PMT Score Importance in BISP and Punjab Schemes 2026 , the Poverty Means Test (PMT) score has become the single most important number for families across Pakistan seeking government assistance. Whether you are applying for the BISP Kafaalat cash grant, the CM Punjab Rashan Card, or the Ramzan Relief Package, your eligibility is no longer decided by recommendations or paperwork alone. Instead, a digital score—the PMT score—determines whether you qualify for financial help.
This guide explains what a PMT score is, how it is calculated, and why it is the “gatekeeper” for almost every major welfare scheme in 2026. Understanding this system is the first step toward securing the support your family deserves.
What Exactly is a PMT Score?
PMT stands for Proxy Means Test. It is a numerical value ranging from 0 to 100 that represents a household’s socio-economic status. Think of it as a “poverty index.”
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Lower Score: Indicates a higher level of financial need (Eligible for most programs).
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Higher Score: Indicates a more stable financial position (Ineligible for most programs).
The score is generated using data from the National Socio-Economic Registry (NSER) survey. When a survey team visits your house or you visit a BISP Tehsil office, the information you provide about your lifestyle is fed into an algorithm that calculates this final number.
How Your PMT Score is Calculated
Many people are confused about why their neighbor is eligible while they are not. The PMT score is calculated by looking at a “proxy” of your wealth—meaning it looks at your living conditions rather than just your monthly salary. The key factors include:
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Family Size: The number of dependents, children, and elderly members in the house.
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Housing Condition: Whether you live in a “Katcha” (mud) or “Pakka” (brick) house, and if you own or rent it.
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Asset Ownership: Ownership of livestock, agricultural land, or vehicles (motorcycles vs. cars).
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Utility Consumption: Your monthly electricity and gas bills are a major indicator of your economic status.
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Education & Health: The schooling of your children and any chronic illnesses or disabilities in the family.
PMT Score Eligibility Thresholds for 2026
Different government programs have different “cut-off” scores. If your score is even one point above the limit, the system will automatically mark you as ineligible. Here are the general benchmarks for 2026:
| Program Name | Required PMT Score | Main Benefit |
| BISP Benazir Kafaalat | 32 or below | Rs. 13,500 Quarterly Cash |
| CM Punjab Rashan Card | 33 or below | Monthly Food Subsidy |
| Ramzan Nigehban Relief | 32 or below | Free Ration/Cash Grant |
| Taleemi Wazaif | 32 or below | Children’s Education Stipend |
| Punjab Health Subsidy | 35 or below | Discounted Medical Support |
| Punjab Housing (Apni Chhat) | 28 or below | Subsidized Housing Loans |
How to Check Your PMT Score Online
The federal and provincial governments have made it easy to check your eligibility status using your CNIC. You can use the following official channels:
1. The 8171 Web Portal
Visit the official BISP portal at 8171.bisp.gov.pk. By entering your 13-digit CNIC and a captcha code, you can see your current status. While the portal may not always show the exact “number,” it will tell you if you are “Eligible” (which means your score is within the limit).
2. SMS Service (8171)
Send your CNIC number to 8171 via SMS. You will receive a reply stating your eligibility. If the message says you are “Ineligible,” it usually means your PMT score has exceeded the threshold of 32.
3. BISP Tehsil Office
For a detailed breakdown of your score, you can visit the nearest BISP Tehsil Office. The staff there can look up your exact NSER record and tell you your current PMT ranking.
Why Your PMT Score Might Be High (And How to Fix It)
If you are struggling financially but your PMT score is high (e.g., above 40), it could be due to outdated or incorrect data in the system. Common reasons for a high score include:
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A family member’s old vehicle is still registered in your name.
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High electricity bills from a previous year are still on record.
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You haven’t updated your survey after a loss of employment or the birth of more children.
To fix this, you must request a Dynamic Resurvey. Visit your local BISP office with your original CNIC, children’s B-Forms, and a recent utility bill. Updating your data honestly is the only legal way to potentially lower your PMT score and regain eligibility.
The PMT score is the foundation of a transparent, data-driven welfare system in Pakistan. By ensuring your household information is accurate and up-to-date, you can ensure that your family stays eligible for the vital relief programs offered by BISP and the Punjab Government in 2026.