ACADEMIC STREAMS AND ENTREPRENEURIAL SKILL DEVELOPMENT: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF ARTS, SCIENCE, AND COMMERCE STUDENTS

The increasing emphasis on entrepreneurship as a driver of economic growth has prompted educators and policymakers to investigate how academic environments influence entrepreneurial development among students. This study aims to explore the impact of academic streams—Arts, Science, and Commerce—on the development of entrepreneurial skills among higher education students. By examining entrepreneurial traits such as creativity, risk-taking, innovation, leadership, and business acumen, the research seeks to compare the entrepreneurial mindset across the three streams. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from undergraduate and postgraduate students across various disciplines. The hypothesis tested whether Commerce students demonstrate significantly higher entrepreneurial skills compared to their Arts and Science counterparts. Preliminary findings suggest notable differences in entrepreneurial tendencies, often shaped by curriculum content, teaching approaches, and exposure to real-world business concepts. This study contributes valuable insights into how academic backgrounds influence entrepreneurial potential, with implications for curriculum design and skill-building interventions in higher education.