Questions have emerged over whether students enrolled in private schools can apply for the Prime Minister’s Youth Chromebook Scheme, a government programme that aims to distribute hundreds of thousands of Chromebooks among students. Concerns have been raised about the eligibility of private institution pupils under the scheme.
According to the data currently available on the official government portal, only students in public-sector schools may apply at present.
Who can apply through the IBCC portal
The registration portal of the Inter Boards Coordination Commission (IBCC) currently lets top-position holders from Grade 9 in public schools across Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan apply, based on the annual examinations held in 2026. Grade 10 position holders from public-sector schools affiliated with boards in Islamabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan are also eligible.
Also read: Matric Tech Students Now Eligible for PM Chromebook Scheme
Launch promises differ from portal criteria
At the time the scheme was launched, it was indicated that students in private schools run under provincial Education Foundations, as well as those at registered religious seminaries (Madaris), would also receive devices. However, the current portal provides no application option for private school students.
Authorities have urged students to separate general announcements made at launch ceremonies from the official eligibility criteria listed on the portal. Those unsure about their institution’s status should check with the relevant education authority or the IBCC before applying.
