There is genuinely good news for students across Punjab this year. The CM Honhar Scholarship 2026 — officially the CM Honhaar Undergraduate Scholarship, launched by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz — is currently accepting applications. Eligible students can apply online through the official Punjab Higher Education Commission (PHEC) portal at honhaarscholarship.punjabhec.gov.pk, and with the window open now, applying early is strongly advised.
The headline benefit is hard to beat: the scholarship covers 100% of the defined tuition fee, paid directly to the institution, so the student never has to pay it at all. The programme spans 70 selected disciplines across universities and colleges, and it is purely merit-based — your Matric and Intermediate results decide, not your connections.
For families, a full tuition waiver changes everything. University education is one of the biggest investments a household makes, and with everyday expenses climbing, every saving counts — which is why so many households now compare solar panel prices in Pakistan to trim their electricity bills. A scholarship that wipes the tuition bill to zero is the single biggest saving of all.
What the Honhar Scholarship Covers (and What It Doesn’t)
The scholarship covers 100% of the defined tuition fee for the student’s programme, and the amount is transferred directly to the institution — the student never handles or pays that fee. It applies across 70 selected disciplines at participating universities and colleges. What it does not cover is equally important to understand: boarding and lodging, transport and other living expenses remain the family’s responsibility.
While the scholarship covers tuition, families still need to budget for hostel fees, transport and daily expenses — and in areas with frequent load-shedding, students often chip in for backup power, so it helps to know current lithium battery prices when planning those costs.
Eligibility Criteria and Minimum Marks
The eligibility rules are precise, so read them carefully before applying:
- Punjab domicile is mandatory.
- You must be enrolled in the 1st semester or 1st year of a selected discipline in 2026. Students entering 1st-year MBBS or BDS in 2026 are also eligible.
- Selection is purely merit-based, using a fixed formula: Matric 30% + Intermediate 70%.
- Family income must be below Rs 350,000 per month for public institutions, or below Rs 500,000 per month for federal and private institutions. An income affidavit on e-stamp paper is required as proof.
The minimum Intermediate marks required are:
| Institution type | Minimum Intermediate marks |
|---|---|
| Public universities — Sciences | 70% |
| Public universities — Arts | 65% |
| Public medical/dental colleges (MBBS/BDS) | 80% |
| Federal and private universities — Sciences | 70% |
| Federal and private universities — Arts | 65% |
| HED colleges — Sciences | 65% |
| HED colleges — Arts | 60% |
How the Merit Formula Works
Your merit aggregate is calculated as (Matric percentage × 0.30) + (Intermediate percentage × 0.70). For example, a student with 90% in Matric and 85% in Intermediate scores (90 × 0.30) + (85 × 0.70) = 27 + 59.5 = 86.5. Because Intermediate carries 70% of the weight, your FSc or FA result matters far more than Matric — but in a purely merit-based race, every single mark still counts.
Step-by-Step Online Application Guide
- Go to the official portal: honhaarscholarship.punjabhec.gov.pk. Apply only here — never through agents or unofficial links.
- Register using your CNIC or B-Form and create your account.
- Fill in your personal, educational and socio-economic details carefully and accurately.
- Upload the required documents, including the income affidavit on e-stamp paper.
- Review everything, submit your application, and use the portal to track its status.
Rs 22 Billion Budget and Programme Scale
The Punjab government allocated Rs 22 billion for the Honhaar Scholarship Program in Budget 2026-27 — a figure that signals just how seriously the province is investing in higher education access. Families plan carefully for major expenses, whether a university degree or a home upgrade; just as our breakdown of solar system cost in Pakistan helps households budget for energy, this scholarship’s full-fee coverage makes education budgeting far simpler for qualifying families.
Special Quotas and Support
Programme reports also highlight special consideration for vulnerable groups, including orphans, differently-abled students and rural girls — reflecting the scheme’s aim to widen access to higher education well beyond the big cities.
Students may also benefit from the CM Punjab Laptop Scheme 2026.
Documents Checklist
Keep these ready before you start: a valid CNIC or B-Form; Punjab domicile certificate; Matric and Intermediate result cards or certificates; proof of admission or enrolment in the 1st semester or 1st year of a selected discipline for 2026; the income affidavit on e-stamp paper; recent passport-size photographs; and any certificates supporting a special quota claim, if applicable.
Beware of Fraud: Apply Only Through the Official Portal
A scheme this generous attracts scammers. Apply ONLY through honhaarscholarship.punjabhec.gov.pk. Never share your documents, CNIC copies or money with unofficial websites, social media pages, WhatsApp groups or agents claiming to guarantee selection. The real process is free, online and merit-based — anyone asking for payment is running a fraud.
You can also read our full guide to the CM Punjab Honhaar Scholarship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are applications open right now?
Yes — applications are currently open on the official PHEC portal. Check the portal for the current deadline and apply early.
What exactly does the scholarship pay for?
100% of the defined tuition fee, paid directly to your institution. Boarding, lodging and transport are not covered.
What are the income limits?
Below Rs 350,000 per month for public institutions, and below Rs 500,000 per month for federal and private institutions.
Can MBBS students apply?
Yes — 1st-year MBBS and BDS students of 2026 are eligible, with a minimum of 80% in Intermediate.
How is merit calculated?
Matric 30% + Intermediate 70%, purely on marks — no interviews, no recommendations.
Where can I get help?
The official help desk: honhaar@punjabhec.gov.pk, 042-99231903, 042-99231904.
If you meet the criteria, do not wait — gather your documents, get the income affidavit on e-stamp paper ready, and submit your application on the official PHEC portal today. Check honhaarscholarship.punjabhec.gov.pk for the current deadline, because missing it means waiting another year for a chance at a 100% tuition fee waiver.
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