The federal government has launched the Prime Minister’s Youth Chromebook Scheme to distribute 500,000 refurbished Chromebooks among talented students across Pakistan, aiming to expand access to digital education and online learning resources.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif launched the initiative in Islamabad on October 25, 2026, announcing that the devices would be distributed on merit over two years.
The programme is being implemented through the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training and the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, with support from the Tokyo Technology Care Foundation (TT Care).
According to Radio Pakistan’s report on the launch, students will also receive bags and MiFi internet devices to help them access digital learning materials, e-libraries and other online educational resources.
The initiative is intended to help students from different educational and financial backgrounds benefit from modern technology, although eligibility and selection will depend on the scheme’s official criteria.
Who Can Apply for the PM Youth Chromebook Scheme?
The scheme is designed to reward academic performance through a merit-based selection process. According to the official application portal, eligible students are assessed using examination results verified through their respective education boards.
The portal currently lists the following eligibility criteria:
- Students from government and public schools are eligible under the published criteria.
- Students in Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan are considered on the basis of their Grade 9 annual examination results for 2026.
- Students in Islamabad Capital Territory, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan may be considered on the basis of Grade 9 or Grade 10 results, according to the portal’s regional criteria.
- Applicants must provide accurate examination and identification details for verification.
The Inter-Board Coordination Commission (IBCC) and relevant examination boards are involved in verifying academic records and preparing merit lists.
Students should check the official PM Youth Chromebook Scheme portal for the latest eligibility requirements, application instructions and regional announcements before submitting their information.
Province-Wise Distribution of 500,000 Chromebooks
The reported regional allocation distributes the 500,000 devices across Pakistan’s provinces and administrative regions.
| Province or region | Chromebooks allocated |
|---|---|
| Punjab | 181,090 |
| Sindh | 85,925 |
| Khyber Pakhtunkhwa | 51,170 |
| Balochistan | 31,815 |
| Islamabad Capital Territory | 100,000 |
| Azad Jammu and Kashmir | 25,000 |
| Gilgit-Baltistan | 25,000 |
| Total | 500,000 |
Punjab has the largest reported allocation, with 181,090 devices, while Islamabad has been allocated 100,000. The figures add up to the announced nationwide target of 500,000 Chromebooks.
Under the distribution formula reported by The News, 80% of each regional allocation is reserved for school students and 20% for students of registered religious seminaries, known as madaris.
Among school students, the reported formula reserves 70% of devices for science students and 30% for arts students. Applicants should confirm the applicable quota and eligibility rules through the responsible authorities.
How Students Will Be Selected and Receive Devices
The programme includes verification procedures intended to ensure that devices reach eligible students.
Education authorities will verify examination results, school enrolment and institutional affiliation before finalising the recipient lists. The reported plan also includes courier delivery, a monitoring system to track dispatches and receipt confirmations, and grievance committees to handle complaints.
These procedures are intended to address issues such as incorrect examination records, disputed merit rankings, exclusion from selection lists and devices that are not delivered.
Students should keep their examination records and identification documents available and ensure that the details submitted to the relevant authorities are accurate. They should rely on official announcements for application deadlines and avoid treating unofficial social media posts as confirmation of selection.
Government Aims to Expand Digital Learning
Speaking at the launch, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the initiative was intended to ensure that financial circumstances did not prevent talented students from accessing modern educational tools.
Radio Pakistan reported that the prime minister described investment in youth and technology as part of the government’s effort to widen educational opportunities.
Officials also highlighted the potential for internet connectivity to benefit students’ family members, extending the programme’s reach beyond the direct recipients.
The distribution of refurbished Chromebooks could give more students access to digital textbooks, research materials and online learning platforms without requiring families to purchase new devices themselves.
However, the programme’s long-term impact will depend on the condition of the devices, reliable internet access, technical support and fair implementation of the selection process.
The government aims to distribute all 500,000 Chromebooks within two years. Students seeking the latest information should consult the official scheme portal and announcements from their examination boards as the rollout progresses.
