Why Women Still Make Up Only 1 in 5 BTech Students at IITs
Despite ongoing efforts to improve gender diversity, women account for just around 20% of BTech students at IITs. Let’s break down why this persistent gender gap exists and what can be done to change it.1. Stagnant Numbers Despite PoliciesFrom 2020 to 2025, female representation has hovered between 19-21%. The Supernumerary Seats Scheme (SSS) launched in 2018 reserved 20% of seats for women, initially raising female enrolment from 8% in 2016 to nearly 20% by 2020-21. However, progress has slowed, showing that quotas alone cannot fully address the issue.2. Absolute vs. Proportional GrowthWhile more women are entering IITs in absolute numbers—from 3,185 in 2020 to 3,664 in 2025—the proportion remains nearly the same. This reflects seat expansion rather than meaningful improvement in gender balance.3. Family & Social ConsiderationsMany families weigh job prospects, employability, work-life balance, and the long relocation needed for coaching and admission. For daughters, sending them away for intensive preparation can be a major deterrent, limiting the pool of women applying to IITs.4. Barriers Beyond AdmissionConcerns around campus safety, branch flexibility, and distance from home cause some top-ranking female students to bypass IITs. Even with improved hostels, counselling, and security measures, these issues continue to influence choices.5. Challenges in PreparationIIT preparation often involves two years of intensive coaching away from home, which is difficult for many families to support. Costly coaching and uneven parental encouragement remain key barriers to female participation.6. Stereotypes and Confidence GapsTraditional perceptions about “male” branches like mechanical engineering and confidence gaps in technical subjects discourage some women. While these stereotypes are slowly fading, they still affect branch choice and enrolment.7. Solutions for Increasing ParticipationExperts suggest a multi-pronged approach:· Early STEM exposure in schools· Mentorship programmes linking students with female alumni· Flexible branch options for top-ranking women· Sustained investment in campus inclusivity and safetyKey TakeawayClosing the gender gap in IITs is about more than seat reservations. It requires cultural shifts, mentorship, early encouragement in STEM, and safe, inclusive campus environments. With consistent interventions, women’s participation in India’s premier technology institutes can steadily rise in the coming years. Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.