PM Youth Chromebook Scheme 2026 Now Open for Applications
Pakistan’s government has officially launched the PM Youth Chromebook Scheme aimed at distributing 500,000 Chromebooks to public school students nationwide over the next two years. This initiative is part of the broader Prime Minister’s Youth Programme and was inaugurated on October 25, 2026, by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad.
Application Process and Eligibility
The scheme targets high-achieving students enrolled in government schools across Pakistan’s provinces. In Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan, only top-performing students of Grade 9 (SSC-I) are eligible to apply. Students in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Islamabad, and Gilgit-Baltistan can apply from Grade 10 (SSC-II). Each regional education board determines its own merit thresholds.
Applicants must register through the official online portal at pmychromebooks.ibcc.edu.pk. The application requires students to select their education board and enter their CNIC or B-Form along with their date of birth. Following verification, students must upload several documents, including a recent passport-sized photograph, SSC-I or SSC-II mark sheet, attested copies of their CNIC or B-Form, and a parent’s CNIC. All scanned files should be under 300KB.
It is crucial to note that applicants can submit the form only once, and no edits are allowed after submission. Providing incorrect information may lead to disqualification. If students encounter record verification issues, they are advised to contact their respective schools or education boards for assistance.
Supporting Technology and Background
The initiative is distinguished by its rapid rollout compared to previous government efforts. Whereas an earlier laptop distribution program offered around 600,000 devices over ten years, this Chromebook scheme aims to provide 500,000 units within just 24 months. The Chromebook devices will be accompanied by bags and MiFi internet devices to support remote learning.
This program benefits from Pakistan’s recent collaboration with Google, which established a Chromebook manufacturing plant in Haripur in November 2025 with an annual production capacity of approximately 600,000 units. Additionally, an agreement signed in August 2026 between Pakistan and Google includes providing eligible students with one year of complimentary access to Google’s Gemini AI services, enhancing their digital learning environment.
Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, Chairman of the PM Youth Programme, highlighted the involvement of the Tokyo Technology Care Foundation, which pledged resources to support digital access for 500,000 students. The foundation’s founder, Rashid Minhas, also contributed personally to the cause.
Why This Matters for Pakistani Students
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the focus on merit-based selection during the scheme’s launch, underscoring the principle that talent and dedication should triumph over socioeconomic barriers. By providing students with modern computing technology and internet access, the program strives to bridge digital divides and promote educational equity.
For Pakistani students, especially those in public schools, this project opens opportunities to access cutting-edge digital tools critical for 21st-century learning. The inclusion of seminary students and the focus on top academic performers ensure a broad and fair reach. Moreover, the scheme supports Pakistan’s goal of improving digital literacy and preparing youth for future challenges in technology and innovation.
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