Women in technology have long battled to earn the title, or to at least receive recognition and acknowledgement in the so-called “men’s world”. Yes, they have grappled to earn a seat at the table- unshackling the biases, breaking stereotypes, and outperforming expectations. However, India’s booming tech sector where merit is said to rule opportunity is the new currency. One thing remains stubbornly unaffected: The unequal paycheck.
Beneath the glossy exterior of the surface lies a persistent rot: Women, despite rising into boardrooms and leading projects, continue to be paid less for equal and often greater contributions.
A recent study by TeamLease Digital has unearthed the depth and severity of this inequity. Analysing 13,000 contractual tech professionals across GCCs between 2020 and 2024, the report reveals a stark and growing gender pay gap that punishes women more as they climb higher. The numbers are not just alarming, they are a sober indicator of ingrained structural discrimination cloaked in the language of meritocracy.

Disparity deepens with experience

This trend indicates that women in tech GCCs are not just underpaid in the initial days of career- their worth is systematically sidelined from financial progression. The data, drawn from 13,000 contractual tech associates between 2020 and 2024, reveals a troubling structural bias. Women aren’t just hitting glass ceilings—they’re walking tightropes under them.
The inequalities are even more jarring when examined sector by sector. In the banking, financial services, and insurance (BFSI) domain, women earn 26.3% less than men—an appalling number that barely improves even at senior levels, where the gap is still 23.8%. The life sciences and healthcare sectors fare no better.
Here, the overall gender pay gap sits at a shocking 29.5%, with senior-level women earning 23.5% less on average. Tech GCCs, comparatively better, still reflect a 19% overall gap. Even the energy sector, touted for its progressive policies, displays a 15% disparity.

Diversity on paper, not in paychecks

The corporate walls are well-embellished on Women’s Day, and documents are adorned with extensive policies for female employees. However, are they equally reflected in salaries? Unfortunately, an emphatic no echoes the walls of the tech world.
While the gender pay gap remains severe, GCCs appear to be making modest progress in representation. The proportion of women in mid-level roles has risen to 13.68% in 2024 from 12.12% in 2023 according to the report. Senior-level participation saw an even notable increase—from 8.14% to 13.6% in the same period. But these numbers still fall far short of parity.
A paradoxical situation is painting the walls of corporate: Women are being promoted, but not being paid equitably. GCCs may be diversifying their organisation charts, but compensation policies remain stuck in a regressive past.

Geographical divide adds to the strain

TeamLease’s city-wise analysis highlights another fault line. Women in Tier 1 cities comprise nearly 40% of the GCC workforce, compared to just 23.36% in Tier 2 cities. The urban advantage, however, comes at a cost—higher pressure, slower career growth, and little pay equity.

The senior-level struggle

Perhaps the most startling is the overall average senior-level pay gap across sectors: 16.4%. It’s a statistic that underscores the systemic rot. Even as women climb the corporate ladder, their earnings remain anchored below their male counterparts.
The GCC model has long been celebrated for bringing global tech excellence to India. But the numbers paint a more sobering picture—of entrenched gender bias and an industry that still treats equality as a footnote rather than a foundation.
The GCC model has long been championed for bringing global tech excellence to India. But the numbers paint a grim picture of entrenched gender bias and an industry that still treats equality as a footnote rather than a foundation.
Until the pay gap is closed and leadership opportunities are offered on equal footing, the talk of diversity will remain just that—talk.

School Summer Vacation 2025: Check the complete list of summer holidays and school break schedules for May 2025 across different states and boards. Plan your vacation in advance!
May 2025 School Holidays: Students look forward to summer more than any other time of year, when schools close for extended breaks and families take time off or spend time at home. India’s summer break will begin in May 2025 for the majority of schools, though state-specific dates may differ. In some jurisdictions, the break is extended by significant holidays that fall during the month. An easy-to-follow list of summer vacation dates for each state and a comprehensive list of May 2025 school holidays are provided in this article to assist you in better planning your month.

