In colleges across India, the traditional placement season is beginning to face competition, from students who are choosing to launch startups instead of landing jobs. What used to be a clear-cut path from degree to employment is now being replaced by a growing wave of young entrepreneurs chasing independence, innovation, and impact.
Startups Over Salaries: A Shift in Graduate Mindsets
For decades, getting placed in a reputed company was seen as the ultimate goal after graduation. Today, a different narrative is taking shape, one where students are founding their own ventures, often before they collect their degrees.
From IITs and NITs to private universities, students are turning hobbies and side projects into full-fledged businesses. More young Indians are choosing to start their own businesses instead of looking for jobs. This includes technology startups, brands that sell directly to consumers, tools for creators, and platforms for education technology.
Why Students Are Opting to Build
- Multiple factors are contributing to this change: Support for the startup ecosystem is increasing. With access to college incubators, hackathons, and mentorship, students now have the resources to explore ideas early on.
- Cultural Shift: Shows like Shark Tank India, startup success stories, and social media visibility have made entrepreneurship aspirational.
- Freedom and Impact: Many Gen Z students feel they can create more value, and be more fulfilled, by building something of their own instead of working in rigid corporate structures.
- Funding Accessibility: Angel investors and early-stage VCs are now open to backing student-led startups, especially in sectors like fintech, healthtech, and sustainability.
Notable Student Founders Leading the Way
Young founders like Tilak Mehta (Papers N Parcels), Sanket Shah (InVideo), and Vidit Aatrey (Meesho) began their journeys young and have inspired countless others. Many students now use platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Discord to network, pitch, and test their business ideas while still in college.
Placements Aren’t Dead But Priorities Are Changing
While campus placements are still popular, the idea that they’re the “safe option” is fading. Many students even defer placements or reject offers to continue building products they believe in.
Colleges are adapting too, with more institutions offering entrepreneurship cells, startup credits, and gap-year options.
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