The CM PUNJAB NEW LAPTOP SCHEME 2026 is an official government initiative by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif distributing free laptops to deserving students in public sector universities and colleges. The scheme targets 100,000 to 150,000 merit-based students in 2026. Laptops worth PKR 90,000 to 150,000 are provided with zero hidden charges. The application deadline is expected around January 30, 2026. This article covers eligibility, how to apply, required documents, and updates to help you secure your free laptop.
What is the CM Punjab New Laptop Scheme?
The CM Punjab new laptop scheme bridges the digital divide by providing modern laptops to academically talented students who cannot afford them. This is an investment in Pakistan’s digital future, not a temporary handout. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz recognized that many bright students cannot pursue their potential because families cannot afford laptops costing PKR 90,000 to 150,000. The scheme makes technology accessible to merit-based students with high-speed processors, storage, and educational software supporting research and skill development. It reflects Punjab’s Digital Punjab vision where government support is based on merit and transparency, not connections.
Latest Status
As of January 2026, the CM Punjab new laptop scheme accepts applications. Relaunched in 2025, it continues in 2026 (declared “Year of Youth”). Applications now include students from colleges, technical institutes, and universities across Punjab, KP, Balochistan, AJK, and Gilgit-Baltistan. The deadline is expected January 30, 2026. Over 150,000 laptops are targeted with expanded eligibility including technical institutes and students with special needs.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the CM Punjab new laptop scheme, you must meet these requirements:
You must be enrolled in a public sector university, college, or technical/vocational institute in Punjab with a minimum of 70% marks or equivalent CGPA in your last examination. You must maintain 70% to 80% attendance as a regular, full-time student. You must be at least 18 years old with a valid CNIC or B-Form. Students with disabilities are eligible with 10% of laptops reserved for them. For the first time in 2026, students from technical and vocational institutes are included. While Punjab students are prioritized, students from other provinces enrolled in Punjab institutions may qualify.
Required Documents
You will need to gather and submit the following documents:
Valid CNIC or B-Form (both front and back in PDF format). Latest academic transcripts or mark sheets showing current performance and percentage/CGPA. Official enrollment certificate from your institution confirming current status. Proof of attendance record from your institution. Recent color passport-sized photograph (4×6 cm) in digital format. Active bank account information including IBAN or account number. Valid email address and active mobile number for government communication.
Important: Scan documents clearly at 300 DPI in good lighting with all corners visible. If you have disabilities, include medical certification. Students with disabilities can upload additional documentation to strengthen their application under the 10% reserved quota.
How to Apply Online: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Visit Official Portal
Navigate to the official CM Punjab laptop scheme portal under punjab.gov.pk. Warning: Only trust official government portals. If a portal is not linked from the official government website, it is fake and designed to steal your information.
Step 2: Register Now
Click “Register Now” or “Apply Here” to access the application form.
Step 3: Enter Identification
Fill in your CNIC number or B-Form number carefully. Enter your email address and mobile number (the government will use these for communication). Triple-check your CNIC as errors cause automatic rejection.
Step 4: Create Password
Set a strong password with uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols. Verify your email and mobile through the OTP received.
Step 5: Personal Details
Enter your full name exactly as on your CNIC. Provide your complete residential address including street, city, district, and postal code.
Step 6: Academic Information
Select your university or college from the dropdown. Enter your enrollment number. Select your program (BS, MS, Diploma, etc.). Upload your latest transcripts. Enter your percentage or CGPA. Provide expected graduation date.
Step 7: Upload Documents
Upload clear, legible scans of all required documents in PDF or JPG format within file size limits. This includes CNIC (both sides), enrollment certificate, academic records, photograph, and bank details.
Step 8: Review Application
Carefully review all information before submission. Verify name spelling, CNIC accuracy, matching academic details, document clarity, and current contact information.
Step 9: Submit
Click “Submit Application” once confident all information is accurate. The system generates a unique tracking number—save it immediately.
Step 10: Track Status
Log into your account anytime to check application status. The government will notify you about selection results through your registered email and mobile number.
Application Deadline and Selection Criteria
The application deadline for CM Punjab new laptop scheme 2026 is expected around January 30, 2026. Expected key dates include: Application Launch (already open as of January 2026), Application Deadline (expected January 30, 2026), Selection Announcement (expected February-March 2026), and Laptop Distribution (expected March-June 2026). These are expected timelines based on previous cycles. Always verify exact dates on the official portal and check your registered email for announcements.
Selection is entirely merit-based and automated. Your marks and CGPA are primary criteria. Regular attendance (70%+) strengthens your application. Your institution may recommend top performers. While merit is primary, financial need receives some consideration. Students with disabilities are selected separately within the 10% reserved quota. The government ensures previous recipients do not receive laptops again. The automated selection process is fully transparent with published merit lists online.
District-Wise Distribution and Expected Registrations
While the CM Punjab new laptop scheme is provincial, distribution is organized across all districts through university and college distribution centers, district education offices, regional distribution points, and home delivery for students with disabilities. The 150,000 laptops will be distributed proportionally across all Punjab districts with major cities like Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, Gujranwala, and Rawalpindi receiving larger allocations.
Expected registrations are substantial. Punjab has approximately 3 million students in public institutions, with 500,000 to 700,000 expected applications. With 100,000 to 150,000 laptops targeted, approximately 15% to 20% of eligible applicants will be selected, making this highly competitive. This emphasizes the importance of maintaining strong academics and submitting complete, accurate applications.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Typing Errors in CNIC: Even one wrong digit causes automatic rejection. Triple-check your CNIC.
- Outdated Academic Records: Always use your most recent mark sheets. The government verifies with institutions anyway.
- Poor Document Quality: Scan at 300 DPI in good lighting with all corners visible. Blurry documents are rejected.
- Mismatched Information: Use the exact same name format on all documents as on your CNIC.
- Invalid Bank Account: Verify your IBAN and account number with your bank before submitting.
- Missing Documents: Upload every required document. Incomplete applications are automatically rejected.
- Applying After Deadline: Submit at least 5 days before the deadline. Late applications are not accepted.
- Using Fake Portals: Only use official government portals. Never share your CNIC with unofficial websites.
- False Academic Information: Be honest. Inflating grades can disqualify you and result in legal action.
- Ignoring Government Communication: Check your email and SMS regularly. Missing communication means losing your laptop.
Final Update Section and Freshness
Last Updated: January 28, 2026
The CM Punjab new laptop scheme remains one of Pakistan’s most impactful educational initiatives. This article reflects the latest status as of January 2026, when applications are active and the deadline is approaching.
Important Commitment: This article will be updated regularly as new information becomes available from official Punjab government sources. Major updates will include:
New application windows and deadlines Changes to eligibility criteria Updated laptop specifications or features Announcement of selection results Distribution schedule and venue changes Policy modifications announced by the Punjab government
