CM Punjab Rozgar Scheme 2026 — Eligibility, Loan Tiers & How to Apply
The CM Punjab Rozgar Scheme — also known as Apna Rozgar Scheme — provides government-backed business loans from Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 1 crore to help individuals start new businesses or expand existing ones across sectors including manufacturing, agriculture, trading, and services, managed by the Punjab Small Industries Corporation (PSIC) at rozgar.psic.punjab.gov.pk. The 2026 cycle opened in January 2026 with a last date of January 29, 2026. The next cycle will be announced at the same official portal. Women applicants require only a 10% equity contribution — lower than the standard requirement — to specifically support female entrepreneurship.
Last Updated: May 2026
What Is the CM Punjab Rozgar Scheme?
The CM Punjab Rozgar Scheme is a government business loan program that turns unemployed and underemployed Punjab residents into self-employed business owners. It provides loans at low markup or zero interest depending on the tier, processed through the Punjab Small Industries Corporation (PSIC) and disbursed through the Bank of Punjab.
The scheme covers new startups and existing businesses looking to scale. Sectors eligible include manufacturing, agriculture, trading, retail, services, transport, and tech businesses. Freelancers and IT professionals with proof of income or a business plan are also eligible.
Unlike the Asaan Karobar Card — which is a revolving digital credit card for daily operational expenses — the Rozgar Scheme provides a lump-sum loan for capital investment. If you need money to buy machinery, open a shop, hire staff, or set up a workshop, the Rozgar Scheme is the right fit.
Who Is Eligible?
All of the following must be true at the same time:
- Pakistani national with a valid CNIC
- Permanent Punjab resident with Punjab domicile
- Not a current government employee — the scheme is for unemployed or private-sector individuals only
- Clean credit history with no active bank loan defaults
- Business plan ready — for new startups, a feasibility study or basic business plan is required at the time of application
- Age criteria apply by loan tier — confirmed at rozgar.psic.punjab.gov.pk for the current cycle
Priority applicant groups: women, unemployed youth, transgender persons, and differently-abled citizens. Women applicants require only 10% equity contribution — meaning for smaller loans, minimal personal investment is required alongside the government loan.
Loan Tiers — How Much You Can Borrow
The Rozgar Scheme is structured in tiers by loan size, each with different security requirements:
Tier 1 — Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 5 lakh Personal guarantee only. No collateral or property required. Best for micro-businesses, home-based enterprises, and first-time entrepreneurs.
Tier 2 — Rs. 5 lakh to Rs. 10 lakh Personal guarantee required. Slightly more documentation. Suitable for small shops, workshops, and service businesses with a one-year track record.
Tier 3 — Rs. 10 lakh to Rs. 1 crore Standard Bank of Punjab credit assessment applies. Business documentation, revenue history, and asset details required. For established SMEs seeking major expansion.
Required Documents
Prepare all documents before the next cycle opens:
- Valid CNIC — clear scan front and back
- Punjab domicile certificate
- Business plan or feasibility study — templates are available free at the PSIC website psic.punjab.gov.pk
- Proof of business premises if existing — rent agreement or utility bill of business address
- Bank account details for disbursement
- Passport-size photograph
- For Tier 3: business registration, financial statements, and collateral documentation as specified by BOP
For women applicants: an affidavit confirming you are the primary business owner, along with your equity contribution amount.
How to Apply Online — Step by Step
- Go to rozgar.psic.punjab.gov.pk when the next registration cycle opens.
- Click Apply Online or New Registration.
- Enter your CNIC number and active mobile number. Create a password.
- Fill in your personal details — name as on CNIC, father’s name, district, and domicile.
- Select your business sector from the dropdown and enter your business details — whether new or existing, location, and estimated investment required.
- Select your loan tier based on the amount you need.
- Upload all required documents — clear scans only.
- Submit your application and save your reference number.
- PSIC will contact you by SMS or phone for document verification and a business interview within 3 to 6 weeks.
- After PSIC verification, BOP conducts its credit check and disburses the approved loan.
How to Apply Offline
If you cannot apply online, visit your nearest PSIC district office during office hours. Ask for the Rozgar Scheme application form. Fill in all details, attach photocopies of required documents, and submit at the counter. You will receive a reference number.
For general queries, call PSIC at 042-99200515 during office hours.
How Long Does Processing Take?
Loan processing typically takes 3 to 6 weeks from application submission, covering PSIC document verification, business site visit (where applicable), and BOP credit check, according to the Rozgar Scheme’s published processing timeline. Applications with complete and accurate documentation process faster. Incomplete documents are the most common cause of delays.
What to Do When Something Goes Wrong
Application Not Processing After 6 Weeks
Call PSIC at 042-99200515 with your CNIC and application reference number. Ask which stage your application is currently at. If it is stuck at BOP credit check, visit your nearest Bank of Punjab branch directly and ask them to check your application file.
Loan Rejected — Business Plan Not Accepted
PSIC or BOP may reject your application if the business plan is considered insufficient — missing financial projections, unclear revenue model, or no market analysis. Download a free feasibility study template for your business type from psic.punjab.gov.pk, revise your plan, and reapply in the next cycle. If you need help writing the plan, PSIC district offices provide basic guidance on request.
Rejected — Credit History Default
Obtain your eCIB report from any Bank of Punjab branch using your CNIC. Identify the defaulted loan and contact the originating bank to resolve it. Once the default is cleared and updated in the eCIB system — typically 4 to 8 weeks — you can reapply in the next Rozgar Scheme cycle.
Women Applicant — Equity Contribution Confusion
The 10% equity requirement means you contribute 10% of the loan amount from your own funds before the government loan is disbursed. For example, on a Rs. 5 lakh loan, your 10% contribution is Rs. 50,000. If the equity requirement is unclear at the time of your application, contact PSIC at 042-99200515 and ask specifically about the women applicant equity terms for the current cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the official website for the CM Punjab Rozgar Scheme?
The official registration and application portal is rozgar.psic.punjab.gov.pk, managed by the Punjab Small Industries Corporation (PSIC). Do not apply through third-party agents or websites. The application process is completely free — no fee is charged by PSIC or BOP at any stage.
What was the last date for the 2026 Rozgar Scheme application?
The 2026 application cycle opened in January 2026 with a last date of January 29, 2026. This cycle is now closed. The next cycle will be announced at rozgar.psic.punjab.gov.pk. Bookmark the portal and check it regularly for the next opening date.
Can freelancers apply for the Rozgar Scheme?
Yes. Freelancers and IT professionals are eligible with proof of income — bank statements, freelancing platform transaction records, or a business plan describing the freelancing services offered. Select the services sector during application.
How long does it take to receive the loan after approval?
After PSIC and BOP approvals are both complete, disbursement to your bank account typically happens within 5 to 10 working days. Total timeline from application to disbursement is 3 to 6 weeks for complete applications, according to the scheme’s stated processing timeline.
Is there a difference between the Rozgar Scheme and the Asaan Karobar Card?
Yes. The Rozgar Scheme is a lump-sum business loan for starting or expanding a business — you receive the full amount and repay over an agreed schedule. The Asaan Karobar Card is a revolving digital credit card for ongoing business expenses — vendor payments, bills, and taxes — with a 12-month revolving period. Choose based on whether you need upfront capital or operational credit.
Also see: Full overview of all CM Punjab employment programs at the CM Punjab business schemes guide and all active CM Punjab programs at paksinfo.com/cm-punjab-schemes/.
