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Women's Job Applications for Top Roles Surge 43%, Participation Hits 34%

Job applications by women for leadership and strategic roles in India increased by 43% year-on-year, according to a new report. Applications for risk management and compliance roles saw an even sharper rise of 51%, indicating a move beyond entry-level positions. National data shows female labour force participation rose to 33.7% in the July-September 2025 quarter. The growth was particularly strong in Tier-2 cities and in fields like data science and product management.

Key Points: Women's Leadership Job Applications Rise 43%, Participation at 34%

  • 43% rise in applications for top roles
  • 51% increase for risk/compliance jobs
  • Female labour participation at 33.7%
  • Tier-2 cities see 27% application growth
  • Fresher applications outpace experienced professionals
2 min read

Women's applications for top roles rise 43 pc, participation at 34 pc: Report

Report shows 43% surge in women's applications for top management roles in India, with female labour force participation rising to 33.7%.

"Indicates a shift from access to advancement for women in India's labour market. - Kartik Narayan"

New Delhi, March 5

Job applications by women for leadership and governance roles in India rose sharply over the past year as applications for strategic and top management positions increased 43 per cent year on year, a report said on Thursday.

On the other hand, those for risk management and compliance roles rose 51 per cent, according to an analysis by Apna.co.

The report suggested that women job seekers are increasingly exploring roles higher in the organisational hierarchy rather than remaining concentrated in entry-level positions.

The data also indicated a growing preference for stable employment. Applications for full-time positions rose 33 per cent YoY, compared with a 21 per cent increase in part-time roles, according to the professional networking platform.

At the same time, applications from freshers grew 18 per cent, outpacing the 11 per cent increase from experienced professionals.

Moreover, women-only job postings for strategic and top management roles rose 52 per cent, while women-focused hiring in risk management and compliance increased 57 per cent. Job applications for project and program management roles also doubled.

National labour data showed a similar trajectory. Female labour force participation rose to 33.7 per cent in July-September 2025 from 33.4 per cent in the previous quarter, according to the latest quarterly bulletin of the National Statistical Office's Periodic Labour Force Survey. The female worker population ratio increased to 32 per cent, while overall unemployment declined to 5.2 per cent.

Applications in data science and analytics rose 86 per cent YoY, research and development increased 88 per cent, and quality assurance grew 90 per cent, while product management applications climbed 62 per cent.

Kartik Narayan, CEO - Jobs Marketplace at Apna, said the growth in applications for senior management, compliance and skill-intensive roles indicates a shift from access to advancement for women in India's labour market.

Geographically, Tier-2 cities recorded a 27 per cent rise in women's job applications, compared with 10 per cent in Tier-1 markets.

According to Apna.co analysis, the highest YoY growth in job applications was recorded in Noida (around 14 per cent), among Tier-1 cities, while Indore saw a 16 per cent YoY jump in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.

In contrast, Surat recorded about 3 per cent growth YoY in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, and Mumbai about 7 per cent in Tier-1 cities.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

A
Arjun K
Positive trend, but 34% participation is still low. We need to ask why it's not closer to 50%. Companies must do more than just post women-only roles—need better maternity policies, safe transport, and mentorship. The rise in compliance roles is interesting, hope it leads to real decision-making power.
S
Sarah B
The 43% increase in applications for top roles is impressive! My company in Bangalore has actively hired women for leadership positions in the last year, and the diversity of thought has been a real asset. The focus on full-time roles shows women are seeking serious, long-term careers.
R
Rohit P
Good to see Indore and Noida leading the growth! Tier-2 cities developing as job hubs can reduce migration pressure on Mumbai/Delhi and help women stay closer to family support systems, which is crucial. Hope the quality of jobs matches the quantity.
M
Meera T
As a fresher, the 18% growth in applications from newcomers gives me hope. But the report doesn't mention conversion rates—how many of these applications actually turn into job offers? The rise in applications is step one, step two is fair hiring and retention. 🤞
K
Karthik V
Respectfully, while the percentage increases sound great, we must look at the base. A 50% rise on a small number is still a small number. The real win will be when women hold 34% of *top* roles, not just apply for them. The data on risk management growth is a strong, positive signal though.

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