Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are fast becoming top career choices among India’s next-generation engineers—particularly women and students from smaller towns. According to the byteXL AI and Engineering Jobs Report 2025, a growing number of women engineering students are displaying a strong, early interest in pursuing careers in these high-demand domains.
The report, based on behavioural data from over 100,000 engineering students across India, offers insights into how young Indians are preparing for the evolving technology landscape. Of those surveyed, 38,000 were female students, a significant segment that reflected deeper engagement with AI/ML career pathways.
Key Findings from the Report:
- 40% of female students reached the final stage of selecting a defined career track, compared to 35% of male students.
- A large proportion of these women opted for AI and ML roles, showing growing alignment with future-focused technologies.
- 53.9% of students from Tier 3 colleges selected AI/ML as their career direction, significantly higher than 37.9% in Tier 2 and just 16% in Tier 1 institutions.
- 49% of Tier 3 students demonstrated clear career path identification—outperforming peers in Tier 1 (33%) and Tier 2 (35%) colleges.
Small-Town Talent Takes the Lead
One of the most striking revelations is the confidence and clarity among students from Tier 3 institutions, many of whom come from small-town colleges. These students are not only showing strong interest in AI/ML but also outperforming their urban counterparts in career decisiveness.
Cities such as Vijayawada, Nagpur, and Dehradun—classified under Tier 2—also showed growing enthusiasm, although Tier 3 locations led in terms of commitment to AI/ML careers.
A student from Malineni Lakshmaiah Women’s Engineering College, Guntur, expressed her motivation:
“AI is helping solve real-world problems. I want to be part of this change.”
Women Driving the Future of Tech
The increasing participation of women in AI/ML is a positive sign for gender diversity in tech. Many women cited the transformative power of AI as a reason for their interest.
“AI and ML are changing how industries make decisions and operate. This constant transformation is what drew me to this field,” said a student from Parul University, Vadodara.
Implications for India’s Digital Future
The byteXL report reflects a significant shift in India’s educational and employment aspirations. With emerging technologies at the forefront of global innovation, India’s small-town youth and women engineers are positioning themselves to lead in the digital economy.
As AI and ML continue to drive change across industries, this new talent pipeline could play a pivotal role in shaping India’s tech-driven future—making the sector not only more inclusive but also more representative of the country’s diverse talent pool.
