CM Punjab Honhaar Scholarship Phase 1 – Empowering Bright Students Across Punjab

The CM Punjab Honhaar Scholarship Phase 1 marked the beginning of one of the most ambitious higher-education support programs in Pakistan. Launched under the vision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the initiative was implemented by the Punjab Higher Education Commission (PHEC) to ensure that every deserving student in Punjab has access to quality education regardless of financial background.

This first phase of the Honhaar Undergraduate Scholarship Program set the foundation for transparent, merit-based financial assistance. Thousands of bright, hardworking students were awarded full tuition fee coverage, enabling them to pursue undergraduate degrees in public universities, medical colleges, and graduate institutions across the province.

Objectives of the Honhaar Scholarship Phase 1

The primary goal of the CM Punjab Honhaar Scholarship is to uplift talented youth through education and reduce financial inequality. Phase 1 focused on:

• Providing 100% tuition coverage for undergraduate programs
• Ensuring merit-based selection under a transparent digital process
• Promoting gender equality (no gender-specific restrictions)
• Supporting students from low-income families earning less than Rs. 300,000 per month
• Strengthening public universities and colleges through increased enrollment
• Building human capital for a skilled, knowledge-based economy

These objectives aligned with CM Punjab’s broader education reform agenda under Maryam Nawaz’s leadership, reinforcing the province’s commitment to inclusive growth.

Scholarship Coverage – What Phase 1 Offered

Phase 1 of the Honhaar Undergraduate Scholarship Program 2026 covered:

• Full Tuition Fees: 100% coverage for all selected disciplines
• Merit Awards: Based on academic performance in matric and intermediate levels
• Universities Covered: Over 50 public-sector universities, 16 medical and dental colleges, and 131 graduate colleges across Punjab
• Disciplines Included: 68 disciplines across sciences, social sciences, engineering, medicine, and arts

This extensive coverage made Honhaar Phase 1 one of the largest merit-based financial aid programs under the Punjab government’s higher education vision.

Also Read: CM Punjab Expands Himmat Card Program

Eligibility Criteria for CM Punjab Honhaar Scholarship Phase 1

To ensure fairness and inclusivity, the eligibility rules were simple yet structured:

These criteria ensured only truly deserving students benefitted from the Phase 1 Honhaar Scholarship.

How to Apply – Step by Step Process

Applications for Honhaar Scholarship Phase 1 were submitted through the official PHEC online portal:

1. Visit: honhaarscholarship.punjabhec.gov.pk
2. Create an account and verify your email/CNIC
3. Fill in academic details and select the eligible discipline and university
4. Upload scanned documents (CNIC, domicile, academic transcripts, affidavit)
5. Submit before the application deadline

After submission, shortlisted candidates were evaluated purely on merit, using the transparent digital system established by Punjab HEC.

Achievements of Phase 1

Phase 1 of the CM Punjab Honhaar Scholarship Program was a massive success. According to official sources:

• 30,000 students received fully funded scholarships
• Over PKR 7 billion allocated by the Government of Punjab
• Students enrolled in public universities across all 36 districts
• Selection based on academic merit and verified income records
• Feedback highlighted high satisfaction due to transparent verification and digital disbursement

This success encouraged the launch of Phase 2, which later expanded eligibility to Gilgit Baltistan, AJK, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Regional Representation in Phase 1

Although Phase 1 was primarily for Punjab students, it laid the foundation for national expansion. Key cities and institutions included:

• Lahore – Punjab University, King Edward Medical University
• Multan – Bahauddin Zakariya University
• Bahawalpur – Islamia University
• Faisalabad – GCU Faisalabad, UAF
• Sahiwal & Rahim Yar Khan – Public graduate colleges

This balanced representation across regions promoted equal educational access throughout Punjab.

Common Mistakes During Phase 1 Applications

Many applicants in Phase 1 faced rejections due to minor but critical errors. Avoid these in future phases:

• CNIC or name mismatched with educational documents
• Low-quality scanned copies (blurred or cropped)
• Affidavit missing or not on E-Stamp paper
• Inactive or third-party bank accounts
• Submission after the portal deadline
• Missing university verification

Tip: Always double-check uploaded documents and confirm institutional verification early.

Comparison: Honhaar vs. Other Scholarship Programs

This comparison shows how Honhaar Phase 1 uniquely prioritized academic excellence and provincial development under CM Punjab Maryam Nawaz’s education policy.

Timeline of Honhaar Phase 1

The digital timeline allowed students to track progress via the Punjab HEC official portal, ensuring transparency at every step.

Impact of Phase 1 on Higher Education in Punjab

The Honhaar Scholarship Phase 1 created ripple effects across Punjab’s educational ecosystem:

• Enrollments in public universities increased by 18%
• Reduced dropout rates due to financial support
• Encouraged female participation in higher education
• Strengthened digital governance through PHEC’s portal

Education experts called it a game changer, bridging the gap between talent and opportunity.

Conclusion:

The CM Punjab Honhaar Scholarship Phase 1 has set a new benchmark in Pakistan’s education sector. With 30,000 fully funded awards, transparent digital verification, and an inclusive merit system, the program reflects the Punjab Government’s vision for accessible, high-quality education.

If you are a student aiming for higher studies but struggling with finances, keep an eye on the Honhaar Scholarship portal your academic dream might be just one application away.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)