Women’s participation in India’s semiconductor sector set to jump to 35% by 2030

Women’s representation in India’s semiconductor industry is poised to climb to 35% by 2030, up from an estimated 25% in 2025, as rapid growth in the sector demands a larger, more diverse workforce, according to NLB Services.

The report noted that India’s chip sector is projected to expand into a $79.2 billion industry by fiscal year 2031, with a global outlook of nearly $1 trillion by the decade’s end.

In that context, local chip manufacturing and design are forecast to produce 1 million new jobs by 2026.

However, reaching this scale demands a more inclusive workforce as the industry cannot thrive alone as a male-dominated field. Women's participation will be essential in propelling its growth and innovation.

Currently, women comprise just a fourth of India's 220,000-strong chip design and engineering workforce, but this figure is expected to surpass 30% by 2027. Despite this, men continue to dominate key semiconductor roles.

For instance, in the Chip Semiconductor Fabrication, men and women engage stands at 60:40 (men to women); Chip Design is at 70:30, ATMP (Assembly, Testing, Marking and Packaging) stands at 80:20, and so forth.

The gap extends to leadership as well—men hold 93%-95%% of leadership roles in the sector, while women account for only 5%-7% at the top levels. The report said that bridging this divide is essential for building a sustainable and diverse semiconductor ecosystem in India.

This gender gap in India’s semiconductor sector can be bridged through upskilling programs, pay parity, and inclusive employee benefits such as maternity leave, career break support, flexible work options, and project-based roles.

"There is a need for both mindset and infrastructural shifts to increase the participation of women. This implies that gender-neutral policies and equal opportunities need to be prioritized. Additionally, Infrastructural shifts in the form of worker housing, healthcare facilities, and efficient transport will also play a pivotal role in attracting and retaining a skilled workforce," said Sachin Alug, CEO, NLB Services.

"Collaboration between the government and private sector will be key in building safe, sustainable, and worker-friendly environments. As India accelerates its electronics manufacturing ambitions, integrating women into the design and manufacturing ecosystem will be essential," Alug added.

Chip Semiconductor Fabrication requires expertise in fabrication processes, equipment maintenance, and cleanroom protocols. By 2026, this sector is expected to create 300,000 jobs, with 60% of the workforce being male and 40% female.

Chip Design focuses on semiconductor design, electronics engineering, and CAD tools, with 200,000 jobs projected by 2026, where 70% of the workforce will be male and 30% female.

ATMP (Assembly, Testing, Marking, and Packaging) requires skills in process engineering, quality assurance, and operational knowledge. This sector is expected to generate 200,000 jobs by 2026, with 80% of the workforce being male and 20% female.

Software Development, which involves embedded systems, firmware development, and circuit analysis, is projected to create 120,000 jobs, with 75% of the workforce being male and 25% female.

System Circuit roles demand expertise in circuit design, integration, testing, and troubleshooting. By 2026, this field is expected to offer 80,000 jobs, with 80% male and 20% female talent.

Manufacturing supply chain management requires problem-solving, data analytics, and project management skills. This sector is expected to create 100,000 jobs by 2026, with 70% of the workforce being male and 30% female.