AI-driven upskilling and technology-enabled learning are creating new opportunities for women across India’s science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) ecosystem, according to a new report released by EY India.
The report, Breaking the code: The rise of women in India’s STEM landscape, notes that India is at a pivotal stage where rising female enrolment in STEM education, coupled with rapid adoption of upskilling and artificial intelligence (AI), could reshape long-term workforce outcomes—provided these gains translate into sustained participation and leadership roles.
The study highlights the role of government initiatives such as Vigyan Jyoti, Pragati Scholarship and SERB POWER, alongside corporate programmes including the EY STEM App and EY Disha, in widening access to education, mentorship and career readiness for women.
Aashish Kasad, partner and India region diversity and inclusiveness business sponsor at EY India, said that while enrolment and graduation numbers are improving, workforce participation remains uneven. “The next phase of India’s STEM focus should be on enabling women to convert these qualifications into long-term, leadership-oriented careers. A coordinated effort across companies and institutions can unlock a much larger pool of female STEM talent for India’s economic growth,” Kasad said.
AI and upskilling reshape opportunity
The report identifies generative AI and technology-enabled skilling as major catalysts for expanding women’s participation in STEM careers. Women’s share in STEM-related upskilling increased from 22% in 2018–19 to 33% in 2023, reflecting growing readiness for high-growth technology roles. This trend has accelerated with the rise of generative AI, with GenAI course enrolments rising 195% year-on-year in 2025.
On the demand side, 62% of employers reported hiring more women in STEM roles during FY 2023–24, signalling a positive shift in industry intent.
Sectoral gaps persist
Despite progress in education and upskilling, women remain under-represented in several STEM-intensive sectors. In technology and IT, women account for 36% of STEM jobs, while representation drops sharply in heavy manufacturing and engineering, where women comprise just 3% of the STEM workforce. In India’s expanding electric mobility and automotive sector, women hold around 13% of roles.
At the macro level, the report notes that India’s female labour force participation rate rose to 41.7% in 2023–24, influencing overall STEM workforce outcomes.
Strategic priorities
Citing World Economic Forum projections of a global shortage of over 85 million skilled workers by 2030, the report argues that tapping into the skilled female workforce is critical for productivity, innovation and social mobility.
To advance women’s participation in STEM, EY recommends strengthening the education-to-employment bridge through internships, apprenticeships and structured industry exposure, supported by inclusive workplace practices such as flexible work models, returnships and unbiased career progression pathways. The report also calls for sustained investment in AI-led upskilling and greater visibility of women leaders in STEM to build aspiration, mentorship and long-term career growth
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