New Eligibility Criteria Announced for PM Youth Free Laptop Scheme 2026
The Government of Pakistan has officially announced revised eligibility criteria for the Prime Minister Youth Free Laptop Scheme 2026. The purpose of these changes is to make the scheme more transparent, fair, and inclusive for students across the country. The Prime Minister Youth Laptop Scheme is one of the major initiatives aimed at promoting digital education in Pakistan. With increasing reliance on online learning, research, and digital skills, this program helps students who cannot afford laptops. The updated criteria ensure that deserving students from all provinces get equal access to modern technology.
Below is a quick overview of the program for easy understanding:
| Program Name | Start Date to Apply | Last Date to Apply | Bank Name | Total Amount | Return Time | Cities Covered | Province | Assistance Amount | Application Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PM Youth Free Laptop Scheme 2026 | Expected March 2026 | Expected April 2026 | Not Applicable | Fully Funded by Government | No Return Required | All Major Cities of Pakistan | All Provinces (Punjab, Sindh, KPK, Balochistan, AJK, Gilgit Baltistan) | Free Laptop (Estimated worth Rs. 100,000 per unit) | Online |
Note: Dates mentioned are expected based on previous cycles. Students should check the official website for confirmed announcements.
What is the PM Youth Free Laptop Scheme?
The PM Youth Laptop Scheme is a federal government initiative launched under the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme. It aims to distribute free laptops to talented and deserving students enrolled in public sector universities and colleges recognized by the Higher Education Commission (HEC).
The program was initially launched during the tenure of Nawaz Sharif in 2013 and has continued under different governments with updates and improvements. In 2026, the scheme has been revised again to ensure transparency and equal opportunity.
The main objective of the New Eligibility Criteria Announced for PM Youth Free Laptop Scheme 2026 is to:
- Promote digital learning
- Support online education
- Help students in research work
- Reduce the digital divide between urban and rural areas
- Encourage merit and fairness
Key Changes in Eligibility Criteria 2026
The government has introduced several important changes in the eligibility criteria to improve fairness and transparency.
1. Enrollment Requirement
Students must be:
- Regularly enrolled in a public sector university or college
- Studying in an institution recognized by Higher Education Commission
Private university students are generally not eligible unless officially notified.
2. Eligible Degree Programs
Previously, the scheme mostly focused on undergraduate students. Now, it has been expanded.
The scheme is open to students enrolled in:
- BS (Bachelor of Science) programs
- Master’s programs
- MPhil programs
- PhD programs
This expansion ensures that research scholars and higher education students also benefit.
3. Selection Criteria
Selection will not depend only on academic marks. Instead, it will include:
- Academic performance (CGPA or percentage)
- Verified domicile
- Enrollment verification
- University recommendation
- Other defined merit criteria
This system aims to prevent favoritism and ensure deserving students are selected.
Who Can Apply?
To apply for the New Eligibility Criteria Announced for PM Youth Free Laptop Scheme 2026, students must:
- Be a Pakistani citizen
- Have a valid CNIC or B-Form
- Be enrolled in an HEC-recognized public university
- Meet the minimum academic performance criteria
- Not have received a laptop under previous phases (if restricted)
Students from Punjab, Sindh, KPK, Balochistan, AJK, and Gilgit Baltistan are eligible, ensuring nationwide inclusion.
Who Is Not Eligible?
The following students are usually not eligible:
- Students from private universities (unless specified)
- Students enrolled in distance learning programs (unless notified)
- Students who already received a laptop in earlier phases
- Students with incomplete academic records
- Foreign nationals
Students must carefully read official guidelines before applying.
How to Apply for PM Youth Laptop Scheme 2026
The application process is simple and fully online.
Step 1: University Registration
First, students must confirm their registration at their respective university or college. Universities will verify student data before forwarding it to the central portal.
Step 2: Online Application
Students need to apply through the official Prime Minister Youth Program website. They must:
- Create an account
- Fill out the application form
- Enter academic details
- Upload required documents
Step 3: Submit Required Documents
Documents usually required include:
- CNIC or B-Form
- University ID card
- Transcript or latest result card
- Domicile certificate
Make sure all information is correct. Any false information may lead to disqualification.
Step 4: Wait for Merit List
After submission:
- Applications will be verified
- A provisional merit list will be displayed
- Objections (if any) can be submitted
- Final merit list will be announced
Selected students will be informed through their university.
Step 5: Laptop Distribution
Laptops will be distributed through official ceremonies organized by universities or government authorities.
What Type of Laptop Will Be Given?
In previous phases, students received high-quality branded laptops suitable for:
- Research work
- Graphic designing
- Programming
- Online classes
- Thesis writing
The estimated value of each laptop is around Rs. 100,000 depending on specifications and market rates in 2026.
The laptop is completely free and does not need to be returned.
Why This Scheme Is Important for Pakistani Students
In Pakistan, many students cannot afford laptops due to rising inflation and economic challenges. A laptop is no longer a luxury. It is a necessity.
This New Eligibility Criteria Announced for PM Youth Free Laptop Scheme 2026 helps students in:
- Attending online classes
- Writing assignments and research papers
- Learning freelancing skills
- Earning online income
- Preparing for competitive exams
Students from rural and remote areas benefit the most because they often lack access to digital resources.
Transparency and Fairness Measures
The government has emphasized transparency in the 2026 phase. Some key improvements include:
- Digital verification of student records
- University-level data authentication
- Public display of merit lists
- Complaint submission option
These reforms aim to remove political influence and ensure genuine merit-based distribution.
Frequently Asked Questions (New Eligibility Criteria Announced for PM Youth Free Laptop Scheme 2026)
Is there any application fee?
No. The application process is completely free.
Is this a loan?
No. This is not a loan. The laptop is provided free of cost.
Can private university students apply?
Generally, no. Only students from public and HEC-recognized institutions are eligible unless new instructions are issued.
When will the scheme start?
The expected application start date is March 2026. Students should regularly check official announcements for confirmation.
How many laptops will be distributed?
The government is expected to distribute thousands of laptops nationwide, but exact numbers will be confirmed in the official notification.
Final Words
The revised New Eligibility Criteria Announced for PM Youth Free Laptop Scheme 2026 show the government’s commitment to digital education and transparency. By expanding eligibility to BS, Master’s, MPhil, and PhD students and introducing stronger verification methods, the scheme ensures that deserving students receive support.
If you are currently enrolled in a public university, this is a golden opportunity. Prepare your documents, stay updated with official announcements, and apply on time.
Access to technology can change your future. A single laptop can open doors to freelancing, research, online courses, and global opportunities.