This study explores the interplay between self-efficacy, entrepreneurial climate, technology awareness, entrepreneurial orientation, and entrepreneurial behaviour among youth in the states of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. Using a structured questionnaire and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), data from a purposive sample was analyzed to test six hypothesized relationships. Results reveal that self-efficacy (β = 0.477, p < 0.001) and entrepreneurial climate (β = 0.387, p < 0.001) significantly influence entrepreneurial orientation, while entrepreneurial orientation strongly predicts entrepreneurial behaviour (β = 0.550, p < 0.001). Moreover, entrepreneurial climate also has a positive impact on self-efficacy (β = 0.440, p < 0.001). However, technology awareness showed no significant effect on either entrepreneurial orientation or self-efficacy. The model explains 54.6% of the variance in entrepreneurial orientation and 30.3% in entrepreneurial behavior. These findings underscore the importance of fostering a supportive entrepreneurial climate and enhancing self-efficacy to encourage entrepreneurial engagement. The study offers implications for policy makers and educators to strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystems settings.