A large-scale RCT in Andhra Pradesh reveals how low-cost, school-based education centred around entrepreneurial mindsets can significantly improve confidence, agency, and academic performance, with girls gaining the most.
India’s youth unemployment crisis is alarming, especially for young women. But a new large-scale study from Andhra Pradesh signals hope.
India’s youth unemployment stands at a staggering 28.3%. The gender gap in entrepreneurship alone could be costing the country up to 23% of its GDP. While India has expanded education and skilling programs, one crucial piece still lags behind: mindset transformation.
This is where entrepreneurial education shines, not by making every student a business owner, but by giving them the fundamental life skills of patience, confidence, risk-taking, decision-making, and teamwork. This strategy is now supported by a landmark randomized controlled trial (RCT) in Andhra Pradesh, which included 31,716 students as an experimental sample. The results show how the program was carried out more broadly, finally reaching 2.93 lakh students at a cost of just about $0.50 per student—making a compelling case for affordably priced, mindset-oriented education reform on scale.
India’s Youth Need More Than Skills, They Need Mindsets
Despite having one of the youngest populations in the world, 28.3% of Indian youth are unemployed. For young women, who frequently encounter structural obstacles that restrict their access to economic opportunities, this difficulty is even more severe. This is made worse by a less obvious but no less pressing problem: although the nation’s access to education and skill development has greatly increased, students’ mentalities have not changed in tandem.
Young people, particularly those from underprivileged communities, are frequently trapped in limited opportunities due to this lack of self-belief, agency, and aspirational thinking. At Udhyam Learning Foundation, we think that altering this narrative starts with changing the way that students interact with the world, think, and feel.
Shaping Futures Through Mindset Education
The Entrepreneurial Mindset Development Program (EMDP) at Udhyam was created to give young people the fundamental life skills they need, including self-assurance, decision-making, goal-setting, risk-taking, and teamwork. Even though not all students decide to start their own business, we think that developing an entrepreneurial mindset enables all students to succeed in whatever career path they choose.
Udhyam and the Andhra Pradesh government worked together to implement EMDP in 26 districts and 1040 schools. Though the program’s overall reach went far beyond this sample, its impact was measured in a rigorous study involving 31,716 students. The program, which was designed to be affordable, scalable, and easily incorporated into the school schedule, is taught by qualified teachers. Most significantly, this degree of impact was attained for a mere $0.50 (roughly ₹40) per student, utilizing the infrastructure already in place at the school to demonstrate that revolutionary change doesn’t require a heavy investment.
A Breakthrough Backed by Evidence
A large-scale, independent randomized controlled trial (RCT) was carried out to determine the actual impact of EMDP. The outcomes were overwhelming. When compared to their counterparts in control schools, students who took part in the program showed noticeably better performance in math, English, and business concepts. Mindset development seemed to complement and even improve academics rather than take away from them.
More significantly, kids started displaying internal shifts that go beyond what can be seen on a test. They became more in charge of their own lives and made better decisions. They grew more introspective and self-aware, more at ease with ambiguity, and more eager to take charge. They began to make plans for the future and gained the fortitude to follow through on them. This was the first time that many people, particularly girls, felt in control of their lives and choices.
Girls at the Forefront of Transformation
The substantial effect that EMDP had on girls was one of the study’s most convincing findings. Girls outperform boys in almost every measure, including academic achievement, confidence, career clarity, and long-term goals. These findings suggest something remarkable in a nation where social norms frequently restrict young women’s freedom and options.
The program provided a window of opportunity for girls who had been told to stay within boundaries for a long time. They started to see themselves as future leaders, professionals, and decision-makers in addition to being students. This was about completely rewriting the expectations that are placed on girls, not just about bridging the gender gap.
A Strong Partnership with Visionary Government Leaders
The Andhra Pradesh program would not have been successful without the unwavering support and direction of the state’s educational system. We are especially grateful to Shri B. Srinivas Rao()IAS, State Project Director of Samagra Shiksha, whose vision and commitment to inclusive education allowed the program to be incorporated into the current structure. We also acknowledge the invaluable help provided by Shri Krishna Reddy, Director of SCERT Andhra Pradesh, and Shri S. Suresh Kumar (IAS) Principal Secretary to Government, Skill Development & Training, & Commissioner of School Education, Govt of Andhra Pradesh in making sure the program was in line with the state’s more general learning goals.
We are also appreciative of our partners, Reap Benefit and Aflatoun International, whose cooperation and assistance were crucial in making the program a reality. Their mutual dedication to innovation and mindset education facilitated the development of a supportive atmosphere that allowed revolutionary concepts to germinate and thrive.
A Blueprint for India’s Future
This partnership demonstrates that significant educational change is not only feasible but also quantifiable, repeatable, and attainable. All of the students who participated in the program saw notable gains in their academic achievement, self-assurance, goal-setting, and emotional intelligence. Young minds are developing the mentality they need to prosper in an uncertain, opportunity-rich world for as little as $0.50 per student.
Above all, the model is scalable. Because of its low cost, high adaptability, use of existing school infrastructure and government integration, EMDP is a model for changing people’s mindsets that can be applied in other states and even nationally. Programs like EMDP need to be given priority and expanded if India is serious about preparing its youth for the future in all aspects, not just economically.
Glimpse of how we are making Andhra Pradesh Entrepreneurial
Entrepreneurial Mindset in Action: Meet Andhra Pradesh’s Young Innovators!
Let’s Build the Future, Together
Our goal at Udhyam is to build on this success story. Our goal is to reach millions of students, not just thousands. But we are aware that we cannot accomplish this on our own. We are looking for partners who share our conviction that education needs to be more than just textbooks. We extend an invitation to funders, legislators, educators, and other changemakers to accompany us on this journey.
This is the proof. There is a real impact. And there has never been a greater need.
We are prepared to collaborate with you if you are prepared to equip the next generation with the means to direct their own lives.
Partner With Us
To learn more about the full study, program details, or how to get involved:
📨 Reach out to us at partnerships@udhyam.org
🌐 Explore our work at www.udhyam.org
