Archive · 23 Jan 2026
India Leads in Female STEM Education but Lags in Workforce Participation
India has more women studying science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) than many other countries.
The government and companies have helped by giving scholarships and supporting education.
However, many women do not get jobs in STEM fields after they graduate.
This is because of unfair treatment, lack of support, and difficulties balancing work and life.
Some companies are trying to help by offering mentorship and career support.
Experts say that if more women work in STEM, it can help the country grow and innovate.
They suggest making policies, changing workplace cultures, and encouraging mentorship to help more women succeed in STEM careers.
India has more female STEM graduates than the global average.
Female workforce participation in STEM is lower due to systemic challenges.
Government initiatives like Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, and Pragati Scholarship have increased female enrollment in STEM education.
Corporate-led initiatives are providing career support and mentorship programs for women in STEM.
Sectors like retail/e-commerce, healthcare, pharma, and IT are leading in hiring STEM-qualified women.
- Who
- Women in India
- What
- Higher representation in STEM education but lower in STEM workforce
- When
- 2024
- Where
- India
- Why
- Systemic challenges including unconscious bias, workplace culture, and lack of mentorship
- Female STEM Graduates
- Exceeds global averages
- Overall Female Workforce Participation
- 41.2%
- Leading Sectors for STEM-Qualified Women
- Retail/e-commerce, healthcare, pharma, IT
- Key Government Initiatives
- Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, Vigyan Jyoti, Pragati Scholarship
- National Education Policy
- 2020
- Report Author
- EY India
- Report Year
- 2024