Every time the Prime Minister’s Laptop Scheme launches a new phase, one question dominates social media and student discussions: “Are intermediate students eligible?” With the 2025 Phase 4 rollout in motion, many Matric and Inter students are hopeful—and confused—about their chances. So, let’s dig deeper and uncover whether this opportunity is a golden chance or just another myth for intermediate students.
Where the Confusion Comes From
The biggest reason for this widespread confusion is the lack of clear communication on many unofficial platforms. Many YouTube videos and social media posts claim that “FA, FSC, ICS” students can apply. However, when you visit the official portal (www.pmyp.gov.pk), the eligibility criteria clearly mention: Only students enrolled in public sector universities or degree-awarding institutions recognized by HEC can apply.
Now, most intermediate colleges—even government ones—are not affiliated with HEC but rather with Boards of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE). That automatically disqualifies the majority of Inter students.
Why Intermediate Students Want to Apply
Intermediate students have a valid reason to be hopeful. Many of them need laptops for online classes, assignments, freelancing, or skill-building in the digital economy. With the rising importance of technology in education, it makes sense for them to want the same benefits that university students receive.
But unfortunately, as of Phase 4 of 2025, there is no official inclusion of intermediate-level students in the PM Laptop Scheme.
What About Previous Phases?
Looking back at Phases 1 to 3, there has never been a time when intermediate students were officially eligible. While some DAE (Diploma of Associate Engineering) students got laptops in earlier rounds, that’s only because a few polytechnic institutes offering such diplomas were categorized as post-secondary institutions under the HEC framework.
Intermediate (FA, FSC) students have not been included in any merit-based laptop distribution program under PMYP so far.
So, Is It a Myth or Reality?
To be completely transparent—it’s a myth that intermediate students can apply for the PM Laptop Scheme Phase 4 in 2025. The official guidelines, portal functionality, and even past phases confirm this clearly. There’s no support or technical system in place to verify and validate intermediate-level students from provincial boards within this federal initiative.
Unless the government announces a separate laptop program for college-level students, this scheme remains exclusive to HEC-recognized universities and DAIs.
Also Read: Complete Timeline of PM Laptop Scheme Phase 4 2025
What Can Intermediate Students Do Instead?
If you’re in Intermediate and want to pursue digital skills, there are still alternatives:
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Enroll in free or low-cost online learning platforms like DigiSkills, Coursera, or YouTube to build tech skills.
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Use public computer labs in colleges or libraries to practice.
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Apply for future laptop schemes once you get admitted into a university.
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Explore provincial programs – Punjab and KP governments occasionally run separate schemes for Matric and Inter students.
You can also prepare early for Phase 5 (if announced) by maintaining good academic records and choosing a public sector university after Intermediate.
Conclusion
The PM Laptop Scheme Phase 4 may look like a dream come true for intermediate students, but for now, it’s just that—a dream. The reality is that only university and postgraduate students qualify under current rules. Still, that doesn’t mean you should lose hope. Focus on upgrading your skills, stay informed, and plan ahead for your higher education so that when your turn comes, you’re ready to make the most of it.