The Punjab Government has launched a powerful new initiative in 2026 to empower women through technology and digital education. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, several digital skills programs have been introduced, offering free IT courses, monthly stipends, free laptops, and internet devices for women across Punjab.
The flagship program, widely known as the “Mein Digital” Program, is designed especially for rural women to help them learn modern IT skills and start earning from home through freelancing and online work.
This initiative is being praised as a major step toward women empowerment, digital inclusion, and foreign income generation in Pakistan. In this article, you will learn about eligibility, stipend details, available IT courses, how to apply, and alternative programs available in 2026.
Overview of Punjab Free Digital Skills Program for Women
The Mein Digital Program (also called Digital Empowering Rural Women) is a government-funded training scheme executed by the Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) in collaboration with the Women Development Department (WDD).
The program focuses on providing:
WhatsApp Channel- Free professional IT training
- Monthly financial stipend
- Free laptop or desktop computer
- 4G Wi-Fi device with internet package
- Skills for work-from-home and freelancing
The main goal is to help educated women become financially independent by earning through online platforms.
Stipend and Financial Benefits in 2026
Women selected for this program receive multiple financial and technical benefits.
Monthly Stipend
- Rs. 5,000 per month during the 6-month course
Internet and Device Allowance
- Additional allowance for internet and data
- Total package value often reaches Rs. 13,000 to Rs. 15,000
Free Equipment
Successful candidates receive:
- Free Laptop or Desktop Computer
- 4G Wi-Fi Device
- 6-Month Internet Package
This makes the program completely free and accessible, even for women who do not own a computer.
Course Duration and Training Mode
- Total duration: 6 months
- Mode: Online / Virtual classes
- Training by professional instructors
- Practical assignments and freelancing guidance
After completion, participants are guided to start freelancing and online work.
Eligibility Criteria for Mein Digital Program 2026
To apply for this program, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Gender: Female only
- Residence: Must belong to a rural district of Punjab
- Age limit: 21 to 40 years
- Education: Minimum 16 years of education (BA, BSc, BS, MA, MSc, etc.)
- Selection method: Online entry test and merit list
Only candidates who pass the entry test and qualify on merit are selected.
IT Courses Offered Under Punjab Digital Program
The program offers high-demand IT and freelancing skills that allow women to earn online.
Technical Courses
- Web Development
- Software Development
- Coding and Programming
Creative Skills
- Graphic Designing
- Multimedia Designing
- Content Creation
Digital Marketing
- SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
- Social Media Management
- Online Advertising
Business & Office Skills
- E-commerce Management
- Virtual Assistant Training
- Data Entry and Office Automation
Communication Skills
- English Language
- Soft Skills and Client Handling
These courses are designed especially for international freelancing markets.
Other Punjab Free IT Programs for Women and Youth (2026)
If you do not meet the rural or 16-year education requirement, you can apply for other active programs.
e-Rozgaar 2.0 Program
- Offered by PITB
- Minimum education: 14 years
- Open for all Punjab residents
- Courses in web development, UI/UX, and digital marketing
- Apply at: erozgaar.pitb.gov.pk
CM Kamyaab Freelancer Program
- Advanced IT and freelancing training
- Open for youth across Punjab
- Focus on high-income digital skills
Global IT Certification Support
Punjab Government also reimburses exam fees for international certifications:
- Microsoft
- AWS
If you pass the exam, the government pays back the certification cost.
How to Apply for Punjab Digital Skills Program 2026 (Step-by-Step)
Follow these steps to apply online.
Step 1: Visit Official Portal
Go to the PSDF Empowering Rural Women Portal.
Step 2: Registration
Enter your CNIC number and mobile number to receive an OTP.
Step 3: Upload Documents
You will need:
- CNIC (front and back)
- Highest degree or transcript
Step 4: Online Entry Test
After registration, you will receive a link for an online test.
Test includes:
- Basic English
- Analytical and logical questions
Step 5: Merit List & Selection
Candidates are selected on merit. Successful applicants receive confirmation SMS.
Application Deadline 2026
For Batch-II 2026, applications are usually open until:
- Late January or
- February 2026
Exact dates depend on the official announcement cycle.
Conclusion
The Punjab Government Free Digital Skills Program for Women 2026 is a golden opportunity for educated women to learn modern IT skills, receive financial support, and start earning from home. With free training, laptops, internet, and monthly stipends, this initiative is transforming the future of women in Punjab.
Apply today and take your first step toward digital independence and a successful online career.
