The Indian government has officially launched the free tablet scheme for students 2025 as part of its broader digital learning mission. Under this program, school students across states will receive free tablets loaded with academic resources, learning apps, and exam preparation tools.
This scheme aims to bridge the digital divide in education, especially for students in rural, underprivileged, and government schools. The rollout started in July 2025, and tablets are being distributed in phases through district education offices.
The free tablet scheme for students 2025 is a key component of the National Education Technology Mission (NETM), focusing on making virtual learning accessible and inclusive for all.
Key Features of the Free Tablet Scheme for Students 2025
The tablets provided under the free tablet scheme for students 2025 come with several pre-installed features tailored to help students succeed in their studies. Here’s what they’ll receive:
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Pre-loaded NCERT textbooks and state board syllabi (Classes 6–12)
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Educational apps for Maths, Science, Language Learning, and Coding
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Online test practice portals for NEET, JEE, and board exams
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Limited parental controls to keep usage focused on learning
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1-year warranty and local service center support
Each student receiving the device also gets a digital orientation class, teaching them how to navigate the tablet, apps, and online safety tools effectively.
Who is Eligible for the Free Tablet Scheme?
Eligibility for the free tablet scheme for students 2025 is defined clearly by the Ministry of Education. To qualify, a student must:
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Be enrolled in a government or government-aided school
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Be in Classes 6 to 12 as of the 2025–26 academic year
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Belong to a family with an annual income below ₹2.5 lakh
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Have a minimum of 75% attendance in the last term
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Not already own a tablet or personal learning device from another scheme
Priority is being given to female students, children with disabilities, and those from remote or tribal areas.
Distribution Process and Timelines
The free tablet scheme for students 2025 is being executed in three distinct phases:
| Phase | Timeline | Target Group |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | July–August 2025 | Govt schools in rural districts |
| Phase 2 | September–October 2025 | Urban and semi-urban schools |
| Phase 3 | November–December 2025 | Students with pending eligibility verifications |
District education officers are responsible for collecting student data, verifying eligibility, and issuing distribution tokens. Students are notified via SMS when their device is ready for pickup at the nearest government school or education center.
Impact on Education and Digital Literacy
The free tablet scheme for students 2025 is already being praised for its positive effects. Initial feedback from pilot districts shows:
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Over 4.2 lakh tablets distributed in the first four weeks
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Increased attendance in digital learning periods
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Teachers reporting improved concept understanding among students
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Parents engaging more with school activities due to tech access
The government believes this move will prepare students for future digital-first careers and encourage more tech-friendly learning environments in public schools.
State-Wise Allocation and Customization
Each state has been given autonomy to customize tablet content based on regional languages and board syllabi. For example:
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Tamil Nadu and Kerala have included local-language dictionaries
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Maharashtra has pre-loaded SSC Board papers
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Rajasthan offers offline video lectures via USB-enabled content
This customization ensures the free tablet scheme for students 2025 remains contextually useful for all Indian learners, regardless of their region.
FAQs
Who funds the free tablet scheme for students 2025?
The program is funded by the Ministry of Education with support from state governments and the PM eVidya scheme.
Can private school students apply for the scheme?
No, only students from government and government-aided schools are eligible.
What happens if the tablet is lost or damaged?
Each tablet comes with a 1-year limited warranty. Damage caused by negligence is not covered and may require students to pay for repairs.
Is there internet provided along with the tablet?
Some states are offering subsidized data packs or free Wi-Fi hotspots near schools, but tablets do not include a SIM or internet service.
How can students track their tablet allotment status?
Eligible students will receive SMS notifications. They can also check with their school administration or district education officer for allotment status.
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