The Free Laptop Yojana 2026 refers to a collection of state-level government schemes across India that provide free laptops, tablets, or direct financial assistance to meritorious students from economically weaker families. These initiatives are designed to bridge the digital divide, support online education, and equip students with the tools they need for competitive exam preparation, skill development, and higher education.
There is no single nationwide Free Laptop Yojana run by the central government. Instead, individual state governments operate their own schemes under different names — such as the UP DigiShakti Yojana, MP Laptop Vitran Yojana, Rajasthan Free Laptop Scheme, and Tamil Nadu Ulagam Ungal Kaiyil Scheme. Some states distribute physical laptops directly, while others transfer financial assistance of ₹20,000 to ₹25,000 via DBT directly into the student’s bank account for self-purchase.
With online learning, digital assignments, government job applications, and skill certification courses all moving to digital platforms, access to a personal laptop has become a practical necessity — not a luxury — for students preparing for Class 10, Class 12 board results and college-level education in 2026.
State Wise Free Laptop Yojana 2026 — Complete List
| State | Scheme Name | Benefit | Eligible Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uttar Pradesh | UP DigiShakti Yojana | Free laptop or tablet distributed physically | Graduation, B.Tech, Medical, Diploma students |
| Madhya Pradesh | MP Laptop Vitran Yojana | ₹25,000 DBT directly to bank account | Class 12 students with 75% or above in MP Board |
| Rajasthan | Rajasthan Free Laptop Scheme | ₹20,000 e-voucher for laptop purchase | Class 8 and Class 10 merit students |
| Tamil Nadu | Ulagam Ungal Kaiyil | Free laptop or tablet — student’s choice | College students in government institutions — 20 lakh target |
| Bihar | Bihar Free Laptop Scheme | ₹25,000 financial assistance via DBT | Class 12 first division students |
| Maharashtra | Maharashtra Free Laptop Scheme | Free laptop for meritorious students | Government school and college students |
| Karnataka | Vidyasiri / Free Laptop Scheme | Free laptop for economically weaker students | Government college students |
| Haryana | Haryana Free Laptop Yojana | Free laptop based on merit | Class 10 and 12 toppers from government schools |
| Gujarat | Gujarat Laptop Assistance Scheme | Financial assistance for laptop purchase | Government school merit students |
| Odisha | Odisha Laptop Scheme | Free laptop for SC/ST students | College students from SC/ST category |
Key Benefit Comparison — State Wise
| State | Benefit Type | Amount / Device | Selection Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Madhya Pradesh | Cash via DBT | ₹25,000 in bank account | 75%+ in MP Board Class 12 |
| Bihar | Cash via DBT | ₹25,000 in bank account | First Division in Class 12 |
| Rajasthan | E-Voucher | ₹20,000 e-voucher | Merit in Class 8 and Class 10 |
| Tamil Nadu | Physical Device | Free laptop or tablet | Enrolled in government college |
| Uttar Pradesh | Physical Device | Free laptop or tablet | Enrolled in UG / professional courses |
| Haryana | Physical Device | Free laptop | Merit topper in govt school board exam |
General Eligibility Criteria
While exact eligibility conditions vary by state, the following criteria apply across most Free Laptop Yojana schemes in 2026. Students must verify their specific state’s conditions on the official education department portal before applying.
| Condition | General Requirement |
|---|---|
| State Residence | Must be a permanent resident of the state running the scheme |
| Educational Stage | Class 10, Class 12, or enrolled in graduation / professional course |
| Academic Performance | Minimum 65% to 75% marks in last qualifying examination — varies by state |
| Institution Type | Must be studying in a government or government-aided school or college |
| Annual Family Income | Generally must not exceed ₹2,00,000 per year — varies by state |
| Government Employment | Parents should not be government employees in most states |
| Previous Beneficiary | Student must not have already received a laptop under any other government scheme |
| Bank Account | Aadhaar-linked bank account mandatory for DBT states like MP and Bihar |
Documents Required
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Aadhaar Card | Identity verification and DBT bank transfer authentication |
| Class 10 / 12 Marksheet | Academic merit verification and eligibility check |
| College or School Enrollment Certificate | Confirms active student status in eligible institution |
| Income Certificate | Confirms family income within scheme limits |
| Domicile / Residence Certificate | Proves permanent residency in the relevant state |
| Caste Certificate | Required for SC/ST/OBC priority — if applicable |
| Bank Passbook | For DBT states — account must be Aadhaar-linked |
| Passport Size Photograph | For application form submission |
| Mobile Number | For OTP verification and status notifications |
How to Apply — General Process
Since the Free Laptop Yojana is managed individually by each state, the application portal differs. Students should visit their state’s official education department website and look for the laptop scheme registration section. The general process is as follows:
- Visit your state’s official education portal — for example, shiksha.gov.in for MP, or your state board’s official website. Do not apply through any third-party website.
