Entrepreneurial Intentions of Higher Education Youth

Higher education institutions in India should focus on developing employability skills and entrepreneurial skills in the younger generation of youth. There is a skills gap between industrial demand and higher education output in terms of youth labor force. Skill India Program was proposed by Hon'ble Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi to promote vocational training and certification of Indian youth to demonstrate socially responsible livelihood. The government is taking several initiatives like Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), Roskar Mela, Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendras (PMKK), Skill Development Scheme, UDAN, School Initiatives and Higher Education, India International Skill Centers (IISC). Departing Directional Training (PDOT) to fill the gap between higher education skill acquisition and industry demand. Good quality education should be pursued to improve the curriculum and other aspects of higher education. This study primarily aims to find out the key determinants of employment decision-making and entrepreneurial intentions among college youth. This study was conducted to examine the impact of employability skill acquisition on entrepreneurial intentions. Only skill aspects such as basic skills, interpersonal skills and employability skills are considered to measure the level of skill acquisition among college youth. The variables and skills selected in the present study were highly correlated with youth students only. The remaining features were not studied due to time and cost constraints.

The present research comprehensively explored the reasons, determinants and entrepreneurial intentions of higher education youths' employment decision-making. This research has opened up fascinating vistas for future and dynamic researchers in the following areas:  There should be a separate and comprehensive study of employment decision-making and other determinants of entrepreneurial intentions that have not been explored in this study.

The study revealed the strengths and weaknesses of students in higher education institutions in terms of basic skills, interpersonal skills and employability. This will help the administration and academics to understand the area where improvement is needed and ensure better placement of the students. A study of demographic profile in relation to skill set has shed light on the factors affecting employability. Factor analysis and structural equation modeling revealed the determinants of higher education youth's employment decision-making and entrepreneurial intention.