Diploma in Entrepreneurship is a 1 year undergraduate diploma program in business management. The program is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and mindset to start, manage, and grow their own businesses, focusing on areas like Business Planning, Financial Management, Marketing, and Innovation.
The eligibility criteria for most diploma programs is 10+2 or equivalent. However, some advanced diploma programs offered by institutions like IGNOU, IIMs, and XLRI may require a bachelor’s degree or prior work experience. There is no age limit, making it accessible to freshers, professionals, and small business owners..
The average course fee for a Diploma in Entrepreneurship varies between INR 10,000 – 1,50,000, based on the mode (online/offline), institute, and certification level. Some institutes that offer the program are Jawaharlal Nehru University, Indian Institute of Skill Development Training, and Indian School of Business Management and Administration.
Graduates from this course can pursue careers as Startup Founders, Innovation Consultants, Business Development Executives, Social Entrepreneurs or can join incubation hubs, venture capital firms, and NGOs. The average starting salary is between INR 3,00,000 – 7,00,000 LPA, depending on skills and experience.
- Diploma in Entrepreneurship Course Highlights
- What is a Diploma in Entrepreneurship?
- Why Pursue a Diploma in Entrepreneurship?
- Who Should Pursue a Diploma in Entrepreneurship?
- Eligibility Criteria for Diploma in Entrepreneurship
- Diploma in Entrepreneurship Colleges in India
- Diploma in Entrepreneurship Admission Process 2025
- Diploma in Entrepreneurship Syllabus
- Diploma in Entrepreneurship Jobs & Career Opportunities
- Diploma in Entrepreneurship FAQs
Diploma in Entrepreneurship Course Highlights
The interested should know about some key highlights of the course. This will help them understand the course better.. Provided below are some of the basic details about the course Diploma in Entrepreneurship:
Details | Particulars |
Course Name | Diploma in Entrepreneurship |
Course Level | Diploma / Certificate |
Duration | 6 Months – 1 Year |
Course Type | Full-Time / Part-Time / Online |
Admission Process | Merit-based or Direct Admission |
Eligibility Criteria | 10+2 or Graduation (varies by institute) |
Average Course Fee | INR 10,000 – INR 1,50,000 |
Subjects Covered | Business Planning, Fundraising, Innovation, Marketing, Risk Mgmt |
Top Colleges/Institutes | IGNOU, EDII Ahmedabad, Symbiosis, IIM Bangalore (Certificate), NIESBUD |
Job Profiles | Startup Founder, Incubator Manager, Business Consultant, SME Head |
Average Salary in India | INR 3,00,000 – INR 7,00,000 per annum |
What is a Diploma in Entrepreneurship?
A Diploma in Entrepreneurship is a niche program. It educates students on how to establish, run, and expand their own businesses. This diploma is practical and centered on real-world business problems. It equips students with the tools to create ideas into successful businesses. Here's what a Diploma of Entrepreneurship entails:
- Students gain knowledge of key business fields. This ranges from finance to marketing and the way businesses work.
- It assists students in discovering and creating new business ideas. They are trained to identify market needs.
- Students are instructed on how to compose thorough business plans. The plans specify how a new business will operate.
- It addresses how to raise funds for a new business. This involves understanding investors and loans.
- Students are able to identify and manage business risk. This enables them to make intelligent choices.
Why Pursue a Diploma in Entrepreneurship?
Candidates aspiring to pursue a Diploma in Entrepreneurship will have a lot to learn in this course including how to grow, build, and manage their own business from scratch. Listed below are some points on why one should pursue a Diploma of Entrepreneurship.
- With 100,000+ startups and India emerging as the third-largest startup ecosystem, traditional entrepreneurship training is more precious than ever.
- Understand idea validation, fundraising, MVP development, marketing plan, and business model from veteran mentors.
- Students can pursue Diploma in Entrepreneurship online as well as offline modes, appropriate for working professionals, students, and first-time entrepreneurs.
- Most programs are associated with incubators, accelerators, and angel networks, which expose them to real-time funding opportunities.
- They provide global certifications or have linkage with international bodies of entrepreneurs, such as Wadhwani Foundation or Y Combinator School.
Who Should Pursue a Diploma in Entrepreneurship?
A Diploma in Entrepreneurship is a valuable choice for many. This program helps students learn how to start and grow businesses. It provides practical skills and knowledge. Students interested in innovation and leadership often find it appealing. Here's who should consider this course:
- Students who want to start their own business.
- Students with new business ideas.
- Students who want to work for startups.
- Students who are creative and solve problems.
- Students who want practical business skills quickly.
- Students looking for a career change.
- Students who want to improve an existing family business.
Eligibility Criteria for Diploma in Entrepreneurship
The eligibility may vary by institution, but generally includes:
- 10+2 pass from a recognized board (for entry-level diplomas).
- Graduation (Bachelor’s degree) is required for advanced diplomas (IIMs, Symbiosis, etc.).
- No age limit; open to professionals, college students, and entrepreneurs.
- Some institutes may conduct personal interviews or statement of purpose (SOP) reviews.