- Register with your name, mobile number and email ID — verify your identity via OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
- Enter your board roll number — in states like MP, the system automatically checks your eligibility based on your Class 12 board roll number and marks.
- Fill the application form — enter personal details, family income, institution name, and bank account information accurately.
- Upload required documents — marksheet, Aadhaar, income certificate, domicile certificate, and bank passbook as required.
- Submit and note your application reference number — take a screenshot or printout of the confirmation page for future tracking.
- Verification by department officials — your documents and eligibility are cross-verified with board records and income data. This takes 15 to 45 days depending on the state.
- Merit list publication — the state government publishes the final beneficiary list on the official portal. Selected students are notified via SMS or email.
- Laptop distribution or DBT transfer — physical devices are distributed at government camps in your district, or ₹20,000–₹25,000 is transferred directly to your bank account.
Tamil Nadu — Largest Active Scheme in 2026
The Tamil Nadu government’s Ulagam Ungal Kaiyil scheme is currently the largest active free laptop programme in India. Launched on 5 January 2026 by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, the scheme targets 20 lakh college students over a two-year period. Implementation is managed by ELCOT (Electronics Corporation of Tamil Nadu) in multiple district-wise phases. Students enrolled in government arts, science, engineering, agriculture, medical, law, ITI, and polytechnic institutions are eligible. Notably, there is no online application process — selection is automatic based on enrollment records in government institutions.
What Students Can Do With a Free Laptop
| Activity | How a Laptop Helps |
|---|---|
| Competitive Exam Preparation | Access to free resources, mock tests and video lectures for SSC, UPSC, banking, railway exams |
| Skill Development Courses | Enroll in free or paid online skill courses on platforms to improve employability |
| Scholarship Applications | Apply for NSP, state scholarships, and university fellowships online without visiting offices |
| College Assignments | Complete research, reports, presentations, and projects digitally |
| Government Job Applications | Apply for sarkari naukri, download admit cards, check results and track status online |
| Freelancing Income | Start earning through typing, data entry, graphic design, and content writing from home |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a central government Free Laptop Yojana for all students across India?
No. There is no single nationwide scheme providing free laptops to all students. The Free Laptop Yojana is operated individually by state governments under different names and eligibility conditions. Students should check their specific state’s official education portal for accurate information.
Will I receive a physical laptop or money in my bank account?
It depends on your state. Madhya Pradesh and Bihar transfer ₹25,000 directly to the student’s Aadhaar-linked bank account via DBT. Rajasthan provides a ₹20,000 e-voucher. Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu distribute physical devices at government camps. Always verify the benefit type for your specific state before applying.
Can private school or college students apply?
In most states, the scheme is restricted to students enrolled in government or government-aided schools and colleges. Private institution students are generally not eligible. Tamil Nadu’s scheme, for example, is exclusively for students in government educational institutions. Check your state’s specific guidelines for confirmation.
Is there any fee to apply for the Free Laptop Yojana?
No. The application process is completely free across all state schemes. No registration fee, processing charge, or agent fee is required at any stage. Students should apply only through official state government education portals and avoid any third-party websites that charge money for assistance.
What is the minimum percentage required to be eligible?
The minimum marks requirement varies by state. Madhya Pradesh requires 75% or above in the Class 12 MP Board examination. Bihar requires a first division result. Rajasthan has separate cut-off percentages for Class 8 and Class 10. Tamil Nadu selects students based on enrollment in eligible government institutions rather than percentage criteria.
How do I check if my name is in the beneficiary list?
After the verification process is complete, each state publishes the final beneficiary list on its official education or laptop scheme portal. Students can check the list using their board roll number, application reference number, or Aadhaar number. Selected students are also notified via SMS to their registered mobile number.
