A Study of Student's Attitude Towards Entrepreneurship with Reference to Solapur District

Abstract

Abstract Entrepreneurship has become an emerging career option among youth in India. This study attempts to examine the attitudes of college students in Solapur district towards entrepreneurship, their motivations, perceived barriers, and future intentions. Primary data was collected from 100+ students across different courses (B.Com, M.Com, and other commerce-related programs). The findings reveal that while students generally hold a positive attitude towards entrepreneurship, lack of capital, fear of failure, and insufficient business knowledge are key barriers. Most students admire successful entrepreneurs and view entrepreneurship as a career offering freedom, innovation, and social contribution. Entrepreneurship is increasingly recognized as a vital instrument for economic transformation, employment generation, and youth empowerment in developing economies like India. In this context, understanding students’ perceptions and intentions towards entrepreneurship is crucial for designing effective educational and policy interventions. The present study explores the entrepreneurial attitudes, motivational factors, perceived challenges, and career intentions of college students in Solapur district. The research is based on primary data collected from undergraduate and postgraduate commerce students using a structured questionnaire and analyzed through descriptive statistics and inferential techniques. The findings reveal a generally favorable attitude towards entrepreneurship, driven by aspirations for independence, higher income, and self-fulfillment. However, structural barriers such as limited access to finance, inadequate entrepreneurial skills, and fear of failure continue to restrict entrepreneurial action. The study also finds no significant association between gender and preferred business sector, indicating changing perceptions regarding entrepreneurial roles. The paper emphasizes the need for institutional support, entrepreneurship education, mentorship, and localized policy measures to convert positive attitudes into sustainable entrepreneurial ventures.