Abstract
This study examines the complex dynamics of factors affecting self-efficacy (SE) and entrepreneurial intentions (EIs) among engineering students in India. It investigates the mediating role of SE in the relationships between entrepreneurial education (EE), entrepreneurial mindset (EM), entrepreneurial passion (EP), and EIs. The research reveals that SE remains stable across various personal characteristics, highlighting it as a robust individual trait less influenced by external factors. Gender significantly impacts EIs, underscoring its pivotal role in shaping entrepreneurial intentions, while other personal characteristics show limited influence. Passion and mindset appear to be consistent across demographics, suggesting they are intrinsic qualities. SE serves as a mediator in the connections between entrepreneurial mindset, passion, and intentions, elucidating its pivotal role in the entrepreneurial process. EE indirectly affects EIs and SE through other factors in the research model. Entrepreneurial passion directly influences both EIs and SE, emphasizing its role as a driving force for entrepreneurship. An entrepreneurial mindset doesn’t directly affect intentions but significantly influences SE, indicating its importance in shaping self-efficacy, which in turn influences intentions. The findings can guide the development of educational programs and initiatives designed to promote entrepreneurship among engineering students in India while considering the impact of self-efficacy and gender-related factors.
Keywords: Entrepreneurial Education, Entrepreneurial Mindset, Entrepreneurial Passion on Entrepreneurial Intentions, Self-efficacy.