The Government of Punjab has formally given the students more time to apply in the Chief Minister Punjab Laptop Scheme and thus offering the eligible applicants extra time to do their registration. The transition is set to guarantee the highest number of students in the province and indicates that the government is still concerned with digital empowerment in education.
The CM Laptop Program is considered to be one of the most influential programs of Punjab, aimed at the enhancement of digital learning and academic performance through offering free laptops to students with low income.
New Deadline Announced
As per the most recent official update, now students are able to submit their applications till February 28, 2026, via the official online portal of the scheme. The old time limit has been changed to allow the students who were late because of school timetables or problems.
The authorities have highly encouraged applicants to be registered long before the new deadline to eliminate the possibility of technical challenges causing last minute rush or overloading of the portal.
Scheme Expanded to Include Private University Students
The addition of students of the private universities is one of the most important changes in the current scheme of the laptops in this year. In the past, the initiative mainly targeted the institutions of the public sector. But according to the new eligibility, now the students of the recognized private universities can also apply.
This growth has been embraced by the educationists, who observe that it contributes to the equal access to digital resources and lessens the differences between students in the public and the private sector.
Eligibility Criteria for the Laptop Scheme
Students should have certain academic requirements to be eligible in CM Punjab Laptop Program. Based on the new guidelines:
- Students must have at least 65% marks in their most recent examinations.
- Enrollment in a recognized higher education institution is mandatory.
- Selection is based strictly on merit and transparency.
The administrators have stressed that performance in academics will continue to be the main criterion to be used in selections as a way of distributing fairly.
Objective of the CM Laptop Program
The primary objective of the scheme is to close the digital divide between the students by availing to them modern technology. Laptops are invaluable in the contemporary academic scene, and they are necessary in:
- Online classes and virtual learning
- Research and academic assignments
- Skill development and certification courses
- Freelancing and remote work opportunities
Benefits for Higher Education Students
Thousands of students in Punjab, especially the low income earners will benefit in the scheme as they may not be able to afford personal computers.
As one gains more dependency on digital platforms, having access to a laptop is a great boon, as it provides them with:
- Academic performance
- Participation in online learning systems
- Research productivity
- Access to global knowledge resources
Moreover, numerous former beneficiaries were able to achieve their jobs in freelancing, digital marketing, and software development, which proves the economic effectiveness of the program in the long run.
Government’s Commitment to Educational Development
The deadline extension is one of the signs that the Punjab government is devoted to the digital inclusion and modernization of the education. According to officials, the program is one of the many strategies to enhance infrastructure in higher education and funding talented students across the province.
The government will be motivated by this to allow more time to register so that no deserving student will be left behind either through ignorance or technical factors.
Application Process and Official Portal
The students who are interested should be registered using the official CM Laptop Scheme portal. Applicants are required to:
- Provide accurate academic details
- Submit necessary documentation
- Complete the online form before the deadline
The fact that the Punjab government has decided to give students who could not apply before a new deadline in CM Laptop Scheme represents a lot to be desired. The initiative helps to expand eligibility and gives more time to register, so that the digital access and academic excellence are promoted throughout the province. Students who are eligible are supposed to utilize this opportunity and ensure that they submit their applications before the deadline of February 28, 2026.
