Every year, the same question lands in student WhatsApp groups: is the laptop scheme open? For 2026, the answer depends on which phase you mean.
Phase 2 applications closed in February. The laptops, however, are now arriving.
Quick Overview
- The Chief Minister’s Laptop Scheme gives laptops to eligible university and college students on merit.
- Phase 2 applications ran through cmlaptophed.punjab.gov.pk. The extended deadline was 28 February 2026.
- On 27 June 2026, the education minister said 30,000 laptops had reached Punjab, and distribution of more than 70,000 had been approved for the year.
- Phase 2 is closed to new applicants. No Phase 3 date has been announced.
What Is the Laptop Scheme?
It is a Higher Education Department programme offering laptops to deserving students at public universities and colleges and at some federal-chartered or private universities.
Phase 1 opened on 3 March 2025. In that round, 40,000 laptops were initially planned. Reports at the time described modern Core i7 machines, though specifications can change between phases.
Who Was Eligible in Phase 2?
According to the Higher Education Department notice reproduced by universities:
- Domicile of any district of Punjab
- Enrolled in the 1st or 2nd semester of BS at a public university or college, or at a listed chartered federal or private university
- Intermediate marks of at least 65 per cent for BS programmes
- Public medical and dental students (1st professional): 80 per cent
- DVM students: 75 per cent
- BS Nursing students in public nursing colleges: 65 per cent
- Non-Muslim students: 55 per cent in BS programmes
- Blind students are eligible regardless of marks
- Not a recipient of any earlier laptop scheme
Benefits
A laptop at no charge, awarded through an online merit system. A South Punjab share of about 32 per cent was mentioned in the earlier phase.
How Applications Worked
- Register a profile on cmlaptophed.punjab.gov.pk.
- Enter your academic details and upload documents.
- Submit before the deadline.
- Wait for the merit list.
- Collect your laptop from your institution, when notified.
Documents Required
- CNIC or B-Form
- Intermediate result card
- Domicile
- Admission or enrolment proof
- University or college verification where requested
Important 2026 Status
Phase 2 applications: closed. Distribution: under way.
Deadlines moved more than once. A university notice gave 15 February, which was later extended to 28 February 2026. Check your university notice board for collection details.
The 2026–27 budget allocated Rs750 billion to education, but we did not find a published start date for a new laptop phase.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming Phase 2 is still open
- Applying without meeting the Intermediate marks threshold
- Entering inconsistent marks that fail verification
- Paying “agents” for merit list placement
- Ignoring SMS or portal updates about collection
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply now?
Not for Phase 2. Watch for a new notice.
Is private university admission enough?
Only listed chartered federal or private universities were included.
Can I get a laptop and a scholarship?
Yes, in principle. They are different schemes. See Honhaar Scholarship 2026.
Where can I find free certifications?
The Google Career Certificates programme runs separately.
Will senior-semester students be included?
Phase 2 targeted first- and second-semester students. Later phases may differ.
Final Takeaway
If you applied, track your university’s announcements. If not, keep your marks and documents ready for the next notice.
This is an independent informational guide and is not an official government website.
