NITI Aayog Report Highlights Growth in Women's Credit Borrowing in India
Credit borrowing by women at Rs 76 lakh crore; 16 crore active women borrowers: NITI Aayog report
The Economic Times
Image: The Economic Times
As of 2025, women borrowers in India hold a credit portfolio of ₹76 lakh crore (approximately $9.1 trillion USD), representing 26% of total system credit. Despite this, nearly two-thirds of credit-eligible women remain unserved, indicating significant potential for growth in financial inclusion.
- 01Women hold a credit portfolio of ₹76 lakh crore, a 4.8 times increase since 2017.
- 02There are 16 crore active women borrowers, accounting for 36% of total credit penetration in India.
- 03Two-thirds of credit-eligible women aged 18-64 are still unserved, highlighting a gap in financial inclusion.
- 04Women entrepreneurs have seen a 7.5 times increase in business lending since 2017.
- 05The report emphasizes the need for gender-focused credit models and financial literacy initiatives.
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According to a report by NITI Aayog, women borrowers in India have a credit portfolio of ₹76 lakh crore (approximately $9.1 trillion USD) as of 2025, which constitutes 26% of the total system credit. This marks a 4.8 times increase since 2017, with 16 crore active women borrowers representing 36% of the country's total credit penetration. Despite this growth, the report highlights that nearly two-thirds of credit-eligible women, aged 18 to 64, remain unserved, indicating a significant opportunity for financial inclusion. The report, titled 'From Borrowers To Builders: Women and India's Evolving Credit Market,' was co-authored by NITI Aayog, Transunion CIBIL, and Microsave Consulting. It notes that women’s first loans are primarily consumption-led, with digital sourcing improving access to credit. Furthermore, women entrepreneurs have emerged as a strong growth segment, with business lending increasing 7.5 times since 2017. The report suggests enhancing financial visibility and creating gender-intelligent product bundles to support women's economic contributions to India's growth.
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The report underscores the potential for women to contribute significantly to India's economy through increased access to credit, which can lead to greater financial independence and entrepreneurship.
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