In a historic move to promote digital education and equal learning opportunities, the Punjab Government has officially announced that students of private colleges and universities will also receive free laptops in 2026. This major decision was unveiled by Rana Sikandar Hayat as part of the Punjab Government’s Education Reform Plan 2026, marking the first time private-sector students have been included in the flagship laptop scheme.
This initiative aims to bridge the long-standing digital divide between public and private education sectors, ensuring that talented students are not left behind due to lack of access to modern technology.
Punjab Free Laptop Scheme 2026 – What’s New This Year?
Under the updated Punjab Laptop Scheme 2026, the government has expanded the scope of the program to include deserving and high-performing students from private institutes alongside public-sector institutions.
Key Highlights (2026 Updates):
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Total Laptops: 200,000 (province-wide)
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Private Sector Allocation: 10,000 laptops (initial phase)
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Target Students: Merit-based students from private colleges & universities
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Main Objective: Eliminate the digital gap between public and private sectors
This expansion reflects the government’s commitment to inclusive and merit-based education support.
Who Can Apply? – Eligibility Criteria for Private Institute Students
Students enrolled in private institutes must meet the following eligibility criteria to apply for the Punjab Laptop Scheme 2026:
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Institute must be recognized by the Higher Education Department (HED) or the relevant examination board
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Minimum 70% marks or equivalent CGPA in the most recent examination
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Must hold a Punjab domicile
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Should not have received a laptop previously under any government scheme
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Eligible programs include:
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Intermediate (Part I & II)
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Undergraduate (BS / ADP)
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Postgraduate (MS / MPhil / PhD)
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This ensures that laptops are awarded strictly on merit and genuine need.
Required Documents for Laptop Scheme 2026
Before applying online, students should prepare the following documents:
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CNIC or B-Form (for identity verification)
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Academic transcripts or recent result card
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Institutional ID details (roll number, department, institute name)
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Recent passport-size photograph (scanned copy)
Uploading correct and complete documents is essential to avoid rejection.
How to Apply for Punjab Laptop Scheme 2026 (Private Students)
The application process is fully online and transparent, managed through the official Punjab Government portal.
Step-by-Step Application Process:
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Visit the official portal: laptop.punjab.gov.pk
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Create an account using CNIC, active mobile number, and email address
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Complete your profile with personal and academic details
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Upload required documents
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Review the form carefully and submit
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Receive a tracking ID via SMS or email for future reference
Applicants can track their status online after submission.
Laptop Specifications – What Will Students Receive in 2026?
The laptops provided under the Punjab Laptop Scheme 2026 are high-performance devices suitable for academic and research use.
Expected Specifications:
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Processor: 11th or 12th Generation Intel Core i5 / i7
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RAM: 8GB to 16GB
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Storage: 512GB SSD
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Operating System: Windows 11 (pre-installed)
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Software: Microsoft Office (licensed)
These specifications ensure smooth performance for studies, research, and online learning.
Important Dates to Remember
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Online Registration Start: 30 January 2026
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Expected Merit List: March 2026
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Laptop Distribution: Phase-wise after merit confirmation
Students are advised to apply early and ensure all information is accurate.
Why This Decision Is Important for Students
Including private institute students in the laptop scheme is a game-changing reform. It recognizes talent regardless of institution type and supports students who may lack access to digital resources.
Key Benefits:
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Equal learning opportunities for private-sector students
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Improved access to online education and research tools
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Support for digital literacy and modern skills
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Stronger preparation for higher education and careers
Final Words
The inclusion of private colleges and university students in the Punjab Laptop Scheme 2026 marks a significant milestone in Pakistan’s education sector. By expanding access to technology on a merit basis, the Punjab Government is empowering students to succeed in a digital-first world.
This article is published for informational and educational purposes only. nise.org.pk is not an official government website and is not affiliated with any government department. Readers are advised to verify all information from official sources before taking any action.
