Computer Engineering continues to dominate female admissions across Maharashtra engineering colleges, followed by IT and AI. Experts note that better employment opportunities and modern work culture drive this consistent preference
The overall male-to-female ratio improved from 2.05:1 to 1.68:1, signalling gradual gender parity in the field. Representation pic/istock
Computer screens over construction sites, that’s the clear choice of Maharashtra’s female engineering students this year. While overall female enrolment in engineering has risen, data from the Maharashtra CET Cell reveals that most women continue to favour Computer Engineering, Computer Science & Engineering, and Information Technology over traditional core branches.
These three fields alone account for the majority of female admissions in 2025-26, with AI and Data Science emerging as a fast-rising fourth choice. “For most female students, the choice of field depends on market trends and job opportunities,” said a third-year engineering student from COEP. “Fields like Computer Science offer better pay parity, flexibility, and work safety. Parents also tend to prefer these for their daughters since they ensure stable, safer career paths.”
Branches such as Electronics and Telecommunication, Mechanical, and Electrical Engineering followed distantly behind. Meanwhile, core and field-oriented disciplines, Mining, Structural, Metallurgy, and Petrochemical Engineering, saw negligible female enrolment. Courses like Oil Technology, Polymer Tech, Civil Planning, Paper & Pulp, and Rail/Automobile Mechanical Engineering recorded fewer than 10 women statewide.
On the other hand, niche courses like Textile Technology, Textile Chemistry, and Technical Textiles showed steady, if small, female interest, suggesting that traditional industries still hold some appeal. Female engineering admissions in Maharashtra have risen notably this year, with 62,195 girls enrolling for 2025-26 — up from 38,634 in 2023-24. The gap narrowed most in Nagpur, Nashik, while Pune and Mumbai continue to lead in overall admissions.
Female admissions – branch-wise analysis
1 Top preferred branches >> Female students continue to dominate computer-driven disciplines.
Computer Engineering (10,944), Computer Science & Engineering (8205), IT (6063) together account for ~25,000 admissions, which is the majority share.
>> Electronics and Telecommunication (7327) and Civil (3551), Mechanical (3637), Electrical (3401) also have substantial female admissions.
>> AI and Data-oriented programs together contribute over 7000+ admissions, reflecting rising female interest.
2 Mid-level branches (moderate admissions)
Branches like Electronics & Computer Engineering (1404), Automation & Robotics (448), Bio Technology (203), Mechatronics (203), Food Technology (156), Instrumentation (146) attract moderate but consistent female enrollment.
>> Specialised CSE variants (Cyber Security, IoT, Blockchain, Design, Business Systems) show female admissions between 100–300 each, indicating diversification.
3 Low female representation
Core & traditional engineering branches have comparatively fewer female candidates:
>> Mining Engineering (50), Automobile (48), Structural Engineering (42), Petrochemical (19), Metallurgy (20), Agricultural (12), Civil Infrastructure (12), Production Engg (23).
>> Textile and allied fields (Textile Technology – 52, Textile Chemistry – 21, Fibres & Textile Processing – 13, Technical Textiles – 13) still attract some female candidates but remain niche.
4 Very low/minimal female representation
Branches with <10 female:
Oil Technology, Paints Technology, Mechanical (Rail/Automobile), Civil Planning, Polymer Tech, Paper & Pulp, Dyestuff, VLSI, Collaboration/Twinning programs.
>> Only 1 female candidate each in Civil with Computer Application and Electrical (Twinning Program).
Overall Insights
>> Computer-related fields (CSE, IT, AI, DS) dominate female admissions
>> Electronics and core branches (Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, E&TC) attract fewer but steady numbers.
>> Emerging disciplines (AI, Cyber Security, IoT, Robotics) show growing female interest.
>> Heavy-core fields (Mining, Petrochemical, Metallurgy, Rail, Agri) see minimal participation.
>> Textile and allied streams retain small but consistent female presence.
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