#genzindia

Ever had a startup idea but hit the wall at the bank when they asked, “What collateral can you provide?”

For Gen Z entrepreneurs in India, this is the biggest barrier—most don’t own property, but they do own ideas, code, and creativity.

That’s where collateral-free loans come in. Thanks to government-backed credit guarantee schemes, you can now access funding without pledging family assets.

✨ Schemes like the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS) and CGFMU are helping young founders turn code into companies, side hustles into real businesses.

🔑 Key takeaway: Your idea can be your ticket to funding—not just your assets.

Sometimes, it feels like starting a business is only for “big people” — the ones with MBAs, family money, or powerful networks. But the truth? India’s young founders are rewriting the rules.

Imagine this: a student in a small-town hostel is coding an app at night, a young woman in a village is starting her own food business, and a group of friends in Delhi is setting up an ed-tech startup from their living room. None of them are waiting for permission.

And here’s the good part — the Startup India movement is actually making it possible for them to succeed.

Why This Is Different

In 2025, starting up isn’t about luck or being born into privilege. It’s about access.

You can register a company online, without running between government offices.

There are tax breaks for the first three years.

Startups get patent rebates up to 80%.

And yes, the government is literally acting like a co-signer for your loans through credit guarantee schemes.

The Big Problem: Funding

Let’s be real. Banks don’t like giving loans to 22-year-olds with no collateral. That’s where credit schemes step in:

Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS) helps innovative startups get loans backed by government support.

Stand-Up India Guarantee Scheme (CGSSI) offers loans of ₹10 lakh–₹1 crore to women and SC/ST entrepreneurs without needing collateral.

Think of it this way: the government is standing behind you, saying to the banks, “If this founder stumbles, we’ll share the risk.”

Why It Feels Personal

This isn’t about creating the next unicorn. It’s about giving young people a real shot at building something of their own. It’s about trusting youth with responsibility.

If you’re sitting there wondering whether your idea is “too small,” remember: India’s future isn’t being built only in boardrooms — it’s being built in hostels, living rooms, and co-working spaces.

Final Thought

Startup India for youth is not just a policy. It’s a quiet revolution. One that says:

✨ Your dreams are valid. Your risks are worth taking. And your ideas matter.

There’s something shifting. You can feel it when you scroll through Instagram reels of young bakers selling cakes from their kitchens. You see it in the portfolios of 19-year-olds taking freelance design commissions. You hear it in the voices of students teaching skills on YouTube.

Gen Z in India is rewriting what “work” means.

Freedom Instead of Stability

For our parents, a job was the definition of stability. For us? Independence feels safer than a 9–5.

Because when you own your work—your art, your skills, your small business—no one can lay you off from yourself.

What Self-Employment Looks Like Here

It’s not always startups or big ventures. Sometimes it’s just:

a sketch turned into a digital commission,

a guitar lesson streamed on Instagram Live,

a late-night freelance coding gig,

or selling hand-painted tote bags online.

Every little hustle is a small act of rebellion: I choose me.

The Struggles We Don’t Post About

Let’s be honest— The income isn’t consistent. Banks still ask for collateral. Parents still say “but when will you get a real job?” Burnout is very, very real.

But still—most of us keep going. Because even when it’s hard, it’s ours.

Did You Know?

There are actual systems trying to support this shift.

The National Credit Guarantee Trustee Company (NCGTC) runs programs that make it easier for young entrepreneurs to get funding without being crushed by paperwork or collateral demands.

CGFMU – for tiny businesses (your bakery, tuition center, photography gig).

CGSS – for tech-driven, startup-level ideas.

CGSSI – for women + marginalized creators launching their first ventures.

It’s like a quiet safety net for a loud generation.

My Reflection

Self-employment feels like painting your own canvas in a world where everyone else is waiting in line for someone else’s brush.

It’s messy. It’s scary. It doesn’t always pay the bills at first. But it’s freedom.

And maybe that’s why Gen Z in India keeps choosing it. Because in a world of layoffs and uncertain futures, the most radical thing we can do is believe that our skills are enough.

