17 Best Online Business Ideas for Students in India

Want to earn a few extra bucks while in school? No worries, the internet is filled with opportunities. You can start an online business with minimum investment and take the first leap towards building a better future for yourself. To help you start, we have provided a list of the best online business ideas for students. Even if you are in high school or in university, you can choose to execute these ideas. Read more about the idea that strikes you as the best and eventually starts your journey toward financial freedom.

List of Top 17 Online Business Ideas for Students in India 

1. Affiliate Marketing

Required Skills	Problem Solving, Creativity, Communication, Technical, and Productivity
Average Income	₹15,404 – ₹17,006/month (source: AmbitionBox)

Affiliate Marketing only thrives on networks. You don’t need to be an expert to become an Affiliate Marketer. That is if you know a good amount of people, you can make money easily. You can sit at home, promote popular brands such as Adidas, Nike, Lenovo, Flipkart, Myntra, Ajio, etc. and earn commission on every sale. That is, when other people shop, you will be earning.

Affiliate Marketing is among the best online business ideas for students because it does not require any prior investment, and you can earn a significant amount of money with it. EarnKaro is one of the best Affiliate Marketing platforms in India. You can sign up for free on EarnKaro and partner with more than 150+ brands as affiliates.

2. Make Use of Social Media

Required Skills	Good communication skills, Creativity, Content Creation
Average Income	₹24,802/month (source: Indeed.com)

We all follow social media influencers on a variety of social media platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, and others. You must be smart and reliable in your content delivery to your followers in this zero-investment industry. To keep your audience interested for at least two to four months, you need to publish 5-8 posts every day. The more well-known brand deals you can get for yourself, the more people you can link to your profile.

Digital marketing is relevant today. So, brands are willing to invest a lot of money in it. To gain popularity and recognition, try to capitalize by offering your viewers consistent and unique content.

Moreover, if you are a housewife and looking to start an online business idea, then here are some of the best online business ideas for Women which can be started without any initial investments.

3. Event Management

Required Skills	Good Communication, Organizing and Problem Solving
Average Income	₹26,420/month (source: Indeed.com)

A trend has emerged in creatively managing a variety of occasions and events. It’s one of the exciting side business ideas for students that calls for some originality and a modern twist. This is the ideal business venture for you if you can arrange many events in addition to college festivals, such as engagement parties, mehndi ceremonies, weddings, and receptions.

Try to create a group of students seeking flexible employment. You can handle low-cost parties, weddings, and other events if you have a strong team. You can make a reputation for yourself in this sector by offering excellent service. To coordinate between the team and clients as needed, you must have some leadership and communication skills.

4. Freelancing

Required Skills	Time Management, Social Media Marketing, Communication, Finance and Persistence & Motivation
Average Income	₹29,531 – ₹30,852/month (source: AmbitionBox)

Freelancing is considered one of the most flexible part-time jobs for students. You can offer your freelancing services on platforms such as Upwork, Fiverr, Guru, PeoplePerHour, and Truelancer. Figure out what is of interest to you and offer your services. This can be writing, editing, graphic designing, SEO, website designing, or data entry. The best part is you will get paid in dollars for the hours you invest.

To start your journey as a freelancer, first decide on the skill you can provide. Next, register yourself on a freelancing website. Finally, polish your profile and start sending proposals. Once you start getting positive reviews of your work, you can use it to attract more clients. For example, if you are designing an ebook cover, you can showcase your sample ebook cover and customer reviewers. 

5. Resell Textbooks

Required Skills	Need to have Specialisation in a Specific Skill
Average Income	₹16,500/month

Re-selling textbooks are one of the unique online business ideas for students. To earn money, first, buy old textbooks for your seniors. You can even create a website for this purpose. Next, sell it to your peers at a cheaper rate than a new textbook. Voila! You are done. You can keep the profit with you.

Some of the best places to resell your textbooks are eBay, Amazon, AbeBooks, Barnes and Noble, BooksRun, Campus Books, Cash4books, and so on.

6. Online Tutoring

Required Skills	Need to have expertise in a specific field
Average Income	₹ 15,222 – ₹ 16,808/month (source: AmbitionBox)

Are you bilingual? Do you excel in academics? Why don’t you consider becoming an online tutor? You can fix your timings according to your schedule and even earn decent pay. There are several subjects that you can teach, including music or dance, to your peers or juniors. You can record your classes and post them on your website or youtube to earn money. As a result, online tutoring is one of the small online business ideas for students. You can sign up with tutoring websites such as WONK, Preplay, Trivium, and Vedantu to start earning money. After teaching your first students, you can ask them to post positive reviews to gain new clients.

Moreover, if you want to earn money through Instagram, then check out our blog, where we have listed some of the best Business Ideas for Instagram. Do have a look, and you can thank us later for this.

