Insights

India is producing one of the world’s largest pools of women in STEM—yet many never make it to long-term careers. According to a report by Ernst & Young, women make up 42.6% of India’s STEM graduates—well above the global average. But this strong academic presence sharply declines once careers begin, revealing a deep structural problem.

The biggest drop occurs right after graduation. While women complete degrees in large numbers, far fewer enter or remain in STEM jobs. This “leaky pipeline” reflects a transition crisis—where education does not convert into employment.

Several factors drive this exit. Social expectations remain a major barrier. Women continue to shoulder a disproportionate share of unpaid domestic work—7.2 hours daily compared to 2.8 hours for men, according to research by Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad. This imbalance often forces career compromises, especially during early employment years.

Workplace challenges compound the issue. Many STEM environments are still perceived as rigid, male-dominated, and lacking support systems like flexible hours, childcare, or re-entry pathways. Subtle biases in hiring, promotions, and leadership opportunities further slow career growth.

The problem intensifies at senior levels. Women hold 28.9% of entry-level STEM roles, but this drops to just 18.1% at the director level and nearly 12–14% in top leadership. In contrast, non-STEM sectors show better gender retention, suggesting the issue lies within STEM work cultures rather than workforce participation alone.

There are also systemic gaps—unequal access to quality science education at the school level, the high cost of STEM degrees, and limited mentorship networks. Together, these factors create a narrow and often discouraging career path.

Yet, there are signs of progress. Women’s overall workforce participation in India has risen significantly in recent years, and sectors like IT, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals are hiring more women. Upskilling trends—especially in AI—are also improving participation rates.

Globally, the stakes are high. The World Economic Forum estimates a shortage of 85 million skilled workers by 2030, particularly in technology and engineering. For India, failing to retain women in STEM could translate into a massive economic loss—estimated at $8.5 trillion.

The message is clear: India doesn’t lack talent—it risks losing it. Unless systemic barriers are addressed, the country will continue to educate world-class women in STEM, only to see them exit before reaching their full potential.

The Edinbox Regional Higher Education Summit 2026 Jaipur Edition will take place on April 20, 2026, to unite educators and academic leaders with stakeholders who work within the higher education ecosystem. 

The summit creates a networking platform which enables students, teachers, schools, and universities to discuss important developments that are occurring in higher education according to its regional framework. 

Focus on Higher Education Trends and Evolution

The event will bring together school executives and teachers who represent educational institutions to discuss essential matters which affect student educational pathways. 

The main goal of these summits is to establish communication between educational institutions and universities while they create new pathways for students to advance their studies. 

Knowledge Exchange Platform

The Edinbox Regional Higher Education Summit 2026 Jaipur Edition will provide participants with a space to exchange educational ideas and their viewpoints while they discuss rising educational trends. 

Events of this nature often include interactive sessions, discussions, and opportunities for participants to connect with peers and institutional representatives.

Participation from Education Stakeholders

The summit will bring together multiple education stakeholders, including school principals, educators, and higher education institution representatives. The gathering aims to support dialogue across different segments of the education sector. 

Relevance for Students and Educators

This higher education summit creates a platform for multiple stakeholders to examine present-day higher education developments and future educational requirements. The event allows participants to explore changing academic pathways and career development options.

The Edinbox Regional Higher Education Summit 2026 Jaipur Edition is scheduled as a one-day event for educational sector stakeholders to participate in discussions and engagement activities which will take place on April 20 in Jaipur.

Veteran lawyer Menaka Guruswamy has surpassed all previous records as the first openly queer Member of Parliament in India. Representation and inclusiveness have always been key areas where India has fallen short, hence this move is a giant step towards these aspects. She and other 18 newly elected and re-elected members took the pledge as Rajya Sabha MPs on 6th April.

Menaka Guruswamy is one of the MP members invited by the All India Trinamool Congress. Getting a seat in Parliament is a giant leap for the political and social landscape of India. Oath-taking session was held with the presence of Rajya Sabha Chairman C. P. Radhakrishnan, Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh, and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju along with wishing new members, they also recognized the importance of their roles.

The lawyer earned national and global recognition on the case of Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India. This ruling led to the reading down of Section 377 of the IPC and therefore the decriminalization of homosexuality in India in 2018. Apart from the case, she is known for being one of the senior advocates of the Supreme Court and has strongly stood for constitutional law and civil rights throughout.

After she became a lawyer in 1997, she first began working alongside former Attorney General Ashok Desai. Guruswamy was a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University and Gammon Fellow at Harvard Law School. Besides, she has taught at several leading universities like Yale, Columbia, and NYU. She and her partner and Besides, she has even been a visiting professor at the likes of Yale, Columbia, and NYU. She and her partner and fellow lawyer Arundhati Katju were listed by TIME among the 100 Most Influential People in 2019.

