Punjab Announces Free Google Courses, Electric Buses, and Scholarships for Students

The Punjab government has approved a series of education initiatives that will benefit hundreds of thousands of students across the province. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz chaired a high-level meeting reviewing projects from the School Education Department and Higher Education Department, where she gave the green light to multiple programmes.

The initiatives include free Google certification courses for more than 100,000 students, electric bus facilities for college students, modern IT labs in 166 government colleges, and expanded scholarships for students with special needs.

Google Certification Courses for 100,000 Students

The government has partnered with Google to offer free certification courses to over 100,000 students across Punjab. These courses normally cost between $400 and $1,000 per student, but the government will cover the entire fee.

Students will receive training in emerging technology fields including cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and business intelligence. The courses run for three to six months. Students from both public and private institutions can participate. The goal is to equip young people with digital skills that improve their chances of finding good jobs.

Electric Buses for College Students

The chief minister approved the provision of electric bus facilities for college students. This transport support aims to make it easier for students to travel to and from their colleges, especially those who live far from their institutions.

The electric buses will serve college routes across the province. Details about the number of buses and specific routes will be announced by the transport department in the coming weeks.

Modern IT Labs in 166 Government Colleges

The meeting approved the establishment of modern information technology laboratories in 166 government colleges across Punjab. These labs will give students hands-on access to up-to-date computer equipment and software. The labs are part of a broader effort to standardise college education across the province. Students from all districts will have access to similar quality of IT facilities, regardless of where they study.

Laptop Scheme Eligibility Requirements

Program	Minimum Required Marks

BS Program65% in Intermediate MBBS or BDS80% DVM75% Nursing65% Non-Muslim students (BS)55% Blind studentsNo marks condition

The online portal for laptop scheme applications remains active until April 20, 2026. Students can apply at cmlaptophed.punjab.gov.pk.

Commerce Colleges to Affiliate with Public Universities

A major structural change approved in the meeting involves the affiliation of commerce colleges. Under the new plan, 36 commerce colleges in 29 districts will be affiliated with 19 government universities. Each commerce college will now have a direct academic link with a public university. This standardises the curriculum and improves the quality of commerce education across the province.

Currently, 17 government commerce colleges are already affiliated with seven universities in the first phase. The second phase will bring the remaining 36 colleges into the public university system.

Scholarships and Laptop Scheme Updates

The chief minister directed that all eligible students receive stipends under the Honhaar Scholarship Programme. For the first time in Punjab's history, 62,949 students will receive scholarships in a single tranche.

The meeting reviewed the Chief Minister's Laptop Scheme as well. Officials reported that 98 percent of students expressed satisfaction with the scheme. The second phase of the laptop scheme will now include visually impaired students and other students with special needs.

Grade 8 Assessment Results	Pass Rate
Girls	92 percent
Boys	84 percent
Overall	88 percent

Key Initiatives at a Glance

Google Certification Courses: Free for over 100,000 students in cybersecurity, AI, and business intelligence
Electric Buses: Transport facilities for college students
IT Labs: Modern laboratories in 166 government colleges
Commerce College Affiliation: 36 colleges to affiliate with 19 universities
Honhaar Scholarship: 62,949 students receiving scholarships in a single tranche
Laptop Scheme: 98% student satisfaction; now includes blind students with no marks condition
Minority Students: Laptops provided on open merit

What These Initiatives Mean for Students

For college students: You can now access free Google certification courses in cybersecurity and AI. These are professional certifications that carry weight with employers. The courses normally cost hundreds of dollars, but you pay nothing.
For commuters: Electric buses will provide reliable transport to college. This saves you money and time compared to arranging your own travel.
For commerce students: Your college will now be affiliated with a public university. This improves the value of your degree and aligns your education with university standards.
For laptop applicants: The scheme now includes blind students without marks conditions and minority students on open merit. If you qualify, apply before April 20.
For parents: The Grade 8 assessment results show girls are performing exceptionally well, with a 92 percent pass rate. The government is taking steps to support this success through scholarships and better facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply for the free Google certification courses?

Students across Punjab from both public and private institutions can apply. The courses target over 100,000 students.

What topics do the Google courses cover?

The courses cover cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and business intelligence. Each course runs for three to six months.

How much do these courses normally cost?

These Google certification courses typically cost between $400 and $1,000 per student. The Punjab government is covering the full fee.

Which colleges will get the new IT labs?

Modern IT laboratories will be established in 166 government colleges across Punjab.

What is the deadline for laptop scheme applications?

The application portal closes on April 20, 2026. Apply at cmlaptophed.punjab.gov.pk.

Are blind students eligible for laptops?

Yes. Blind students are eligible for the laptop scheme without any marks condition.

How many students received scholarships in a single tranche?

For the first time in Punjab's history, 62,949 students will receive scholarships in a single tranche under the Honhaar Scholarship Programme.

The Bottom Line

The Punjab government has rolled out a package of education reforms that touches every level of the system. College students get free professional certifications from Google. Commerce colleges get university affiliation. IT labs go up in 166 colleges. Electric buses help students travel. Scholarships and laptops reach more students than ever before, including those with visual impairments.

The Grade 8 assessment results show that girls are leading the way academically. The government is responding with programmes that support their continued success.

Students who want to benefit should act quickly. The laptop scheme portal closes on April 20. The Google courses will have limited seats. Check with your college administration about how to register.