Vetri Laptop Scheme: Students in Tamil Nadu to Receive Free Laptops; Government Approves ₹2,000 Crore Initiative

Vetri Laptop Scheme: The Tamil Nadu government has taken a step to promote digital education for students enrolled in college and vocational programs across the state. The government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Vijay, has issued an order to implement the 'Vetri Laptop Scheme.' With a sanctioned budget of ₹2,000 crore, the scheme will provide free laptops to thousands of students studying in government and government-aided institutions. A high-level committee, chaired by the Chief Minister, has also been formed to ensure the smooth implementation of the scheme, which was announced in the Tamil Nadu Budget for 2026-27.

Which students will benefit from the scheme?

The 'Vetri Laptop Scheme' covers students across various programs for the 2026-27 academic session. This includes first and second-year students pursuing graduation or diploma programs at government and government-aided colleges. The scheme also extends to students in fields such as Arts, Science, Engineering, Medicine, Medical Sciences, Agriculture, Fisheries, and Law. Additionally, students enrolled in polytechnic and Industrial Training Institute (ITI) programs are eligible. Furthermore, the scheme provides relief to current third and fourth-year students in professional courses who missed out on these benefits during the 2025-26 academic session.

Laptops for Engineering Students

The government has made special provisions, taking into account the specific requirements of engineering and technical programs. Engineering students will be provided with laptops featuring Intel Core i5 processors or higher-performance configurations. The responsibility for procuring and distributing these laptops—in compliance with quality standards—has been entrusted to the state-run Electronics Corporation of Tamil Nadu.

What is the objective behind this initiative?

In this era of digital learning, the laptop has become an essential tool for education. According to the government, the scheme aims to assist students in accessing online education, acquiring new skills, and preparing for employment opportunities. It is specifically designed to improve access to digital tools for students from disadvantaged backgrounds and middle-income families. Furthermore, the initiative seeks to enhance students' capabilities and employability, better equipping them to compete in the global job market.