Honhaar Scholarship Latest Update – Check Deadline & Complete Details

Introduced in September 2024, the program has expanded in 2025 to include students in their 3rd to 8th semesters of undergraduate programs and 2nd to 5th years of MBBS/BDS programs, offering 100% tuition fee coverage and additional benefits. With a budget of PKR 7 billion for 2025 and a long-term investment of PKR 130 billion over eight years, the program aims to award 50,000 scholarships annually. Last date to apply for Honhaar scholarship phase 2 is 20 May 2025.

Managed by the Punjab Higher Education Commission (PHEC) and the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB), it covers 100% tuition fees for students in 68 disciplines across 50 public sector universities, 16 medical and dental colleges, 131 Higher Education Department (HED) colleges, and top private universities like LUMS, FAST, COMSATS, NUST, and GIKI. The program initially targeted 30,000 students annually but expanded to 50,000 in 2025.

The program also now supports students from other provinces, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, Balochistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), and Gilgit-Baltistan, with a focus on empowering women and minority communities. With over 68,000 applications received in Phase I and 29,000 students selected, Phase II aims to reach even more deserving candidates.

New Benefits in 2025

• Laptop Scheme Integration: Eligible Honhaar scholars can apply for free laptops under the CM Punjab Laptop Scheme, with 110,000 laptops allocated in 2025. A minimum of 65% marks is required for laptop eligibility.
• Internship Opportunities: Scholars gain access to the CM Punjab Internship Program, offering 1,000 internships with a PKR 60,000 monthly stipend.
• Mentorship and Resources: Access to academic mentorship, career counseling, and digital resources through university partnerships.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Honhaar Scholarship Program in 2025, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Residency: Must hold a domicile from any district in Punjab or other provinces (KPK, Sindh, Balochistan, AJK, or Gilgit-Baltistan) as of 2025.
• Age Limit: Not older than 22 years on the application closing date (some sources note flexibility for MBBS/BDS students).
• Family Income: Monthly household income below PKR 300,000, verified by an affidavit (sample available on the official portal).
• Enrollment Status:
  • Undergraduate students in 3rd to 8th semesters of BS programs (2nd to 4th year) in public sector universities or selected private universities.
  • MBBS/BDS students in 2nd to 5th years in public sector medical and dental colleges.
  • Newly enrolled MBBS/BDS students in 2024 are also eligible.
• Academic Requirements:
  • Medical Colleges: Minimum 80% marks in FSc/Intermediate.
  • Top Private Universities (e.g., LUMS, NUST): Minimum 80% marks in FSc/Intermediate.
  • Public Sector Universities: Minimum 70% marks or equivalent CGPA (2.88) for sciences; 65% marks or equivalent CGPA (2.69) for arts and social sciences.
  • HED Colleges: Minimum 65% marks for sciences; 60% marks for arts and social sciences.
  • Minimum 60% marks in annual exams for ongoing semesters.
• Disciplines: Must be enrolled in one of the 68 selected disciplines (full list available at honhaarscholarship.punjabhec.gov.pk).
• Exclusions: Students receiving other government scholarships for tuition fees are ineligible, though partial scholarships (e.g., for hostel fees) may not disqualify.

Application Process

The application process is simple, digital, and free, managed through the PITB portal. Here’s how to apply:

1. Gather Required Documents

• Valid CNIC or B-Form (for applicants under 18).
• Punjab domicile certificate (or domicile from KPK, Sindh, Balochistan, AJK, or Gilgit-Baltistan for non-Punjab residents).
• Affidavit verifying family income below PKR 300,000 (download sample from honhaarscholarship.punjabhec.gov.pk).
• FSc/Intermediate marks sheet or equivalent.
• University enrollment proof (e.g., admission letter, student ID).
• Latest academic transcript showing CGPA or percentage.
• Two passport-size photographs.
• Proof of residence (e.g., utility bill, rent agreement).

2. Online Application

• Portal: Visit honhaarscholarship.punjabhec.gov.pk/register.php.
• Steps:
  1. Register using your CNIC/B-Form and CNIC-linked mobile number.
  2. Fill out the application form with personal details (name, age, gender, address), academic details (discipline, semester, CGPA), and family income.
  3. Upload scanned copies of required documents.
  4. Submit the form and note the reference number for tracking.

Important Dates

• Application Start Date: February 9, 2025, for Phase II (3rd to 8th semester students).
• Last Date to Apply: May 20, 2025.
• Merit List Announcement:
  • Provisional Merit List: Expected in June 2025, allowing candidates to review and raise objections.
  • Final Merit List: Expected in July 2025, after resolving objections.