64% of women engineers say AI skills trump elite degrees: Survey

As AI becomes an indispensable part of everyone’s life, a survey has found that around 64% of women in tech believe that AI skills are more important than elite college degrees, and that AI can help them access better and in-demand opportunities.

The survey, conducted by Bengaluru-based jobs and careers platform apna.co to mark Engineer's Day today, says that of the 11,300 women engineers who were part of the study — spanning software engineering, design, data science, research, and IT security — who said 58% are already pursuing AI/ML training through jobs, formal programs, or self-learning, while another 24% plan to start soon.

A majority of respondents were GenZ (52% under 25), nearly 60% came from Tier-2/3 cities, and two-thirds studied at non-elite colleges, while their reported median salary ranges stood at ₹6 lakh per annum.

“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 or actively learning it, and many more are preparing to follow,” says Nirmit Parikh, Founder and CEO of Apna.co.

Here are three key findings of the survey:

1. 58% are already learning AI

The survey shows that women in tech are actively preparing for an AI-driven future as 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.

Nearly 50% aim to become AI software developers, followed by 19% targeting data science and ML roles, 14% product management, and 10% research.

2. 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.

3. 42% cite lack of opportunities 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 up-skilling can further unlock their potential.