Digital India Initiative Rolls– In a major push towards inclusive digital access, the Government of India under its flagship Digital India Initiative has announced a new welfare scheme aimed at students from underprivileged backgrounds. Starting August 10, eligible students will receive a monthly internet recharge worth ₹500 to support their online education, job applications, digital learning, and competitive exam preparation. The scheme is expected to benefit millions of students across India who rely on mobile data for online classes and educational content.The ₹500 Internet Recharge Scheme will be implemented through major telecom operators like Jio and Airtel in the first phase. The initiative aims to bridge the digital divide that still plagues many rural and economically weaker sections of society. With increased internet accessibility, students from remote areas will have better access to e-learning platforms, virtual libraries, skill development programs, and government portals.The registration process for this student-centric scheme will begin from August 10, 2025, through the official Digital India portal and select government education websites. To prevent misuse and ensure transparency, Aadhaar authentication and student verification through school or college ID will be mandatory. This article provides all the necessary details including eligibility, application steps, telecom partnerships, documentation, key benefits, and more.
What Is the ₹500 Internet Recharge Scheme for Students?
The ₹500 Internet Recharge Scheme is a government-funded initiative under Digital India designed to offer monthly data recharges for students belonging to low-income families.
- Monthly recharge amount: ₹500 per student
- Target audience: Students aged 14–25 from BPL or low-income families
- Telecom partners: Jio and Airtel (more to be added soon)
- Registration starts: August 10, 2025
- Duration of support: 12 months (initial phase)
- Application mode: Online via Digital India portal or State Education portals
- Aadhaar-based verification: Mandatory for students
- Coverage: PAN-India, with special focus on rural and Tier 2/3 cities
Eligibility Criteria and Required Documents
Only genuine and deserving students will be able to claim benefits under this scheme. Below are the eligibility conditions and required documents.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible students must fulfill the following criteria:
- Must be an Indian citizen
- Age between 14 to 25 years
- Enrolled in a recognized school, college, or skill training center
- Family income below ₹2.5 lakh per annum
- Possess a valid Aadhaar number
- Not already availing of similar telecom or education subsidy
Required Documents
Applicants need to upload the following documents during registration:
- Aadhaar Card (for identity and authentication)
- School/College/Training ID card (proof of enrolment)
- Income certificate (issued by local Tehsildar or competent authority)
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Mobile number registered with Jio or Airtel
Benefits and Features of the Scheme
This scheme offers multiple benefits aimed at boosting the digital capabilities of Indian students.
Key Benefits Offered
- ₹500 monthly internet recharge (prepaid mobile or dongle)
- Valid across both rural and urban locations
- Coverage for study apps, YouTube, Zoom, Google Meet, etc.
- Students can choose between Jio or Airtel depending on their network
- Annual benefit of ₹6000 per student
- No bank account or subsidy refund required—direct recharge model
Features That Make It Unique
- Targeted support for online learners in non-metro regions
- Real-time digital KYC and eligibility check via Aadhaar OTP
- Monthly auto-recharge via telecom operators
- Separate helpline for student assistance
- Transparent data tracking for usage monitoring
Registration Process Step-by-Step
The process has been designed to be completely online, paperless, and mobile-friendly.
How to Apply Online?
- Visit the official Digital India portal (www.digitalindia.gov.in)
- Click on “Student Internet Recharge Scheme” banner
- Click on “Register Now” button
- Enter your Aadhaar number and verify via OTP
- Upload required documents
- Select your telecom operator (Jio or Airtel)
- Submit application and download receipt
After Registration – What Next?
- Application will be verified within 5 working days
- If approved, the telecom partner will recharge your number
- Monthly recharge will continue for 12 months
- Status updates will be sent via SMS and email
State-Wise Rollout and Beneficiary Table
The government is planning a phased rollout across different states, prioritizing rural and underserved districts.
Phase 1 Launch – August 2025
| State/UT | Number of Students Targeted | Launch Date | Lead Department | Telecom Partner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uttar Pradesh | 5 lakh | August 10 | UP Education Department | Jio |
| Bihar | 4 lakh | August 10 | Bihar Education Council | Airtel |
| Madhya Pradesh | 3 lakh | August 10 | MP Digital Services | Jio |
| Rajasthan | 3 lakh | August 12 | Dept. of Higher Education | Airtel |
| West Bengal | 2 lakh | August 15 | School Ed & Literacy Dept | Jio |
| Jharkhand | 2 lakh | August 15 | Tribal & Education Dept | Jio |
| Odisha | 1.5 lakh | August 16 | Skill Dev & Tech Ed Dept | Airtel |
| Assam | 1 lakh | August 16 | Education Directorate | Jio |
Upcoming Telecom Additions – September 2025
| Operator | Status | Expected Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| VI (Vodafone-Idea) | Under consideration | Western & Southern India |
| BSNL | MoU pending | Rural districts only |
Real-Life Impact and Student Testimonials
Many students from rural districts who previously relied on public Wi-Fi or cybercafés are now hopeful about receiving stable monthly internet access. For instance:
- Priya Yadav, a Class 11 student from Sitapur, UP, said, “I had to skip online classes due to data issues. This recharge scheme will help me prepare better for NEET.”
- Faizal Shaikh, an engineering student in Bihar, said, “Online coding practice needs daily data. ₹500 recharge will reduce financial pressure on my parents.”
Contact Details for Help and Support
If students face any issue while registering or verifying documents, they can reach out to the following helplines:
| Department Name | Contact Number | Email Address | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Digital India Helpdesk | 1800-111-5656 | [email protected] | Mon–Sat, 9 AM–6 PM |
| Ministry of Education | 1800-345-6789 | [email protected] | Mon–Fri, 10 AM–5 PM |
| Jio Recharge Helpline | 198 | [email protected] | 24×7 |
| Airtel Student Support | 121 | [email protected] | Mon–Sun, 8 AM–8 PM |
| State Education Portal Helpline | Varies by state | Check official websites | As per state norms |
Please keep application receipt number and Aadhaar ready while calling support centers.
FAQs
1. Who is eligible for the ₹500 Internet Recharge Scheme?
Students aged 14–25 from low-income families enrolled in a recognized educational institution.
2. Can I choose between Jio and Airtel?
Yes, you can select your preferred telecom operator during registration.
3. Will I get the recharge in my bank account?
No, the recharge will be directly credited to your mobile number.
4. Can I apply if I already have a student SIM card plan?
Yes, but only if you are not availing of any other government telecom subsidy.
5. Is this scheme available in urban cities too?
Yes, but priority will be given to rural and semi-urban areas in initial rollout.