Author: Dr Prakrati Bhargava, Deepika, Lucky Thakur

Abstract: STEM education is crucial for providing knowledge and technologies that drive economic growth and foster societal development. However, the disproportion of women in STEM careers is a worldwide problem, caused by the gender gap in education. This inequality affects various aspects, including publications, salary levels, senior roles, annual production, and resource distribution. The rapid emergence of technology, particularly in the realms of artificial intelligence and computer science, has led to a profound transformation in the landscape of STEM disciplines and associated gender dynamics. In the 20th century, the hierarchy of scientific disciplines was distinctly gendered, with traditionally masculine fields like engineering, computer science, and mathematics commanding higher earning potentials and social status. As AI and digital technologies gain prominence, these fields continue to dominate the job market, offering higher salaries and career opportunities. This shift highlights the need for greater inclusivity and diversity in STEM education and professions. This study will examine the participation of women in emerging fields, such as Computer Science and Design, Data Science, Information Technology, and Computer and Information Technology, by analysing enrolment data for the Indian Institute of Technology and the Indian Institute of Information Technology. Further data from the All-India Survey on Higher Education surveys from 2011 to 2022 are analysed to understand the trend regarding women's participation in higher technical education. The study aims to examine gender, inequality, and social differences to understand the disciplinary choices of women in STEM fields.

Keywords: Gender disparity, Computer Science, Information Technology, STEM and Artificial Intelligence.

Article Info: Received: 24 May 2026; Received in revised form: 21 Jun 2026; Accepted: 25 Jun 2026; Available online: 29 Jun 2026

DOI: 10.22161/ijels.113.85