India’s credit market is undergoing a quiet revolution, powered predominantly by women who are stepping up from small loans to substantial retail and business financing. NITI Aayog CEO Nidhhi Chhibber unveiled these insights in a new report that paints a vivid picture of women’s deepening financial footprint.
Dubbed ‘From Borrowers to Builders: Women and India’s Evolving Credit Market,’ the study spotlights the role of digital infrastructure in bridging gaps for women. Their collective credit outstanding has surged to ₹76 lakh crore, making up 26% of total credit—a massive jump from 2017 levels when it was just ₹16 lakh crore. Total exposure has multiplied 4.8 times, driven by a steady 9% CAGR in active women borrowers between 2017 and 2025.
Chhibber elaborated that economic advancement thrives on inclusive participation. Women, she said, are actively molding these changes and reaping the benefits, transitioning to larger loans that reflect enhanced financial capabilities and business ambitions.
Crafted with data from credit bureaus and ground-level stories from rural entrepreneurs via the Women Entrepreneurship Platform, the report offers a holistic view. Platform lead Anna Roy hailed the expanding diversity in women’s credit use as a cornerstone of economic transformation.
This surge signals a maturing credit ecosystem where women are no longer sidelined observers but central players, poised to drive India’s next phase of financial inclusion and growth.
