India Sees Fourfold Rise in Women Opting for AI and Machine Learning

India is witnessing a major transformation in women’s participation in advanced technology education. According to recent data from College Vidya, women’s enrolment in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) programmes has surged from just 5% in 2024 to 20% in 2025 — a fourfold increase within a year.

This remarkable rise reflects a larger movement towards inclusivity in the deep-tech sector. Overall, female enrolment in advanced technology courses has climbed from 4% in 2022 to 17% in 2025.

Key Findings from the Report

• Sharp Growth in AI & ML Enrolment: Women now represent one in five students in AI and ML master’s programmes, compared to just one in twenty last year.
• Participation Across Specialisations: Women account for 25% of students in MCA Cybersecurity and 15% of doctoral candidates in Generative AI.
• Regional Trends: Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh together make up 70% of the enrolments, but Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities are also playing a big role in driving this growth.
• Overall Deep-Tech Presence: The number of women pursuing advanced technology education has been consistently rising over the past three years.

Why Women Are Choosing AI & ML

Several factors are contributing to this shift:

• Flexible Learning: Online and hybrid learning models have made it easier for women to pursue higher education alongside family and professional responsibilities.
• Changing Mindsets: With more female role models in technology, societal barriers are slowly breaking down.
• Supportive Ecosystem: Educational platforms and institutions are making conscious efforts to encourage women to take up deep-tech fields.
• Future Opportunities: As AI and ML emerge as high-demand career paths, women are increasingly choosing these fields for better employment prospects.

The Road Ahead

While the rise in enrolment is encouraging, experts caution that the focus must also be on retention, mentorship, and career growth opportunities for women in tech. Access to resources in smaller towns, skill-building initiatives, and stronger industry connections will play a vital role in sustaining this momentum.

The upward trend signals a positive step toward bridging the gender gap in technology. With continuous efforts, India could see a more balanced representation of women in cutting-edge fields like AI, ML, and cybersecurity in the coming years.