Who Can Apply? New Criteria Issued for PM Free Laptop Program
On February 19, 2026, the Government of Pakistan formally updated the guidelines for Phase-IV of the PM Youth Laptop Scheme. A key clarification confirms that students selected on merit during enrollment will still receive laptops even if they graduate before physical distribution.
The program is administered by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and remains strictly merit-based.
Who Can Apply? (Updated 2026 Criteria)
Eligible Degree Programs
- PhD / MS / MPhil (18 years education or above)
- 4-Year / 5-Year Bachelor’s (BS or equivalent)
- 2-Year Master’s programs
- Professional degrees (MBBS, BDS, DVM, Pharm-D, Engineering) in public universities
Academic Requirement (CGPA / Percentage)
Semester System
- Minimum 70% marks
OR - Typically 3.0 CGPA (some institutions may allow 2.8+ depending on policy)
Annual System
- Minimum 60% marks in last annual exam
Major Clarification 2026
If you were selected on merit during studies but graduated before laptop distribution, you remain eligible for collection.
Special Quotas & Inclusions
- 18% quota for Balochistan students
- Reserved seats for disabled students
- Eligibility for AJK & Gilgit-Baltistan students studying in public HEIs
- 5% quota for distance learners (where applicable)
Distance learning institutions include:
- Virtual University of Pakistan
- Allama Iqbal Open University
Can Virtual University Students Apply?
Yes — under the allocated quota, VU students enrolled in eligible programs can apply, provided they meet CGPA/marks criteria and are verified by HEC.
Who Is NOT Eligible?
- Students of private universities (except Punjab’s separate provincial expansion scheme)
- Previous laptop recipients from earlier phases
- Graduates who were never selected on merit
- Foreign nationals (except AJK)
- Employed individuals (public/private sector employees generally excluded)
Punjab Provincial Expansion – Private University Inclusion (2026 Update)
In a major shift, the CM Punjab Laptop Scheme now includes certain private university students under specific conditions:
Conditions:
- Punjab domicile required
- Minimum 65% marks
- University must be HEC-recognized
- Must apply through provincial portal
This expansion applies under provincial policy, separate from federal PMYP criteria.
How Much CGPA Is Required for Laptop Scheme?
For Phase-IV (2026):
- 3.0 CGPA preferred benchmark
- Some universities allow 2.8+
- Or 70% marks equivalent
Always verify with your university focal person.
How to Apply – PM Laptop Scheme 2026 Online
Official portal:
www.pmyp.gov.pk
Step-by-Step Process
- Create account / login
- Update academic profile
- Upload:
- CNIC
- Student ID
- Latest transcript
- Submit application
- Track merit status online
PM Laptop Scheme Application Status – How to Check
- Visit PMYP portal
- Login with CNIC
- Click “Application Status”
- Check:
- Applied
- Verified
- Selected
- Awaiting Objection
- Approved for Distribution
A 15-day objection window opens after provisional merit lists.
Laptop Scheme 2026 – Distribution Timeline
- Distribution started: February 16, 2026 (selected universities)
- Full rollout continues through 2026
- Merit-based collection via SMS code
Students must ensure mobile number is registered under their CNIC.
What Are the Specs of PM Laptop Scheme 2025 / 2026?
Typical configuration includes:
- Intel Core i5 or equivalent
- 8GB RAM
- 256–512GB SSD
- Licensed Windows OS
- HD display
- Webcam & Wi-Fi enabled
Final specs confirmed at procurement stage.
Who Is Eligible for Honhaar Laptop Scheme?
The Honhaar Laptop Program (Punjab specific) generally requires:
- Punjab domicile
- Public or eligible private enrollment
- Minimum merit threshold
- Verification via provincial portal
It operates separately from federal PMYP.
Key Deadlines 2026
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Portal Open | Ongoing |
| Punjab Private Sector Deadline | February 28, 2026 |
| Phase-IV Distribution | Started February 16, 2026 |
Students should coordinate with their university focal person for verification status.
Important Tips for Students
- Ensure CGPA matches transcript exactly
- Keep documents clear & readable
- Use official website only
- Do not pay any fee
- Track merit list regularly
Final Summary
The 2026 PM Youth Laptop Scheme introduces stronger verification, merit enforcement, and a key policy clarification protecting selected graduates.
With 100,000 laptops planned, students must:
- Apply through official portal
- Monitor provisional merit lists
- Respond within objection window
- Confirm mobile linkage to CNIC
