Navigating GST Through Practical Lessons for Startups and Small Businesses

Bengaluru, 22nd April 2026: Understanding taxation is increasingly essential for aspiring entrepreneurs navigating India’s evolving business environment. With this focus, the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS), Faculty of Engineering and Technology at JAIN (Deemed-to-be University), in collaboration with NAIN 2.0, organised an industry expert session on 22 April 2026 examining the impact of Goods and Services Tax (GST) on MSMEs and startups.

The keynote address was delivered by Mr. Sandeep Kumar, a Chartered Accountant with extensive experience in startup advisory, GST compliance, and corporate law. Through a structured and accessible discussion, he traced the evolution of GST and highlighted its role in streamlining India’s indirect taxation system. At the same time, he drew attention to the compliance complexities that continue to challenge emerging businesses.

Moving beyond theory, the session offered practical insights into GST registration processes, filing procedures, and compliance requirements. Students were introduced to the ways in which GST influences cost structures and operational efficiency, particularly for MSMEs and startups navigating competitive markets. Mr. Kumar emphasised that, when approached strategically, GST can support better financial planning and scalability for entrepreneurs.

The event opened with a welcome address by Dr. Sachin Pavitran A.P., followed by a contextual introduction from Dr. Ahmadi Begum, Programme Head, who underscored the importance of tax literacy in today’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. The session also included an interactive question-and-answer segment, where students actively engaged with the speaker, seeking clarity on real-world regulatory challenges.

A key takeaway from the session was the emphasis on GST as a transformative reform that promotes transparency and supports the formalisation of businesses.

By bridging academic concepts with industry practice, the session provided students with a clearer understanding of the intersection between taxation and entrepreneurship. It reinforced the importance of regulatory awareness in building resilient, future-ready enterprises in India’s dynamic economic environment.