Govt Makes AI and Cybersecurity Courses Mandatory for Students in Islamabad

Govt Makes AI and Cybersecurity Courses Mandatory for Students in Islamabad

The federal government has mandated digital safety and artificial intelligence courses for all private school and college students in the Islamabad Capital Territory.

In an era where screen time often exceeds study time, the ability to navigate the digital world safely has become as fundamental as literacy. Recognizing this urgent need, the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training has rolled out a decisive policy for the federal capital.

Effective immediately, all private educational institutions in Islamabad have been directed to ensure that students from Class 9 and above are enrolled in compulsory digital safety and artificial intelligence (AI) literacy programs . The directive, issued under the auspices of the Islamabad Capital Territory Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Authority (ICT-PEIRA), marks a significant shift toward integrating modern technological awareness into the mainstream academic framework.

Why Digital Safety and AI Literacy?

The initiative is not merely an addition to the syllabus but a strategic response to the rapidly evolving global landscape. As Pakistani students increasingly engage with online resources, social media, and AI-driven tools, their vulnerability to cyber threats ranging from data breaches to misinformation has escalated.

By introducing structured courses in Modern AI and Cybersecurity , the government aims to achieve a dual objective: first, to protect students from online harms, and second, to prepare them for a professional world that is becoming predominantly digital. The curriculum is expected to cover critical topics such as identifying phishing attacks, understanding data privacy, the ethics of artificial intelligence, and the responsible use of generative AI tools.

The March 8 Deadline: Account Activation Required

According to the official notification, schools and colleges have been placed on a tight schedule to facilitate this transition. All eligible students must have their training accounts activated through the official government skills portal by March 8th, 2026 .

This portal will serve as the central hub for course delivery, allowing students to access modules, track their progress, and receive certifications upon completion. School administrations have been issued an urgent advisory to coordinate with parents and students to complete this registration process without delay, ensuring a smooth rollout across the capital.

Flexible Learning During Summer Break

In a pragmatic move that balances academic rigor with capacity building, the Ministry has provided flexibility regarding when the coursework must be completed. While enrollment is mandatory and time-sensitive, the actual learning modules have been strategically scheduled.

The government has allowed students to complete the required training during the upcoming summer vacations or immediately after the conclusion of their final examinations. This approach is designed to prevent the additional courses from becoming a burden during the peak academic session. It ensures that students can absorb the material without the pressure of concurrent exam preparation, thereby maximizing the effectiveness of the program.

Administrative Responsibilities and Compliance

With the clock ticking toward the March 2026 deadline, the onus now falls on school administrations to act swiftly. They are responsible for verifying student lists, ensuring that every individual from the ninth grade upwards is registered, and facilitating any technical issues related to portal access.

Authorities have hinted at compliance checks to ensure that private institutions are adhering to the directive. The goal, as stated by ministry officials, is to create a generation of "digitally-secure" students who are not just consumers of technology but informed and responsible digital citizens.

A Step Toward a Digitally Resilient Pakistan

This policy positions Islamabad as a pioneer in digital education reform within the country. By embedding AI and cybersecurity into the mandatory learning path for older students, the government is laying the groundwork for a more resilient national digital infrastructure.

As Pakistan marches toward greater digitization in banking, governance, and education, initiatives like these are crucial. They ensure that the human element of cybersecurity awareness and caution keeps pace with technological advancement. For students in the capital, the message is clear: in the 21st century, safety and success are inextricably linked to digital proficiency.