Prime Minister’s Youth Laptop Scheme Phase-III: Empowering Youth with Technology
Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has successfully implemented two laptop distribution schemes in the past, known as PM National Laptop Scheme Phase-I and II. Under the PMNLS Phase-II, approximately 500,000 laptops were transparently distributed to students in public sector universities, technical colleges, and Federal and FATA colleges. The HEC ensured transparency by publicly publishing information on their website.
Introduction of PM Laptop Scheme Phase 3
Recognizing the significant role of intellectual capital in a country’s economic development, Pakistan stands uniquely with 63% of its population below the age of 30. This youth bulge presents both opportunities and challenges for the nation. To address this, the government has initiated programs that tap into the potential of youth, reduce unemployment, and foster an entrepreneurial culture by providing quality education and meaningful engagement opportunities.
In line with this vision, the Honorable Prime Minister of Pakistan has announced Phase-III (2022-23) of the Prime Minister Youth Laptop Scheme (PMYLS). This project aims to provide laptops to talented students enrolled in public sector Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) across the country, including Azad Jammu & Kashmir. Approved by the ECNEC, the scheme plans to award 100,000 laptops to deserving students based on merit through an online transparent system. It builds upon the success of the previous two schemes implemented by the Higher Education Commission.
Objectives of PM Laptop Scheme 2023
The objectives of the government’s vision for this scheme are as follows:
- Enhance the quality of science and technology education, including ICT.
- Foster partnerships between industries and education/training providers.
- Facilitate smart campuses to promote networking and improve the learning environment.
- Boost productivity and value addition in the manufacturing sector.
- Harness the full potential of IT to benefit the education sector.
- Increase productivity and efficiency by providing advanced IT technologies.
The scheme’s contours align with the government’s vision and are as follows:
- Computers are identified as drivers of future development.
- Contributing to the digitization of schools, colleges, and universities.
- Playing a major role in Smart Campus Systems.
- Utilizing IT to maximize its benefits in the education sector.
- Promoting outreach of youth to information and communication technologies (ICTs) to bridge the digital divide across sectors and communities.
PM Laptop Scheme Eligibility Criteria & Registration Dates
Eligible students studying in public sector universities and private institutes, recognized by HEC, can apply for the scheme online through the Students’ Service Portal. The eligibility criteria are as follows:
- Students must be enrolled in their respective program duration, according to the provided table.
- Applicants must possess a valid CNIC/B-Form number.
- The student’s enrollment status should be valid as of the closing date for application submission (30th June 2023).
Students studying in public sector Universities/ Degree Awarding Institutes duly recognized by HEC (Except Distance learning).
- Students enrolled in PhD/ MS/ MPhil or equivalent 18-year program.
- Students enrolled in a 4-year or 5-year bachelor’s degree program (morning and evening).
- Students enrolled in MBA Program (3.5 years, 2.5 years, and 1.5 years).
| Degree Name | Duration | Date of Admission (After) | End Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PhD | 05 years | 30 Jun 18 | 30 Jun 23 |
| MS/ MPhil or Equivalent | 02 years | 30 Jun 21 | 30 Jun 23 |
| MBA | 3.5 years | 31 Dec 19 | 30 Jun 23 |
| MBA | 2.5 years | 31 Dec 20 | 30 Jun 23 |
| MBA | 1.5 years | 31 Dec 21 | 30 Jun 23 |
| Masters (16 years) | 02 years | 30 Jun 21 | 30 Jun 23 |
| Undergraduate | 05 years | 30 Jun 18 | 30 Jun 23 |
| Undergraduate | 04 years | 30 Jun 19 | 30 Jun 23 |
Ineligibility Conditions
Certain categories of students are not eligible to receive laptops under this scheme. They include:
- Students enrolled in private sector higher education institutes (HEIs).
- Students who have already received a laptop through any Federal or Provincial Government scheme.
- Foreign nationals, except students from AJK.
- Students who have not applied online or whose applications have not been received through the online portal.
- The eligibility for a laptop award will also be determined at the time of distribution. If a student fails to provide the required documents and proof of academic performance, they will not be awarded a laptop.
- Students who have completed their degree program before the laptop distribution.
How to Apply for PM Laptop Scheme 2023?
- Please submit your applications through PMYP web Portal at
- PMYP Program, initiated by PM Shehbaz Sharif and Shaza Fatima Khawaja (SAPM on Youth Affairs), has revived the PM Youth Laptop Scheme Phase-3, reflecting the government’s commitment to empowering the youth.
- Last date to submit applications online is June 30, 2023.
Selection Process
The selection process and distribution strategy of laptops follows a systematic approach:
- Once Students apply online through the HEC online portal, the system filters eligible and ineligible students accordingly.
- The focal person of the relevant department verifies the student’s data using their online focal person account, including name, CNIC, department, degree level, last exam percentage/CGPA, etc.
- The university focal person holds the sole responsibility for verification.
- If any discrepancies are found in the student’s data, it will be amended by updating or editing the student’s information based on records obtained from the institute or the student.
- The focal person can disapprove, verify, or make corrections to the application within the given timeline.
- Each institute receives a share of laptops based on a predefined quote outlined in the eligibility and merit criteria.
- Once the deadline for verification from HEC expires, the automated process generates merit lists for each university.
- HEC shares the provisional merit list with the institutes for cross-checking, and the institutes are given 15 days to review and respond.
- After resolving any discrepancies in the provisional merit list, HEC shares the final merit list with the institutes.
- Every institute must display the final merit list on their notice board, website, or social media page, along with a timeline for distribution.
- The final merit lists will also be published on an online portal, accessible to every student and the general public, allowing them to view the merit status of each individual.
Laptop Distribution Criteria
The distribution of laptops will be based purely on merit in each degree program, including PhD, MS/M.Phil., and 16 years of education. The allocation of laptops will be determined based on university enrollment and quotas for each degree program, including university quota, campus quota, degree program quota, department quota, and year-wise distribution.
According to directives from the Prime Minister’s office, 14% of the laptops (14,000 laptops) will be allocated to Balochistan HEIs. Students from accredited universities in Balochistan will be accommodated under this allocated quota. The remaining 86,000 laptops will be distributed among public sector HEIs based on their enrollment preferences.