Free Laptop Scheme |
| Scheme Managed By | ELCOT |
| Budget | 2000 Crore Rupees for 2025-26 |
| Total laptop Distribution | 20 lakh laptops |
| Eligible Students | Arts, Science, Engineering, Medical, Polytechnic and Agriculture colleges |
| Distribution Month | February – March 2026 |
| Laptop Provider Companies – | ACER, DELL and HP |
Latest updates on the TN free laptop scheme
- This scheme will help students in their studies when they get a laptop from the government.
- For the next distribution, February – March 2026, the tender has been finalised with companies like HP, Dell and Acer for laptop supply.
- Please, laptops come with a configuration of 15-inch display, Intel i3 or AMD CPU, 8GB RAM and 256 GB SSD.
- Educational software is installed in these laptops.
- The first laptop distribution batch will arrive in December-January. The government has a plan to distribute these laptops in February or March 2026.
- Laptops will be checked by the experts of Anna University, the NIC committee and IIT.
- The whole process will be handled by ELCOT, starting from supply testing and ERP tracking.
- Colleges have to submit their verified Student data by August 2025.
- The ERP system will help to track the delivery of laptops, the delivery schedule, vendor details and stock movement.
Benefits of the Free Laptop Scheme in Tamil Nadu
- This scheme will help students who belong to lower lower-income group and rural background and cannot afford a laptop.
- Students can easily access the internet and use e-learning platforms to enhance their education quality.
- Students will get computer scales, coding knowledge, and online research for their future jobs.
- Students can easily attend online classes, access study material available online and do their assignments.
- The new laptops come with 8GB RAM and 256 GB SSD configuration easily do tasks like research, coding and playing multimedia.
- In these laptops, there are some pre-installed tools and apps related to education.
- It will help students to prepare for the government and competitive exams.
- These laptops come with after-sales support. A 1-year warranty will be provided to students.
- The government a lot a budget of 2000 crore rupees to implement this game for 2025-26. Under the scheme, 20 lakh laptops will be distributed in the next 2 years.
Laptop Specifications
- 15-inch high definition display
- Intel i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 processor
- 8GB RAM
- 256 GB SSD for storage
- Webcam for video calls and online classes
- The operating system is Windows
- 1-year licence for Microsoft Office 365
- Pre-installed study-related tools and antivirus software
Scheme Budget For 2025-26
The state government has a plan to distribute 20 lakh laptops in the next 2 years. For the successful implementation government allocated a budget of 2000 crore rupees. Laptops that are distributed this time have a very good upgrade with the latest specifications. The government also has a budget of 2000 crore rupees for the next 2026-27 session to complete this laptop distribution scheme. This scheme will cover 4600 state-run institutes and Technical colleges of Tamil Nadu.
Related: Kalaignar Sports Kit Scheme
How To Get the Benefit of Free Laptop Scheme in Tamil Nadu
There is no requirement to apply for this scheme online. Colleges and institutes already submit the verified Student data to the government. In case the online submission is open, then you can follow the steps:-
- Visit the official website OF ELCOT OR the Higher Education Department, Tamil Nadu.
- Apply for the free laptop scheme.
- Enter your name, Aadhar number, college name, course information and mobile number.
- Now upload here necessary documents and a passport-size photograph.
- Submit your entry and save the application ID.
Laptop Choice According to Company-Wise
The government give orders to the big manufacturing companies of laptops like Acer, Dell and HP. It is the choice of the student who chooses which company laptop he requires.
Eligibility Criteria for Students
- The student should be a permanent resident of Tamil Nadu.
- Student who pursue their studies in recognised government or added colleges are eligible.
- The scheme is only for students. Teaching staff are not eligible.
- Under the scheme, preference will be given to first and second-year students.
Related: Tamil Nadu Special Temple Service Scheme
Requirement of Documents
- Student Aadhar Card
- College identity Card
- Bonafide Certificate
- Student Passport-Size Photograph
- Bank Account Details (Needed for Warranty Registration)
Read More: TN Skill Vetri Nichayam Scheme
FAQ
A budget of 2000 crore Rupees is allotted for the 2025-26 session. An extra 2000 crore budget is also available for the next session, 2026-27.
The expected date is between February and March 2026.
These new laptops are upgraded and come with a 15-inch HD screen, a processor of Intel i3 or AMD Ryzen, 8GB RAM, 256 GB SSD, an HD Webcam, a pre-installed educational app and MS Office.
Companies like Acer, HP, and Dell supply their laptop.
Yes. Students will get a one-year warranty in case of any issue.