After a year-long delay, the Ignite National Technology Fund has officially launched DigiSkills 3.0 Online Courses, Pakistan’s largest digital training program, aiming to offer 3 million free trainings over the next 3.5 years. Enrollment for Batch 01 is now open, with 300,000 seats available on a first-come, first-served basis.
This milestone marks the beginning of the third and most ambitious phase of the government’s nationwide digital upskilling initiative. DigiSkills 3.0 builds on the foundation laid since the program’s original launch in 2018 and introduces a significant curriculum upgrade, reflecting rapid changes in the global freelancing and tech markets.
A Long-Awaited Relaunch
The new phase comes after a year of delays, drawing criticism from parliamentarians and stakeholders. The National Assembly Standing Committee on IT, led by Syed Amin Ul Haque, expressed serious concerns over the missed opportunities caused by the hiatus. During a May 2025 meeting, the committee condemned the lack of progress while other countries rapidly adopted AI, blockchain, and digital transformation tools.
Ignite officials admitted to the delay, attributing it to internal challenges—including the absence of a CEO and inactive board leadership. However, they emphasized that the downtime allowed for a complete overhaul of the curriculum, technology infrastructure, and strategic direction.
Expanded Curriculum: 10 New In-Demand Courses Added
While DigiSkills 3.0 Online Courses will continue to offer its original 15 courses, the program now features 10 new, high-demand skills designed to match the latest international freelancing and tech trends. The expanded list ensures learners are prepared for future-ready careers.
Updated Existing Courses:
- Freelancing
- Digital Marketing
- Graphic Design
- SEO
- WordPress
- Creative Writing
- AutoCAD
- QuickBooks
- Affiliate Marketing
- Virtual Assistant
- E-Commerce
- Communication Skills
- Video Editing
- Data Analytics
- Blogging
10 New Additions Include:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Mobile App Development
- UI/UX Design
- Data Science Essentials
- Blockchain Fundamentals
- Cloud Computing
- Python Programming
- Cybersecurity
- 3D Animation
- Machine Learning Basics
All content has been modernized to keep pace with international freelance marketplaces like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.com.
Urgent Call: Limited Seats in Batch-01
Enrollment for Batch 01 of DigiSkills 3.0 is now open through www.digiskills.pk, offering 300,000 seats only. Officials have confirmed that no extra seats will be added, urging aspiring trainees to register immediately.
The seats will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis, and applicants can enroll in up to two courses per batch. Upon successful completion, students receive a verified e-certificate, enhancing their credibility in the global job market.
Pakistan’s Digital Economy Strategy
The relaunch of DigiSkills 3.0 Online Courses is a critical component of the government’s broader vision to stimulate the country’s IT sector. According to the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB), Pakistan’s IT exports have surpassed $3 billion annually, a significant portion of which comes from freelance platforms.
The government aims to boost this number further by developing human capital through digital education. Minister of IT Dr. Umar Saif stated that DigiSkills 3.0 is “key to producing globally competitive talent” and will contribute substantially to national economic resilience.
READ MORE: OpenAI Launches ChatGPT Agent For Complex Tasks
Why the Delay?
The delay in launching DigiSkills 3.0 was largely attributed to governance and management issues at Ignite. Key reasons included:
- Lack of a full-time CEO for over a year
- Inactivity of Ignite’s Board of Directors, led by the Federal IT Secretary
- Delays in curriculum approval and funding disbursement
- Strategic realignment needed for modern course development
The June 2025 board meeting finally approved several pending projects, including DigiSkills 3.0, clearing the way for its long-anticipated rollout.
The Road Ahead
Over the next 3.5 years, DigiSkills 3.0 will aim to train 3 million Pakistanis, empowering them to find work remotely, start their own businesses, or contribute to the growing digital economy.
By expanding access to digital education in both urban and rural regions, DigiSkills 3.0 reaffirms Pakistan’s commitment to bridging the digital divide and preparing its youth for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Final Thoughts
The launch of DigiSkills 3.0 Online Courses is more than a policy decision—it is a long-overdue response to the pressing need for youth employment and global skill competitiveness. With timely enrollment, upgraded content, and strategic relevance, the platform could play a pivotal role in reshaping Pakistan’s digital future.
Interested individuals are encouraged to register immediately at www.digiskills.pk and take advantage of the limited seats available.
