The Prime Minister Youth Laptop Scheme is an initiative by the government of Pakistan to provide free laptops to talented and deserving students across the country.
Youth Laptop Scheme 2024
First launched in 2013, the scheme aims to bridge the digital divide, promote IT skills, and enhance the quality of education by equipping bright students with modern computing devices. The scheme is set to enter its next phase in 2024.
Objectives
The main objectives of the Prime Minister Youth Laptop Scheme are:
- Encouraging the use of information technology in education and research
- Providing students access to digital learning resources and the latest knowledge
- Enhancing the IT and computing skills of Pakistani youth
- Bridging the digital divide between students from different economic backgrounds
- Enabling students to participate in the knowledge economy
- Supporting the vision of a “Digital Pakistan”
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the laptop scheme in 2024, students must meet the following criteria:
- Must be a Pakistani citizen or AJK national
- Must be enrolled in a public sector university or degree-awarding institute recognized by HEC
- Must be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program (BS, MS, MPhil, PhD, etc.) as of June 30, 2024
- Must have secured at least 60% marks or 2.5 CGPA in the last annual/semester exam
- Must not have received a laptop in any previous government scheme
- Must not be an employee of any public or private organization
- Specific enrollment date requirements apply based on the duration of the degree program:
- 5-year programs: Admitted between June 30, 2018, and June 30, 2023
- 4-year programs: Admitted between June 30, 2019, and June 30, 2023
- 2-year programs: Admitted between June 30, 2021, and June 30, 2023
- 3.5/2.5/1.5-year programs: Admitted between Dec 31, 2019/2020/2021 and June 30, 2023
- Students enrolled in weekend or private university programs are not eligible. Final eligibility will be validated on the day of laptop distribution.
How to Apply
The application process for the PM Laptop Scheme 2024 is completely online:
- Visit the official portal at https://pmyp.gov.pk/ during the application submission period
- Create a new profile or log into an existing one
- Fill out the online application form with personal, academic, and contact details
- Upload scanned copies of required documents like CNIC/B-Form, university ID card, last exam result, etc.
- Review all the information and submit the application
- Save the application number for future reference
- The application submission deadline for the 2024 phase was June 20, 2024. Only on-time applications are accepted.
Selection Process
After the application deadline, the following process is used to select the recipients of the laptops:
- Applications are reviewed and validated by the PM Youth Program authorities
- Incomplete or ineligible applications are rejected
- Student academic records and enrollment status are verified with their universities
- Any discrepancies in student data are rectified based on official records
- A merit list is prepared based on academic performance and provincial/regional quota
- The merit list is published on the official portal and shared with universities
- Selected students are notified via SMS/email to collect their laptops from their university
- Students can check their selection status on the official portal using their application number. Laptops are distributed in ceremonies held at each university in the presence of government and HEC officials.
Laptop Specifications
The laptops being distributed under the Prime Minister Youth Laptop Scheme 2024 are high-quality Lenovo notebooks with the following specifications:
- Processor: Intel Core i5 11th/12th Gen
- Display: 14″ FHD Anti-Glare
- RAM: 8GB DDR4
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics
- Camera: 720p HD
- Battery: 45Wh
- Connectivity: WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5, USB Type-C, HDMI
- OS: Licensed Windows 11
- Warranty: 1-year warranty, 3-year support
- Accessories: Lenovo laptop bag included
- The laptops come pre-loaded with Microsoft Office 365 and other educational software. Students are required to sign an undertaking for proper upkeep and academic use of the laptops.
Scope and Budget
For the 2024 phase, the Prime Minister Youth Laptop Scheme aims to distribute 100,000 free laptops to students across Pakistan. This significantly increased from the 50,000-75,000 laptops distributed annually in previous phases.
The budget allocation for the 2024 phase laptop scheme is estimated to be around Rs. 10 billion Pakistani rupees. This includes the cost of procuring the laptops, logistics, distribution ceremonies, and program management.
Since its launch in 2013, the Prime Minister Youth Laptop Scheme has so far distributed over 400,000 laptops to deserving students with a total investment of over Rs. 40 billion. The scheme has been one of the flagship initiatives of successive governments to empower youth.
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Other PM Youth Initiatives
The laptop scheme is part of the broader Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, which offers a range of opportunities for young Pakistanis:
- PM Youth Business Loan Scheme: Provides subsidized loans of up to Rs. 25 million to entrepreneurs aged 21-45 years for starting new businesses or expanding existing ones.
- PM Youth Skill Development Program: Offers free technical and vocational training to unemployed youth in over 100 demand-driven trades.
- PM Youth Internship Program: Provides paid internships to young graduates to gain professional experience in government departments and corporations.
- PM Youth Talent Hunt Program: Organizes national-level competitions and awards to identify and support talented youth in various fields like science, technology, entrepreneurship, etc.
PM Youth Sports Leagues: Promotes sports activities and leagues for young athletes in cricket, football, hockey, and other games.
The Prime Minister’s Youth Programme aims to create opportunities for youth’s socio-economic empowerment and harness their potential for national development. The program has so far benefited millions of young Pakistanis.
Deadline for applying for the Prime Minister Youth Laptop Scheme 2024
there are conflicting reports about the exact deadline for applying to the Prime Minister Youth Laptop Scheme in 2024:
- One source states that according to HEC, the last date for online registration for laptops is set for March 23, 2024. Students are encouraged to complete their registration before this deadline.
- However, another source mentions that the application submission deadline for the 2024 phase was June 20, 2024. Only on-time applications are accepted according to this.
- Some other sources discuss deadlines for the 2023 phase of the scheme, ranging from April 30, 2023
- to June 30, 2023
- to September 30, 2023. But these do not directly pertain to the 2024 phase.
Documents are required for the laptop scheme 2024
the following documents are typically required when applying for the Prime Minister Youth Laptop Scheme:
- A valid CNIC (Computerized National Identity Card) or B-Form number to prove Pakistani citizenship.
- Proof of enrollment as a student in an eligible program at a public sector university recognized by HEC, as of the closing date for application submission. This may include:
University ID card
- Enrollment certificate or letter from the university registrar
- Admission offer letter for newly enrolled students
Academic documents proving the applicant meets the merit criteria, such as:
- Transcript or mark sheet of last degree/semester completed
- Provisional or final degree certificate
- Other academic achievements or distinctions
- Scanned copies of the above documents are to be uploaded during the online application process.
- A recent photograph according to the specifications mentioned in the application form.
- Valid email address and mobile phone number for receiving notifications about application status.
Conclusion
The Prime Minister Youth Laptop Scheme has been a game-changer in promoting IT literacy and digital access among Pakistani students. By providing free laptops to bright students who cannot afford them, the scheme is helping to create a level playing field in higher education.
As Pakistan moves towards its vision of a knowledge economy and digital future, initiatives like the laptop scheme will go a long way in building the human capital and technological skills needed for inclusive growth and development. The 2024 phase of the scheme promises to be the biggest one yet, with 100,000 students set to receive the tools they need to excel in the modern world.