Pattnayak, S.Thangavelu, S.2015-11-052015-11-052014World Economy, The, 2014; 37(7):1016-10260378-59201467-9701http://hdl.handle.net/2440/96166<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:p>In this paper, we examine whether firms become productive by learning through exporting. To this end, we estimate the production function using microdata of <jats:styled-content style="fixed-case">I</jats:styled-content>ndian manufacturing firms operating in the period 1991–2001. In contrast to studies on developed countries, our results provide evidence that <jats:styled-content style="fixed-case">I</jats:styled-content>ndian manufacturing firms are experiencing a rise in productivity through entering export markets and thus experience the learning effect. We also find that there is a productivity rise prior to exporting. Therefore, our results also support the self‐selection mechanism for exporting.</jats:p>en© 2014 John Wiley & Sons LtdJournal article003002292010.1111/twec.121360003397167000072-s2.0-84904606140173565