- For some colleges and universities, they might ask for a minimum percentage of marks in the previous qualifying exams (there will be relaxation for reserved category).
Diploma in Entrepreneurship Colleges in India
There are many reputed colleges and universities that offer this Diploma of Entrepreneurship program. Some offer in online mode and others in offline mode. Listed below are some of the colleges/institutes that offer the course. Let’s have a look at them.
Institute Name | Location/Mode | Eligibility | Course Fee (Approx.) |
IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University) | Online / Distance | 10+2 or equivalent | INR 8,000 – 10,000 |
EDII (Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India) | Ahmedabad | Graduation | INR 25,000 – 40,000 |
IIM Bangalore (NSRCEL - MOOCs) | Online (edX/NSRCEL) | UG Degree / Startup Experience | INR 15,000 – 35,000 |
NIESBUD (National Institute for Entrepreneurship) | Noida / Online | 10+2 | INR 5,000 – 15,000 |
Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning (SCDL) | Online / Distance | Graduation | INR 25,000 – 50,000 |
Jawaharlal Nehru University | Online/ OfflineCertification | 10+2 or UG | INR 1,00,000 (Total) |
IIM Udaipur – Incubation-based short-term diploma | Rajasthan / Online | Startup Founders / UG | INR 30,000 – 60,000 |
IIFT New Delhi (Certificate in Start-up Ventures) | Delhi / Online | Graduation | INR 45,000 – 80,000 |
Diploma in Entrepreneurship Admission Process 2025
The admission process may vary depending on the institution. Admission to Diploma in Entrepreneurship is based upon the merit of the user. Listed below is the admission process for the Indian School of Business Management and Administration:
Step 1: Visit the official websites of the selected colleges and fill out the diploma application form.Step 2: Submission of Documents: Upload mark sheets (10+2 or graduation), ID proof, and SOP (if required).
Step 3: Some institutes conduct interviews or review your entrepreneurial motivation via SOP.
Step 4: Once selected, pay the fee to confirm your seat.
Step 5: After confirmation of your admission, the candidate will be granted LMS access, and they’ll begin their study.Documents Required:
- Class 10th mark sheet and certificate
- Class 12th mark sheet and certificate
- Transfer Certificate or School Leaving Certificate
- Migration Certificate
- Character Certificate
- Caste certificate
- Domicile certificate
- Recent passport-size photographs
- Photo ID proof (Aadhaar card, PAN card, or other government-issued ID)
- Income certificate
Diploma in Entrepreneurship Syllabus
The syllabus of Diploma in Entrepreneurship may vary depending on the college or institution, but to give candidates an overview listed below are some of the subjects that students will be focusing on during their diploma. Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi:
Semester I | Semester II |
Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice | Innovations and Intellectual Property Rights for SMEs |
Business Economics | Business Legislations for Entrepreneurial Ventures |
Business Opportunity Identification | Human Resource Management for SMEs |
Accounting for SMEs | Production and Operation Management |
Marketing Management | Indian Economy and Policy |
Financial Management | Management and Globalization of Family Business |
Project Management | Diploma Project |
Diploma in Entrepreneurship Jobs & Career Opportunities
Though after completing a Diploma in Entrepreneurship the core goal is to start and manage one’s own venture, the course also opens up roles in startup ecosystems.
Job Role | Industry/Employer | Average Salary |
Startup Founder / Co-founder | Self-employed / Incubated Startup | Depends on venture |
Business Development Executive | Ketto, Bloom Agency, Indusland Bank | INR 3,00,000 – 5,50,000 |
Incubation Associate | Startup Hubs, Govt Incubators, NGO, Golden Jublee Biotech Park | INR 4,00,000 – 6,00,000 |
Entrepreneurial Coach / Mentor | Ed-tech, Government Programs | INR 6,00,000 – 10,00,000 |
Innovation Consultant | Avalon Global Research, AGR Edge, Infosys | INR 5,00,000 – 8,00,000 |
SME Head or Operations Manager | Manufacturing / Retail Startups | INR 6,00,000 – 9,00,000 |
Diploma in Entrepreneurship FAQs
What type of assistance do institutions offer to students wishing to start a business?
Many institutions offer mentorship programs, incubator access, and networking with industry experts. They may also provide funding support, workshops, and the provision of resources to enable students to prepare their business ideas and work through the startup environment.
How can this diploma help me increase my opportunity of getting funded for my startup?
The course usually has modules that cover fundraising, venture capital, and pitching to investors. Through these modules, students are taught how to develop persuasive business plans and presentations. This can improve one's opportunities of getting investors and receiving funding for one's business.
Are there chances of working with other students throughout the course?
Indeed, most diploma programs foster teamwork via group assignments, startup simulations, and networking sessions. This interactive space enables students to exchange ideas, acquire different perspectives. They can even establish partnerships that might translate to future business opportunities.
Am I able to proceed with further studies once I finish this diploma?
Yes, Diploma in Entrepreneurship graduates can further their studies such as MBA in entrepreneurship or business management. Most institutions also have specialized master's courses.
