Exploring Entrepreneurial Intentions and Attitudes Among Postgraduate Students: A Comparative Analysis Across Gender, Region, and Course

The shortage of job opportunities in the formal sector is a significant problem faced by graduates in the country, leading to increased interest in entrepreneurship, especially in developing economies. This study aims to explore the entrepreneurial intentions and attitudes among postgraduate students in the Shimoga district, focusing on differences across gender, region, and academic courses (M. Com vs. MBA). Despite the growing emphasis on entrepreneurship, many students still prefer employment in private or government sectors over starting their own businesses, highlighting the need to enhance their understanding of enterprise management and business risks. The research adopts a descriptive and exploratory approach, utilizing primary data collected through a structured questionnaire administered to M. Com and MBA students. The study finds a moderate positive correlation between entrepreneurial attitudes and intentions, with no significant differences based on gender, regional background, or course of study. These findings suggest that demographic factors do not substantially influence students' entrepreneurial outlook, emphasizing the importance of strengthening entrepreneurship education uniformly to foster a positive entrepreneurial culture.