Karnataka Free Laptop Scheme

What is Karnataka Free Laptop Scheme?

Karnataka Mukhyamantri Vidyarthi Vidya Siri Yojana, also called the Karnataka Free Laptop / Tablet Scheme, is a state government initiative distributing free laptops or tablets to meritorious students from Class 10 onwards. The scheme targets SC/ST/BC/Minority students who score high in Karnataka SSLC (Class 10) and II PUC (Class 12) board exams, government degree college students in their final year of UG, and engineering/medical students from EWS backgrounds. Distributed annually with ₹150+ crore allocation. Laptop specs: ~₹35,000-45,000 range (i3 processor, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD, Windows 11) for UG/PG students; tablets (~₹15,000) for Class 10-12 toppers. The scheme aims to bridge the digital divide and enable distance learning, online research, and digital skill development. Approximately 1 lakh+ laptops/tablets distributed annually. Identification of beneficiaries done through SSP portal data (ePASS + Vidyasiri linked).

Who is Eligible for Karnataka Free Laptop Scheme?

• ✓ Karnataka domicile student from SC/ST/BC/Minority/EWS category
• ✓ Class 10 (SSLC) topper: 85%+ marks → eligible for tablet
• ✓ Class 12 (II PUC) topper: 80%+ marks → eligible for laptop
• ✓ UG final year (BA/BCom/BSc/BBA): 75%+ aggregate → eligible for laptop
• ✓ Engineering (BE/BTech) UG final year: 70%+ aggregate → eligible for laptop
• ✓ Medical (MBBS) UG final year: any aggregate → eligible for laptop (priority distribution)
• ✓ Family income below ₹8 lakh per year

Documents Required for Karnataka Free Laptop Scheme

How to Apply for Karnataka Free Laptop Scheme Online?

1. 1Ensure you are registered on the Karnataka State Scholarship Portal (SSP) — ssp.postmatric.karnataka.gov.in
2. 2Apply for ePASS or Vidyasiri scholarship (relevant to your category) for the current academic year
3. 3Submit your previous year marksheet meeting the topper criteria (85% SSLC / 80% II PUC / 75% UG / 70% engineering / MBBS final year)
4. 4The Backward Classes Welfare Department auto-identifies eligible candidates from SSP database — no separate application needed
5. 5If selected, you receive intimation via SMS/email at the registered mobile/email
6. 6Distribution typically done at district-level function presided over by MLA or DC — collect laptop/tablet from designated venue
7. 7Show original Aadhaar + college bonafide at distribution venue to receive laptop/tablet
8. 8Laptop/tablet comes with 1-year warranty + 1-year free anti-virus + pre-installed educational software
9. 9In case of online classes/exams, you may also be eligible for free Wi-Fi data subsidy (additional state scheme)

Frequently Asked Questions — Karnataka Free Laptop Scheme