7. Blogging

Required Skills	Need to have Good Copy Writing, Communication, Researching and Creative Skills.
Average Income	₹21,498 – ₹23,139/month

Starting a blog is one of the best business ideas for students at home. Particularly when writing is your hobby. However, the only flaw with blogging is that it takes time to see returns. This can be from six months to even years. Since you are still in school and not in a hurry to make money, you can take up blogging. By the time you graduate, you will have a steady source of income.

To start your first blog, pick a niche (this can be a macro or micro niche), choose a blogging platform, a domain name, and get blog hosting. Next, start using WordPress, select a theme, write your blog post, and publish and promote your blog.

8. Become an E-commerce Seller

Required Skills	Analytical, Communication and Technical Skills are Required
Average Income	₹33,547 – ₹34,809/month

Becoming an e-commerce seller is one of the creative business ideas for students. You can procure products you like from wholesale retailers and sell them at affordable prices on the e-commerce platform. When the product sells, you will get paid from the e-commerce platforms. To increase your customer base, you can give discounts as well.

To start your e-commerce business, the first research and find out the niche you want to work on. Next, select the business name and register for EIN (employer identification number). Finally, choose an e-commerce platform, create your website, list your product and market your business. Looking to start a part-time business? Do check out the list of top part-time business ideas and choose the best for you.

9. Game Testing

Required Skills	Problem-Solving, Good Knowledge of Quality Assurance Processes
Average Income	₹21,498 – ₹23,139/month

Testing games is one of the creative business ideas for students. Games go through several development phases before they are released. As a game tester, you can play games, find out the flaws and give reports to the game development company. You will be paid for testing out the game.

You can sign up with apps like Bingo Mania, LuckTastic, Swagbucks, Mist Play, DROPS, and Long Game to earn money by testing out games.

10. Dropshipping

Required Skills	Problem-Solving, Good Knowledge of Quality Assurance Processes
Average Income	₹20,000 to ₹4,00,000/month

Dropshipping means creating a website where you place products from sellers. You are allowed to set the price of the product. For example, setting the price of a shirt at a slightly higher price than the original cost. When a customer places an order, the seller delivers the product. You earn the profit. 

To start your first dropshipping business, decide on a niche, get a license, and find a supplier. Then, you can set up your dropshipping store, create a customer acquisition plan and optimize your business.

11. Selling Digital Products

Students in India can earn by selling digital products by creating and selling products like web applications, mobile apps, graphics, music, videos, templates, ebooks, and online courses. They can also start their online stores to sell digital products or create an online marketplace to facilitate the sale of digital products from other creators. Additionally, students can become affiliates of digital services and products or monetize their websites and blogs with advertising services.

12. Selling Crafts

Indian students can also earn by selling crafts online by using various online platforms such as Etsy, Amazon Handmade, Storenvy, IndiGift, Craftsvilla, JaipurCrafts, Handmade Bazaar, and many more. They can create their online store on these platforms and sell their creations. Some of these platforms also provide marketing tools and analytics to help students understand their customers better. They can also use social media to promote their work and reach a wider audience.

13. Content Creation

Content creation provides a high-income source for students in various ways. They can create content by writing blog posts, creating videos, creating podcasts, creating ebooks, designing graphics, creating web apps, and more. They can also monetize their content by selling it, running ads, or offering services like consulting. Additionally, students can join platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and Freelancer to find freelance work related to content creation.

14. Translator

Required Skills	Language knowledge, Cultural knowledge, Communication, Writing, Computer-assisted translation (CAT), Active listening, Organization, Reading Comprehension, Attention to detail
Average Income	₹22,098/month

Students in India can earn by becoming a translator in several ways. They can join translation companies that pay per project, join freelance websites like Upwork or Fiverr to advertise their services, join language-specific communities, or set up their website to advertise their services. Also, they can connect with potential customers by attending or joining virtual translation events and online translation forums.

15. Buy and Sell Domains

Buying and selling domains can become a profitable business in a very small amount of time. Indian students can earn money by buying and selling domains by following a few simple steps, which involve research on domain trends to identify potential domains that you could sell for a profit, purchasing domains that have potential at a lower price, marketing the domain to potential buyers, negotiating a sale at a higher price than you bought it for and finally, transferring the domain to the buyer and collecting the sale proceeds.

16. Proofreading

Required Skills	Writing and editing, Computer efficiency, Fact-checking, Communication skills, Comprehension and resourcefulness, Attention to details
Average Income	₹37,500/month (source: glassdoor)

Students in India can earn money through proofreading by joining freelance websites such as Upwork, Freelancer, Fiverr, and Guru. These websites allow students to register as freelancers, create profiles, and bid on proofreading jobs. Students can also search for proofreading jobs on social media platforms such as Twitter and LinkedIn. Finally, students can contact local businesses, digital agencies, publishing houses, and other organizations that require proofreaders and offer their services.

