Introduction to Punjab Free Laptop Scheme 2026

The CM Punjab Laptop Scheme 2026 (Phase 2) is the latest instalment of the government’s youth support program. After the massive success of Phase 1, the government realised that the demand for digital devices is skyrocketing. This year, the initiative is bigger and better.

“Punjab ke talba ke liye digital dor ka naya tohfa”

The primary change in 2026 is the sheer volume and quality of the devices. The government is distributing 200,000 laptops, a significant jump from previous years. These are not basic machines; eligible students will receive high-performance laptops featuring 11th Gen Intel Core i5 processors, 8GB RAM, and 512GB SSD storage. They come pre-installed with genuine Windows 11 and Microsoft Office 2021, ensuring that students can start working on their assignments, research, or freelance projects immediately.

You Can Also Read: CM Punjab Laptop Scheme 2025 – New Merit Formula, Eligible Students List & Distribution Timeline Revealed

Objectives of the Free Laptop Program

Why is the government spending billions on this project? The answer lies in “Youth Empowerment.” The core objective is to bridge the digital divide between the rich and the poor. A student in a remote village of South Punjab should have the same access to online libraries and global knowledge as a student in Lahore.

“Taleem ko jadeed technology se hum-aahang karna”

The specific goals of the 2026 program include:

• Promoting Digital Skills: Encouraging students to learn coding, graphic designing, and data analysis.
• Supporting Research: Providing Master’s and PhD students with the tools needed for complex data processing.
• Enabling Freelancing: Helping students earn while they learn by giving them machines capable of handling freelance workloads.
• Inclusivity: Ensuring women and students with disabilities are not left behind in the tech revolution.

You Can Also Read: CM Punjab Laptop Scheme Phase 2 Final University & College Selection List Released, Check Your Status Now

Eligibility Criteria for Students (Universities & Colleges)

To ensure fairness, the government has set strict but transparent eligibility rules. The scheme is primarily targeted at students enrolled in public sector institutes. Private university students are generally not eligible unless specified under a special government partnership quota.

“Sirf in sharait par pura utarne wale talba ehil honge”

You are eligible to apply if you meet the following conditions:

1. Enrollment: You must be currently enrolled in a Public Sector University, Government College, or a Technical/Vocational Institute within Punjab.
2. Academic Performance: You must have secured a minimum of 70% marks (in the semester system) or equivalent in your last annual examination.
3. Residency: You must be a verified resident of Punjab (domicile requirement).
4. No Previous Laptop: You must strictly have not received a laptop in any previous government scheme (PM Laptop Scheme or previous CM Schemes).
5. Study Level: Students from Intermediate (1st & 2nd Year), Bachelors (4-year program), Masters (2-year program), and PhD are eligible.

New Update for 2026: For the first time, students from technical and vocational training institutes (TEVTA) are also eligible, acknowledging that technical skills are just as vital as academic degrees.

You Can Also Read: CM Punjab Laptop Program 2025 – Apply Online for Free Laptop Distribution Eligibility & Merit

Selection Formula Explained (Merit & Academic Weightage)

Many students get confused about how the government decides who gets a laptop and who doesn’t. The selection is not random; it is based on a specific mathematical formula that prioritizes higher education levels and academic excellence.

“Merit kaise banega, iska formula samjhna zaroori hai”

The Merit Logic works as follows:

• Quota Allocation: The total number of laptops is divided among universities and colleges based on their enrollment size.
• Year-Wise Distribution: Within a university, laptops are allocated to different years (e.g., 1st year, 2nd year, etc.).
• The Formula:
  • Academic Marks (70% Weightage): Your percentage in the last exam plays the biggest role.
  • CGPA Conversion: If your result is in CGPA, it is converted to a percentage using HEC formulas.
  • Degree Level Priority: PhD and MPhil scholars often get priority in the initial sorting, followed by Master’s and Bachelor’s students.

If two students have the exact same marks, the older student (by age) is usually given preference.

