Benazir Hunarmand Program 8171: Complete Eligibility & Registration Guide (2026)
The Benazir Hunarmand Program is a free skills-training initiative under the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) that gives low-income Pakistanis aged 18 to 40 access to vocational and digital courses, a monthly stipend during training, and job-placement support after graduation. It is open to BISP/Benazir Kafaalat beneficiaries who have a minimum Matric (Class 10) education and can register either online through the Hunarmand portal or offline at a BISP tehsil office. This guide covers eligibility, the full registration process, available courses, and frequently asked questions.
portal since launch
Quick Overview of Benazir Hunarmand Program
The Government of Pakistan launched a skill development initiative, the Benazir Hunarmand Program, to train low-income people for jobs and business. The Government of Pakistan started this program on June 21, 2025, on the birth anniversary of Muhtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed. The program is implemented under BISP in partnership with technical training bodies such as NAVTTC and TEVTA, with support from the Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Pakistan and GIZ (the German Agency for International Cooperation).
This is a conditional cash transfer program under the Benazir Income Support Programme and aims to transition aid from unconditional financial support to conditional skill-based assistance. The program focuses on practical skills like IT, digital skills, and trade work so people can earn through jobs or freelancing.
You must be aged 18–40, have at least a Matric (Class 10) education, and be a registered BISP Kafaalat beneficiary or eligible to become one. The programme is currently active across all provinces through five implementation partners signed in 2025 and 2026 — with dedicated networks in Punjab through PSDF and in Sindh through BBSHRRDB.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme Name | Benazir Hunarmand Programme (BHP) |
| Managed By | Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) |
| Launched By | Government of Pakistan |
| Launch Date | 21 June 2025 — launched by President Asif Ali Zardari and First Lady Bibi Asifa Bhutto Zardari |
| BISP Chairperson | Senator Rubina Khalid |
| Programme Type | Skill Development + Conditional Cash Transfer |
| Main Purpose | Provide free skills training and employment opportunities to low-income individuals |
| Target Audience | Unemployed youth, women, and low-income families |
| Training Cost | Completely free — registration, training, and certification |
| Eligibility Age | 18 to 40 years |
| Education Requirement | Minimum Matric (Class 10) |
| Courses Offered | IT, digital skills, vocational and technical training, including artisan tracks |
| Course Duration | 3–6 months for the formal track; duration may vary for artisan courses |
| Monthly Stipend | Yes — amount varies according to the course and training partner |
| Certificate | Co-branded, NAVTTC-recognised and HEC NVQF-aligned |
| Job Support | Job placement assistance and freelancing opportunities |
| Training Partners | NAVTTC, TEVTA, Chambers of Commerce, GIZ, and other approved training partners |
| Punjab Partner | PSDF — MoU signed 31 July 2026 |
| Sindh Partner | BBSHRRDB — MoU signed 1 September 2026 |
| Registration Method | Online portal and BISP Tehsil Offices |
| Registration Portal | hunarmand.bisp.gov.pk |
| Coverage | Across Pakistan through phase-wise expansion |
| Helpline | 0800-26477 (toll-free) |
What Is the Benazir Hunarmand Programme?
The Benazir Hunarmand Programme is BISP's shift from unconditional cash support to skills-based economic graduation. Eligible BISP families can enrol one member in free vocational training — and graduate from dependency to earned income.
"BISP is no longer just about financial support. With the Benazir Hunarmand Programme, we are enabling people to stand on their own feet with dignity and direction," Senator Rubina Khalid, BISP Chairperson, said at the programme's launch.
The programme was launched on June 21, 2025 — the birth anniversary of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, who famously said "skill is your asset." It operates through five confirmed MoU partners: NAVTTC, PSDF, BBSHRRDB, PPAF, and Lok Virsa.
Formal Training Track (3–6 months)
Vocational and digital skills courses for urban and semi-urban beneficiaries. Leads to an NVQF-aligned certificate recognised by NAVTTC and HEC for domestic and overseas employment.
Informal Artisan Track (Remote areas)
Vocational and digital skills courses for urban and semi-urban beneficiaries. Leads to an NVQF-aligned certificate recognised by NAVTTC and HEC for domestic and overseas employment.
