In recent years, women engineering students in India have shown a strong interest in careers in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). According to the byteXL AI and Engineering Jobs Report 2025, this trend is supported by data from over 100,000 students, revealing that 40% of female students reached the career track selection stage, compared to 35% of their male counterparts. This commitment to AI and ML reflects a significant shift in the educational landscape in India.
The byteXL report highlights that many students from smaller towns and Tier 3 colleges are leading this trend. Nearly half of these students identified a clear career path, outperforming peers from Tier 1 and Tier 2 colleges. In contrast, only 16% of Tier 1 students selected AI/ML as their preferred track, while interest surged to 37.9% among Tier 2 students and 53.9% among Tier 3 students.
A female student from Parul University in Vadodara expressed her enthusiasm for pursuing a career in AI, stating, “Artificial intelligence and machine learning are transforming various industrial sectors through decision-making and process automation. This never-ending process of innovation sparked my curiosity to pursue AI/ML as a career path.”
The report points out that the interest in AI and ML careers is not just limited to major cities like Bangalore and Hyderabad but is also growing in smaller cities such as Vijayawada, Nagpur, Chandigarh, and Dehradun. This shift in focus is crucial for the future of the Indian tech industry, where over 2 million cloud professionals are needed by 2025.
Karun Tadepalli, CEO and Co-founder of byteXL, noted, “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 to make a mark.” This determination is reflected in the report’s findings, which indicate that today’s engineering students are more intentional about their career choices compared to previous generations.
As the demand for AI and ML skills grows, fresh graduates can expect promising salaries. For instance, entry-level positions for data scientists can earn between ₹9.6-13.6 LPA, and penetration testers can earn up to ₹11.8 LPA. Companies are increasingly looking for professionals with skills in AI, machine learning, and cloud computing.
In addition to the financial incentives, students are also motivated by the meaningful impact they can make in their communities through technology. Many students expressed their desire to solve real-world problems and contribute positively to society. A student from Malineni Lakshmaiah Women’s Engineering College, Guntur, shared, “AI is rapidly transforming every industry, creating smarter solutions and opening new possibilities every day. I want to be part of this innovation.”
The byteXL report indicates that today’s students are strategic about diversifying their skills and keeping their options open. Unlike past generations, where switching tracks was rare, today’s students are making thoughtful, future-ready choices. This proactive approach is essential as the tech job market in India is expected to grow by 22% over the next two years.
With the rise of remote work and digital transformation, the job market is evolving rapidly. Companies are seeking talent that can adapt quickly and bring fresh perspectives to their teams. The top tech jobs in India for 2025 include data scientists, full-stack developers, and AI/ML engineers. This growing interest in AI and ML among women engineering students signals a promising future for the tech industry in India.
In conclusion, the byteXL AI and Engineering Jobs Report 2025 highlights the remarkable commitment of women engineering students in India towards AI and ML careers. This trend not only showcases their determination but also points to a significant transformation in the educational landscape, paving the way for a new generation of skilled professionals ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow’s tech industry.
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