Tamil Nadu Government announces ₹2,000-crore Vetri Laptop Scheme for college students

The Tamil Nadu government has ordered the implementation of the ₹2,000-crore Vetri Laptop Scheme to provide laptops to college students across the state during the 2026–27 academic year. The initiative is aimed at improving access to digital learning resources and strengthening students’ technological capabilities.

According to a government release issued on November 7, the scheme will cover first- and second-year undergraduate and diploma students studying in government and government-aided institutions. Students pursuing courses in arts and science, engineering, polytechnic, ITI, medicine, veterinary science, fisheries, agriculture and law will be eligible.

The scheme will also extend benefits to third- and fourth-year students enrolled in professional courses who were unable to receive laptops under the 2025–26 phase. This provision is intended to ensure that eligible students who missed out earlier are included in the expanded rollout.

As part of the technical specifications, engineering students will be provided with laptops equipped with Intel Core i5 processors or equivalent specifications. The move is expected to support students pursuing technical education, who increasingly depend on computers for academic projects, software applications, research and practical learning.

The Electronics Corporation of Tamil Nadu Limited (ELCOT) will be responsible for procurement of the laptops. A high-level committee chaired by the Chief Minister will oversee the implementation of the scheme and monitor its progress.

With an allocation of ₹2,000 crore, the Vetri Laptop Scheme is among the state's major education-focused initiatives. By extending access to laptops across a wide range of disciplines, the government aims to reduce the digital divide and enable students from government and government-aided institutions to access technology-enabled learning opportunities.