Objectives of the Benazir Hunarmand Program
Key objectives of the Benazir Hunarmand Program are as follows:
Programme Progress
| Milestone | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Candidates registered on portal since launch | 49,000+ | APP, September 24, 2026 |
| Currently enrolled in training | 7,000+ | President House briefing, June 22, 2026 |
| Trainees nearing graduation | 1,500+ | ARY News, Ramzan 2026 |
| Currently in training in Sindh alone | 5,000+ | APP, September 24, 2026 |
| Women among all applicants | 75% | APP, September 24, 2026 |
| Women target among enrolled trainees | 50% (programme goal) | Dawn / BISP, June 2025 |
How Hunarmand Differs from Other BISP Programmes
Hunarmand is separate from Kafaalat, Taleemi Wazaif, and Nashonuma. You can receive more than one simultaneously.
| Programme | What You Get | Who Gets It | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Benazir Kafaalat | Rs. 14,500 per quarter — cash | Eligible female household head | Unconditional Cash Transfer |
| Benazir Taleemi Wazaif | Rs. 2,500–3,000 per child quarterly | Children (Class 1–10) | Conditional Cash Transfer |
| Benazir Nashonuma | Rs. 2,000–2,500 quarterly nutrition | Pregnant women, children under 2 | Conditional Cash Transfer |
| Benazir Hunarmand | Free skills training + stipend + certificate | One family member aged 18–40 with Matric | Conditional — requires enrolment |
Key point: Being a Kafaalat beneficiary (or eligible for it) is a requirement to apply for Hunarmand. The two programmes run in parallel — receiving Kafaalat does not disqualify you from Hunarmand.
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Who Can Apply for the Benazir Hunarmand Programme?
Applicants must meet the following criteria to apply for the Benazir Hunarmand Program. Only one person from each family can register for the program.
The minimum age requirement is 18 years, while the maximum age requirement is 40 years. Both men and women are eligible to apply. You should have a minimum education of Matric (Class 10) to be eligible for the program.
You can apply by using the same methods as the Benazir Kafaalat program, using the 8171 web portal and 8171 SMS service. If you also want to check eligibility for the PM Laptop Scheme, see our PM Laptop Scheme eligibility guide.
Who cannot apply for Benazir Hunarmand Programme
Both men and women can apply. The programme targets 50% women trainees.
If you are not yet a Kafaalat beneficiary but believe you qualify: first check via SMS to 8171. If eligible, complete the NSER Dynamic Survey, then apply for Hunarmand.
How to Apply for the Benazir Hunarmand Program
The application procedure for the Benazir Hunarmand Program is different from all other BISP programs (Benazir Taleemi Wazaif, Benazir Nashonuma Program). You can apply both online and offline for this.
How to register for Benazir Hunarmand through online portal?
Check your Kafaalat status via SMS to 8171 or at 8171.bisp.gov.pk. Your status must show "Eligible." If it shows "Not Eligible" or "Survey Required," resolve that first before applying for Hunarmand.
Go to hunarmand.bisp.gov.pk only. Fake portals exist, so confirm the URL before entering any personal information.
Enter your 13-digit CNIC, full name as shown on your CNIC, contact number, and address. The system cross-verifies your information against BISP's NSER database.
Browse the available courses for your area. Consider the skills you already have, local job opportunities, and which training centre you can realistically travel to. Not all courses are available in every district.
Upload a clear photographed or scanned copy of your Matric certificate showing your name, school, and roll number. Make sure the document is readable before submitting it.
After submission, you will receive an SMS confirming receipt of your application. Your application then goes through eligibility verification and training centre placement, typically taking 1–3 weeks. A second SMS provides your training centre, start date, and reporting instructions.