MPs promising their loyalty were drawn from West Bengal Maharashtra Tamil Nadu, and Odisha, thus achieving a geographical diversity of representation across the country.

While a few people see Guruswamy's accession to Parliament only as a political accomplishment, in fact, it signals a much larger change in terms of the inclusion and visibility of the LGBTQ+ community in India's democratic institutions.

Competency-based learning under the Central Board of Secondary Education’s (CBSE) 2026–27 curriculum marks a fundamental shift from rote memorisation to real-world application. Anchored in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the model prioritises what students can do with knowledge rather than what they can recall.

Learning Defined by Mastery, Not Marks

At its core, competency-based education focuses on measurable skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and communication. Students are expected to demonstrate mastery through continuous assessments, projects, and applied tasks instead of relying solely on high-stakes exams.

Progression is increasingly linked to proficiency. This means students move forward only after demonstrating understanding through practical application—whether via portfolios, case studies, or problem-solving exercises. Classrooms are also becoming more personalised, with nearly half of instructional time dedicated to experiential learning, including group work and real-life simulations.

How It Plays Out Across Classes

In Classes 6 to 10, competency frameworks are embedded across core subjects like English, Mathematics, and Science. Assessments include case-based questions, MCQs, and lab-based activities that test students’ ability to apply concepts in unfamiliar situations.

For Classes 9 to 12, the shift becomes more visible in board examinations. Around 50% of questions are now competency-based, requiring students to analyse data, interpret scenarios, and design solutions. Alongside this, holistic report cards track not only academic progress but also cognitive and socio-emotional development.

Internal assessments—ranging from projects to peer reviews—carry significant weight (20–40%), often linked to practical themes such as financial literacy, sustainability, and AI ethics.

Rethinking Assessment

The assessment architecture itself is being redesigned. A typical question paper now balances:

• 40% objective questions (MCQs),
• 10% short/long subjective responses,
• 50% competency-based tasks such as source analysis and case studies.

Evaluation is increasingly formative, with regular feedback loops helping students improve continuously rather than preparing only for final exams. The introduction of bi-annual board exams further reduces pressure by offering multiple opportunities to perform.

The Larger Shift

This transformation is not merely academic—it is cultural. It redefines the role of teachers from content deliverers to facilitators, and students from passive learners to active problem-solvers.

If implemented effectively, competency-based learning could bridge India’s long-standing gap between schooling and employability—making classrooms more aligned with the demands of a rapidly evolving world.

Higher education in India is seen not just as a dream but as a major investment that can shape a family's future for many Indian families. Be it a degree in Bengaluru, MBA in Mumbai, or a specialised programme abroad, the cost involved is very high. Besides the tuition fees and accommodation, one also has to think of travel, study material and living expenses that can keep increasing with time. New applicants may find it easier to take the right decision if they understand education loans as a means of making higher education affordable.

Essentially, an education loan is a loan product issued by banks and other financial institutions to help students who are doing recognised courses in India or abroad. The loans are made keeping the academic calendar in view and also offer various features like deferred repayment and a moratorium period giving flexibility to students. This way, students do not get stuck with full repayment of the loan while they are studying.

Understand your loan application before submission. Education loans generally cover the cost of tuition, examination, and library subscription charges. Many also cover accommodation, books , laptops, and travel expenses for students studying abroad. One can get maximum financing up to 100% of the course cost by some lenders depending on the applicant's profile and family income and this makes the option feasible for even those who do not have immediate liquidity.

Eligibility hinges on being an Indian citizen with a verified admission to a recognized college by merit or entrance exam. A co-applicant - often a parent, guardian, or spouse - is required. Their income, credit standing, and financial reliability matter heavily in getting the loan approved. For larger amounts, lenders may ask for property or fixed deposits as security; smaller loans are typically unsecured.

There's a moratorium period that covers the full course length plus six to twelve months. It gives students time to finish school and land jobs before making EMIs. This delay eases cash flow during the transition phase. Now, it seems hard to ignore how it supports financial stability early on.

Interest rates depend on the program, school, loan size, and whether collateral is involved. Most are tied to RBI benchmarks plus a lender-specific markup. How interest builds up during the moratorium affects final repayment totals. The process is active in practice - lenders track this closely from start to finish.

Formulating a repayment strategy is just as necessary. Nearly all banks have online EMI calculators that aid applicants in figuring out the instalment amount they have to pay each month based on the loan period and interest rate.

Opting for a longer period means there will be less monthly EMIs but more interest to be paid altogether. A few borrowers decide on simple interest during the moratorium time as it will give them relief when the time comes to pay the EMIs.

Institutions like IDFC FIRST Bank provide education loan products that are well structured with a range of flexible repayment options along with transparent processing fees and application support. For beginners in the world of loan applications, clarity is of utmost importance in the education finance sector which is quite complex.

