Laptop Scheme 2024 Eligibility Criteria

The Laptop Scheme 2024 aims to bridge the digital divide among students in Pakistan by providing them with laptops to enhance their learning capabilities. This initiative is part of the government’s broader efforts to promote education and technological advancement in the country. To ensure that the laptops are distributed to deserving students, specific eligibility criteria have been established. Below are the detailed eligibility requirements for the Laptop Scheme 2024.

Academic Criteria

Undergraduate Students

1. Enrollment Status: Students must be enrolled in a full-time undergraduate program (BS/BSc) in any public sector university or degree-awarding institution recognized by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan.
2. Year of Study: Students should be in their first, second, or third year of their undergraduate program. Final year students are generally not eligible as the scheme aims to support ongoing students.
3. Academic Performance: A minimum CGPA of 2.5 out of 4.0 or equivalent is required. For annual system students, at least 60% marks in the previous examination are necessary.
4. Program Duration: The degree program must be at least four years long.

Postgraduate Students

1. Enrollment Status: Full-time postgraduate (MS/MPhil) students enrolled in a recognized public sector university or degree-awarding institution are eligible.
2. Year of Study: Students must be in the first or second year of their postgraduate studies.
3. Academic Performance: A minimum CGPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 or equivalent is required. For annual system students, at least 70% marks in the previous examination are mandatory.

Special Categories

Disabled Students

1. Enrollment Status: Disabled students enrolled in any year of their undergraduate or postgraduate program are eligible, provided they meet the enrollment criteria.
2. Proof of Disability: A valid disability certificate from a recognized medical board is required.

Orphans and Students from Marginalized Communities

1. Enrollment Status: Orphan students or those belonging to marginalized communities, enrolled in any year of their undergraduate or postgraduate studies, are eligible.
2. Proof of Status: Relevant documentation proving orphan status or belonging to a marginalized community must be submitted.

Institutional Criteria

1. Recognized Institutions: Only students enrolled in public sector universities, degree-awarding institutions, or affiliated colleges recognized by the HEC are eligible.
2. Online Verification: The university or institution must have an online student verification system to facilitate the verification process by the HEC.

Age Limit

1. Undergraduate Students: The age limit for undergraduate students is 24 years at the time of application.
2. Postgraduate Students: The age limit for postgraduate students is 30 years at the time of application.
3. Disabled Students: For disabled students, the age limit is extended to 28 years for undergraduate and 35 years for postgraduate programs.

Citizenship

1. Pakistani Nationals: Only Pakistani nationals are eligible to apply for the Laptop Scheme 2024.
2. Dual Nationals: Students holding dual nationality must provide proof of Pakistani citizenship and must be studying in Pakistan.

Application Process

Online Application

1. Registration: Students must register online through the HEC’s official portal.
2. Submission of Documents: Scanned copies of all required documents must be uploaded during the online application process. These include CNIC/B-form, university enrollment certificate, academic transcripts, and any other relevant certificates.
3. Application Fee: No application fee is required for the Laptop Scheme 2024.

Verification and Selection

1. Initial Verification: The HEC will verify the submitted documents online through the respective universities.
2. Merit List: A merit list will be prepared based on the academic performance and other eligibility criteria.
3. Final Selection: Selected students will be notified through the HEC portal and via email.

Distribution Process

1. Distribution Centers: Laptops will be distributed at designated centers in universities.
2. Collection: Students must collect their laptops in person and will be required to present their original CNIC and university ID card.
3. Acknowledgment: Recipients must sign an acknowledgment receipt upon receiving their laptop.

Important Points

1. One Laptop Per Student: Each student is entitled to receive only one laptop under the scheme.
2. Non-Transferable: The laptop received under the scheme is non-transferable and must be used by the student for academic purposes.
3. Regular Attendance: Students must maintain regular attendance as per their university’s requirements to remain eligible.
4. No Misuse: Any misuse or sale of the laptop will result in legal action and disqualification from future government schemes.

Conclusion

The Laptop Scheme 2024 is a significant step towards promoting digital literacy and enhancing the educational experience for students in Pakistan. By adhering to the eligibility criteria, the scheme ensures that the laptops are awarded to the most deserving candidates, thereby fostering an environment of academic excellence and technological advancement. Students are encouraged to carefully review the criteria and complete the application process within the stipulated time to take advantage of this valuable opportunity.