Mandatory School Holiday on May 1, 2025

In observance of Labour Day, some Indian states will declare May 1, 2025, a public holiday to commemorate the efforts of workers and laborers. Numerous offices and educational facilities will continue to be closed. Maharashtra Day, which commemorates the state’s creation in 1960, will also be observed. In Maharashtra, this day is a major festival that is commemorated with celebrations, parades, and cultural activities.

Summer vacations across various states of the country

With the majority of schools in India celebrating their holidays from April to June 2025, schools all over the country have started publishing their vacation schedules as summer approaches. The length and beginning dates differ greatly based on the academic calendar and climate of the area. Summer holidays often start in mid-May and end until late June in states like Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Haryana. It is the perfect time for a school break in these areas because of the extreme heat that occurs during this time.
Since the academic year concludes by March or early April, schools in southern states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh usually start their summer breaks earlier, usually in April. Students often get a solid two months of rest during the break, which lasts until early June. For both instructors and students, the early start of vacations is a welcome reprieve because these states also suffer from excessive summer humidity.
Summer vacations are often observed in the eastern states of West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, and Assam from mid-May to mid-June. During this time of year, these areas see high temperatures and sporadic thunderstorms, which frequently cause disruptions to routine school activities. As a result, school officials plan the breaks to give the pupils protection and relief.
Similar schedules are used by western Indian states such as Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan, where holidays begin in early to mid-May and last by mid- to late-June. Although sea breezes provide some respite in coastal areas like Mumbai, the intense heat in the interior justifies a longer holiday. Students in every state are urged to make the most of this time not just for relaxation but also for reading, taking up new interests, enrolling in summer camps, and spending time with their loved ones.

Indian School Holidays in May 2025

In addition to the summer break that is observed in the majority of Indian states in May, May 2025 will see a number of other significant school vacations. Due to early reopening of schools, these holidays may result in longer weekends or shorter summer breaks.

List of Key School Holidays in May 2025

CUET UG 2025 City Intimation Slip: The National Testing Agency (NTA) is expected to release the Common University Entrance Test Undergraduate (CUET UG 2025) city intimation slip soon. As per the exam schedule released by NTA, CUET UG 2025 will be conducted from May 8 to June 1, 2025. The city intimation slip is usually released about 8 to 10 days before the CUET examination date.
To download the CUET UG city intimation slip, registered candidates will be required to login using their application ID and date of birth. The direct link to download the city intimation slip for CUET UG will be activated at cuet.nta.nic.in.

Steps to Download CUET UG City Intimation Slip 2025

Once released, candidates will be able to download the CUET UG city intimation slip by following the steps provided below:
Step 1: Visit the official website of CUET UG – cuet.nta.nic.in
Step 2: Click on the link for CUET UG city intimation slip 2025
Step 3: Login using CUET UG credentials including application number and date of birth
Step 4: Check all the details mentioned in CUET city slip
Step 5: Download and print a copy for future reference

CUET UG Admit Card 2025 Date

After the release of CUET UG city intimation slip, the NTA will issue the admit card. It is expected that the CUET UG admit card will be issued two to three days before the examination date. Once released, students will be able to access their hall tickets using the same login credentials.
CUET UG exam date – May 8 to June 1, 2025
CUET UG admit card date – 2 to 3 days before the examination date

What to carry on CUET UG 2025 exam day?

As per the guidelines issued by the National Testing Agency, students are required to carry only the following list of things to the CUET UG examination centre:
CUET admit card along with a duly filled in self declaration (undertaking) downloaded from the NTA website
A transparent ball pen
Passport size photograph (same as the one submitted in CUET UG application form) to be pasted on the attendance sheet
Any one of these authorised photo IDs – School Identity Card/ PAN card/ Passport/ Aadhaar Card (With photograph)/E-Aadhaar with photograph/ Class 12 Board Admit Card with photograph/ Bank Passbook with Photograph
PwD/PwBD certificate (if applicable)
In case the candidate is diabetic, they will be allowed to carry items like sugar tablets, fruits like bananas, apples, or oranges.
For more information about CUET UG city intimation slip, students are advised to visit cuet.nta.nic.in.