Tamil Nadu has sanctioned ₹2,000 crore for the Vetri Laptop Scheme, which gives free laptops to students at government and government-aided colleges in 2026-27. The government order was reported on 7 November 2026. The number of laptops, the distribution dates and any application process have not been announced yet. Visit here – ELCOT LAPTOP Link
This guide separates what is confirmed from what is still unknown, so you know what to do and what to ignore.
Vetri Laptop Scheme at a glance
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Scheme | Vetri Laptop Scheme, Tamil Nadu |
| Approved by | Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, through a government order |
| Budget | ₹2,000 crore |
| Academic year | 2026-27 |
| Buying agency | Electronics Corporation of Tamil Nadu (ELCOT) |
| Laptops for engineering students | Intel Core i5 or equivalent processor |
| Oversight | High-level committee chaired by the Chief Minister |
| Application process | Not announced |
| Distribution dates | Not announced |
| Number of laptops | Not announced |
Who is eligible for the Tamil Nadu free laptop?
According to India TV News and an IANS report, these students are covered:
- First- and second-year students of undergraduate and diploma courses in government and government-aided institutions in 2026-27.
- Courses covered: arts and science, engineering, polytechnic, ITI, medicine, veterinary science, agriculture, fisheries and law.
- Third- and fourth-year students of professional courses at government or government-aided institutions who did not receive a laptop in 2025-26.
The reports do not mention private or self-financing colleges, school students or postgraduate students. Treat them as not confirmed until the government order is published.
What laptop will you get?
Engineering students are to get laptops with an Intel Core i5 or equivalent processor. The specifications for other students have not been announced. ELCOT has approval to buy laptops that meet the “prescribed quality standards”, but the reports do not list them.
How to apply for the Vetri Laptop Scheme
No application form or portal has been announced. The reports do not say whether students must apply or whether colleges will prepare the lists. Under the earlier scheme, laptops were to be handed over by college principals and district officials, so your college is the most likely contact. That is not confirmed for Vetri.
What to do now:
- Ask your college office whether it is collecting student details.
- Check that your enrolment details with the college are correct and up to date.
- Follow only official Tamil Nadu government and ELCOT announcements and your college notice board.
- Do not pay anyone for a “registration” or “priority” laptop. No fee has been announced.
- Do not share OTPs or Aadhaar details on websites that claim to take applications.
When will free laptops be distributed?
No date has been announced. The reports say only that ELCOT has approval to buy the laptops for the 2026-27 year. A purchase and delivery process has to happen first, so do not expect laptops immediately. We will update this page as soon as dates are published.
How is this different from Ulagam Ungal Kaiyil?
The earlier scheme, Ulagam Ungal Kaiyil, was launched on 5 January 2026 with a target of 20 lakh laptops over two years and 10 lakh in the first phase. About 9.4 lakh students had received laptops by early March. The Vetri reports refer to students who missed out in 2025-26, but they do not say whether Vetri continues or replaces the earlier scheme.
FAQ
Is the Vetri Laptop Scheme free?
Yes. The reports describe it as free laptops for eligible students. No fee has been announced.
Who can get a free laptop in Tamil Nadu in 2026?
First- and second-year undergraduate and diploma students at government and government-aided institutions, plus third- and fourth-year professional-course students who missed out in 2025-26.
Do third- and fourth-year students get laptops?
Only those in professional courses at government or government-aided institutions who did not receive one in 2025-26.
Do private or self-financing college students qualify?
The reports do not mention them. Wait for the government order or your college’s notice.
Can school students get a laptop under this scheme?
The reports cover college, diploma and ITI students only.
How do I apply for the Vetri Laptop Scheme?
No application process has been announced.