CM Vijay Announces ‘Vetri Laptop Scheme’ for Students: Eligibility Criteria & How to Apply Online

Under the Vetri Laptop Scheme, the scheme must be implemented during the academic year 2026-27, with an expenditure of ₹2,000 crore, to provide free laptops to students eligible to attend college. This scheme has been unveiled on 7th November 2026 with an aim to increase digital access among the students along with their technological skills.

The scheme has received approval from the state government.

Who Is Eligible for the Vetri Laptop Scheme?

It is meant for students attending Government and Government-aided colleges in Tamil Nadu. The eligible groups are as follows:

• Students in their first year and second year of Undergraduate courses.
• First year and second year students in their Diploma courses.
• Students studying Arts, Science, Engineering, Polytechnic, ITI, Medicine, Veterinary Science, Fisheries, Agriculture and Law courses.
• Third year and Fourth year students in professional courses who were not issued a laptop under the earlier 2025-26 distribution program.

Engineering students will be issued laptops having Intel Core i5 processor or similar specifications.

Students attending Private Self Financing Colleges are not eligible under the categories mentioned above.

How to Apply Online for the Vetri Laptop Scheme?

As per now, there has been no news by the Tamil Nadu government on the portal for applying online to the scheme and also no registration process for the same for the students.

Thus, the eligible students should do the following:

• Observe the announcement made by their college administration.
• Verify their academic year and eligibility for courses.
• Have the record of admission and student identification ready.
• Follow the instructions made by the college or education department.
• Ignore any other sites or persons asking for a registration fee.

The students should log on to the Tamil Nadu Government website for official announcements and updates.

₹2,000 Crore Budget and Implementation Plan

₹2,000 crore has been set aside for the Vetri Laptop Scheme. The program will be overseen by the High-Level Steering Committee, led by the Chief Minister Vijay.

Procurement of laptops shall be done by ELCOT to ensure they pass the required quality test. The program will facilitate the acquisition of knowledge and skills among students through online learning.

When Will Students Receive Their Laptops?

A definitive date of distribution or total number of beneficiaries has not yet been stated by the authorities. Students must keep track of college announcements and updates from the government for more information.

The scheme of the Vetri Laptop can be a source of better digital learning in all higher education institutions in Tamil Nadu. Its success is determined by proper distribution and providing the right laptops for the appropriate students.