India's own cheap tablet, the Milkyway, has arrived — and it is turning heads in the education technology space. Launched by EPIC Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation led by HCL co-founders Dr Ajay Chaudhary and Arjun Malhotra, the Milkyway is marketed as the first tablet Designed in India, built with repairability, upgradability, and digital inclusion at its core.
- The Milkyway is India's first Designed-in-India Android tablet, launched by EPIC Foundation with BharatGPT AI support and an expected price of around Rs 8,400.
- It features an 8-inch replaceable IPS display, MediaTek 8766A processor, 4 GB RAM, 64 GB expandable storage, and a replaceable 5100 mAh battery running Android 13.
India's Own Cheap Tablet: What Makes Milkyway Different?
What sets the Milkyway apart from other budget tablets on the market is its philosophy. Developed jointly by VVDN Technologies, MediaTek India, and CoRover.ai, the device was engineered with the Self-Reliant India (Atmanirbhar Bharat) campaign in mind. Components are designed to be easily replaced and upgraded — a significant advantage in educational and low-resource environments where long device life matters most.
The tablet also integrates BharatGPT Virtual Assistant support, a homegrown AI platform that enables digital learning across multiple Indian languages. This makes the Milkyway one of the few affordable tablets to offer localised AI assistance out of the box, directly addressing India's linguistic diversity.
Distribution will be handled by IRIS, which will channel the device into educational institutions across the country. According to IRIS Chairman Sanjeev Krishnan, the tablet is expected to reach the market within two months of launch, priced at approximately Rs 8,400 — though an official price has not yet been confirmed.
Milkyway Tablet Full Specifications
Here is a complete breakdown of what the Milkyway packs under the hood:
- Display: 8-inch IPS panel, 800×1280 pixels resolution, replaceable
- Processor: MediaTek 8766A
- RAM: 4 GB
- Storage: 64 GB, expandable via microSD
- Front Camera: 3 megapixels
- Rear Camera: 8 megapixels
- Battery: 5100 mAh, replaceable
- OS: Android 13
- Connectivity: 4G LTE, Bluetooth 5.0
- AI Feature: BharatGPT Virtual Assistant
Display and Build Quality
The 8-inch IPS display offers an 800×1280 pixel resolution — adequate for educational content, e-books, and video learning. Notably, the screen itself is replaceable, which is a rarity at this price point and adds considerably to the device's long-term value in institutional deployments.
Battery and Connectivity
The 5100 mAh battery is another highlight, and like the display, it is user-replaceable — reducing electronic waste and repair costs. For connectivity, the tablet supports 4G LTE for internet access in areas with mobile data coverage, alongside Bluetooth 5.0 for peripherals and accessories.
Milkyway Tablet Price and Availability
The official launch price for the Milkyway tablet has not been announced at the time of writing. However, the expected price is approximately Rs 8,400, positioning it firmly in the budget segment. Availability through educational institutions via IRIS is planned within two months of the announcement. For more coverage on affordable devices and technology launches, explore our brand news section.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price of the Milkyway tablet in India?
The official price has not been confirmed yet. However, it is expected to be available at around Rs 8,400 through educational institutions, distributed by IRIS.
What is BharatGPT and how does the Milkyway use it?
BharatGPT is an Indian AI virtual assistant developed with multilingual support for Indian languages. The Milkyway tablet integrates BharatGPT to enhance digital learning experiences and provide AI-powered assistance in regional languages.
Is the Milkyway tablet battery replaceable?
Yes. Both the 5100 mAh battery and the 8-inch IPS display on the Milkyway are designed to be replaceable, reducing long-term ownership costs and electronic waste.
