The Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C), Government of Goa, has officially opened online registrations for its scheme providing free laptops to meritorious students belonging to SC/ST communities for the academic year 2025-26. The application portal opened on August 4, 2026 and will remain open until September 2, 2026.
Speaking on the initiative, ITE&C Minister, Rohan Khaunte, said, “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.”
Highlighting the impact of the initiative on students, Richel Costa from Holy Rosary Convent High School, who received a laptop in the previous academic year, shared, “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.”
Implemented by Info Tech Corporation of Goa Ltd. (ITG), the scheme is open to Goa-born SC/ST students who passed their 10th standard (SSC) examinations in the 2025-26 academic year with at least 70% aggregate marks. Eligible students can apply online through the official ITG portal by submitting required documents, including applicant photo, ID proof, SSC marksheet, caste certificate, birth certificate and the consent form.
Following the submission deadline, an ITG scrutiny committee will review all verified applications to select the top 10 meritorious students from each taluka, comprising five boys and five girls belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities respectively. By equipping high-achieving students with laptops, DITE&C continues to strengthen Goa’s digital ecosystem, empower rural communities and support seamless transitions into higher education and technical careers.
