Punjab government has announced Free Education for students with disabilities studying in public sector colleges across the province.
Eligible students will no longer pay admission, tuition, examination or other academic fees. The new fee exemption will take effect from the academic year 2026-27.
The initiative aims to ensure financial difficulties do not prevent students with disabilities from continuing higher education.
Punjab Colleges Ordered to Stop Charging Fees
The decision follows directions issued by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.
The Directorate of Public Instruction Colleges has sent instructions to heads of public sector colleges.
College administrations have been directed to stop collecting academic fees from eligible students with disabilities. Under the new policy, students will receive a complete waiver of admission and tuition fees.
Examination fees and other academic charges will also be covered under the exemption. The government expects Free Education to improve access to higher education for students facing financial barriers.
Students to Receive Equal Access to Scholarships
The government has also addressed scholarship opportunities for students with disabilities.
Public colleges must ensure eligible students receive an equal share in available scholarship programmes.
College heads have been directed to implement the instructions without discrimination. No eligible student should be charged any fee prohibited under the latest directives.
The government has warned that administrative action may follow if college heads fail to comply.
Punjab Cites Right to Education Law
The directives refer to the Punjab Right to Education for Children with Disabilities Act 2020.
The law provides educational rights for children with disabilities at different levels. These include primary, higher secondary and higher education.
It also states that students or their parents should not pay charges required to complete their education. The latest instructions also highlight Punjab’s commitment to inclusive and barrier-free education.
They refer to relevant provisions under disability employment and rehabilitation legislation and related policies.
Colleges Required to Provide Learning Support
Public sector colleges must provide free tuition and admission to eligible students. They must also ensure students do not face discrimination during the admission process.
Colleges have been instructed to facilitate access to scholarships where available. Students may also receive assistive devices and other learning support where applicable.
The government says these measures will help create more accessible educational environments. The Free Education initiative is designed to expand educational opportunities for students with disabilities across Punjab.
It also aims to support their participation in higher education without financial barriers.
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The policy will apply from the 2026-27 academic year across public sector colleges in the province.
