Over one-fifth of Indian college students have launched their own businesses

Nearly a quarter of India's college-going population has ventured into entrepreneurship, according to findings from the Global Entrepreneurship Student Survey (GESS) India 2025. The report indicates a marked preference among students to establish their own enterprises rather than pursue conventional salaried positions.

The shift in career preferences reflects changing attitudes toward employment among younger Indians. Students increasingly view business ownership as a viable and attractive alternative to traditional corporate roles, marking a departure from earlier generations' career trajectories.

Business networks and personal connections emerge as critical catalysts for entrepreneurial success. According to the survey, students with established business relationships demonstrate a threefold increase in the likelihood of launching ventures compared to their peers without such networks. This underscores the importance of mentorship, family business backgrounds, and professional networks in enabling startup success.

The findings suggest India's entrepreneurial ecosystem continues to expand among younger demographics. As college students increasingly embrace business creation, educational institutions and policymakers may need to adapt by strengthening entrepreneurship support systems, access to capital, and mentorship opportunities to sustain this growth trajectory.