More than one in five Indian college students have already started their own business, according to the GUESSS India 2025 National Survey Report released by IIT Mandi in partnership with REVA University. This survey, which included 25,783 students from over 1,200 higher education institutions across 34 states and Union Territories, shows a strong entrepreneurial spirit among Indian youth.
- 22% of Indian college students have started a business.
- 43% of students want to start a business, matching the global average.
- Interest in starting a business immediately after college rose from 14% in 2023 to 16.2% in 2025.
- Preference for government jobs and large companies has decreased among students.
- IT, AI, and digital sectors are the most common entrepreneurial fields.
- Students with entrepreneurs in their social circle are three times more likely to start a venture.
What does the GUESSS India 2025 report reveal about student entrepreneurship?
The report highlights that 22% of Indian college students have already launched businesses, and 43% express a desire to become entrepreneurs. This interest aligns with the global average of 23%. Notably, the proportion of students aiming to start a business immediately after graduation increased from 14% in 2023 to 16.2% in 2025. Meanwhile, interest in government jobs and employment in large companies has declined.
How are student startups performing and evolving?
According to the report, 31% of student-run businesses with regular sales were founded in 2025 alone. Additionally, 41% of student founders have previously closed a business and started a new one, demonstrating resilience and persistence. About 42% of student entrepreneurs operate two or more businesses simultaneously. These findings indicate that Indian student entrepreneurs are building real, sustainable businesses that contribute to job creation.
Which sectors attract student entrepreneurs the most?
The most popular sectors among student founders are IT, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital industries. However, only about 10% of student-run businesses are fully digital. This suggests that while technology is a key area of interest, many student entrepreneurs are also exploring other fields.
What factors encourage students to start businesses?
Students who have entrepreneurs in their social circles—such as relatives, friends, classmates, or teachers—are three times more likely to start their own ventures. This highlights the importance of mentorship and exposure to entrepreneurship in fostering new business creation among students.
How are universities supporting student entrepreneurship?
Dr. Puran Singh, Associate Professor at IIT Mandi and lead author of the report, notes that courses, dedicated programs, and campus incubators are effectively encouraging students to become entrepreneurs. He emphasizes the need to provide more students with real founders as role models and mentors to help them take concrete steps toward launching startups early in their academic careers.
What is the broader significance of student entrepreneurship in India?
Dr. P Shyama Raju, Chancellor of REVA University, stresses that universities must educate students not only for jobs but also for enterprise, enabling them to create employment opportunities. Entrepreneurship is seen as a way to generate solutions, opportunities, and social impact, which is vital for India's economic growth and innovation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What percentage of Indian college students have started a business?
A: About 22% of Indian college students have already started their own business, according to the GUESSS India 2025 report.
Q: How has student interest in entrepreneurship changed recently?
A: Interest in starting a business immediately after college increased from 14% in 2023 to 16.2% in 2025, while preference for government jobs and large companies has decreased.
Q: Which sectors are most popular among student entrepreneurs?
A: IT, artificial intelligence, and digital sectors are the most common areas for student startups.
Q: How do social connections influence student entrepreneurship?
A: Students with entrepreneurs in their social circles are three times more likely to start a business, showing the importance of mentorship and exposure.
Q: What role do universities play in promoting entrepreneurship?
A: Universities provide courses, programs, and incubators that support students in launching startups and encourage a shift from job-seeking to job-creating mindsets.
