Brainly, the world’s largest online learning community for students, parents, and teachers, recently surveyed its Indian user-base. The survey, conducted on the occasion of International Women’s Day, aimed to explore the interest of female students in India in pursuing a career in science. Having surveyed more than 2,000 participants regarding online learning platforms, knowledge-exchange, and more, the pan-India survey was conducted on National Science Day to showcase the rising scientific disposition in female students and the phenomenal number of potential women scientists in the country.    

Of the total respondents, 43.3 percent were female. 62 percent of the female respondents affirmed that they enjoyed studying science as a subject in school. Furthermore, 45 percent of them ascertained that they harbored the aspiration to pursue a scientific career after graduation. Unsurprisingly, 55 percent of them confirmed that they sought assistance from online learning platforms for their science projects. 

These figures are indicative of the growing proclivity of female students towards scientific career trajectories. In the past, ISRO scientists Muthayya Vanitha, mission director Ritu Karidhal, former Project Director for Agni-IV missile in Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Tessy Thomas have brought great laurels to the country and have multiplied India’s academic and scientific excellence. The rising female presence in the top scientific positions of the world is fueling the courage and motivation required to pursue such advanced vistas. Indian female scientists around the world have indeed shattered the glass ceiling and have flown beyond the moon.

Commenting on the survey findings, Michał Borkowski, Co-founder and CEO, Brainly remarked, “We are very happy to see the high percentage of female students opting for scientific careers in India. I believe pursuing such paths can significantly contribute to successful careers.  The notion of society that disregarded the participation of women in the hitherto exclusively male-dominated fields of science and knowledge pursuit is no longer applicable in the 21st century.”