Kanpur, UTTAR PRADESH :
A survey covering more than 30 colleges across seven districts linked with Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University shows a significant rise in female Muslim students
New Delhi :
The number of Muslim girls pursuing higher education in Kanpur and nearby districts in Uttar Pradesh has increased significantly over the past five years, according to a survey conducted by a senior academic. The study shows that the share of Muslim female students in colleges has risen from around five per cent in 2021 to more than 21 per cent during the current admission process.
The survey was prepared by Prof B D Pandey, a senior teacher at PPN College and president of the Kanpur University Teachers’ Association (KUTA). The study was based on admission data collected from more than 30 colleges spread across seven districts of Uttar Pradesh.
The colleges included in the survey are located in Kanpur Nagar, Kanpur Dehat, Unnao, Kannauj, Farrukhabad, Etawah and Auraiya. All these colleges are affiliated with Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University (CSJMU), Kanpur.
Prof Pandey said the data was collected from admission coordinators appointed in different colleges during the ongoing admission process. The survey looked at students enrolling in undergraduate courses such as Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) and other professional programmes.
According to the findings, Muslim girls accounted for around five per cent of female students enrolled in colleges in 2021. This figure increased to nearly 12 per cent in 2023 and has now crossed 21 per cent during the latest admission cycle.
The rise indicates a growing interest among Muslim families in sending their daughters for higher education. The survey also highlights that many of these students come from economically weaker sections of society.
Prof Pandey said one of the notable findings was that a large number of Muslim girls entering higher education belong to families with limited financial resources. In many such families, sons are also present, but instead of continuing studies after school, they often move towards employment or skill-based work.
“Many Muslim girls who are entering graduation and postgraduate courses belong to families where their brothers have studied only up to high school or intermediate level and then started working according to their skills,” Prof Pandey said.
The data suggests a changing attitude among some Muslim families towards women’s education. While economic challenges continue to remain a concern, more families are now supporting their daughters’ efforts to continue their studies beyond school.
The increase has been visible across different courses, including traditional degree programmes and professional courses. Teachers associated with these colleges believe that awareness about education, career opportunities and financial independence may be among the reasons behind the rise.
The trend also reflects a wider change in the participation of women from minority communities in higher education. More young women are seeking college education to improve their career opportunities and become financially independent.
Prof Pandey said the increase in Muslim girls’ admissions is a positive development and shows that educational aspirations among families are changing.
The survey, however, does not represent all colleges across Uttar Pradesh or the entire Muslim community. It is based only on admission figures from selected colleges affiliated with CSJMU.
Education experts say that continued support through scholarships, better awareness programmes and improved access to colleges will be important to maintain this growth.
The increasing presence of Muslim girls in colleges in the Kanpur region shows a gradual shift in educational choices, with more young women from the community moving towards higher education despite economic and social challenges.
source: http://www.clarionindia.net / Clarion India / Home> Big Story> India>Indian Muslims / by Mohammad Alamullah / August 04th, 2026
