Entrepreneurial Mindset among Indian Youth: A Post-COVID Analysis

Abstract

This paper examines the transformation in entrepreneurial mindset among Indian youth in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic led to a major shift in career aspirations, pushing many young individuals towards entrepreneurship due to job uncertainties, digital acceleration, and increased government support. The research utilizes secondary data and incorporates two relevant Indian startup case studies — Zomato and DeHaat — to demonstrate the diversity and adaptability of youth entrepreneurship in India. Findings reveal that technology, ecosystem support, and societal shifts have significantly influenced the post-COVID entrepreneurial drive.

Introduction

Post-COVID Shift in Mindset
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly altered how Indian youth view entrepreneurship. As traditional job markets became unstable and the digital economy expanded, many young Indians began to see entrepreneurship as a primary career choice rather than a backup. The crisis fostered innovation, adaptability, and risk-taking among emerging entrepreneurs.

Objectives of the Study

1. Analyze changes in youth entrepreneurial mindset post-COVID.

2. Identify factors enabling or restricting youth entrepreneurship.

3. Understand the impact of digital infrastructure, education, and government policy.

Key Insights from Literature

• India has among the highest youth entrepreneurial intent globally (GEM 2022).

• Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities are seeing a rise in startup activity.

• Digital platforms, online education, and social media marketing have become essential for skills and startup incubation.

Methodology

The paper uses secondary research, analyzing reports, studies, and startup data, supported by case studies to show real-world entrepreneurial responses during the pandemic.

Case Studies

• Zomato adapted to the pandemic by expanding services, emphasizing safety, and leveraging technology—its IPO in 2021 marked a major milestone in Indian startups.

• DeHaat, an agritech startup, scaled digitally to support farmers with end-to-end services, demonstrating how tech-enabled entrepreneurship can solve rural challenges.

Findings

1. Youth are more open to risk-taking and entrepreneurship, particularly in tech-driven sectors.

2. Government initiatives like Startup India, PMEGP, and Atmanirbhar Bharat support startup growth.

3. Educational and online platforms are fostering entrepreneurial skills through events and incubators.

4. Funding and mentorship remain limited in rural areas.

5. Women entrepreneurship is increasing, notably in e-commerce, health-tech, and handicrafts.

Conclusion

The post-COVID landscape in India has provided a fertile ground for entrepreneurial growth. Indian youth are increasingly seeing entrepreneurship as a viable career option, driven by digital access, shifting cultural values, and policy support. To sustain this momentum, government and private stakeholders should focus on rural inclusion, gender equity in entrepreneurship, and reducing the urban-rural digital divide. Strengthening local entrepreneurial ecosystems and including startup education in school curricula will further boost India’s journey toward becoming a global startup hub.

References

[1] Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) India Report 2022 [2] NITI Aayog Startup India Portal [3] Economic Times Startup Reports (2021–2024) [4] YourStory and Inc42 Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Articles [5] World Bank Youth Development Report 2023

Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Ayush Mangal . This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.