Punjab Expands Honhaar Scholarship Program: Phase 2 to Benefit 80,000 Students in 2025
The Punjab government has launched the second phase of its flagship Honhaar Scholarship Program, aiming to support tens of thousands of students struggling with financial barriers to education. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced that this round will cover 80,000 students—a major leap from the 20,000 beneficiaries of the program’s initial rollout in 2024.
Education officials say this expansion makes Honhaar one of the largest student aid initiatives in Punjab’s history, reflecting a growing emphasis on keeping talented students from dropping out due to rising costs.
A Scholarship for Both Merit and Need
Unlike traditional schemes that focus solely on grades or economic hardship, Honhaar takes both into account. Applicants must demonstrate strong academic performance while proving financial need.
The program is also widening its reach beyond universities. This year, funding will include:
- Intermediate (college-level) students
- Technical and vocational trainees
- Diploma and DAE students
Officials say this shift is designed to bridge gaps in technical education and workforce preparation, giving students in trade and vocational programs the same opportunities as those in higher education.
What’s New in Phase 2
Phase 2 introduces significant upgrades compared to last year’s launch:
- Fourfold increase in seats: 20,000 to 80,000 students
- Higher stipends: Monthly aid raised to Rs. 10,000 (previously Rs. 4,005)
- Digital incentives: Laptops and internet packages for top students
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Reserved quotas:
- 5% for orphans
- 5% for students with disabilities
- 10% for rural female students
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Streamlined application process: Students can track progress through SMS and WhatsApp updates.
Eligibility Criteria
Students from Punjab, AJK, Gilgit-Baltistan, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are eligible if they:
- Scored at least 70% in their most recent exams
- Have a household income under Rs. 60,000/month
- Are currently enrolled in a university, college, or TEVTA institute
- Are not already receiving another scholarship
How to Apply
Applications are open through the Punjab Scholarship Portal:
- Register using CNIC, mobile number, and email
- Fill out the form with academic and financial details
- Upload required documents (CNIC, marksheet, admission letter, income proof, photo)
- Submit the application and keep the tracking ID for status updates
The deadline is September 15, 2025.
Selection and Distribution
Recipients will be chosen based on merit, with stipends sent directly to their bank accounts. The top 1,000 students will also receive laptops and leadership training to help prepare them for careers beyond academics.
Uptake and Outreach
The scholarship portal went live on August 5, 2025, and received 120,000+ applications in its first three days. To ensure equitable access, mobile awareness teams are visiting rural areas, and a dedicated mobile app will launch soon to simplify applications further.
Why This Matters
Punjab’s education department says the Honhaar program is part of a broader push to reduce dropout rates and expand opportunities for students in technical and vocational sectors—areas often overlooked in traditional scholarship schemes. For many low-income families, this initiative could mean the difference between continued education and early entry into the workforce.
Eligible students are being urged to apply before the deadline to secure funding for the academic year.