Nowadays students looking for quality higher education in new-age disciplines like artificial intelligence, data science, and global management would require education loans that have become indispensable. A smartly-taken loan plan does not only help the student to achieve his/her educational goals but also get involved in learning, internships and enhancing one's career without worrying about the finances immediately.

The Indian student community today needs to choose between degree programs and skill-based courses because they need to select which option creates better job prospects for them. A lot of graduates finish college and still struggle to find work, while others who joined short skill-based courses get placed fast. The year 2026 will bring rapid changes to the job market as people need both degrees and skills to succeed in their careers.

The Job Market in India Today

Every year, India adds about 12 million new people to the workforce. The job market does not provide equal access to employment for all people. According to recent reports, about 45% of fresh graduates are not job-ready in terms of skills. Many companies state they lack sufficient candidates who can start working immediately.

At the same time, there are a lot of new jobs in areas like:

• IT and software
• Digital marketing
• E‑commerce and startups
• Data and analytics
• Customer support and service roles

Students with practical skills find better job prospects than students who possess only academic qualifications.

What Is a Degree? (And Why It Still Matters)

A degree represents a complete academic program which includes B.Com and B.Sc and B.A and B.Tech and BBA. The degree program typically requires students to complete their studies between three and four years at colleges and universities.

Why degrees are still important

• Basic qualification: Many companies and government jobs still ask for a degree in their “minimum qualification”.
• Strong Foundation: A degree provides students with essential knowledge across multiple fields which include mathematics and English studies and fundamental science education.
• Resume value: A degree from a respected institution provides candidates with an advantage during job interviews by making them more distinctive.
• Long-term growth: Many organizations require candidates to possess a degree when applying for positions that include manager officer or senior role responsibilities.

Basically, a degree serves as the essential requirement which you must fulfill to gain entry into a bank, government office or major corporation. 

What Are Skill-Based Courses?

Skill-based courses are short, focused training programs that teach you how to do a specific job or task. The courses can be done via online platforms or through physical locations.

Some common examples:

• Programming and coding (like Python, web development)
• Digital marketing (Google Ads, SEO, social media)
• Microsoft Office and basic computer skills
• Customer service and communication skills
• Data entry and Excel

Because of this, many students now choose to do a degree and also take one or two skill-based courses

Why are skill-based courses growing fast?

• Job ready in less time: You can start working after 3-6 months not 3-4 years.
• Practical learning: You practice real tasks used in offices and companies.
• Affordable: Most online courses range in price from ₹5,000 to ₹50,000.
• Convenient: You can study online or during evening hours or while you attend college.
• Growth potential: Students today prefer to combine their degree studies with one or two skill-based courses and grow in their career.

Degree vs Skill-Based Courses: How to Compare

Here is a simple table to understand the main differences.

This shows that each has its own place. A degree helps you build a strong base, and skill-based courses help you start earning and working faster.

A degree gives you a strong base, but skill‑based courses help you start working and earning faster. The present job market requires each particular skill set to perform specific functions. Your first employment opportunity will come through your acquired skills, but your degree will help you advance to elevated positions in your career.

Degree or Skills: Which Is Better?

The situation needs more than one answer because its complexity exceeds simple solutions. The truth is that your first job requires skills while a degree provides the foundation for your professional development. Existing employees can use skill-based courses to advance their careers or explore different fields. Students who have just begun college should complete their degree requirements while taking one or two skill-based courses which include coding and digital marketing and basic data skills. Indian students increasingly prefer the hybrid path which represents a combination of two educational approaches.

How to Plan Your Career in 2026 and Beyond

You should concentrate on your board exams and essential knowledge. Begin your computer education by learning typing skills and Excel and Google Docs functions. Use free online videos to study coding and digital marketing and communication skills to discover your interests.

If you are in college (or thinking about college)

You should continue your degree program after you have registered for college. You need to complete one skill‑based course in college which can be either digital marketing or coding or data skills. Students should obtain internships or small projects which will help them create their resumes through actual work experience.

If you have completed your degree but you do not have a job

You should join a short skill‑based course which teaches skills that are currently in demand for IT and digital marketing and customer support and data entry. Create a basic LinkedIn portfolio which includes your certificates and your completed small projects. Start gaining experience and confidence through entry-level jobs at small businesses or by working as a freelancer.

Key Takeaway 

In 2026, the degree vs skill-based courses debate is not about choosing one over the other. The smart choice is to use both together:

• Use a degree to build your foundation and long‑term strength.
• Use skill-based courses to become a job‑ready fast and earn early.

For Indian students, this mix is the safest way to face the future. If you are confused, start with one small skill-based course and see how it feels. You can always add more later.

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