In India, 34% of all graduates come from STEM fields, according to a Center for Security and Emerging Technology (CSET) analysis on the global distribution of STEM graduates. Furthermore, according to industry insights, India produces enough STEM graduates each year to fill the specialized IT-related workforce demands of the USA and Europe.
This demonstrates how crucial STEM Education is for increasing jobs and spurring economic expansion. The STEM domain encompasses engineering, technology, and scientific research opportunities.
The most sought-after positions are those of software developers (24%), data analysts (18%), and AI/ML specialists (15%). Other roles include biochemists, computer network architects, environmental engineers, and software developers.
In order to compete for about 16,000 spots at the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), over 1.5 million candidates take the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) every year. Similarly, more than 1.8 million candidates compete for approximately 90,000 MBBS seats in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET).
Due to their high potential salaries and perceived employment stability, STEM careers are highly valued in society and the economy, as seen by the intense competition. Additionally, according to industry data, highly competent STEM graduates are required for 70% of the highest-paying positions globally.
Freshmen in these positions usually earn 4–8 lakhs, mid-level managers 6–11 lakhs, and senior professionals 12–30 lakhs. According to the gender breakdown, there are four times as many men as women in these positions.
This demonstrates the glaring gender gap in STEM Education. For example, female enrollment in undergraduate programs increased by 46% and in postgraduate courses by 55.5% between 2013–14 and 2021–22. However, according to official data, enrollment in engineering degrees fell by a significant 43% at the postgraduate level and by 1.35% at the undergraduate level.
Despite making up 49% of the workforce in non-STEM sectors, women only made up 29% of the STEM workforce worldwide across 146 countries evaluated in the Global Gender Gap Report (2023). Furthermore, according to a Stanford University research, women in STEM make 15–30% less than men do.
This discrepancy is not due to competence differences, but rather to men’s greater confidence in salary negotiations. But as efforts to increase pay transparency, diversity programs, and policy interventions, this gap is expected to narrow in the coming years, leading to a more equitable pay structure and higher female representation in STEM.
In areas like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune, STEM opportunities are increasing as digital businesses shift their employment priorities to Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. It is anticipated that STEM employment from these areas will increase by 15–25% in the upcoming years by 2027. The growing need for qualified workforce across businesses is also expected to propel a 40–45% expansion in India’s STEM industry by 2027.
Leadership Comments
Sachin Alug, CEO, NLB Services commented, ‘The growing emphasis on STEM education and workforce development is a testament to India’s commitment to innovation and economic progress. This is also reflected in the Union Budget announcement focusing on transforming India’s education landscape with initiatives like 50,000 Atal Tinkering Labs, high-speed internet for rural schools, AI integration, and skill development. The tinkering labs will help in research in the STEM field where students can practice new ideas and approaches. Additionally, Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘One Day as a Scientist’ initiative, for National Science Day 2025, encourages young minds to engage with research institutions, fostering hands-on scientific exploration.’
