29 March 2025

Enabling an Even More Entrepreneurial India: The Case for Expanding Entrepreneurship Education

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Entrepreneurship has long been a driving force behind economic development, innovation, and societal progress. As India solidifies its position as one of the world’s fastest-growing startup ecosystems, fostering a culture of entrepreneurship has become more crucial than ever. The country is already home to over 100 unicorn startups, with a projected $5 trillion economy in sight. However, despite this momentum, a significant challenge persists: the gap between entrepreneurial ambition and access to structured education and resources.

This article will take up  the importance of entrepreneurship, the necessity of comprehensive entrepreneurship education, and how industry-relevant BBA programs can play a transformative role in shaping India’s next generation of business leaders.

Understanding Entrepreneurship: Conceptually to Begin With

At its core, what is the meaning of entrepreneurship? It refers to the process of identifying opportunities, innovating solutions, and assuming risks to create value—whether in the form of new products, services, or businesses. The difference between entrepreneur and entrepreneurship lies in the distinction between the individual and the process: while an entrepreneur is the person who takes the initiative, entrepreneurship encompasses the broader ecosystem that enables such ventures.

The Role of Entrepreneurship in Economic Growth

The importance of entrepreneurship in national development cannot be overstated. Entrepreneurs fuel economies in several key ways:

  • Job Creation: Startups and small businesses account for nearly 45% of employment in India’s non-agricultural workforce, significantly reducing unemployment rates.
  • Innovation & Market Disruption: Entrepreneurs introduce new business models, technologies, and services—enhancing efficiency and consumer experience.
  • Economic Diversification: A thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem reduces dependence on traditional industries, strengthening economic resilience.
  • Social Impact: Through social entrepreneurship, business models are developed to address critical issues such as education, healthcare, and financial inclusion.

India’s Total Early-Stage Entrepreneurial Activity (TEA) rate stands at 14.4%, according to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) Report 2021–2022, indicating a growing interest in entrepreneurship. However, sustaining this momentum requires a robust support system, particularly in education.

The Necessity of Entrepreneurship Education

To harness India’s entrepreneurial potential, integrating entrepreneurship courses into formal education is imperative.

Benefits of Entrepreneurship Education

Skill Development: Cultivates characteristics of entrepreneurship such as leadership, problem-solving, and risk management.

    • Practical Exposure: Provides hands-on experience in business planning, investment, and market strategy.
    • Economic Empowerment: Equips students with the tools to create their own ventures rather than rely solely on job markets.
    • Fostering a Growth Mindset: Encourages resilience and adaptability in the face of business challenges.

Despite being a devout Hindu, Shivaji Maharaj’s governance reflected remarkable religious tolerance. Unlike the rulers who imposed discriminatory policies, he ensured that people of all faiths coexisted harmoniously.

Challenges & The Way Forward

1. Bridging the Education-Industry Gap

For entrepreneurship education to be effective, it must bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world business challenges. This requires:

  • Experiential Learning Models: Institutions must integrate hands-on business projects, mentorship, and startup incubation.
  • Industry Collaboration: Partnerships with investors, successful entrepreneurs, and startup ecosystems are crucial.
  • Policy Reforms: Government and educational bodies should incentivize entrepreneurship education, especially in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
  • Cultural Mindset Shift: Failure should be normalized as part of the entrepreneurial journey to encourage risk-taking.

2. The Role of Specialized BBA Programs in Entrepreneurship Development

A traditional BBA degree may cover aspects of business management, but an entrepreneurship-focused BBA takes a more targeted approach—developing the mindset, skills, and practical knowledge required to launch and sustain businesses.

One example close to home in this regard is the Makers Undergrad BBA in Entrepreneurship, here at Rishihood University.

The Makers Undergrad BBA: Real-World Entrepreneurship in Action

The Makers Undergrad BBA is designed to provide students with immersive, hands-on entrepreneurial education. Unlike conventional business degrees, this three/four-year program equips our budding entrepreneurs with real-world experience, financial literacy, and direct industry exposure.  Constant access to industry experts, ample global and domestic learning opportunities, with hands-on business experience through unique opportunities like:

1. ₹5 Million Makers Fund

  • A dedicated fund supporting student startups, ensuring that financial barriers don’t hinder innovation.
  • Successful student ventures include:
    • culcate – A tech-driven app bringing ancient Indian knowledgeThe Centre for Human Science to today’s learners.
    • Pahadi Foods – A business promoting organic Himalayan produce while supporting local communities.

2. Financial Empowerment from Day One

  • Every student receives a ₹10,000 trading deposit and a Demat account to build stock market and trading expertise.

3. ₹1 Lakh Creative Grant

  • Funding for research, product development, and innovative business ideas.

4. Global Study Treks & Industry Networking

  • Students travel to leading economic hubs like Silicon Valley, Singapore, and London for firsthand exposure to global markets.
  • Direct access to VCs, startup founders, and mentors provides students with invaluable industry connections.

5. Mentorship from India’s Leading Entrepreneurs

  • Some of India’s most successful business leaders actively guide students, providing strategic insights into startup success.

6. Hands-on Startup Bootcamps

  • A rigorous 8-week bootcamp helps bridge the talent gap by training students for high-impact roles in startups.

7.Industry Collaboration & Holistic Development

  • The curriculum combines technical business training with leadership, creativity, and critical thinking development.

This entrepreneurship course is a game-changer, preparing students to build, launch, and scale their businesses rather than just study business concepts.

The Future of Entrepreneurship in India

As India advances toward becoming a global economic powerhouse, fostering a new generation of entrepreneurs is paramount. Entrepreneurship education—especially through industry-driven BBA programs like the Makers Undergrad BBA—plays a critical role in empowering young innovators.

By integrating practical learning, global exposure, and direct industry engagement, India can cultivate a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem that not only drives economic growth but also creates sustainable social impact.

Investing in structured entrepreneurship education today will ensure that tomorrow’s business leaders, disruptors, and changemakers have the tools they need to transform industries and shape the nation’s future.

How can India further strengthen its entrepreneurial education ecosystem?What policy measures could bridge the gap between education and industry needs?

The answers to these questions will define the trajectory of India’s startup revolution. The time to act is now.

Frequently Asked Questions

A unicorn startup is a privately held startup company that is valued at $1 billion or more

A BBA in Entrepreneurship equips students with the knowledge, skills, and mindset to launch and grow startups. It nurtures innovation, risk-taking, and leadership, aligned with India’s vision of self-reliance and job creation. With exposure to real-world projects, startup ecosystems, and government schemes, students are empowered to become the next generation of entrepreneurs driving New India forward.

The duration of our BBA course is 4 years.

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