CM Punjab Honhaar Scholarship 2026: New Registration Start Date
The Government of Punjab, under the leadership of CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif, has expanded the Honhaar Scholarship Program to ensure that no talented student drops out due to financial constraints. Unlike many other programs, this scholarship covers 100% of your tuition fees for the entire duration of your degree.
If you are looking for other opportunities as well, you should check out the Mora Scholarships for Pakistani Students or explore how to Apply Online for Scholarships across different portals.
What is the Honhaar Scholarship Program?
The Honhaar Scholarship is a flagship initiative by the Punjab Higher Education Commission (PHEC). It was launched to support high-achieving students from low-income families. For the year 2026, the program has entered its second and third phases, offering thousands of new slots for students in public and private sector universities.
The goal is simple: Zero tuition fees for the brightest minds. This covers 68 different disciplines, ranging from Computer Science and Engineering to Social Sciences and Arts.
Eligibilty Criteria for Honhaar Scholarship
Eligibility is the most searched topic because it varies depending on your university type and year of study. Here is the simple breakdown for 2026:
General Requirements
- Domicile: You must have a valid Punjab Domicile (though a small quota exists for other provinces in Phase 3).
- Age Limit: Generally, applicants should be under 22 years of age on the closing date.
- Gender: No gender restriction (60% of slots are often prioritized for female students).
Income Brackets
Searchers often get confused here. The income limits are:
- Public Sector HEIs: Monthly family income must be less than Rs. 300,000.
- Private/Federal Sector HEIs: Monthly family income can be up to Rs. 500,000.
Academic Cut-offs
- MBBS/BDS (Public Sector): Minimum 80% marks in Intermediate.
- Top Public Universities: Minimum 75% for Science and 70% for Arts.
- HED Graduate Colleges: Minimum 65% for Science and 60% for Arts.
Important Note: For Phase 2, students already enrolled in the 3rd to 8th semester of BS programs or the 2nd to 5th year of MBBS/BDS are eligible to apply.
If you are a student trying to figure out your standing, using a Student Grade Calculator or the German Grade Calculator (Bavarian Formula) can help you track your academic progress for such applications.
Participating Universities and Disciplines
The scholarship is not limited to just a few colleges. It covers a vast network of 131+ institutions:
- All 50 Public Sector Universities in Punjab (e.g., Punjab University, UET, BZU).
- Selected Federal Chartered Universities (e.g., COMSATS, NUST, FAST-NU).
- Top Private Universities (e.g., LUMS, Superior University, University of Lahore).
- Over 300+ Public Graduate Colleges across all districts of Punjab.
Disciplines covered include:
- Technology: AI, Data Science, Software Engineering, Cyber Security.
- Health: Nursing, Medical Lab Sciences, Optometry, D&BDS.
- Management: BBA, Fintech, Digital Marketing, Aviation Management.
- Arts & Design: Fashion Design, Graphic Design, Mass Communication.
The “Income Affidavit” – A Practical Sample
One of the most frequent queries is about the Income Affidavit. It must be on a Rs. 50 or Rs. 100 E-Stamp paper. Here is a sample text you can use:
AFFIDAVIT
I, [Father/Guardian Name], son of [Grandfather’s Name], resident of [Home Address], do hereby solemnly affirm and declare as follows:
- That I am the father/guardian of [Applicant Name], who is applying for the Honhaar Undergraduate Scholarship.
- That my total monthly family income from all sources (Salary, Business, Land, etc.) does not exceed PKR [300,000/500,000].
- That the information provided in the application is true and correct. I understand that any misrepresentation will lead to the cancellation of the scholarship and legal action.
Signature of Deponent: __________________
CNIC: __________________
How to Apply for CM Punjab Honhaar Scholarship 2026
The Honhaar Scholarship Program is a flagship initiative by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif to provide 100% tuition fee coverage for talented students in Punjab. Whether you are a fresh enrollee or an existing student in your 3rd to 8th semester, following these steps is essential.
Step 1: Visit the Official Honhaar Portal
All applications must be submitted online through the dedicated Higher Education Department (HED) portal.
- Official Link: honhaarscholarship.punjabhec.gov.pk
Step 2: Register Your Account
On the main dashboard, click the “Login” tab to begin.
- Signup: Complete the registration form with your own valid CNIC. Using another person’s CNIC will result in immediate disqualification.
- Important: If you see a “CNIC already exists” error, do not create a new account; simply go to the sign-in page and use your previous credentials.
- Credentials: Save your username and password once the confirmation message appears.
