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Women Hold 26% of India's Credit, Portfolio Soars to Rs 76 Lakh Crore

A new NITI Aayog report highlights a significant surge in women's participation in India's formal credit system, with their portfolio reaching Rs 76 lakh crore. This represents 26% of the total system credit, marking a 4.8-fold increase since 2017. The growth is notably driven by commercial credit, which saw a 31% CAGR, indicating women's shift towards business-purpose lending. With 45 crore credit-eligible women, the report underscores a major transition from basic access to deeper economic integration.

Key Points: Women's Credit Share Hits 26% in India, Reaches Rs 76 Lakh Crore

  • Credit portfolio grew 4.8x since 2017
  • 36% credit penetration among women
  • Commercial credit grew at 31% CAGR
  • 45 crore credit-eligible women remain
2 min read

Women borrowers in India hold 26% of total system credit in India at Rs 76 lakh crore: NITI Ayog

NITI Aayog report reveals women borrowers now hold 26% of India's total credit, a 4.8x growth since 2017, driven by business loans.

"Women borrowers are moving beyond entry-level credit towards retail and business-purpose lending, indicating strengthening financial capability - Nidhi Chhibber, CEO, NITI Aayog"

New Delhi, April 8

National Institution for Transforming India on Wednesday said in areport that women borrowers in India now hold a credit portfolio of Rs 76 lakh crore, accounting for 26% of the total system credit. It further notes that women's credit exposure has expanded 4.8 times since 2017, indicating a shift from access-led inclusion to progression-led participation in the formal credit ecosystem.

The report prepared under the aegis of the Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) was prepared by TransUnion CIBIL and MicroSave Consulting (MSC).

Underscoring the importance of expanding women's access to formal credit, CEO, NITI Aayog, Nidhi Chhibber said, "Economic development advances when participation in markets becomes broader, deeper and more efficient. The convergence of DPI and formal credit systems has significantly transformed how economic participation is recorded and financed. The findings of this report reflect how women are increasingly shaping and benefiting from these shifts. Importantly, women borrowers are moving beyond entry-level credit towards retail and business-purpose lending, indicating strengthening financial capability and deeper economic integration."

The report notes that between December 2017 and December 2025, the number of credit-active women borrowers registered a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9%, while credit penetration among women increased from 19% to 36%. The total credit outstanding to women grew from Rs 16 lakh crore in 2017 to Rs 76 lakh crore in 2025. With nearly 45 crore credit-eligible women in India, the potential for further expansion remains significant, the report observes.

The report stated that growth has been driven particularly by commercial credit, with credit to women business borrowers registering a CAGR of 31% between 2022 and 2025, compared to 17% for overall commercial credit. The report also highlighted a gradual transition of microfinance borrowers towards individual retail and commercial loans, with 19% of active Microfinance Institution (MFI) borrowers now holding such loans.

The report is based on longitudinal credit bureau data of approximately 16 crore (160 million) credit-active women, complemented by primary research with 161 rural women nano-entrepreneurs, providing both quantitative and behavioural insights. This year, the report also incorporates microfinance data, making it a comprehensive assessment of women's access and progression within the credit ecosystem.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul R
Great progress, but 26% is still less than half. We need to ensure this growth reaches rural areas equally. The report mentions 45 crore credit-eligible women—that's the real challenge. Financial literacy programs are just as important as access.
S
Sarah B
Working in development finance, I find the 31% CAGR for women business borrowers particularly encouraging. It shows women aren't just taking personal loans but are building enterprises. The shift from microfinance to commercial loans is a key indicator of real economic progression.
A
Arjun K
My mother took a small loan to start a tailoring unit after my father passed away. It changed our lives. Stories like hers are behind these numbers. Jai Hind! 🙏 The real success will be when every woman who needs capital can get it without endless paperwork.
N
Nisha Z
A respectful criticism: While the data is positive, I hope NITI Aayog also looks at the interest rates and repayment burdens. Empowerment shouldn't lead to debt traps. The report should lead to policies that ensure sustainable credit, not just more credit.
K
Karthik V
The role of DPI (Digital Public Infrastructure) like Aadhaar and UPI can't be overstated here. It has reduced the friction for millions. From Rs 16 lakh crore to Rs 76 lakh crore in 8 years is a revolution. Next target should be 50% share!

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