India is witnessing a significant transformation in its educational and professional landscapes, with an increasing number of women enrolling in Master of Business Administration (MBA) programmes and advancing into top leadership roles in the corporate world. This shift marks not only a welcome departure from past trends but also signals a more inclusive and dynamic future for Indian businesses. Historically, business education in India was predominantly male-dominated. However, recent data highlights a steady and substantial increase in the participation of women in MBA programmes.
According to the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), women accounted for 42.11 per cent of total MBA enrolments in the 2022-23 academic year — an impressive leap from 33 per cent in 2018-19. In raw numbers, this represents a jump from 78,374 women in 2018-19 to 1,20,142 in 2022-23. This progress is not limited to statistics alone. The country’s top 10 business schools have reported that 50 per cent or more of their 2024 MBA cohorts comprise women, marking a notable move towards gender parity. Even at the state level, such as in Maharashtra, the shift is evident. According to data from the state’s Common Entrance Test (CET) cell, women now form nearly half of all MBA students — a remarkable rise.While metro cities lead in women’s business education, tier 2 and tier 3 cities are not far behind. Cities like Indore, Nashik, and Coimbatore have seen a 27 per cent rise in women enrolling in MBA programmes since 2020, as noted in the India Higher Education Report 2023.
Regional business schools are playing an instrumental role in this expansion. The digital revolution has also democratised access to business education. A KPMG report revealed that between 2021 and 2023, online MBA enrolment by women in non-metro cities rose by 54 per cent, allowing women to access quality education without needing to relocate — an essential consideration for many. Several factors have contributed to this positive trend. First and foremost is economic empowerment. An MBA is increasingly seen as a gateway to financial independence and career advancement, enabling women to break traditional socio-economic barriers. Secondly, business schools are becoming more inclusive. Many institutions now offer scholarships, mentorship programmes, and flexible learning options specifically designed for women. There is also a notable push for innovation in financing, particularly for students from tier 2-3 regions, including customised scholarship schemes and staggered fee payment plans. In addition, Government and corporate initiatives are fuelling this shift. For instance, the Maharashtra Government introduced a 100 per cent fee waiver for girls pursuing professional courses from families earning less than `8 lakh per year — a move expected to significantly boost female participation in higher education. The increased participation of women in MBA programmes is translating into real impact in the business world. Women MBA graduates are making their mark in industries ranging from finance to tech.
A study by Institutional Investor Advisory Services (IiAS) revealed that women now occupy 18 per cent of board positions among the top 500 NSE-listed companies. There are 22 women board chairs, 25 women CEOs, and 62 women holding executive directorships among these firms. Moreover, women are showing stronger performance in placements. Data indicates that female MBA graduates have a 36.7 per cent higher selection rate than their
male counterparts, showcasing their preparedness and industry relevance. Entrepreneurship is also seeing a surge among women with MBAs. Armed with formal training and a fresh perspective, many are launching their ventures, driving innovation, and contributing significantly to the economy. While the progress is commendable, sustained efforts are required to deepen and expand the gains. Organisations must implement policies that promote gender equality, such as equal pay, anti-discrimination practices, and transparent promotions. Mentorship networks should be developed to provide women with guidance and role models. Additionally, flexible work arrangements can help balance professional and personal responsibilities, further reducing attrition.
(The author is Co-Founder and CEO of Sunstone. Views are personal)
