Apna.co Study: Women in Tech Prioritise AI Skills Over Degrees

On the occasion of Engineer’s Day, Apna.co, India’s leading jobs and careers platform, unveiled findings from a landmark survey of over 11,300 women in technology. The study highlights a decisive shift toward workplace equity, with 78% of women in tech believing that AI can help them access better and in demand opportunities. The survey also reflects the diversity of India’s emerging tech workforce: a majority of respondents were GenZ (52% under 25), nearly 60% hailed from Tier-2/3 cities, and two-thirds studied at non-elite colleges. Participation spanned core technology functions, with the largest representation from software engineering, design, data science, research, and IT security. Reported median salary ranges stood at ₹6 lakh per annum, offering a snapshot of the opportunities shaping India’s future-ready workforce.

Upskilling for the AI era - 58% are already learning AI, 24% plan to start soon

The survey shows that women in tech are actively preparing for an AI-driven future. 58% are already pursuing AI/ML training through jobs, formal programs, or self-learning, while another 24% plan to start soon. The intent is strongest among GenZ respondents (62%) and those from non-elite Tier-2/3 colleges (70%), underscoring how India’s youngest and most widely distributed talent pool is betting on AI to level the playing field.

Career ambitions are equally clear: nearly half aim to become AI software developers, followed by 19% targeting data science and ML roles, 14% product management, and 10% research. The trend points to women prioritising industry-facing, high-demand roles.

Breaking the pedigree barrier -  64% believe AI skills matter more than elite college degrees

In the survey, nearly two-thirds (64%) of women in tech said that AI expertise now matters more than graduating from an elite college. The belief was strongest among GenZ respondents (62% of those aged 22–25) and women from Tier-2/3 cities (74% compared to 66% in metros). Respondents from non-elite and regional colleges were the most emphatic, with 56% saying AI skills outweigh pedigree. In contrast, only a third of premier-college graduates agreed, with many still placing higher value on traditional degrees. Together, the findings point to a clear generational and geographic shift  with GenZ women from Tier-2/3 colleges increasingly seeing AI skills as the real equaliser.

42% cite lack of opportunities, 27% mentors, 19% training as biggest challenges

When asked about their biggest challenges in pursuing AI opportunities, respondents pointed to areas where more support can make a difference: 42% highlighted the need for better access to quality opportunities, 27% asked for stronger mentorship, and 19% called for advanced training options. The findings suggest that while women in tech are optimistic about AI as an equaliser, greater investment in access, networks, and upskilling can further unlock their potential.

Reflecting on the findings, Nirmit Parikh, Founder and CEO of Apna.co, said:

“This survey shows that women in tech are ready to embrace AI - not as a buzzword, but as a real driver of equal opportunity. It’s inspiring to see that 58% are already using AI at work or actively learning it, and many more are preparing to follow. At Apna, we stand for creating limitless opportunities and building an inclusive future of work. We are adapting to this AI-first approach with solutions like AI Job Prep, already adopted by 43% of these women on the platform to prepare for real interviews. Our mission is clear - when access meets intent, technology can power an inclusive workforce where opportunities are defined by skills and ambition.”

Apna.co’s Engineer’s Day 2025 Survey captures a pivotal moment: India’s women in technology led by GenZ and powered by Tier-2/3 ambition are embracing AI as the great equaliser. With growing confidence in AI, active upskilling underway, and a shift from pedigree to skills, women in tech are shaping a more inclusive, skills-first workforce that reflects the breadth of India’s talent.