“In a bold move to boost digital education, Bihar’s government has launched a scheme to provide free laptops to Class 12 toppers in 2025. Aimed at rewarding academic excellence and bridging the digital divide, the initiative supports meritorious students from government schools. The program, part of a broader education overhaul, offers financial aid and certificates to empower students for higher education.”
Bihar Rolls Out Free Laptops for Class 12 Toppers in 2025
In a significant step towards enhancing digital literacy and rewarding academic excellence, the Bihar government has introduced the Bihar Free Laptop Yojana 2025, targeting Class 12 toppers from government schools. Announced on June 9, 2025, this initiative is a cornerstone of the state’s broader education overhaul, designed to equip meritorious students with essential tools for higher education and digital learning.
Under the scheme, students who have excelled in their Class 12 board examinations, conducted by the Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB), are eligible to receive financial assistance of up to ₹25,000 to purchase laptops. This aid is disbursed through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to ensure transparency and efficiency. Additionally, toppers will receive certificates recognizing their academic achievements, further incentivizing excellence.
Eligibility criteria for the program are stringent yet inclusive. General category students must secure at least 85% marks, while those from Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) need a minimum of 75% in their Class 12 exams. Only students from government schools who feature in the BSEB merit list qualify, ensuring the scheme rewards those who have demonstrated exceptional performance despite resource constraints.
The initiative aligns with the state’s vision to integrate technology into education, enabling students to access online resources and compete in a digital world. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar emphasized that the scheme aims to empower Bihar’s youth to contribute to the state’s and nation’s future. The program is expected to benefit thousands of students, with over 30 lakh laptops projected to be distributed over time, according to government estimates.
The application process is streamlined for accessibility. Students can apply through the official website of the Department of Education, Development, and Labour Resources. Required documents include Aadhaar card, bank passbook, caste certificate (if applicable), income certificate, residence proof, and Class 10 and 12 marksheets. The online portal ensures a hassle-free registration process, with clear instructions for uploading documents and verifying eligibility.
This scheme builds on the success of previous initiatives like the Deshratna Dr. Rajendra Prasad Medha Scholarship, which in 2024 awarded toppers with cash prizes, Kindles, and laptops. For 2025, the BSEB has doubled the prize money for toppers, with Rank 1 holders receiving ₹2 lakh, Rank 2 holders ₹1.5 lakh, and others in the top ranks also receiving laptops and certificates during a formal ceremony.
The move has been widely praised for addressing the digital divide, particularly for students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Educationists note that access to laptops will enable students to pursue online courses, prepare for competitive exams, and engage with digital tools critical for modern education. However, some critics argue that the scheme’s focus on toppers may exclude deserving students who fall short of the merit list cutoff, urging the government to expand eligibility in future iterations.
The Bihar Free Laptop Yojana 2025 is a testament to the state’s commitment to fostering academic excellence and digital inclusion. By equipping toppers with laptops, Bihar is paving the way for its youth to excel in higher education and beyond, ensuring they are ready for a technology-driven future.
Disclaimer: This news report is based on information from official announcements and reliable sources, including government websites and educational portals, as of June 9, 2025. Details may be subject to change based on official updates from the Bihar government or BSEB.