PM Youth Laptop Scheme 2025-26: Complete Guide for Pakistani Students
The Prime Minister's Youth Laptop Scheme (PMYLS) Phase 5 for 2025-26 is a flagship initiative by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) under the Prime Minister's Youth Programme (PMYP). Launched to bridge Pakistan's digital divide, it distributes 100,000+ free laptops to talented students in public sector universities and higher education institutions (HEIs) across Pakistan, including Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK).
Since its inception in 2013, the scheme has empowered over 500,000 students with modern technology for education, research, freelancing, and innovation. In Phase 5 (2025-26), laptops come pre-loaded with essential software like Microsoft Office, MATLAB, and access to the HEC Digital Library – turning your studies into a competitive advantage.
Key Update (Nov 2025): Applications closed on May 20, 2025. Provisional merit lists are out – check your status via CNIC on the official portal. Distribution begins December 2025.
Founded by Abdul Rahman (Lahore-based education expert), LearnBit.pro has guided 50,000+ students through this process. Whether you're in BS Computer Science at Quaid-i-Azam University or MS Engineering at NUST, this guide has everything you need.
PM Youth Laptop Scheme 2025-26 Eligibility Criteria: Who Qualifies?
HEC prioritizes meritorious and financially deserving students to ensure fair distribution. Only full-time students in recognized public sector HEIs qualify – no private universities or affiliated colleges.
You Qualify If:
- Enrollment: Full-time in public HEI (BS, MS, MPhil, PhD) for 2025-26
- Academic Performance: Minimum 60% marks (annual) or 70% CGPA 3.0/4.0 (semester system)
- Citizenship: Pakistani or AJK national (no dual nationality)
- No Prior Receipt: Haven't received a government laptop in Phases 1–4
- Age Limit: Up to 30 years (UG) or 35 years (PG/PhD)
You Don't Qualify If:
- Enrolled in private universities or affiliated colleges
- Exceeding program duration or part-time student
- Previously received a PM/HEC laptop
- Below minimum academic threshold
- Non-Pakistani citizenship
Quotas & Priorities: 10% reserved for differently-abled students, remote areas, and female candidates. IT/CS programs get higher weightage (20% in merit calculation).
Student Spotlight: Fatima from Balochistan (BS IT, CGPA 3.2) qualified despite financial hardships. Her free laptop enabled Coursera certifications and a Rs. 50,000/month freelancing gig. "It was my breakthrough," she shares.
Laptop Specifications: What You'll Receive in Phase 5
Phase 5 laptops are brand-new, HEC-approved models designed for academic excellence and professional use. Valued at Rs. 150,000+ each, they include 1-year warranty and pre-installed software.
Processor
Intel Core i5 (12th Gen) / i7 (11th Gen)
RAM & Storage
16GB DDR4 RAM + 512GB NVMe SSD
Display & OS
15.6" FHD IPS + Windows 11 Pro
Battery & Ports
8+ Hours Battery | USB-C, HDMI, Webcam
Pre-Installed Software: MS Office 365, MATLAB, SPSS, HEC Digital Library access, Coursera integration. Pro Tip: Use it for freelancing on Upwork – many recipients earn Rs. 50,000+/month!
Application Timeline: Key Dates for Phase 5 (2025-26)
Phase 5 ran from October 2024 to May 2025. Here's the complete official timeline from HEC:
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Application Opens | October 31, 2024 | Closed |
| Application Deadline | May 20, 2025 | Missed – Next: Phase 6 (Oct 2025) |
| Merit List Provisional | June 15, 2025 | Released |
| Objections Window | June 20–25, 2025 | Closed |
| Final Merit List | July 1, 2025 | Released |
| Laptop Distribution | December 2025 – March 2026 | Ongoing |
How to Apply for PM Youth Laptop Scheme 2025-26: Step-by-Step Guide
The process is 100% online and free via the PMYP portal. No agents or fees – beware of scams! Follow these 7 steps:
Step 1: Visit Official Portal
1 minGo to laptop.pmyp.gov.pk. Create account with CNIC/B-Form and email.
Step 2: Register/Update Profile
2 minEnter personal details: Name, DOB, address, mobile. Verify via OTP.
Step 3: Add Academic Info
3 minSelect university, program (BS/MS/PhD), semester, CGPA/marks. Focal person verifies via HEC dashboard.
Step 4: Upload Documents
2 minRequired: CNIC/B-Form scan, latest transcript, admission letter, bonafide certificate. PDFs only, max 2MB each.
Step 5: Submit Application
1 minReview and submit. Get confirmation SMS/email with application ID.
Step 6: Track Status
OngoingLogin anytime to check progress. University focal person assists queries.
Step 7: Collect Laptop
Jan-Mar 2026Visit campus collection point with ID. Setup includes HEC software activation.
PM Laptop Scheme 2025-26 Merit List: How to Check with CNIC
Provisional merit lists released June 15, 2025. Final lists out July 1, 2025. 100% transparent – no sifarish.
- Visit laptop.pmyp.gov.pk/merit
- Enter CNIC and captcha
- View status: Selected / Waitlisted / Not Selected
- Download PDF merit list for your university
- Email objections to pmyls@hec.gov.pk within 5 days
Merit Calculation: 70% academics + 20% program priority (STEM > Arts) + 10% quota (regional/female/disabled).
Selection Process: How HEC Decides Winners
Fully automated via HEC's merit formula – no manual intervention. Universities submit verified data; HEC central server ranks applicants.
- Verification: University focal person confirms enrollment/marks (1 week)
- Ranking: National merit list generated (academics 70%, equity 30%)
- Allocation: Quota-based (Punjab 50%, Sindh 20%, etc.)
- Distribution: Campus-wise handover with biometric verification
2025 Stats: 150,000 applications received; 100,000 selected. Rejection rate: 33% (mostly incomplete docs).
Your Path to a Free Laptop Starts Here
The PM Youth Laptop Scheme isn't just hardware – it's empowerment. From thesis writing to Upwork gigs, this laptop unlocks opportunities worth lakhs.
Check Status & Collect