World-Class IC Design & Verification Training — Fully Funded by Pakistan's Government
PM's National Semiconductor HR Development Program (NSHRDP–INSPIRE) is opening doors for Pakistan's next generation of chip designers — at zero cost, with a monthly stipend.
Pakistan is making a historic investment in its semiconductor and chip design talent. Under the PM's National Semiconductor HR Development Program (NSHRDP–INSPIRE), the government — through the Pakistan Software Export Board (PSEB) and the Ministry of IT & Telecommunication — is offering a fully funded, industry-grade training program in Digital IC Design and Verification.
This is not a generic workshop. It is a rigorous, 4-month, hands-on program delivered by a consortium of Pakistan's leading institutions, designed specifically to make you industry-ready in one of the world's most in-demand engineering disciplines.
What is the NSHRDP–INSPIRE Program?
The National Semiconductor HR Development Program (NSHRDP), operating under the banner of INSPIRE, is a strategic government initiative to build Pakistan's indigenous capacity in semiconductor design — a field that powers everything from smartphones to satellites.
The program is a direct response to global demand for VLSI and IC design professionals. With chip design talent in massive shortage worldwide, Pakistan aims to position its engineers at the forefront of this trillion-dollar industry. Participants receive world-class training, access to professional IC design tools, dedicated mentorship, and direct industry employment support — all at no personal cost.
Program Highlights at a Glance
Intensive, results-driven, industry-ready curriculum compressed into four focused months.
Course content validated by leading semiconductor companies and industry practitioners.
Access to professional EDA tools and state-of-the-art hardware used in real chip design workflows.
Taught by academics and industry veterans with deep expertise in digital design and verification.
One-on-one guidance to ensure every trainee progresses confidently through the program.
Placement assistance and industry connections to help graduates land their first IC design role.
Who Can Apply? Eligibility Criteria
The program is open to recent and graduating engineering and computer science students. Here is a full breakdown of the eligibility requirements:
- âś“ Degree: BS in Electrical Engineering (EE), Computer Engineering (CE), Computer Science (CS), Software Engineering (SE), or a closely related field.
- âś“ Academic Standing: A minimum CGPA of 2.7 or above is required.
- ✓ Graduating Students: Students graduating in May or June 2026 are fully eligible to apply — your degree does not need to be in hand yet.
- âś“ Degree Completion: Your degree must be completed and conferred before the training officially begins.
- âś“ Selection Process: Only shortlisted candidates will be invited for a test and interview. Prepare accordingly.
Training Locations & Schedule
The program is delivered across multiple cities in Pakistan to maximize access for eligible candidates nationwide:
Note: On-campus accommodation is available at the GIKI (Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology) campus, making it an excellent option for outstation students.
The Consortium: Pakistan's Best, Together
The program is not delivered by a single institution — it is led by a powerful consortium of Pakistan's premier engineering and research organizations, ensuring the highest standard of instruction and facilities:
Lead Institution & Partners
In collaboration with: PSEB (Pakistan Software Export Board) · Ministry of IT & Telecommunication · Tech Nation Pakistan
Why You Should Apply: The Bigger Picture
The global semiconductor industry is projected to reach $1 trillion by 2030. Pakistan, with its large pool of engineering graduates, is uniquely positioned to capture a significant share of the outsourced chip design market — but only if it builds the right talent base. Programs like NSHRDP–INSPIRE are Pakistan's answer to that challenge.
For you as an individual, this program represents a rare convergence of zero financial burden, professional-grade training, real lab access, and direct hiring pathways. IC Design and Verification engineers are among the highest-paid in the global tech ecosystem. A single well-placed graduate from this program could build a career that spans continents.
What Will You Learn?
While the detailed syllabus is available through the official channels, the program covers the core pillars of modern digital IC design:
- Digital Logic Design and RTL (Register Transfer Level) Coding
- Hardware Description Languages: Verilog and SystemVerilog
- Functional Verification methodologies and UVM (Universal Verification Methodology)
- FPGA prototyping and EDA tool flows
- Timing analysis, synthesis, and design closure
- Industry-standard design practices and team workflows
How to Apply
Applications are open now and slots are strictly limited. To avoid missing your chance, follow these steps:
- Visit the official application portal: https://giki.edu.pk/ic-design/
- Review the eligibility criteria carefully before submitting
- Prepare your academic transcripts (showing CGPA 2.7+)
- Complete and submit the online application form
- Await shortlisting notification — shortlisted candidates will be called for a test and interview
Limited Slots Available — Apply Today
This is a fully funded, stipend-paying, career-defining opportunity. Don't let it pass you by. Seats are strictly limited and will fill fast.
Apply for IC Design Training → giki.edu.pk/ic-design