When you hear "big fat Indian wedding," chances are you're imagining vibrant lehengas, Bollywood beats, marigold-draped mandaps, and an emotional rollercoaster of traditions. Now imagine all that minus the actual wedding — no bride, no groom, no family drama, no pheras. Just pure, unadulterated celebration.

Welcome to the world of fake Indian weddings, Gen Z’s newest obsession.

What’s a Fake Wedding, Anyway?

In India’s trend-driven urban nightlife, fake weddings have burst onto the scene as the ultimate experience: a full-blown wedding party — sangeet, baraat, dhol, dancing — but without any nuptials involved.

These are ticketed events hosted by clubs, hotels, and event companies, promising the glam and vibe of a real wedding, without rituals, family expectations, or pressure. Think: wedding-themed rager, complete with tequila-filled gol gappas.

From Delhi to Bengaluru: The Scene Is Booming

Last week in Delhi, a luxe club hosted a fake sangeet that could rival any real one. Women twirled in sequinned saris, men flaunted embroidered kurtas, and a live dhol drummer led the dance floor. For attendees like Shivangi Sareen, the night was a refreshing break from traditional weddings.

“At family weddings, there’s so much pressure. But here, it’s just fun. We got to dress up and enjoy it all with friends — no relatives judging us,” she said.

The price? Around ₹10,000 per couple — and she says it was “totally worth it.”

Big Business in Pretend Bliss

Entrepreneurs in hospitality are cashing in. Sharad Madan, a restaurant owner in Delhi, says the fake wedding he hosted cost around ₹10 lakh to organize — but ticket sales are expected to double that.

“It’s not just about profits. Patrons want novelty, and this delivers,” he explained.

Meanwhile in Bengaluru, 8Club Events hosted a fake wedding with 2,000 attendees at a five-star hotel. Inspired by Indian diaspora parties abroad, co-founder Kaushal Chanani says the format taps into deep cultural nostalgia mixed with a modern twist.

“We now have an SOP — a full guide — on how to host these events,” he added, with plans to expand to Jaipur, Kolkata, and Lucknow.

Sober, Spiritual, or Just Silly? There’s Something for Everyone

Not all fake weddings involve booze and bass drops. Third Place, a Bengaluru-based start-up, recently hosted a “sober sangeet,” featuring team games, astrology-themed activities, and — notably — no alcohol.

“Sometimes, alcohol takes away from the experience,” said CEO Anurag Pandey. “We wanted to recreate the joy of weddings without turning it into another club night.”

A Generational Shift

Experts see fake weddings as a reflection of how Gen Z approaches celebration — focusing more on immersive experiences than formalities or obligations.

“People want a reason to celebrate. Weddings offer the perfect aesthetic and emotional mix — minus the stress,” said cultural commentator Santosh Desai.

It also gives attendees a chance to rewear that ₹30,000 lehenga collecting dust in the closet.

But Is the Honeymoon Phase Real?

While some believe the trend is here to stay, others see it as a passing phase. Vijay Arora of Touchwood Events calls it a “fad with potential,” adding:

“If it evolves into its own category, it could be a game-changer for the events industry.”

India’s wedding industry is valued at a staggering $130 billion. With real weddings concentrated during the cooler months (November–March), fake weddings could keep venues and vendors busy during the off-season.

Not Everyone Is Sold

Some attendees have walked away disappointed. Srishti Sharma, a 23-year-old marketing professional in Bengaluru, attended a fake wedding hoping for shaadi vibes. Instead, she got EDM, fries, and no dessert.

“It felt lazy. The food didn’t match the theme, and they didn’t even start with Bollywood music,” she said.

Others question whether these events trivialize tradition. But many like Vidhi Kapoor, who attended the Delhi fake sangeet, argue it’s just light-hearted fun.

“No one’s mocking rituals. It’s just a theme — and one that lets us celebrate without judgment,” she said.

Final Verdict: Just Fun or Future of Festivity?