Maryam Nawaz IT Training for Rural Women 2026 — Eligibility, Courses & How to Apply
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif launched this program on March 22, 2025, providing free six-month online IT and digital skills training to 27,000 rural women in Punjab, with a scholarship during training and a desktop computer plus free Wi-Fi device provided to each participant upon completion, according to the official APP wire report confirmed at punjab.gov.pk. The program is managed by the Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) at psdf.org.pk. Training is fully online — no travel required. No prior IT experience is needed. Applications are open through psdf.org.pk.
Last Updated: May 2026
What Is the Maryam Nawaz IT Training Program?
The Maryam Nawaz IT Training Program is Punjab’s first comprehensive IT and digital skills initiative specifically for rural women. CM Maryam Nawaz described the goal directly: “27,000 women will be able to become the founders of a digital revolution in Punjab,” according to the official Punjab government portal at punjab.gov.pk.
The program runs as six months of free online training delivered by the Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF). Every participant receives a scholarship during the training period. Upon completing the full six months, each graduate receives a desktop computer and a free Wi-Fi device — so she has both the skill and the equipment to start earning from home.
After training, participants receive a government-recognised certification and job placement support to connect them with freelancing platforms, tech firms, and online employers.
A second, related initiative — the “e-Learn She Earn” program — was launched with a budget of Rs. 700 million by PSDF and the Punjab Women Development Department to extend digital training to more women through an accelerated three-month format, according to official Punjab government announcements. Both programs use psdf.org.pk as the primary application portal.
Who Is Eligible?
- Female resident of a rural area in Punjab
- Valid CNIC
- Access to a mobile phone for online registration and receiving training notifications
- No prior IT qualification is required — the program is designed for complete beginners
- No age limit stated in the official program announcement — women of any adult age can apply
What the Program Gives You
Every participant in the main six-month program receives, according to the official punjab.gov.pk announcement confirmed through APP, Daily Times, and TechJuice coverage dated March 22 to 24, 2025:
- Full scholarship for the six-month training period — financial support during training so you do not need to pay for the course
- Desktop computer — provided free upon successful completion of the six months
- Free Wi-Fi device — provided free upon completion so you have internet access to work from home
- Government-recognised certification upon passing the program
- Job placement support — connections to freelancing platforms, tech companies, and online employers
What Courses Are Covered?
The six-month curriculum covers the following skills, according to the official Punjab government launch announcement at punjab.gov.pk:
- IT fundamentals and computer basics
- Web development
- Coding
- Digital marketing
- E-commerce and online selling
- Social media management
- Graphic design
- Freelancing and remote work platforms
- Data entry and office automation
- Cybersecurity basics
The curriculum is designed so a woman with no prior computer experience can progress from basics to a marketable skill within six months. Each skill area is taught at a beginner-to-intermediate level.
How to Apply — Step by Step
Training is fully online. No travel to any centre is required.
- Go to psdf.org.pk — the official Punjab Skills Development Fund portal.
- Look for the rural women IT training or digital skills program registration section. Also check for “e-Learn She Earn” registration if that program’s intake is currently open.
- Click Register or Apply Now.
- Enter your CNIC number and active mobile number. Create an account.
- Fill in your registration form — personal details, district, tehsil, and education level. Answer questions about your current access to a mobile phone and internet honestly — this helps PSDF match you to the right training format.
- Submit your registration and save your confirmation reference number.
- Selected applicants are contacted for an initial aptitude assessment before training begins. This assessment is online and beginner-friendly — it tests basic learning ability, not prior IT knowledge.
- After passing the assessment, you are assigned to a training batch and receive your course start date and login details by SMS.
What Happens After Training?
Completing the full six months is necessary to receive the desktop computer and Wi-Fi device. Partial completion does not qualify for the equipment package.
After completing the program:
- Collect your desktop computer and Wi-Fi device through the process communicated by PSDF at the end of training — the collection or delivery method is confirmed closer to your batch’s graduation date.
- Download your digital certification from the PSDF portal.
- Access the job placement support — PSDF provides connections to freelancing platforms, registered tech employers, and online work opportunities. Engage with this support actively — it is the fastest route to your first paid project.
If you want to start freelancing immediately after certification, platforms where Pakistani freelancers commonly work include Fiverr, Upwork, and Freelancer.com. Your PSDF certification and portfolio of work from the training can be used to create your first profile.
What to Do When Something Goes Wrong
Registered at psdf.org.pk but Not Contacted for Assessment
PSDF processes applications in batches by district. Processing can take 4 to 8 weeks after registration. Log in to psdf.org.pk and check your application status in your dashboard. If the status has not moved after 8 weeks, use the contact or support form on psdf.org.pk to raise a query. Include your CNIC, application reference number, and district in your query.
Assessment Result — Not Selected for This Batch
Not being selected in the current batch does not permanently disqualify you. PSDF runs multiple batches. When a new batch opens for your district, apply again through psdf.org.pk. The selection is based on available batch capacity by district — many women who were not selected in the first round were placed in later batches.
Training Module Is Not Loading Online
Check your internet connection first. If connection is stable and the module still does not load, try a different browser — Chrome or Firefox work best on the PSDF platform. If the issue persists, contact PSDF through psdf.org.pk using the support form and describe the technical error. Include your batch number and the specific module that is not loading.
Desktop Computer or Wi-Fi Device Not Received After Completing Training
Contact PSDF through psdf.org.pk with your CNIC, completion certificate reference, and graduation batch number. Ask specifically about the equipment distribution timeline for your batch and district. Equipment is distributed in batches after each graduation cycle — the delivery timeline is typically 4 to 6 weeks after the batch completes training.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many women are enrolled in the Maryam Nawaz IT Training Program?
The program targets 27,000 rural women in Punjab for the main six-month training initiative, according to the official Punjab government launch announcement at punjab.gov.pk on March 22, 2025. The “e-Learn She Earn” extension program — with a budget of Rs. 700 million — is designed to train additional women beyond the initial 27,000 through a three-month accelerated format.
Is the training really free? Are there any charges?
Yes, training is fully free. There is no course fee, registration fee, or equipment fee at any stage. You receive a scholarship during training — meaning you are financially supported while learning. The desktop computer and Wi-Fi device are also provided free upon successful completion. If anyone asks for payment to register you or deliver equipment, do not pay — report it to psdf.org.pk.
Do I need to own a computer before applying?
No. A mobile phone is sufficient to register and attend the online training sessions. The desktop computer is provided after you complete the program — this is specifically designed so women without prior equipment can still participate. Your mobile phone is your only requirement to get started.
What can I do with the certification after completing the program?
Your PSDF certification is government-recognised and can be used to apply for jobs at Pakistani tech companies, create profiles on international freelancing platforms, or present to clients for online work. PSDF also provides job placement support after completion — use this to get your first paid project rather than waiting to find opportunities independently.
Is the e-Learn She Earn program the same as the Maryam Nawaz IT Training program?
They are related but separate. The Maryam Nawaz IT Training Program is the main six-month initiative targeting 27,000 rural women launched on March 22, 2025. The “e-Learn She Earn” program is a subsequent initiative with a Rs. 700 million budget offering a three-month accelerated format, managed jointly by PSDF and the Punjab Women Development Department. Both use psdf.org.pk as the application portal. Check the portal to see which program’s intake is currently open.
Also see: Full overview of all CM Punjab employment programs at the CM Punjab business schemes guide and startup loans through the CM Punjab Rozgar Scheme guide.
