Mathematics and teaching
Gaikwad completed a BSc in 1998, an MSc in Mathematics at the Institute of Science in 2000 and a BEd in 2001. She worked as a lecturer at Siddharth College before moving into full-time public service.
Maharashtra legislature
She was elected from Dharavi to the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly in 2004 and retained the seat through successive elections. Her constituency work was accompanied by responsibilities in the state government and party organisation.
Ministerial responsibilities
Gaikwad served in portfolios including Higher and Technical Education, Medical Education, Women and Child Development and School Education. Her academic background remained directly relevant to work on education policy.
National representation
In 2024 she was elected to the Lok Sabha from Mumbai North Central. Her path from mathematics lecturer to legislator represents a distinct form of Institute public service rooted in education and democratic representation.