Female Students from Non-Metro Cities Show Rising Interest In Finance, Accounting Course: Study

A consistent increase is recorded in the percentage of female students aged 18-21 from non-metropolitan cities in India enrolling in finance courses.


Female Students from Non-Metro Cities Show Rising Interest In Finance & Accounting Course reveals a study | Image: PTI
A significant increase is recorded in the number of students expressing interest in pursuing careers in finance after completing their 12th grade, reveals a recent study conducted by Zell Education, a finance and accounts Ed-tech platform. The study, comparing data from 2023 and 2024, shows a 15% year-over-year rise in finance career aspirations among high school graduates.


The study highlighted several noteworthy trends. The percentage of surveyed students aspiring to finance careers after 12th grade increased from 35% in 2023 to 50% in 2024. This shift in career preferences is reflected in enrollment patterns, with overall enrollments in finance-related courses rising by 5% compared to the previous year. Notably, the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) course experienced the most substantial surge, likely due to recent changes in eligibility criteria.
Another significant finding was a demographic shift, with a consistent increase in the percentage of female students aged 18-21 from non-metropolitan cities in India enrolling in finance courses. The study also identified emerging areas of interest among students, particularly in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting, indicating an awareness of evolving industry trends.
Commenting on the findings, Anant Bengani, Co-Founder and Director of Zell Education, stated, “The finance industry has always been a coveted career destination, but we are delighted to see an unprecedented level of interest from students fresh out of high school. This trend highlights the evolving mindset of our youth, who are eager to embark on rewarding and challenging careers in finance from an early stage.”