You Can Also Read: PM Laptop Scheme 2025 (Phase 4) – Check Online Merit List & Distribution Dates

List of Eligible Disciplines & Institutions

The scope of the 2026 scheme is vast. It covers almost every major discipline of study. The government wants to ensure that a student of Literature has as much chance as a student of Computer Science.

“Koun se departments aur colleges shamil hain”

Eligible Disciplines:

• STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
• Medical & Health Sciences: MBBS, BDS, Nursing, D-Pharmacy.
• Social Sciences: Psychology, Sociology, Political Science.
• Arts & Humanities: Literature, History, Fine Arts.
• Business & Commerce: BBA, MBA, ACCA (in public institutes).
• DAE: Diploma of Associate Engineering (3-year programs).

Eligible Institutions: All universities recognized by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and colleges affiliated with the Punjab Higher Education Department (HED) are included. Additionally, TEVTA-registered institutes are now part of the list.

You Can Also Read: CM Punjab Laptop Scheme 2025 – New Merit Formula, Eligible Students List & Distribution Timeline Revealed

Required Documents for Verification

When you apply online or are shortlisted, you will be asked to prove your identity and academic standing. Missing a single document can lead to disqualification.

“In kaghzaat ke baghair laptop nahi milega”

Please prepare the following documents in scanned format (PDF/JPG):

1. CNIC or B-Form: Your own Computerized National Identity Card. If you are under 18, the B-Form is mandatory.
2. Student ID Card: A valid university or college card proving you are a current student.
3. Result Cards/Transcripts: Official result card of your last passed exam (Semester or Annual).
4. Domicile Certificate: To prove you belong to Punjab.
5. Admission Slip/Fee Challan: Proof that you have paid your dues and are an active student.
6. Disability Certificate: (Only for students applying under the special quota).

You Can Also Read: CM Punjab Laptop Scheme Phase 2 Final University & College Selection List Released, Check Your Status Now

Distribution Phases & Expected Timeline

The distribution of 200,000 laptops is a massive logistical task, so it happens in phases. The government does not distribute them all on a single day.

“Laptop kab aur kahan milega, yahan janiye”

• Application Phase (Now Open): The portal is currently open for registration. The expected deadline is 30th January 2026.
• Scrutiny Phase (February 2026): The Higher Education Department (HED) will verify the data with university focal persons.
• Merit List Display (March 2026): Provisional merit lists will be uploaded on university websites and the official portal.
• Final Award (June 2026): Laptops will be distributed in ceremonies held at respective universities and colleges.

Students are advised to keep checking their emails during the Scrutiny Phase for any corrections required.

You Can Also Read: PM Laptop Scheme 2025 (Phase 4) – Check Online Merit List & Distribution Dates

How to Check Your Laptop Status Online

Gone are the days when you had to visit the administration block repeatedly. The 2026 scheme features a fully digital tracking system.

“Ghar bethay apni application track karein”

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Visit the Portal: Go to the official CM Punjab Laptop Scheme website.
2. Login: Enter your CNIC number and the password you created during registration.
3. Check Status: Look for the “Application Status” tab.
   • Applied: Your application is submitted.
   • Verified: Your university has confirmed your data.
   • Selected: Congratulations! You have made the merit list.
   • Asset Issued: The laptop has been dispatched for you.

You Can Also Read: CM Punjab Laptop Program 2025 – Apply Online for Free Laptop Distribution Eligibility & Merit

Final Summary for Students

The CM Punjab Laptop Scheme 2026 is a life-changing opportunity. In an era where a good laptop costs over PKR 150,000, receiving a high-spec machine for free is a massive relief for students and their parents.

“Is sunheri mauqay se faida uthayen”

This scheme rewards your hard work. It tells you that your sleepless nights studying were worth it. Whether you are a female student, a special student, or a brilliant scholar from a rural area, this scheme has a place for you. Do not wait for the last date. Gather your documents, verify your marks, and submit your application today. This laptop could be the tool that launches your career, helps you land a remote job, or assists you in your groundbreaking research.

You Can Also Read: CM Punjab Laptop Scheme 2025 – New Merit Formula, Eligible Students List & Distribution Timeline Revealed