Altinho, Goa: The Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C), Government of Goa, has commenced online registrations for its Free Laptop Scheme for meritorious students belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities for the academic year 2025-26.
The online application portal opened on August 4, 2026, and will remain active until September 2, 2026.
The initiative aims to promote digital inclusion by providing laptops to deserving students, enabling them to pursue higher education and develop digital skills.
Empowering Students Through Technology
Speaking about the initiative, ITE&C Minister Shri Rohan Khaunte said the scheme reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that every student benefits from Goa’s digital transformation.
“Through this scheme, we are ensuring no student is left behind in Goa’s digital transformation. Whether for online learning or building new solutions, laptops can be essential learning tools. By bridging the digital divide for rural and marginalised youth, we are empowering every student to harness technology and shape their future,” he said.
Student Shares Experience
Richel Costa from Holy Rosary Convent High School, who received a laptop under the previous year’s scheme, described the initiative as highly beneficial.
“It’s been a privilege receiving these laptops. It’s going to help us a lot with technology and upgrading ourselves accordingly. This initiative is very productive and will help us with our studies later on,” she said.
Eligibility Criteria
The scheme is being implemented by Info Tech Corporation of Goa Ltd. (ITG).
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be Goa-born students belonging to the SC or ST community
- Have passed the SSC (Class 10) examination during the 2025-26 academic year
- Secure a minimum of 70% aggregate marks
Applicants must submit the following documents online:
- Passport-size photograph
- Identity proof
- SSC marksheet
- Caste certificate
- Birth certificate
- Signed consent form
Selection Process
After the application deadline, an ITG Scrutiny Committee will verify and evaluate all eligible applications.
The final selection will include the top 10 meritorious students from each taluka, consisting of:
- Five boys
- Five girls
The selection will cover deserving students from the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities.
Through this initiative, DITE&C continues to strengthen Goa’s digital ecosystem while supporting deserving students with better access to education, technology and future career opportunities.
