Despite growing recognition of entrepreneurship’s importance, Indian higher education institutions prefer their students to focus on securing corporate jobs upon graduation rather than starting their ventures.
According to data, 87% of colleges have implemented in-house programs to promote entrepreneurship through various initiatives, and 63% still prefer their students to focus on securing corporate jobs upon graduation.
The study highlights a growing recognition of entrepreneurship’s importance in higher education but also reveals a hesitancy to fully commit to nurturing startup culture. Only 7% of colleges focus on entrepreneurship awareness programs and mentorship. This tension between promoting entrepreneurial skills and favouring traditional employment presents challenges and opportunities for India’s education sector.
The survey data by HirePro also unveils a multi-faceted approach to entrepreneurship education across colleges. 36% of institutions offer dedicated courses on entrepreneurship or provide startup semester options, demonstrating a growing emphasis on formal entrepreneurial education.
Additionally, 29% of colleges have established centres for innovation, entrepreneurship development cells, or startup incubation facilities, creating ecosystems to nurture budding entrepreneurs. To foster an entrepreneurial spirit and provide practical experience, 28% of colleges organise entrepreneurship competitions, pitch events, and hackathons, providing students with practical experience in the startup ecosystem. Metro areas and Tier 1 cities show higher engagement with entrepreneurship programs at 62% and 44%, respectively. Tier 2 cities lag at 27%.
Over 20,000 candidates from over 350 colleges, and 200+ corporates participated in the survey. More than 100 campus talent recruiters also participated in the survey.