“In a bold move to bridge the digital divide, the Uttar Pradesh government’s 2025 Free Tablet Yojana aims to empower over 1 crore students with free tablets and smartphones. Targeting Class 10, 12, UG, and ITI students, the scheme enhances digital education and job prospects, backed by a ₹4000 crore budget, aligning with the Digital India mission.”
UP’s Ambitious Digital Education Initiative for 2025
The Uttar Pradesh government, under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has rolled out the Free Tablet Yojana 2025, an extension of the Swami Vivekananda Yuva Sashaktikaran Yojana, to distribute free tablets and smartphones to over 1 crore students. Launched initially in 2021, the scheme has already benefited around 25 lakh students, with a renewed focus in 2025 to reach students in Classes 10 and 12, undergraduate programs, and Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs). The initiative, supported by a ₹4000 crore budget, aims to enhance digital literacy, improve access to online education, and boost employability among the state’s youth.
The Yojana targets students from economically weaker sections, prioritizing rural students, girls, and those from SC/ST/OBC categories. Eligibility criteria include permanent residency in Uttar Pradesh, enrollment in government or private institutions offering graduation, post-graduation, technical, or diploma courses, and a family income not exceeding ₹2 lakh annually. Unlike previous years, the 2025 scheme emphasizes tablets over smartphones, as the government believes tablets are more effective for educational purposes. The devices come preloaded with educational content, including e-books, video lectures, and access to government-run e-learning platforms, aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
The application process is streamlined through the Digishakti portal (digishakti.up.gov.in), where colleges and universities upload student data for verification. Students are not required to register individually; instead, institutions facilitate the process through e-KYC authentication via the MeriPehchaan portal. Required documents include Aadhaar cards, educational certificates, and bank details. The distribution is expected to begin in the second half of 2025, with 15 lakh tablets and 10 lakh smartphones slated for delivery in the 2025-26 financial year.
The scheme also supports the Digital India mission by fostering technology-driven learning. Tablets are equipped with parental controls, robust security features, and durable designs to ensure long-term usability. Additionally, the initiative promotes employability by providing access to job portals and skill development resources. The UP government has allocated ₹3000 crore for the scheme’s broader implementation, with plans to reach 2 crore youths over the next five years under the Vivekananda Youth Empowerment Scheme.
Recent updates indicate that the government is refining the distribution process to ensure transparency. A pilot phase will be conducted in select regions to assess effectiveness and gather feedback. Local tech experts will provide support and maintenance for the devices, ensuring seamless integration into the education system. The initiative has drawn praise for its inclusivity but faces challenges, such as ensuring consistent internet access, as seen in similar schemes like Haryana’s e-Adhigam initiative, where lack of internet connectivity hindered tablet usage.
Disclaimer: This report is based on information from official government portals, including digishakti.up.gov.in, and trusted news sources like Hindustan Times and Times of India. Data is accurate as of September 2, 2025. Readers are advised to verify details through official channels for the latest updates.