Laptops have been amongst the most significant dividing elements between students who are able to cope with the curriculum and those who are unable to do so. Lessons are conducted virtually. Research is done using digital libraries. Freelance work also requires a laptop. Not everyone can afford one.
The divide does not affect everyone equally. A student residing in a major city may have a laptop at their disposal. A student in a small town might not have access to one. This could influence the student’s education, despite the fact that both students put in equal effort. The CM Laptop Scheme has been initiated in an effort to bridge the divide. Under this scheme, thousands of students in Punjab receive free laptops each year.
What Is the CM Laptop Scheme?
The Government of Punjab introduced the CM Laptop Scheme initiated by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. The objective is quite straightforward, that is to provide free laptops to deserving students who lack finances. It is operated by the Higher Education Department and the application can be made online at http://cmlaptophed.punjab.gov.pk.
The concept is quite simple in that the income level of the students will not be a criterion for determining their eligibility to get a laptop. These laptops are not limited to attending lectures online but used for research, assignments, and freelancing activities as well.
This scheme has gained much popularity since its inception. The initial phase was restricted to the applicants belonging to the public universities. However, nowadays the students from the approved private universities are also eligible to apply. A latest laptop distribution event was held at the University of Gujarat in accordance with the expanded phases of this scheme in the Gujranwala Division.
Every new phase is an improvement over its preceding phase. The criteria and procedure for getting the laptops undergo continuous modifications based upon feedback.
The scheme also matches a bigger goal. Punjab wants more students to have digital skills. Laptops help students learn these skills early, before they even finish their degree. This gives them an edge once they start looking for jobs.
Who Can Apply for the CM Laptop Scheme?
Application requirements have been made much clearer with the passage of time. There could be some slight differences every phase, but there is no difference in the overall criteria of this scheme. Students have to be enrolled in any public or private university or college in Punjab. Students should have a domicile of Punjab. Performance in the classes is very important when it comes to the selection. The majority of the students in the regular BS programs require 65% to 70% of marks. However, the students in the medical and dental programs require more than 80%.
Attendance is also considered while selecting students. Almost all of the phases require at least 75% of attendance from the current academic session of the students. Ten percent laptops are reserved for the students having some disabilities to cover the needs of diverse kinds of students. One of the conditions is always consistent regardless of phases. The condition is that a student who has already received a laptop in any of the previous phases of this scheme, he will not be selected for it again. There is a very simple reason behind this condition.
However, the rules revert back to zero when a new phase begins. This means that if you were not eligible previously, you may now be eligible. Rules relating to income, school permission, and quotas can all be different for subsequent phases. It is important to note this. Many students give up on applying after they have been denied once.
How to Apply for the CM Laptop Scheme
Your application for this program is done through an entirely online process. No physical application forms are needed for applying. Firstly, go to the official website. Secondly, create an account using your CNIC/B-Form number.
Then, fill your information and attach your documents such as transcripts and enrollment certificates. Submit the form before the deadline.
There have always been extensions on the deadlines for this program. Previously, in each phase, the deadline was extended by two to four weeks. Thus, it is better not to rely upon the deadline from previous years.
This program is absolutely free of cost. You do not have to pay for your application or for the laptop. Beware of those who ask you to pay in return of guaranteed laptop. It is a scam.
Make sure to keep copies of all the submitted documents. It is also recommended that you save your login credentials somewhere.
What Documents Do You Need?
There could be some slight variations in the list of required documents in each step. However, most of the students have to get these documents prepared before starting the application process:
- CNIC or B-form
- Domicile of Punjab
- Most recent academic transcript or marksheet
- Current enrollment certificate issued by your school
- One passport sized photograph
Many students find themselves in trouble due to uploading incorrect or mismatching documents. It is always better to check all the documents thoroughly before uploading them.
It would be better to scan all your documents beforehand. You should not try to find any missing documents the very night before the deadline. Such last-minute rushes usually lead to errors.
Have a digital copy of all the documents stored in one folder on your PC or mobile.
Why the CM Laptop Scheme Matters
This program has immense significance for the students living in small towns and rural areas of Punjab. In many cases, laptops are not a luxury but a necessity for the students, as online lectures, research work, and even portals of assignment are required by them. Learning how to operate a laptop enables the student to develop some skills, which are useful to him throughout his life and in this manner, the program serves as an investment in the future of Punjab’s youth.
There is also another economic aspect of the program, as the student learns freelancing through it, which helps him in the job market of Pakistan after graduation.
Now consider a student who has not used a laptop ever. Once he gets his own, he will have access to taking online courses, applying for internships remotely, and taking up freelance work. Without having his own laptop, he could not do any of those things.
The parents also understand this. Getting a laptop could be an expensive affair for a family that is already paying for tuition, textbooks, and other expenses. A laptop being provided for free could mean that at least one important expense is taken care of.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many students make small mistakes that slow down their application. Most of these mistakes come from rushing or not paying close attention.
Application on the final days is one of the most dangerous mistakes. Near the deadline, the website becomes really busy, and therefore the process can end up in some errors. One more common mistake is submission of the documents with inconsistent names or details, which leads to rejection of the application. Do not believe deadlines mentioned in social media. Always go to the official website for that.
Hastiness during filling out the form is one more common trap. Many students simply ignore the necessity to recheck their answers before pressing the Submit button. It means that you can make a tiny mistake while writing your name or uploading an incorrect document.
Another mistake made by students is the loss of login data after application submission. It becomes quite problematic for students to access the application status.
One more mistake made by students is ignoring the content of confirmation emails or messages.
Final Thoughts
CM Laptop Program was first conceived as a pilot program. However, it has gone on to become one of the largest education programs in Punjab. Provided you apply correctly and at the right time, it is a sure way of eliminating one of the most important obstacles to education for qualified students.
If you wish to apply for the program, then it is recommended that you begin preparations well in advance and ensure that you obtain all the required documents beforehand.
It is not just a matter of a laptop, which may appear insignificant. The laptop can give access to many opportunities that may be otherwise out of reach.
Global Headlines 24 will continue tracking updates on the CM Laptop Scheme as new phases and deadlines are announced.
Applications are processed through cmlaptophed.punjab.gov.pk.
No, the entire application process is completely free.
Yes, students at approved private universities can now apply.
No, students who already got a PM or CM laptop cannot apply again.
Yes, most phases set aside about 10 percent of laptops for students with disabilities.
You apply completely online. No physical form is needed.