Offline Registration Process
Training Programs & Courses Offered
The Benazir Hunarmand Program offers completely free technical and vocational courses for low-income families. Courses run for approximately 3 to 6 months depending on the course and training center. Selected trainees receive the following core benefits:
Monthly Stipend During Training
Internationally Recognized Certificate
Job Placement Assistance
Courses Offered Under Benazir Hunarmand Program
Information Technology
Digital skills, online freelancing, software
Healthcare
Nursing assistants, lab technicians, community health
Hotel Management
Food service, front office, housekeeping
Construction
Masonry, plumbing, carpentry, civil work
Beauty Services
Hair care, skincare, makeup, salon
Fashion & Textiles
Garment stitching, pattern making
Digital Literacy
For educated women — financial literacy included
Electrical Work
Wiring, appliance repair
Mechanical Repair
Motorcycle and auto mechanics
Content Writing
Writing, data entry, basic IT
Tailoring & Stitching
Stitching, embroidery
Handicrafts
Traditional crafts, artisan work
Artisan track (remote areas, Lok Virsa partnership): Covers preservation of traditional crafts plus digital marketing to reach online markets. This track does not follow the standard 3–6 month format and is delivered in the artisan's own community. A separate craft skills certificate is issued.
After completing your training, you can also apply for a business loan through the Asaan Karobar Scheme or for vehicle financing through the CM Punjab E-Bike Scheme to help launch your new skills into income.
Who Delivers the Training — Five Implementation Partners
BISP does not run its own training centres. Five confirmed MoU partners provide training, materials, stipends, and certification. Two new MoUs were signed after the previous version of this article.
Your training partner depends on your location. Punjab applicants are increasingly channelled through PSDF; Sindh applicants through BBSHRRDB; other provinces through NAVTTC. The portal assigns the most appropriate partner based on your registered address.
Who provides training under Hunarmand?
National Vocational and Technical Training Commission - NAVTTC
Vocational and digital skills courses for urban and semi-urban beneficiaries. Leads to an NVQF-aligned certificate recognised by NAVTTC and HEC for domestic and overseas employment.
Punjab Skills Development Fund - PSDF
Covers Punjab specifically. PSDF provides training, learning materials, and stipends directly. Runs a dedicated Job and Freelance Placement Support Desk for BHP graduates. Certificates aligned with HEC's NVQF framework.
Benazir Bhutto Shaheed Human Resource Research & Development Board - BBSHRRDB
Covers Sindh operations. Initially training 3,000 BISP beneficiaries in various trades with a focus on employability and sustainable livelihoods. Over 5,000 trainees active in Sindh.
Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund - PPAF
Focuses on rural outreach and community-level training delivery, particularly for the informal and artisan training track in underserved areas.
National Institute of Folk and Traditional Heritage - Lok Virsa
Responsible for the informal artisan training track. Combines heritage preservation with income generation — traditional crafts plus digital marketing for market access in remote communities.
What Certificate Do You Receive — and What Is It Worth?
Every Hunarmand graduate receives a co-branded certificate recognised by NAVTTC and aligned with HEC's National Vocational Qualifications Framework (NVQF). This is a formal credential, not a participation certificate.
What is the Hunarmand programme certificate?
The NVQF is Pakistan's standardised system for recognising vocational skills, developed by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to align Pakistani credentials with international standards. Specifically, it is recognised by overseas recruitment agencies handling placements in the Gulf countries, Malaysia, and other major Pakistani labour markets.
Important: The certificate is issued only after you complete the full training period and meet attendance requirements. Missing training consistently may disqualify you from the certificate even if you attended most sessions.
| Where the Certificate Is Recognised | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| Pakistani employers (formal sector) | NAVTTC certification is the national standard for vocational hiring |
| Gulf countries (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain) | NVQF-aligned certificates are accepted by Gulf recruitment agencies |
| Malaysia and Southeast Asia | Recognised for skilled worker visa applications |
| Online freelancing platforms | Certificate validates skills for Fiverr, Upwork, Freelancer.com profiles |
| Pakistan's Asaan Karobar business loan | Certificate demonstrates trade skill when applying for startup financing |
Monthly Stipend — How Much and Who Pays?
Eligible trainees receive a monthly stipend during training to cover transport and daily expenses. The exact amount is determined by your training partner, not by BISP directly.
How much is the Hunarmand monthly stipend?
| Training Partner | Stipend Source | How to Confirm Amount |
|---|---|---|
| PSDF (Punjab) | PSDF covers stipends directly from its budget | Ask at training centre on enrolment day |
| BBSHRRDB (Sindh) | BBSHRRDB manages stipends for Sindh tracks | Ask at Sindh training centre |
| NAVTTC (National) | Varies by trade and centre | Confirm directly with assigned training centre |
When will I get Benazir Hunarmand stipends?
