Tamil Nadu Allocates ₹2,000 Crore for Free Laptops to College Students
20 lakh students to receive laptops or tablets over two years.
In a significant move to boost digital education, the Tamil Nadu government has announced a ₹2,000 crore allocation in its 2025-26 budget to provide free laptops or tablets to college students. This initiative aims to equip 20 lakh students over the next two years with the necessary tools to enhance their learning experience.
Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu, presenting the budget on March 14, 2025, highlighted the importance of integrating technology into education. He stated that students across various disciplines, including arts, science, engineering, agriculture, and medicine, will have the option to choose between a laptop or a tablet based on their preference.
This initiative marks the revival of the free laptop scheme, initially launched in 2011 but discontinued in 2021. The current government has reintroduced the program with modifications to better suit the evolving educational landscape.
The distribution is set to commence in the upcoming academic year, with priority given to students from government and government-aided institutions. This effort underscores the state’s commitment to bridging the digital divide and promoting equitable access to educational resources.
