CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: New Delhi. A shift is visible in the career priorities of India’s youth. Many students are now moving towards starting their own businesses, alongside seeking traditional government or corporate jobs. According to the GUESSS India 2025 National Survey Report prepared under the leadership of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi, 22 percent of college students in the country have already started their own businesses, while 43 percent want to become entrepreneurs in the future.
Decline in desire for government jobs
According to the report, the proportion of students who wanted to secure a government job immediately after completing their studies was 12.7 percent in 2023, which fell to 10.1 percent in 2025. During the same period, the preference for working in large companies declined from 31.3 percent to 27.4 percent. In contrast, the proportion of students wanting to run their own business immediately after graduation rose from 14 percent to 16.2 percent. These figures indicate a change in students’ career priorities. However, this does not mean that the appeal of government jobs is disappearing completely.
Survey of more than 25,000 students
The study was conducted between September and December 2025. It included 25,783 students from more than 1,200 higher education institutions across 34 states and Union Territories. The report was prepared by IIT Mandi in collaboration with REVA University, Bengaluru.
Among the students surveyed who had already started businesses, 35.5 percent reported regular sales. This figure is higher than the global average of 33 percent. According to the report, information technology, artificial intelligence and digital services are the key areas attracting students towards business. However, among student businesses currently operating, only about 10 percent are linked to the digital sector.
Important role of guidance in starting a business
The report found that students who have entrepreneurs among their family, friends, classmates or teachers are three times more likely to start their own businesses. At the same time, among students engaged in the process of starting a business, only 10 percent have achieved their first sale.
According to experts, to turn students’ entrepreneurial thinking into successful businesses, universities need to provide incubation centres, guidance from experienced entrepreneurs, practical training and access to markets. The report indicates that young people do not want to remain limited to seeking jobs; they are also developing the ability to turn their ideas into businesses and create employment opportunities. To strengthen this shift, support will be important from the start of a business through to regular sales and business expansion.
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