One of the most frequently asked questions about the UP free device scheme is about DigiShakti tablet vs smartphone — specifically, which device a student will receive and why. Many students assume they will receive a tablet, while others expect a smartphone. The reality is that the device type is determined by your academic course and level — not by your personal preference. This guide explains exactly who gets a tablet, who gets a smartphone, what specifications to expect from each, and whether students have any say in the matter.
Key Takeaways
- Device type under DigiShakti is determined by your course — not your choice
- Undergraduate and technical degree students generally receive a tablet
- ITI, polytechnic, Class 10, and Class 12 students generally receive a smartphone
- Both devices are Android-based and provided free of cost
- Device brand and exact model depend on the government procurement round
Why Does DigiShakti Give Two Different Devices?
The DigiShakti scheme is designed to serve students across very different academic levels — from Class 10 school students to undergraduate college students pursuing technical and medical degrees. The digital needs and usage patterns of these groups differ significantly. Consequently, the government decided to allocate different device types based on academic level rather than giving every student the same device.
A tablet offers a larger screen, making it better suited for reading e-books, attending video lectures, and working on assignments — activities more common among undergraduate students. A smartphone, however, provides portability and connectivity that benefits students at lower academic levels who primarily need internet access and digital communication tools.
DigiShakti Tablet vs Smartphone — Full Comparison
| Feature | Tablet | Smartphone |
|---|---|---|
| Who Gets It | UG, medical, technical degree students | ITI, polytechnic, Class 10 and 12 students |
| Screen Size | Typically 8 to 10 inches | Typically 6 to 6.5 inches |
| Primary Use | E-learning, video lectures, document work | Internet access, communication, apps |
| Operating System | Android | Android |
| Calling Capability | Not always available on tablets | Yes — voice calls supported |
| Portability | Moderate — larger form factor | High — fits in pocket |
| Cost to Student | Free | Free |
| Selection by Student | Not allowed — government decides | Not allowed — government decides |
Who Gets a Tablet Under DigiShakti?
Students enrolled in undergraduate and higher-level programmes at recognised UP universities and colleges are generally allocated tablets. This includes the following categories.
- BA, BSc, BCom, and other general undergraduate students
- BTech, BCA, and other technical undergraduate students
- Medical undergraduate students — MBBS, BAMS, nursing programmes
- Students in 4-year and 5-year degree programmes at state universities
The larger screen of a tablet supports the academic workload of these students more effectively. Furthermore, tablets distributed under the scheme come pre-loaded with educational content and access credentials for digital learning platforms in select distribution rounds.
Who Gets a Smartphone Under DigiShakti?
Students at school level and vocational training programmes are generally allocated smartphones. This includes the following categories.
- Class 10 students in government schools
- Class 12 students in government schools and intermediate colleges
- ITI (Industrial Training Institute) students
- Polytechnic diploma students
For these students, a smartphone serves the purpose effectively — online attendance, accessing government portals, digital payments, and staying connected to educational resources. Additionally, the portability of a smartphone suits the lifestyle of vocational training students who move between classroom and workshop settings.
Can Students Choose Their Device?
No. Device selection is entirely at the government’s discretion based on your academic profile. You cannot request a tablet if your course makes you eligible for a smartphone, nor can you swap devices after distribution. The allocation is determined at the time UPDESCO processes your institution’s data upload and your eKYC record.
Therefore, students should not delay eKYC in the hope of getting a different device type. The sooner you complete eKYC, the sooner you enter the distribution pipeline for whatever device your course qualifies you for. Read the complete eKYC guide here.
What Are the Specifications of DigiShakti Devices?
The UP government procures devices through a tender process, and specifications vary across procurement rounds. However, both tablets and smartphones distributed under DigiShakti are required to meet minimum technical standards set by UPDESCO to ensure they are fit for educational use.
| Specification | Tablet (Approximate) | Smartphone (Approximate) |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Octa-core or equivalent | Octa-core or equivalent |
| RAM | 3 GB to 4 GB | 3 GB to 4 GB |
| Storage | 32 GB to 64 GB | 32 GB to 64 GB |
| Battery | 5000 mAh or above | 4000 mAh or above |
| OS | Android 11 or higher | Android 11 or higher |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, some with SIM | 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
Exact specifications depend on the procurement round. The devices delivered in 2026 distribution rounds may differ from earlier rounds. For device-specific queries, your college administration will have the details from UPDESCO for your batch.
Frequently Asked Questions — DigiShakti Tablet vs Smartphone
Can a UG student request a smartphone instead of a tablet?
No. Device allocation is determined by your academic course as per government guidelines. UG students are allocated tablets. There is no option to exchange or request an alternative device type.
Do DigiShakti tablets support SIM cards and phone calls?
Some tablets distributed in DigiShakti rounds support SIM cards for data connectivity. Voice calling support varies by model and procurement round. Check with your college administration for specific features of the device allocated to your batch.
Is the tablet or smartphone better for students?
Both serve different purposes. Tablets offer a larger display suited to reading and video learning — better for UG students with heavier academic workloads. Smartphones offer portability and calling capability — appropriate for school-level and vocational students. The government’s course-based allocation reflects these differences.
What if my course is not clearly UG or ITI — how is my device decided?
UPDESCO and your institution categorise your course during the data upload process. The system maps your course type to the appropriate device category. If you are unsure what device you are allocated, check your status on the DigiShakti portal Student Corner or ask your college nodal officer.
Can DigiShakti devices be used after course completion?
Yes. There is no restriction on using the device after course completion. The device is linked to your Aadhaar record at the time of handover, confirming it was received by you. After that, it is your device to use as needed.
Are the DigiShakti tablet and smartphone both new devices?
Yes. All devices distributed under the DigiShakti scheme are brand new. They are procured by the UP government directly from manufacturers through a competitive tender process and distributed sealed to students at distribution events.
Summary: Under DigiShakti, your device type is determined by your course — tablets for UG and degree students, smartphones for ITI, polytechnic, and Class 10/12 students. Students cannot choose or swap devices. Both are free, Android-based, and new. The most important thing you can do right now is complete your eKYC and enter the distribution pipeline. For full scheme details, read the UP Free Tablet Yojana 2026 guide.
