Women engineering students show growing interest in AI/ML careers: Report

A byteXL AI and Engineering Jobs Report 2025 has revealed that women engineering students in India are demonstrating a strong and early commitment to careers in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML).

The report, based on behavioural insights from over 100,000 students—62,000 male and 38,000 female—using byteXL’s learning platforms, draws from live platform data, including code practice and project workspace usage.

According to a press statement, the report offers an in-depth look at how India’s next generation of engineers is being trained—from foundational programming to hands-on, project-based learning, and ultimately, career track selection. The data shows that 40% of female students advanced to the final stage of choosing a career path, compared to 35% of male students. Among those who did, women demonstrated a strong interest in AI and machine learning.

The report also highlighted leadership from students in smaller towns and Tier III colleges. Nearly half (49%) of students identified a clear career path, outperforming peers from Tier I and Tier II colleges, who stood at 33% and 35%, respectively. Tier I students, while more likely to dive directly into project-based learning due to prior exposure, showed comparatively less alignment with long-term goals.

The report points to a significant trend—the rising preference for AI/ML careers among students from Tier II and Tier III cities. 

While only 16% of Tier 1 students selected AI/ML as their preferred track, interest soared to 37.9% among Tier II students, and a striking 53.9% among those from Tier III colleges. Notable Tier I cities surveyed included Hyderabad and Pune, while Tier II cities featured Vijayawada, Nagpur, Chandigarh, and Dehradun.

“AI is rapidly transforming every industry, creating smarter solutions and opening new possibilities every day. As a passionate learner, I’m choosing AI/ML as my career path to be part of this innovation and solve real-world problems that matter,” said a female student from Malineni Lakshmaiah Women's Engineering College, Guntur.

“There is a lot of hunger among students from smaller towns. Engineering continues to be a pathway to a better life. The fact that young women are excelling shows their determination and resolve to make a mark,” said Karun Tadepalli, CEO and Co-founder of byteXL. 

“The report also shows how today’s engineering students are more intentional about their choices. Back in the 90s, switching tracks was rare—a programmer was expected to remain one for life. Today, with agentic AI playing a disruptive role in all aspects of life, students are being strategic about diversifying their skills and keeping their options open. They are making more thoughtful, future-ready choices,” he added.