Archive · 19 Sep 2025
Survey: Maternity, Bias Blamed for India's Gender Pay Gap
A recent survey in India found that many people think women don't get paid as much as men, with the gap being more than 20%.
They believe this is primarily because women take time off for babies, and also due to unfair treatment at work.
The IT industry is seen as having the biggest gap.
The survey shows maternity breaks as the main factor in the pay gap.
The feeling is strongest in cities like Hyderabad and Bengaluru, especially among mid-level professionals.
Transparent hiring and pay practices are viewed as potential solutions.
45% of respondents believe India's gender pay gap exceeds 20%.
Maternity breaks are cited as the primary cause of the pay disparity by 51%.
27% point to workplace bias as a factor in pay inequity.
IT industry is perceived to have the widest pay gap.
Concerns about pay inequities are strongest in Hyderabad and Bengaluru.
- Who
- Professionals across various industries in India
- What
- A survey on perceptions of the gender pay gap
- When
- Reported on Thursday
- Where
- India, across 80 industries
- Why
- To identify drivers of gender pay gap perceptions.
Survey Findings
Industry Perspectives
Pay Gap Drivers
Survey Findings
Maternity breaks and workplace bias are primary factors in the gender pay gap.
Industry Perspectives
IT sector perception of inequity is the highest, while some industries offer a more positive outlook.
- Survey Focus
- Perceptions of gender pay gap in India
- Respondents' Belief
- 45% believe gap exceeds 20%
- Primary Driver
- Maternity breaks
- Secondary Driver
- Workplace bias
- Industry with Widest Gap (Perception)
- IT
- Location with Highest Concerns
- Hyderabad and Bengaluru
- Survey Scope
- Professionals across 80 industries
Sources
International Equal Pay Day 2025: Why men and women still aren’t paid the same for the same work
Study finds maternity breaks, workplace bias fueling gender wage gap in India
Half of India’s workforce sees gender pay gap fuelled by maternity breaks, bias