Female representation in India’s premier engineering institutes has plateaued, with women comprising roughly one-fifth of total BTech admissions across the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) as of 2025. Although policy measures such as the Supernumerary Seats Scheme were introduced to improve gender balance, data over the past five years shows that progress has slowed, suggesting that structural and cultural challenges persist beyond policy interventions.

Policy efforts raise numbers but not proportions

The introduction of supernumerary seats was a significant step toward addressing gender disparity in IITs. This initiative created additional seats specifically for female candidates without reducing opportunities for others. While the absolute number of women admitted has increased since its implementation, their overall proportion in BTech programmes remains around 20%. The data indicates that while access has widened numerically, the relative share has not changed substantially since 2020.

Persistent social and cultural barriers

Experts point to enduring societal expectations and gender norms that discourage many young women from pursuing engineering degrees at elite institutions. Concerns about safety, especially for those relocating to distant campuses, continue to influence family decisions. Additionally, the perception of engineering as a male-dominated field can deter female students from even attempting entrance exams such as JEE Advanced. These cultural factors often outweigh policy incentives designed to promote inclusion.

Economic and institutional challenges

High coaching costs and unequal access to preparatory resources remain major obstacles for aspiring female candidates. Many students rely on specialized coaching centers that are concentrated in urban areas, making them less accessible to girls from smaller towns or lower-income backgrounds. Within institutions themselves, limited mentorship opportunities and a lack of visible female role models can further discourage participation and retention once students are admitted.

The confidence gap in STEM education

Studies have highlighted a persistent confidence gap among female students preparing for competitive exams in science and technology fields. This gap often stems from early educational experiences where girls receive less encouragement to pursue mathematics or technical subjects. As a result, even capable students may underestimate their potential or opt for alternative academic paths perceived as more inclusive or secure.

Need for reforms beyond reserved seats

The stagnation in proportional representation underscores the limits of seat reservation policies alone. Experts suggest that long-term change requires addressing systemic issues—ranging from early STEM education support to campus safety infrastructure and mentorship networks within IITs. Broader outreach initiatives targeting school-level awareness could also help normalize women’s participation in engineering disciplines across India’s educational landscape.

While the Supernumerary Seats Scheme succeeded in expanding access numerically, it has not yet transformed gender balance proportionally within IITs. The data over five years points toward a deeper need for cultural shifts, institutional reforms, and sustained support systems that go beyond quotas—ensuring that equal opportunity translates into equal representation in India’s most prestigious technical institutions.