What Percentage is Required for CM Laptop 2026?, continuing as Phase-II of the Chief Minister’s Laptop Program under Maryam Nawaz Sharif, requires a minimum of 65% marks in Intermediate for most BS and undergraduate students in public and private sector institutions. Medical and dental students need 80% or higher, while non-Muslim minority students qualify for BS programs with 55% marks. These thresholds ensure merit-based distribution.
As of February 2026, the application portal is live at cmlaptophed.punjab.gov.pk, with the deadline extended to February 15, 2026. The scheme, expanded to include private university students, aims to distribute high-performance Core i7 laptops to over 100,000 deserving students across Punjab.
This detailed guide covers the required percentage, latest updates, full eligibility, step-by-step application process, expected specifications, and essential tips to help you apply successfully.
Latest Official Update / Announcement Status
What Percentage is Required for CM Laptop 2026? progressed into Phase-II in late 2025 and early 2026, with significant expansions announced by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. A key update in January 2026 extended eligibility to private university students for the first time, promoting educational equity across public and private sectors.
The Higher Education Department (HED) Punjab manages the program, with the official portal cmlaptophed.punjab.gov.pk now active for applications. Recent announcements confirm the application deadline extended to February 15, 2026, giving students additional time to register. The scheme targets distribution of advanced laptops to meritorious students, supporting digital learning and skill development.
Official sources emphasize transparency, with merit lists published online. Students should check cmlaptophed.punjab.gov.pk or hed.punjab.gov.pk regularly for updates. Avoid unofficial social media claims about alternative processes or guaranteed selection—these often lead to misinformation.
This phase builds on previous distributions, aiming to empower Punjab’s youth in an increasingly digital world.
Background and Importance of the Scheme
The Chief Minister’s Laptop Program, revived and expanded under the current administration, addresses the digital divide in higher education. In Punjab, where many talented students lack access to personal computers, free laptops enable better research, online learning, and preparation for professional careers.
The 2026 phase continues this mission by including private sector students and maintaining strict merit criteria. By requiring specific percentages in Intermediate exams, the scheme rewards academic excellence while ensuring fair access. This initiative aligns with broader goals of enhancing IT literacy, boosting employment prospects, and supporting Pakistan’s knowledge economy.
Over the years, similar programs have distributed hundreds of thousands of laptops, positively impacting student performance and motivation.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility focuses on academic merit, Punjab residency, and current enrollment. Detailed criteria include:
- Valid domicile from any district of Punjab
- Enrollment in HEC-recognized public or private sector university, college, medical, or dental institution in Punjab
- Minimum marks in Intermediate (FA/FSc or equivalent):
- 65% or higher for BS, undergraduate, and most programs
- 80% or higher for MBBS, BDS, and other medical/dental courses
- 55% or higher for non-Muslim minority students in BS programs
- Not a previous recipient of any government laptop scheme
- Active student status, often prioritizing first- and second-year students
Ongoing students in higher semesters may qualify based on previous academic performance, subject to verification. The inclusion of private universities in 2026 broadens opportunities significantly.
These criteria ensure laptops reach genuinely deserving and high-achieving students.
Required Documents
To complete registration, prepare digital copies of the following documents:
- Computerized National Identity Card (CNIC) or B-Form (for younger applicants)
- Punjab domicile certificate
- Recent passport-size photograph (clear, white background)
- Intermediate result card or marks sheet (proving the required percentage)
- Proof of enrollment (university/college ID card, admission letter, or bonafide certificate)
- Previous academic transcripts (for students in higher semesters)
- For minority relaxation: Relevant certificate if claiming 55% threshold
All uploads must be clear and match entered details. Mismatches lead to rejection during verification.
How to Apply Online (Step-by-Step)
The process is entirely online for convenience and transparency.
Detailed step-by-step instructions:
- Visit the official portal at cmlaptophed.punjab.gov.pk.
- New users: Click on “Sign Up” or “Register.”
- Enter your CNIC number, mobile phone, and email for account creation and verification.
- Verify your account via OTP sent to your mobile.
- Log in with your credentials.
- Fill the application form accurately: personal details, academic history, enrollment information, and marks percentage.
- Upload scanned documents, ensuring files are in supported formats (usually PDF or JPG) and under size limits.
- Double-check all entries, especially Intermediate marks.
- Submit the application.
- Save or print the confirmation page and note your application ID for tracking.
Essential Warning: Only use cmlaptophed.punjab.gov.pk. Fake sites may steal data or charge fees. Government applications are completely free—no payments required.
Application Start Date & Deadline (Expected or Official)
Phase-II applications opened in late January 2026. The official deadline is February 15, 2026, following a recent extension.
Apply early to avoid last-minute technical issues. If further extensions occur, they will appear on the portal. After submission, verification and merit list preparation follow.
Selection Criteria
Selection is purely merit-based:
- Primary weight on Intermediate percentage (meeting or exceeding category thresholds)
- Verified enrollment and domicile
- No prior laptop receipt
- Accurate document submission
In competitive categories, higher marks improve chances. Transparent merit lists are displayed on the portal, with appeal mechanisms for discrepancies.
District-Wise Distribution (if Available)
No fixed district-wise quotas exist—the scheme operates province-wide on merit. Students from all 36 districts, including remote areas like Bahawalpur, Rajanpur, and Dera Ghazi Khan, participate equally if eligible.
Distribution reflects applicant numbers and merit across Punjab.
| Category | Minimum Intermediate Marks Required |
|---|---|
| BS/Undergraduate (General, Public & Private) | 65% or higher |
| Medical & Dental (MBBS/BDS) | 80% or higher |
| Non-Muslim Minority (BS Programs) | 55% or higher |
Expected Laptop Specifications
The 2026 phase features high-performance devices suitable for academic demands:
- Processor: Intel Core i7 13th Generation
- RAM: 16GB or more
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Display: Full HD screen
- Additional features: Latest Windows OS, good battery life, webcam, and portability
These specifications support programming, research, online classes, and multimedia tasks effectively.
Benefits and Long-Term Impact
Receiving a laptop offers immediate advantages:
- Enhanced access to online resources and e-learning
- Improved assignment and project quality
- Skill development in digital tools
- Better preparation for job markets requiring tech proficiency
On a larger scale, the scheme boosts educational outcomes, reduces dropout rates due to resource gaps, and contributes to Punjab’s human capital development.
Integration with Other Initiatives
The laptop program complements schemes like:
- Honhaar Scholarship Program for financial aid
- Kisan Card and other youth empowerment initiatives
- Digital skills training programs
This holistic approach supports students comprehensively.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using fake or mirror websites instead of the official portal
- Entering incorrect marks or mismatched document details
- Uploading blurry or incomplete scans
- Missing the February 15 deadline
- Paying agents claiming to “guarantee” selection
- Assuming eligibility without verifying minority status or prior receipt rules
Careful review before submission prevents issues.
FAQs
Final Update Section
This article incorporates the latest official information available as of February 06, 2026, from cmlaptophed.punjab.gov.pk and related government sources. The CM Punjab Laptop Scheme 2026 provides an excellent opportunity for meritorious students. Details may update—always verify directly on the official portal. This guide will be refreshed as new announcements emerge.
