The prime minister laptop scheme 2026 last date search often points to the active Chief Minister Punjab Laptop Scheme Phase-II, as the national Prime Minister’s Youth Laptop Scheme (PMYLS) has no open applications for new registrations in 2026. The CM Punjab program, frequently referred to in searches for PM free laptop scheme or prime minister laptop scheme 2026, offers free high-spec laptops (Core i7, 13th Gen) to eligible students. The official last date to apply is February 15, 2026, with the portal live at cmlaptophed.punjab.gov.pk. As of January 31, 2026, applications remain open for Punjab-domiciled students in 1st or 2nd semester undergraduate programs.
This guide covers the CM Punjab scheme details (most relevant for Punjab users, including Bahawalpur), differences from the national PM scheme, eligibility, step-by-step application, and more. We’ll prioritize accurate, up-to-date information from official sources to help you apply successfully before the deadline.
What is CM Punjab Laptop Scheme 2026?
The CM Punjab Laptop Scheme 2026 (Phase-II) is a provincial initiative by the Punjab government under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. It distributes free laptops to meritorious students to promote digital education, research, and skill-building in line with Pakistan’s Digital Pakistan goals.
Unlike the federal Prime Minister’s Youth Laptop Scheme managed by the Higher Education Commission (HEC), this is Punjab-specific and targets early undergraduate students in public and select private institutions. Phase-II expanded access to private university students, a key update for 2026.
The scheme provides modern laptops to support online learning, coding, and assignments. It builds on previous phases and aims to reduce the digital divide for Punjab youth.
Latest Official Update / Announcement Status
The CM Punjab Laptop Program Phase-II portal opened in late 2025 and is currently active. Official sources, including the Punjab Higher Education Department (HED) website and announcements from Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s verified channels, confirm the closing date as February 15, 2026. No extensions have been announced as of January 31, 2026.
Private universities are now included, increasing opportunities. Distributions are expected to begin after verification, likely in March 2026 or later.
For the national prime minister laptop scheme 2026, PMYLS Phase-IV focuses on ongoing distributions (e.g., events in various provinces), but new applications closed in 2025. No Phase V or 2026 fresh registrations are open. Punjab students should prioritize the CM scheme.
Always verify on the official portal: cmlaptophed.punjab.gov.pk. Avoid unofficial sites claiming updates.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility is strict and merit-based to ensure fair distribution:
- Punjab domicile holder.
- Enrolled in 1st or 2nd semester of BS, DPT, DPharm, or first professional year in medical/dental colleges (public or select private HEC-recognized institutions).
- Minimum marks: 65% in Intermediate for BS/DPT/DPharm; 80%+ for medical/dental students.
- Regular students only—no previous government laptop recipients.
- Not applicable to higher semesters, MPhil, PhD, or non-Punjab domiciles.
Use the portal’s eligibility checker if unsure. This targets early-stage students needing tech support most.
Required Documents
Prepare these scanned copies (clear PDF/JPEG, typically under 2MB):
- CNIC or B-Form.
- Punjab domicile certificate.
- Intermediate marksheet/transcript (attested if needed).
- Current enrollment/admission letter from university/college (proving 1st/2nd semester).
- Recent passport-sized photograph.
Medical students may need extra enrollment proof. Upload during application—AI verification checks authenticity.
How to Apply Online (Step-by-Step)
CM laptop scheme online apply is simple and free via the official portal:
- Visit https://cmlaptophed.punjab.gov.pk/.
- Click “Apply Now” or register as a new user.
- Enter CNIC, mobile number, and email; verify with OTP.
- Log in and complete the application form with personal, academic, and domicile details.
- Upload required documents.
- Review entries carefully—correct any errors.
- Submit to receive a reference number via SMS/email.
- Track status on the dashboard.
The process takes 15-30 minutes. Apply soon to avoid last-minute issues near February 15, 2026.
Warning: Only use the official Punjab government domain. Beware of fake portals asking for money or extra details—report scams.
Application Start Date & Deadline (Official)
- Start Date: Late 2025 (portal live since Phase-II launch).
- Last Date: February 15, 2026 (confirmed on official site and announcements).
No new national PM scheme applications in 2026. Submit before the deadline—late entries are rejected.
Selection Criteria
Selection prioritizes:
- Academic merit (higher Intermediate marks score better).
- Verified documents and enrollment.
- Balanced quotas for districts, gender, and disciplines.
- AI/manual verification by HED.
Shortlisted students receive notifications. Merit lists appear on the portal. Appeals possible for discrepancies.
District-Wise Distribution (if available)
Distributions are province-wide, often at universities with focal persons. Larger districts like Lahore get more, but Bahawalpur (your area) will have events at local institutions like The Islamia University of Bahawalpur or others listed on the portal.
Post-selection, check the site for venue/schedule details.
Expected Laptop Specifications
Laptops feature:
- Processor: Intel Core i7, 13th Generation.
- RAM: 16GB+.
- Storage: 512GB SSD.
- Display: 15.6-inch Full HD.
- OS: Windows 11.
- Extras: Webcam, good battery, warranty.
These support demanding academic tasks effectively.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Missing February 15, 2026 deadline.
- Blurry/low-quality document uploads.
- Wrong semester or marks entry.
- Using unofficial sites.
- Ignoring OTP verification.
- Applying without checking eligibility.
Double-check everything before submission.
Final Update Section
Last Updated: January 31, 2026. This reflects current official status from Punjab HED and announcements. Check cmlaptophed.punjab.gov.pk for any last-minute changes or merit list updates. We’ll note new info here if released.
