According to a recent survey by College Vidya, one of India's top educational consulting firms, women's enrolment in online technical education has increased significantly nationwide between 2019 and 2024. The study sheds light on a developing trend that may change the face of India's technology industry in the years to come.
The survey reports a sharp increase in the number of women enrolling in BTech and MTech programmes. In 2022, female students constituted of only four per cent of all students enrolled in these courses. But in 2024, this number has increased to about 10 per cent, which is a stunning rise in just two years.
The growth is even more evident in BSc and MSc programmes, where the average percentage of female enrolled students reached almost 30 per cent in 2024—nearly twice as many as in 2019. The increase in women seeking technical education is a historic moment for India. We are witnessing an evolution that goes beyond statistics; it's about dispelling myths and reshaping the future of the tech industry. In addition to empowering women, this trend is paving the way for a more innovative and diversified technology sector in India.
Several elements have been identified by the study as contributors to this favourable tendency. Women are now able to successfully prepare for admission exams due to improved access to coaching services. They can access high-quality educational resources from home because of the notable growth in the availability of online educational materials.
This has been especially crucial in situations where parents may not have felt comfortable sending their daughters to prep schools or coaching centres. Most significantly, attitudes towards women in technology have clearly changed, debunking the myth that women shouldn't pursue technology-related degrees.
According to the study, there is a considerable increase in female participation in technical education in some states. Women's enrolment in technical courses has increased significantly in Maharashtra, West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh. Although data specific to individual cities is not yet accessible, these trends at the state level point to a broad shift occurring throughout the nation.
When it comes to preferred courses, women are becoming more interested in a wide range of technical subjects. The number of female students enrolled in short-term courses on data and artificial intelligence has increased. A greater proportion of women are enrolling in traditional degree programmes like Bachelor of Technology (BTech), Master of Technology (MTech), Bachelor of Science (BSc), and Master of Science (MSc). It is encouraging to see the diversity of fields women are entering and leaving an impact on, boding well for the future of tech innovation in India.
Image source: Hindustan Times, Indian Express, Navbharat Times, Shiksha.com