Nawaz Sharif Centers of Eminence spark huge rush for free education

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz education initiative was reviewed during a meeting where officials briefed her on the progress of the project.

They said the first phase of Punjab school admissions has attracted strong interest from families across the province.

The Nawaz Sharif Centers of Eminence are being developed as modern public schools with international-level facilities.

Each campus will include smart classrooms, science labs, STEM learning spaces, digital education resources, sports facilities, libraries, and modern learning environments.

Officials said every classroom will have a maximum of 30 students to ensure better learning. Professionally trained teachers will be appointed to maintain high educational standards.

Under the free education Punjab policy, students from low-income families will study without paying tuition fees. The government has also announced that children whose parents earn up to Rs200,000 per month will qualify for free education.

A 10% quota has been reserved for students from families who can pay full fees. Officials say this approach will help create a balanced learning environment while ensuring merit remains the top priority.

Speaking during the meeting, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz described the project as an “educational revolution.” She said the large number of applications shows that people are regaining confidence in Punjab government schools.

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She also expressed satisfaction over the high turnout of students appearing in admission tests and directed authorities to establish Nawaz Sharif Centers of Eminence in every division, district, and tehsil across Punjab.

According to officials, the government plans to build 300 Punjab zero-fee schools under the project in different phases, making it one of the province’s biggest education initiatives.

Punjab school admissions for the new institutions will initially be offered for Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, and Grade 1.

Admissions will be granted on the basis of age requirements, school readiness assessments, and merit to ensure a transparent selection process.

Officials added that Punjab government schools under the new model aim to provide equal learning opportunities to deserving children through free education Punjab.