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Tamil Nadu's Free Laptop Scheme to Reach 10 Lakh Students by February End

The Tamil Nadu government is accelerating its free laptop distribution scheme for college students, with the first phase aiming to benefit 10 lakh recipients by the end of February. The laptops, procured from major manufacturers like Dell, Acer, and HP, will feature modern specifications and come preloaded with essential software, including a six-month subscription to the AI-powered Perplexity Pro platform. Beneficiary identification is nearly complete across thousands of colleges, and officials have warned students against social media rumors, confirming that selection is handled exclusively through educational institutions. The second phase of the Rs 2,000 crore project is slated for March, with plans to establish service centers in all districts for after-sales support.

Key Points: TN Free Laptop Scheme: 10 Lakh Students by Feb, Specs & Details

  • 10 lakh students targeted in first phase
  • Laptops with Intel i3/AMD Ryzen 3 & AI tool access
  • Rs 2,000 crore earmarked for 20 lakh laptops total
  • Distribution through colleges, no online registration
2 min read

10 lakh students to benefit by Feb end under TN govt's laptop scheme

Tamil Nadu's free laptop scheme for college students accelerates, aiming to distribute 10 lakh devices by February end with Intel/AMD processors and AI tools.

"More than one lakh laptops have already been distributed. - Senior Higher Education Department Official"

Chennai, Jan 10

The Tamil Nadu government's ambitious free laptop distribution scheme for college students has gathered pace, with the first phase set to be completed by the end of February.

The initial rollout aims to benefit 10 lakh students across the State, and nearly two lakh laptops have already reached eligible beneficiaries, officials said.

The programme, implemented through the Electronics Corporation of Tamil Nadu (ELCOT), is part of the State's wider push to bridge the digital divide and improve access to technology in higher education.

An international tender has been floated to procure a total of 20 lakh laptops, with the State government earmarking Rs 2,000 crore for the project.

According to officials, laptops supplied by multinational manufacturers such as Dell, Acer, and HP will be distributed to students.

The systems will be equipped with Intel i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 processors, 8 GB RAM, and 256 GB SSD storage. Each laptop will come preloaded with Windows 11, BOSS Linux, and MS Office 365, ensuring students have access to both proprietary and open-source platforms for their academic needs.

The laptops will also include a six-month free subscription to the AI-powered Perplexity Pro platform, aimed at supporting research and learning.

Beneficiaries will additionally receive a high-quality laptop bag along with the device.

A senior official from the Higher Education Department said beneficiary identification is almost complete across nearly 4,600 arts, science, engineering, agriculture, and medical colleges in Tamil Nadu.

"More than one lakh laptops have already been distributed. Colleges have submitted nearly all student details, which are being carefully scrutinised to ensure that every eligible student benefits from the scheme," the official said.

The second phase of distribution is expected in March, expanding the reach of the scheme further. Companies supplying the laptops will also establish service centres in all districts to provide after-sales support.

Details regarding the number and locations of these centres will be announced after the completion of the first phase.

Meanwhile, officials have cautioned students against believing rumours circulating on social media about online registration for the scheme, reiterating that beneficiary selection is being carried out exclusively through colleges.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good specs and including both Windows and BOSS Linux is a smart, practical move. The Perplexity Pro subscription is a nice bonus for research. My only concern is the long-term maintenance after the warranty. Hope the service centres are reliable.
A
Arjun K
While the scheme's intent is praise-worthy, Rs 2,000 crore is a massive amount. I hope there is complete transparency in the tender process and procurement. The government must ensure every rupee benefits the students directly, with no middlemen.
S
Sneha F
My cousin in Coimbatore just received hers! She's so happy. It's not just about the laptop; it's about giving students, especially first-generation learners, an equal platform to compete. More power to such schemes! 😊
K
Karthik V
Including the laptop bag is a thoughtful touch many overlook. Practical support matters. Hope they also run some basic digital literacy workshops so students can make the most of the hardware and software provided.
M
Michael C
Interesting to see a state government investing so heavily in tech for education. The specs are decent for academic work. The key will be the after-sales service network. If that's robust, this could be a model for others.
N
Nisha Z
Glad they've clarified about the registration

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