Building Entrepreneurial Mind-Sets : Evidence from a Large-Scale Educational Intervention in India - Policy Brief

Overview & Synopsis

India faces high youth disengagement and a persistent gender gap in entrepreneurship. To address these challenges, the state of Andhra Pradesh piloted the Entrepreneurial Mindset Development Program (EMDP), a 50-hour school-based curriculum delivered to Grade 9 students. The intention of the government was to improve the employability of the youth and educate students to learn to get along and get ahead in life - as described by implementing partners. Results from a large-scale randomized evaluation show that the program strengthened students’ agency, improved financial literacy and academic outcomes—especially for girls—and fostered more gender-equitable classroom dynamics. Female students also demonstrated higher-quality entrepreneurial pitches and greater investor interest. The program has low implementation costs and therefore it offers a scalable pathway to equip young people—particularly young women—with the skills and confidence needed to pursue education, employment, and enterprise.