The Tamil Nadu government, under the leadership of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, has officially launched its ambitious free laptop scheme titled “உலகம் உங்கள் கையில் / Ulagam Ungal Kaiyil” (The World in Your Hands). This landmark initiative, aimed at bridging the digital divide and empowering students with cutting-edge technology, was inaugurated at a grand event in Chennai on January 5, 2026.
Designed to enhance students’ digital capabilities in an AI-driven economy, the scheme marks a significant investment in the state’s human capital. Here is a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about the Tamil Nadu Laptop Scheme 2026, including eligibility criteria, technical specifications, and the application process.
Ulagam Ungal Kaiyil Scheme Outlook
The “Ulagam Ungal Kaiyil” initiative is a flagship project of the DMK-led government, fulfilling a major electoral promise. The state has allocated a staggering ₹2,000 crore for the current fiscal year to facilitate the distribution.
The government plans to distribute a total of 20 lakh laptops over the next two years. In the first phase, which is currently underway, 10 lakh students from various government and government-aided institutions are being covered. During the launch, Chief Minister Stalin emphasized that these laptops are not “freebies” but rather “strategic investments” to help the youth of Tamil Nadu rule the digital world.
Key Benefits and Technical Specifications
The laptops provided under this scheme are high-quality devices from globally recognized brands such as Dell, Acer, and HP. Unlike previous iterations of such schemes, these devices are built to handle modern computing tasks, including coding and AI research.
| Feature | Specifications |
| Processor | Intel Core i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 |
| RAM | 8 GB DDR4 |
| Storage | 256 GB SSD (Solid State Drive) |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home / BOSS Linux |
| Display | 14-inch or 15.6-inch HD Display |
| Software | MS Office 365 (1-year subscription) |
| AI Feature | 6-month free subscription to Perplexity Pro (AI platform) |
| Additional Items | High-quality laptop bag and 1-year warranty |
Eligibility Criteria
To ensure that the benefits reach the most deserving candidates, the Tamil Nadu government has established specific eligibility guidelines:
Residency: The applicant must be a permanent resident of Tamil Nadu.
Institution Type: Only students studying in Government or Government-aided colleges and universities are eligible.
Educational Streams: The scheme covers a wide range of courses, including:
Arts and Science
Engineering and Technology
Medicine and Nursing
Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences
Law
Polytechnic and Industrial Training Institutes (ITI)
Academic Year: Priority is given to final-year students in the current phase.
Special Categories: Students who joined colleges under the 7.5% reservation quota (for government school students) and those receiving government scholarships are also priority beneficiaries.
How to Apply: The Selection Process
One of the most important things for students to note is that there is no direct online application portal for the “உலகம் உங்கள் கையில் / Ulagam Ungal Kaiyil” scheme. To maintain transparency and prevent errors, the government has adopted an institutional-led distribution model.
Step-by-Step Selection Procedure:
Identification: Individual colleges and universities are responsible for identifying eligible students based on their enrollment records and academic data.
Verification: The heads of the institutions (Principals/Directors) verify the details, ensuring the students meet the residency and course requirements.
Submission: The verified list of students is then forwarded to the Electronics Corporation of Tamil Nadu (ELCOT) and the Department of Higher Education.
Distribution: Once the lists are finalized, distribution ceremonies are organized at the district and college levels.
Important Note: Students do not need to fill out any forms on external websites. If you are eligible, your college administration will contact you for the necessary documentation, such as your Aadhaar card, college ID, and community certificate.
Bridging the Digital Divide with AI
A standout feature of the 2026 laptop scheme is the inclusion of Perplexity Pro, an AI-powered research tool. Chief Minister Stalin noted that Artificial Intelligence is “humanity’s second fire,” following the discovery of fire and the wheel. By providing students with AI-ready hardware and software, the government aims to prepare them for future jobs in data science, software development, and digital marketing.
The rollout has already reached several districts, including Coimbatore, Sivaganga, and Ramanathapuram, where thousands of students have already received their devices this week.
Contact and Support
If you have questions regarding your eligibility or the distribution timeline for your specific college, you can contact the official helpline:
Toll-Free Helpline: 1800-599-9000
Nodal Agency: Electronics Corporation of Tamil Nadu (ELCOT)
The Ulagam Ungal Kaiyil scheme is set to transform the educational landscape of Tamil Nadu, ensuring that every student, regardless of their economic background, has the tools to compete on a global stage.
