India Promotes AI Education for Women in Engineering Colleges Nationwide

In a significant step toward gender inclusion in emerging technologies, India is accelerating Artificial Intelligence (AI) education and training for women across technical colleges. Backed by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), these initiatives aim to upskill women and increase their representation in the fast-evolving AI landscape.

AI Courses Introduced Under AICTE Programs

The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has introduced core and elective AI-focused courses in both undergraduate and postgraduate programs. These courses are being offered not only in computer science departments but also in disciplines that traditionally had limited exposure to AI.

This move ensures that students from varied technical backgrounds can gain foundational and advanced knowledge of AI, machine learning, and data science.

Faculty Development and Campus Activities

To keep teaching staff aligned with evolving AI trends, AICTE has also launched faculty development programs (FDPs) and AI workshops. These are aimed at equipping educators with the latest tools, research updates, and pedagogical skills necessary to deliver AI-focused content effectively.

Additionally, institutions are promoting peer learning by hosting AI-themed student hackathons, fostering a hands-on learning environment and improving awareness of AI's practical applications in real-world scenarios.

Scholarships to Support Women in Tech

To encourage more girls to pursue careers in AI and engineering, the government continues to provide financial support through scholarships such as:

• PRAGATI Scholarship Scheme – for meritorious girl students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds

• Saraswati Yojana – promoting higher education among women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)

These scholarships not only help reduce financial barriers but also motivate young women to explore careers in AI, software development, and other emerging technologies.

Launch of “AI Career for Women” Initiative

In April 2025, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) rolled out a dedicated program titled “AI Career for Women”. The goal is to train 8,000 women over the next two years in AI-related fields and improve their employability.

This initiative is aligned with PMKVY 4.0 (Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana), the government’s flagship skill development scheme. Under PMKVY 4.0, women receive structured training in:

• AI Data Analysis

• Natural Language Processing

• Computer Vision

• Machine Learning Tools

• AI Ethics and Safety

This structured approach ensures industry-relevant skill-building and opens the door to economic opportunities in India’s growing tech sector.

Women Outpacing Men in AI Certifications

As of June 30, 2025, data from MSDE and AICTE indicates that over 19,000 women have been trained or certified in AI job roles, surpassing the 17,186 men trained in the same timeframe.

Women professionals are increasingly dominating roles such as:

• Data Quality Analyst

• Machine Learning Engineer

• Database Administrator

• AI Data Scientist

• DevOps Engineer

• Business Intelligence Analyst

• AI Pharmacovigilance Case Processor

These trends demonstrate a clear shift in gender participation within India’s AI job market and reflect the success of government-backed skill development efforts.

A Strategic Push Toward Inclusive Innovation

India’s AI education drive for women represents a strategic and inclusive approach to technological advancement. With the government’s support, women are not just participating but thriving in AI and related domains.

By equipping women with future-ready skills and opening new career pathways, India is making progress toward closing the gender gap in technology and strengthening its global position in AI innovation.