NITI Aayog Report Highlights Growth in Women's Credit Borrowing in India

Original: Credit borrowing by women at Rs 76 lakh crore; 16 crore active women borrowers: NITI Aayog report

The Economic Times•Apr 8, 20262 min

In a Nutshell

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.

Key Points

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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Full Summary

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.

Key Figures

₹76 lakh crore

Total credit portfolio held by women

16 crore

Number of active women borrowers

4.8 times

Increase in women's credit portfolio since 2017

7.5 times

Increase in business lending to women entrepreneurs since 2017

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Why It Matters

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.

Who is affected

Women aged 18-64, particularly those eligible for credit and women entrepreneurs.

What to know

Financial institutions should develop gender-sensitive credit products and enhance financial literacy programs targeting women.

FAQ

Women in India hold a credit portfolio of ₹76 lakh crore (approximately $9.1 trillion USD).

The number of active women borrowers has increased significantly, with 16 crore women now borrowing, a rise from previous years.

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