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I will always remember Dr. Priya Ranjan not only as the Chairman of JK Monitor, but as a mentor, guide and elder brother whose kindness shaped my life and work. Write a tribute at NEW DELHI: As International Women’s Day 2026 focuses on the theme “Give to Gain”, emphasizing that investing in women’s opportunities strengthens societies and economies, new insights from College Vidya highlight a growing trend of women returning to higher education later in life to strengthen their careers.
An analysis of College Vidya’s enrollment data between 2023 and 2025 shows that one in four women enrolling in online postgraduate programs is above the age of 25, often resuming education after career breaks, family responsibilities, or early workforce entry. Flexible online degrees are enabling these learners to pursue higher education without relocating or stepping away from existing commitments.
This shift is unfolding alongside a broader surge in women’s participation in online higher education. Women’s share in online postgraduate programs has increased from 14% in 2023 to 23% in 2025, marking a 64% rise in just two years. The growth has been consistent year after year, indicating that online education is becoming an increasingly important pathway for women seeking career advancement and professional mobility.
Women enrolling online are also making clear career-oriented academic choices. Nearly 77% of female learners choose MBA or MCA programs, highlighting a strong preference for degrees that offer clear pathways to professional mobility and income growth. MBA alone accounts for more than 63% of enrollments, making it the most preferred program among women learners.
The data also shows the emergence of mid-career women pursuing advanced qualifications online. In Doctor of Business Administration programs, the largest share of female learners falls within the 36 to 40 age group, reflecting experienced professionals seeking doctoral credentials to strengthen leadership roles.
Geographically, the growth of women in online education is being driven significantly by smaller towns and non-metro regions. Around 38% of women enrolling in online programs come from non-metro cities and towns, making it the single largest segment of learners. Women from 32 states and union territories, including regions such as Nagaland, Sikkim, Mizoram, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, are participating in online higher education.
Rohit Gupta, COO at College Vidya, said, “Access to education has always been one of the most powerful drivers of women’s economic participation. What we are seeing today is a growing number of women across India using flexible online learning to strengthen their careers, return to the workforce, and invest in their long-term professional growth. When more women are able to access opportunities like these, the benefits extend far beyond individuals to families, communities, and the broader economy.”
These trends highlight how greater access to flexible education is enabling more women to invest in their skills and careers, reinforcing the broader message of Women’s Day that empowering women creates wider economic and social gains.
About College Vidya:
College Vidya is India’s leading platform for searching, comparing and selecting UGC-approved online education programmes. Founded in 2019 and originating from the legacy of the Blackboard Education & Research Foundation (est. 1996), the platform was created to bring transparency and trust to the online education space. With a 4C framework: Compare, Counsel, Career, and Community, College Vidya empowers learners to make informed academic choices aligned with their goals. Furthermore, they not only offer plenty of options to compare, but also support learners with expert one-on-one counselling sessions. These sessions help students weigh their choices, clarify doubts, and align their decisions with long-term career goals.
Headquartered in Noida, the company has partnered with 100+ top online universities (Manipal University, UpGrad, Symbiosis (SCDL), IIM, and Jain University) and has guided over 125,000 learners to the right programs. With robust tech, a learner-first approach, and a rapidly growing team, College Vidya is on a mission to democratize quality education and boost India’s gross enrollment ratio.
