The UP Free Tablet Yojana 2026 continues to be one of the largest digital education initiatives in India. Launched by the Uttar Pradesh government under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, this scheme provides free tablets and smartphones to students across the state. The goal is direct — put digital tools in the hands of students who need them most, so they can access online education, government services, and skill development platforms without financial barriers. This complete guide covers everything about the scheme in 2026: what it is, who qualifies, how distribution works, and what to do if you have not received your device yet.
Key Takeaways
- The UP Free Tablet Yojana targets over one crore students across Uttar Pradesh
- The scheme runs under the Swami Vivekananda Youth Empowerment Scheme umbrella
- Class 10, Class 12, UG, ITI, and polytechnic students are covered
- Distribution is managed through the DigiShakti portal at digishakti.up.gov.in
- Students register through their college — there is no individual self-registration
What Is UP Free Tablet Yojana?
UP Free Tablet Yojana is a state government initiative to distribute free digital devices — tablets and smartphones — to eligible students studying in recognised institutions across Uttar Pradesh. The scheme was formally announced under the Swami Vivekananda Youth Empowerment Scheme, which frames digital access as a fundamental enabler of youth development in the state.
The scheme operates through the DigiShakti portal, a centralised platform developed by UPDESCO (Uttar Pradesh Development Systems Corporation Limited). All student registration, eKYC verification, and device distribution tracking happens on this platform. Furthermore, the DigiShakti Mapper App is used by colleges to physically assign devices to students at the point of distribution.
Scheme Objectives
The UP Free Tablet Yojana has clear, stated objectives that go beyond simply handing out devices.
- Promote digital literacy among UP students, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas
- Enable access to online education platforms, e-books, and digital study material
- Support skill development by connecting students to online learning resources
- Advance the Digital India mission at the state level
- Reduce inequality in digital access between urban and rural student populations
- Enable students to use government e-services and apply for schemes digitally
Who Gets a Tablet and Who Gets a Smartphone?
One of the most common questions students ask is whether they will receive a tablet or a smartphone. The answer depends on the course and academic level, not personal preference.
| Academic Level / Course | Device Type |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree programmes (BA, BSc, BCom, BTech) | Tablet |
| Medical and technical undergraduate programmes | Tablet |
| ITI and polytechnic diploma students | Smartphone |
| Class 10 and Class 12 students | Smartphone |
Device allocation ultimately depends on availability and the specific distribution round. However, the above mapping reflects the general pattern followed by the state government in previous distribution rounds.
How the UP Free Tablet Yojana Registration Works
A critical point: students do not register individually for this scheme. There is no online application form that students fill out and submit. Registration is entirely institution-driven. Here is how the process works from start to device delivery.
Step 1 — College Registration with UPDESCO
The college or university first registers with UPDESCO and receives institution login credentials for the DigiShakti portal. Colleges that are not yet registered with UPDESCO cannot participate in the scheme.
Step 2 — Student Data Upload
The college collects student information — enrollment number, Aadhaar details, course, and contact information — and uploads this data to the DigiShakti portal through the institution login. Data verification is done by UPDESCO against eligibility criteria.
Step 3 — Student Completes eKYC
Once data is uploaded, students can complete their eKYC on the MeriPehchaan portal using Aadhaar and OTP. This confirms identity and marks the student as ready for device distribution. Read the complete eKYC guide here.
Step 4 — Distribution List Generation
After eKYC, the student’s name appears in the device distribution list on the DigiShakti portal. The government approves batch-wise distribution schedules for institutions.
Step 5 — Physical Distribution Event
Colleges organise on-campus distribution events. Students collect their device by presenting original Aadhaar and college ID. The DigiShakti Mapper App is used to scan a QR code and link the device IMEI to the student’s record. As a result, distribution is fully auditable and tamper-resistant.
Device Brands and Models
The UP government has distributed devices from multiple brands across different distribution rounds. Brands used in previous rounds include Realme, Samsung, and other government-empanelled manufacturers. The specific model distributed depends on the procurement round and government tender at the time.
Students should not expect a specific brand or model. The government selects devices based on technical specifications that meet educational use requirements — typically Android-based, with sufficient processing power, storage, and battery life for academic work.
Distribution Status 2026
Distribution under the scheme is ongoing in 2026. New batches are scheduled at the district and college level throughout the year. Students who completed eKYC recently will be covered in upcoming distribution rounds. Moreover, students in institutions that recently registered with UPDESCO will enter the pipeline as their college completes the data upload process.
To check your current distribution status, visit the Student Corner on digishakti.up.gov.in and search using your enrollment number. For updates, check DigiShakti.net regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions — UP Free Tablet Yojana 2026
Is the UP Free Tablet Yojana still active in 2026?
Yes. The scheme is active in 2026. Distribution is ongoing for students who have completed eKYC and whose college data has been uploaded to the DigiShakti portal. New distribution rounds are announced periodically.
How many students will receive devices under this scheme?
The scheme targets over one crore students studying in medical, technical, and general graduation courses across Uttar Pradesh. This makes it one of the largest digital device distribution programmes in the country.
Do students pay anything to receive the device?
No. The devices are completely free. The entire cost is borne by the Uttar Pradesh state government. Any person or organisation demanding payment for facilitating device distribution is acting fraudulently and should be reported.
What happens if I lose the device received under this scheme?
The scheme provides one device per eligible student. If a device is lost, there is no automatic replacement under the scheme. The device IMEI is registered against your Aadhaar record, so replacement claims would require official investigation.
Can students from outside UP get devices under this scheme?
No. The scheme is exclusively for students who are residents of Uttar Pradesh and enrolled in recognised UP institutions. Students from other states studying in UP are generally not covered.
How do I know when distribution will happen at my college?
Distribution dates are announced at the college level. Your college administration will inform you through official notices, college WhatsApp groups, or notice boards. Additionally, check the DigiShakti portal Student Corner for your device status.
Summary: The UP Free Tablet Yojana 2026 is an active, large-scale scheme that continues to distribute free devices to UP students. The process runs entirely through the DigiShakti portal, is institution-led, and requires eKYC completion. If you are enrolled in a qualifying course, make sure your college has uploaded your data and complete your eKYC immediately. For scheme details and the latest updates, visit DigiShakti.net.
