The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has introduced a new dedicated chapter on startups and entrepreneurship for Class 9 students.
Ideas to Startups
In the NCERT’s new social science textbook, ‘Understanding Society: India and Beyond – Part 2’, the council has introduced students to the world of entrepreneurship and startups through the chapter “From Ideas to Startups”.
In a social media post on X, the NCERT stated: “The chapter explores business opportunities, market understanding, business planning, India’s startup ecosystem and the role of AI in business decision-making, with real-life stories of Indian entrepreneurs”.
Key Questions
As per reports, the chapter revolves around three broad questions: how entrepreneurship affects society and the economy, what are the main functional areas of a business, and how an effective business plan is prepared.
India’s Startup Ecosystem
The book noted that India had around 350-400 startups about a decade ago; however, the ecosystem has now expanded to nearly 2.3 lakh enterprises. India is now the world’s third largest startup ecosystem, it added.
The textbook also asserted that the broader policy push is to bring research, industry, startups, and entrepreneurship on a common platform.
Building Blocks of Business
In the chapter, students are introduced to the building blocks of running a business: understanding market activity, spotting opportunities, assessing performances, and planning before committing resources.
AI in Business Education
Several reports have suggested that the chapter also brings artificial intelligence into the discussion, explaining how AI can assist in market analysis and business-related decision-making. The book has used stories of Indian entrepreneurs to make the subject relatable.