Step 3: Complete the Online Application Form
Once logged in, the Student Portal will present several mandatory tabs:
- Eligibility Tab: Review the criteria and Download the Sample Affidavit.
- Personal Detail: Enter your full name, religion, and upload a recent photograph (max 200 KB, clear face visible).
- Address Detail: Provide your mailing and permanent addresses correctly.
- Education Detail: Enter academic info for Matric/O-Level and Intermediate/A-Level.
Step 4: Upload Required Documents
All documents must be in JPG/PNG format and each file should be less than 200 KB:
- CNIC Front & Back
- Matric / O-Level Result Card
- Intermediate / A-Level Result Card
- Domicile Certificate
- Signed Income Affidavit on E-Stamp paper
Step 5: Review and Formal Submission
This is the most critical part. Once you click submit, you cannot edit the form.
- Carefully check your family monthly income (must be less than Rs. 300,000 for public and Rs. 500,000 for private sectors).
- Verify your marks and domicile details.
- Press “SUBMIT” to formally finish. A “Thank you for applying!” message will confirm your application.
Important Dates for the Next Phase (Spring 2026)
Based on recent updates from the Punjab Higher Education Commission (PHEC), the scholarship operates in recurring cycles to accommodate both Fall and Spring university admissions.
| Event | Status / Expected Date |
| Fall 2025 Phase (Phase I & II) | Closed (Late 2025) |
| Phase III (Other Provinces Quota) | Verification Ongoing |
| New Registration (Spring 2026) | Expected Early March 2026 |
| Deadline for Spring 2026 Cycle | Late April 2026 (Tentative) |
| 2nd Installment Disbursement | Ongoing (Check Portal) |
Merit Calculation Table
Students often search for how their merit is calculated. The system follows this weightage:
| Component | Weightage |
| Matriculation Marks | 30% |
| Intermediate (FSc/FA) Marks | 70% |
| For Current University Students | Minimum CGPA 2.88 (Science) / 2.69 (Arts) |
Common Problems & Their Solutions
- “My University is not in the list”: Only specific disciplines in selected private universities are covered. Check the “Selected Disciplines” list on the portal.
- “Document Upload Failed”: Try compressing your PDF or changing the filename to remove special characters.
- “I missed the deadline”: The last date for the 2026 cycle is February 15, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I apply if I already have a PEEF scholarship?
Generally, no. Most government scholarships require an undertaking that you are not a beneficiary of any other program. You can read more about PEEF Scholarships to compare.
What if my CNIC is “Already Exists” but I never registered?
This often happens if your university pre-entered your data or if you applied for a different PHEC program. Do not create a new account. Go to the Login page and use the “Forgot Password” option with your CNIC to regain access.
My university/discipline is not in the dropdown menu. What should I do?
If your specific program or campus isn’t listed, it means that particular discipline at your institute is not currently covered by the Honhaar program. Only 68 specific disciplines and 131+ institutions are eligible.
Can I apply using my Intermediate Roll Number?
No, you generally need your Registration Number as printed on your result card to ensure the system can verify your marks with the BISE database.
I have a Punjab Domicile but I am studying in Islamabad. Am I eligible?
es, as long as you are enrolled in a Federal Chartered University (like NUST, FAST, or COMSATS) that is on the approved list.
Can students from Private Colleges apply?
Only if the private college is a selected institution on the official list. Students in local private colleges affiliated with public universities are usually not eligible unless the college itself is listed.
Are 2nd-year or senior students eligible?
es! While Phase 1 was for freshers, Phase 2 and 3 are open to students in their 3rd to 8th semesters of BS programs and 2nd to 5th year of MBBS/BDS.
Can I apply if I only have a Domicile “Receipt”?
Technically, the portal requires an upload of the original Domicile Certificate. Using a receipt may lead to a “Pending” status or rejection during the Focal Person’s verification.
My father is a daily wager and has no salary slip. How do I prove income?
In this case, the Income Affidavit on E-Stamp paper is your primary proof. You must clearly state the monthly income and have it attested to avoid rejection.
Is the scholarship a monthly stipend or just a fee waiver?
The Honhaar Scholarship is strictly a 100% Tuition Fee coverage. It does not provide a monthly stipend for hostellers or transport costs.
Final Checklist Before Submitting
- Valid Punjab Domicile.
- Income Affidavit signed and scanned.
- All marks entered correctly as per result cards.
- Active phone number and email provided.
The Honhaar Scholarship 2026 is a golden opportunity to secure your future without the stress of high fees. Start your application today and take the first step toward your dream career!