Benazir Hunarmand Stipend is paid monthly, typically at the end of each training month. Payment method depends on the training partner — some use bank transfer, some use mobile wallet.
If your stipend is delayed: Call 0800-26477 with your training centre name, CNIC, and how many months are overdue. The helpline logs a complaint and contacts the training partner.
Where Is Training Available — Province by Province
Training is most active in Punjab and Sindh. All provinces have some coverage through NAVTTC's national network.
Is Hunarmand available in my area?
If no training centre shows for your district on the portal: call 0800-26477 and ask which centre serves your area. You may need to travel to a neighbouring district. The programme is actively expanding.
| Province / Region | Training Partner | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Punjab | PSDF (MoU July 31, 2026) + NAVTTC | Active |
| Sindh | BBSHRRDB (MoU Sep 1, 2026) + NAVTTC | Active — 5,000+ training |
| KPK | NAVTTC national network | Available |
| Balochistan | NAVTTC national network | Available |
| Gilgit-Baltistan | NAVTTC — Senator Rubina Khalid visited Jun 2026 | Expanding |
| AJK | NAVTTC national network | Available |
| Remote communities | Lok Virsa (artisan informal track) | Artisan track only |
What happens after completing Hunarmand? — Jobs, Freelancing, and Business Support
Completing training is the beginning, not the end. The programme provides structured pathways from certificate to income.
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PSDF Job and Freelance Placement Support Desk (Punjab)
PSDF runs a dedicated desk connecting Punjab graduates with employers and linking freelancers with online platforms and clients. Guidance on setting up Fiverr, Upwork, or Freelancer.com profiles is included for digital skills graduates.
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NAVTTC Graduate Database (National)
NAVTTC maintains a database of certified graduates shared with national and international employers and recruitment agencies. Gulf, Middle East, and Southeast Asian employers use this database when filling skilled worker positions.
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Asaan Karobar Scheme — Business Startup Loan
After completing Hunarmand training, you can apply for an interest-free business loan through the Asaan Karobar Scheme. Designed for people who want to use their new skills to start a business rather than seek employment. Your Hunarmand certificate supports the application.
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CM Punjab E-Bike Scheme — Transport Support
Punjab graduates who need transport to reach their new job or clients can apply for the CM Punjab E-Bike Scheme, which provides subsidised electric bikes to young workers and students.
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BISP Digital Wallet — Activate Before December 31, 2026
If you also receive Benazir Kafaalat, ensure your BISP digital wallet is activated before December 31, 2026. Your Hunarmand stipend may also be processed through this wallet depending on your training partner.
How to fix Hunarmand application problems?
Portal says I am not eligible
Most common cause: your BISP Kafaalat eligibility is not confirmed in the system. Check your 8171 status first. If it shows "Not Eligible," update your NSER data through the NSER Dynamic Survey before applying for Hunarmand. If it shows "Eligible" but the Hunarmand portal still rejects you, call 0800-26477.
No training courses available in my district
The programme is still expanding. Call 0800-26477 and ask which training centre is nearest to you. PSDF in Punjab has a wide network not fully visible on the portal — calling often reveals options. You may be assigned to a centre in a neighbouring district.
Applied but no confirmation SMS after 3 weeks
Call 0800-26477 with your CNIC and the date you applied. They can check your application status manually and confirm whether there is a processing issue.
My stipend was not paid this month
Call 0800-26477 immediately with your training centre name, your CNIC, your trade, and the number of months for which stipend is missing. The helpline logs a formal complaint and contacts the training partner for resolution.
I want to change my selected course
Contact your training centre directly before training starts. Changes are subject to seat availability. After training has started, changes are generally not possible.
Someone asked me to pay for registration
This is a scam. Hunarmand registration has no fee at any stage. Refuse, note the person's contact details if possible, and call 0800-26477 immediately. For online fraud, call NCCIA on 1991.
Helpline & Support for Benazir Hunarmand Program
If you face any issue during registration — such as a CNIC mismatch, incorrect BISP ID, or training center selection error — you can get help through the following channels:
