Who qualifies, how to apply, and what you get. Everything explained simply.
Introduction:
For millions of students in Pakistan, a laptop is still a luxury. Online classes, digital libraries and learning apps are out of reach for families who cannot afford the device, let alone a reliable internet connection.
The Prime Minister’s Youth Chromebook Scheme aims to close that gap. Launched by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at a ceremony in Islamabad on October 25, 2026, the program will provide 500,000 Chromebooks to deserving students over the next two years.
If you are a Class 9 student, or a parent of one, this guide explains exactly how the scheme works and what to do next.
What Is the PM Youth Chromebook Scheme?
A Chromebook is a lightweight laptop that runs Google’s ChromeOS. It is designed for study: browsing, documents, online lessons, video classes and e-libraries.
Under this scheme, the federal government will distribute these devices to top performing students on merit. The program is run through the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, with student results verified by the Inter Boards Coordination Commission (IBCC).
The scheme also builds on Pakistan’s first Chromebook assembly line, which began operating in Haripur in late 2025 through a partnership involving the government, Google and Tech Valley. Reports also mention an agreement with Google that gives students a year of free Gemini AI access, though you should confirm how that applies to you.
Scheme at a Glance:
| Detail | Information |
| Program name | Prime Minister’s Youth Chromebook Scheme |
| Launched | October 25, 2026 |
| Total devices | 500,000 (over two years) |
| Target group | Top-performing Class 9 (SSC-I) students |
| Selection basis | Merit, with provincial and regional quotas |
| Verification body | Inter Boards Coordination Commission (IBCC) |
| Official portal | pmychromebooks.ibcc.edu.pk |
What Will You Receive?
Each selected student is expected to get more than just a laptop:
- A Chromebook (reported to be refurbished devices)
- A bag to carry it safely
- A MiFi internet device to help students get online and use educational content and e-libraries from home
The goal is simple: give students the tools to learn independently, even if they have no computer at home.
Who is Eligible?
Based on the criteria reported after the launch, you may qualify if you meet the following:
Merit ranking:
Selection happens within each region or province, education board and academic stream.
Note:
Eligibility details have been reported slightly differently by different outlets. The official portal is the final authority.
Class 9 (SSC-I) student:
The scheme targets high performers in the latest ninth grade examinations.
Minimum marks:
Reports mention at least 50% in your latest SSC-I exam. Another report notes that a nationwide minimum has not been firmly confirmed, so check the portal.
Eligible institution:
You should be enrolled in a government school, a private school working with a provincial government or education foundation, or a registered madrasa. Students of purely private schools are not included under the criteria currently published.
Province Wise Quota:
The 500,000 devices are divided among regions as reported below:
| Region | Chromebooks |
| Punjab | 181,090 |
| Sindh | 85,925 |
| Khyber Pakhtunkhwa | 51,170 |
| Balochistan | 31,815 |
| Islamabad | 100,000 |
| Azad Jammu and Kashmir | 25,000 |
| Gilgit-Baltistan | 25,000 |
Within each quota, the proposed formula reserves 80% for school students and 20% for madrasa students. Within those shares, 70% is meant for science students and 30% for arts students.
This means you compete mainly with students from your own region, board and stream, not with the whole country.
Documents You Should Keep Ready:
Preparing in advance saves time once the portal asks for your information:
- Photograph (clear and recent)
- SSC-I (Class 9) marksheet
- B-Form or CNIC copy, as applicable
- Roll number and board details
- School name and enrollment details
- Active contact number
How to Apply: Step by Step
Step 1:
Open the official portal:
Visit pmychromebooks.ibcc.edu.pk. Use only this official website. Avoid links shared on social media that ask for money or unusual personal details.
Step 2:
Check your record:
Search for your academic record and confirm your eligibility status. Make sure your name, board and marks are correct.
Step 3:
Enter your information:
Fill in your personal and educational details exactly as they appear on your marksheet and B-Form.
Step 4:
Upload documents:
Attach your photograph, marksheet and identity document in the requested format.
Step 5:
Submit your application:
Review everything once more, then submit. Applications are to be submitted once the relevant board has announced results.
Step 6:
Save your confirmation:
Keep any acknowledgement number or receipt. You may need it to check your status later.
One important point:
registration has not necessarily opened for every board and category at the same time. Check your own board’s status on the portal before assuming you can apply.
How Selection and Delivery Work:
After applications come in, the process reportedly moves through these stages:
- Result verification by IBCC.
- Merit ranking within region, board and stream.
- School verification of your marksheet, enrollment and institution affiliation.
- Dispatch of devices by courier, with a tracking facility.
Complaint committees are also planned to handle disputes about selection, verification or delivery delays. If something goes wrong, you will have a place to raise it.
Why This Scheme Matters:
It opens digital doors:
A student with a Chromebook and internet access can attend online classes, watch tutorials, read e-books and learn new skills.
It rewards effort:
Because selection is merit based, hard work in Class 9 directly improves your chances.
It supports fairness:
Regional quotas and a share for madrasa students aim to reach beyond big cities.
It builds future skills:
Early comfort with technology helps students in college, freelancing and future careers.
Tips to Improve Your Chances:
- Check results early:
Know your marks and make sure they are recorded correctly with your board. - Verify your school status:
Confirm with your school that you are listed as enrolled. - Keep documents ready: Clear scans prevent delays.
- Use the official portal only: The scheme is free to apply for.
- Follow updates: Watch your school notice board and official government announcements.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Applying through unofficial websites or paying agents
- Entering details that do not match your marksheet
- Uploading blurry or incorrect documents
- Waiting for a deadline that has not been announced instead of checking the portal regularly
- Ignoring your school’s verification requests
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Is the PM Chromebook Scheme free?
Yes. Selected students receive the device without paying for it, and applying should not cost anything.
2. Can private school students apply?
Based on the published criteria, students of purely private schools are not currently included. Private schools working with provincial governments or education foundations may be.
3. Is there a deadline?
No single nationwide deadline had been firmly confirmed at the time of writing. Check the portal for your board.
4. Will everyone who applies get a Chromebook?
No. Selection is merit based and limited by regional quotas, so only top performers within each category will be chosen.
5. Are the Chromebooks new?
Reports describe them as refurbished devices.
Conclusion:
The PM Youth Chromebook Scheme 2026 is a big step toward digital learning for Pakistan’s students. With 500,000 devices planned, a bag and internet device included, and a merit based process, it offers a real chance to study with modern tools.
If you are in Class 9 at an eligible institution, start preparing now. Check the official portal, keep your documents ready, and apply as soon as your category opens.
Disclaimer:
This guide is based on publicly reported information shortly after the scheme’s launch. Details such as eligibility, quotas and deadlines may change. Always confirm with the official IBCC portal before applying.
