In 2026, the Proxy Means Test (PMT) Score remains the backbone of Pakistan’s social safety net. Whether you are applying for the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), the Ehsaas Kafaalat installment of Rs. 13,500, or the Punjab Ramzan Subsidy, your eligibility is determined solely by this numerical value. A PMT score represents your household’s economic status, and keeping it within the eligible threshold is necessary to continue receiving financial aid. This comprehensive guide explains the exact methods to verify your status and the specific score requirements for various welfare programs.
What is the PMT Score and Why Does it Matter?
The PMT score is a ranking system (ranging from 0 to 100) used by the government to measure poverty levels. It is calculated based on several factors collected during the NSER (National Socio-Economic Registry) Survey, including:
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Household Assets: Ownership of livestock, land, or electronic appliances.
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Family Size: Number of dependents, including children and elderly members.
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Monthly Expenses: Average utility bills (electricity and gas).
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Housing Condition: The type of construction (Katcha or Pakka house).
Eligible PMT Score Thresholds for 2026
Each government program has a specific cut-off score. If your score is above these limits, you will be declared “Ineligible.”
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BISP / Benazir Kafaalat: Score must be 32 or below.
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Taleemi Wazaif (Education Stipends): Mothers must have a score of 32 or below.
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Ramzan Relief Package / Negahban: Score must be 30 or below.
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Ehsaas Rashan Riayat: Score must be 35 or below.
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Punjab Himmat Card (Disability): Requires a very low score along with a disability certificate.
How to Check PMT Score by CNIC Online (Step-by-Step)
While the government usually keeps the exact numerical score in internal records, you can check your eligibility status (which confirms if you are below the required score) using the official 8171 Web Portal.
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Visit the Official Link: Open your browser and go to 8171.bisp.gov.pk.
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Enter CNIC: Type your 13-digit CNIC number without any dashes or spaces.
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Captcha Verification: Enter the 4-digit security code shown in the image correctly.
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Submit: Click the “Check Eligibility” (Maloom Karen) button.
Checking Status via 8171 SMS Service
If you do not have an internet connection, follow this offline method:
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Open your mobile’s SMS app.
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Type your 13-digit CNIC number.
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Send it to the shortcode 8171.
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You will receive a reply message. If it says “Aap Benazir Kafaalat ke liye ahel hain,” it means your PMT score is 32 or below.
Understanding the 8171 Status Messages
When you check your status, you might see different messages. Here is what they mean for your PMT score:
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Eligible (Ahel): Your score is within the required range (32 or below), and your payment is ready.
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Ineligible (Na-Ahel): Your score is too high (above 32). This happens if your electricity bills are high or you own significant assets.
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Survey Required: Your data is old or missing. Your score cannot be calculated until you visit a BISP Tehsil Office for a “Dynamic Survey.”
How to Lower or Update Your PMT Score
If your financial situation has worsened (e.g., loss of job or increase in family members), your old high score can be lowered through a Dynamic Survey 2026:
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Visit BISP Center: Go to the nearest BISP Registration Center with your original CNIC and children’s B-Forms.
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Provide Accurate Data: Inform the official about your current low income and high expenses.
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Biometric Verification: Complete your thumbprint verification at the desk.
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Processing Time: It takes approximately 3 to 6 months for the system to recalculate your PMT score based on the new data.
Warning: No private website or person can change your PMT score. Avoid scams that ask for money to “fix” your score; the only official way is through the BISP office survey.