17. Digital Marketer

Required Skills	Data analysis, content creation, SEO & SEM, CRM, Basic design work, Social media, Communication skills
Average Income	₹ 21,498 – ₹ 23,139/month (source: AmbitionBox)

Students in India can earn through digital marketing by becoming digital marketers, providing services such as website design, SEO optimization, content writing, email marketing, and social media marketing. They can also work with digital marketing agencies as interns or full-time employees. Additionally, students can offer digital marketing services to local businesses. They can also create their blog or website to monetize through online advertisements, affiliate marketing, and selling digital products. They can provide digital marketing consulting services to help businesses grow their online presence.

In addition to this, we would also like you to check our latest blog, where we have mentioned some of the best business ideas for YouTube that can be initiated with minimal investments. Do check it out and let us know if you find it helpful.

How to Choose a Business Idea?

1. Identify your Passions and Interests

The first step is to make a list of things that you enjoy doing or are interested in. This could be anything from sports, music, fashion, technology, gaming, etc. It is important that your business idea is in line with your interests to keep you motivated.

2. Research the Market

Now that you have identified your interests, it’s time to do your market research and identify the potential gaps and opportunities. Look for problem areas, unfulfilled needs and how you can offer a solution and add value.

3. Evaluate your Skills and Resources

Take into consideration what skills and resources you have including your experience, education, and access to funding. Consider how you can use your skills to launch a profitable business.

4. Test your Idea

Check the feasibility of your business idea by testing it out. Reach out to potential customers, conduct surveys, and do a trial run of your product or service in a small market to get feedback.

5. Seek Guidance

Consult with entrepreneurs or business coaches for advice. They can provide you with helpful suggestions, direct you away from common pitfalls, and inspire you to succeed.

6. Make a Plan

The next step is to create a business plan once your idea is validated. You can determine your objectives, target market, marketing approach, financial projections, and other crucial information with the help of a business plan.

What to Consider Before Starting your Own Business?

1. Business Idea

The most important thing to consider is your business idea. Your business idea should be unique and something that you are enthusiastic about. It should also have a clear market demand and the potential to generate profits. Ask yourself these questions:

• Is my business going to solve the core problem of my target audience?
• What can I do to make my business better than my competition?

2. Market Research

Conducting thorough market research is important to determine the viability and growth of your business. Through your research evaluate the demand for your product or service in the market and take into consideration your competition or potential customers.

3. Business Plan

With a detailed business plan in hand, you can define your goals, strategies, financial estimates, and timelines. You can stay on course, make informed decisions, and get funding if needed with a solid business plan.

4. Funding

Think about the start-up costs of your business and how much funds are required for day-to-day operations. However, if you are short of funds can ask your friends or family to support you. But if that is still not enough, you can always reach out to angel investors and venture capitalists. Another way to raise funds is by applying for business loans through banks and small business associations.

5. Marketing

Choosing the right marketing strategy and platform is crucial to make your business a success. Develop a plan for branding, advertising, social media, and other marketing tactics while keeping in mind your target audience.

6. Risk Assessment

Identify potential risks and challenges that your business may face, such as competition, economic changes, or legal issues. Develop a plan to mitigate these risks and prepare for the unexpected.

Government Schemes to help Students in India

1. Aatmanirbhar Bharat App Innovation Challenge

Aatmanirbhar Bharat App Innovation Challenge was launched by the Union Government to promote ‘Made in India’ products and services. The challenge is divided into 16 different categories which include Culture & Heritage, Health, Education, Social Media, Emerge Tech, Skills, News, Games, Entertainment, Office, Fitness & Nutrition, Agriculture, Business & Retail, Fintech, and Navigation. It is organized by MeitY and comes with Rs. 25 Lakh reward for the first position, Rs. 15 Lakh for the second position, and Rs. 10 Lakh for the third.

2. Startup India Seed Fund

Startup India Seed Fund is a venture capital fund backed by the Government of India to assist Indian companies to develop and realize their full potential. The fund offers early-stage funding (seed round) and mentorship to startups and helps them in furtherance of their business to raise angel investments and increase their business.

3. Startup India Initiative

The Government of India announced the Startup India program in January 2016 to create a strong business environment that will support the development of new businesses, promote sustainable economic growth, and produce significant employment opportunities. The project intends to enable entrepreneurs to develop through design and innovation. It contains action plans that concentrate on incubation, industry-academia partnerships, funding support, and incentives.

4. Qualcomm Semiconductor Mentorship Program (QSMP)

The Qualcomm Semiconductor Mentorship Program was created to help college students who want to work in the semiconductor business. The program provides instruction and tools to aid the students in acquiring the abilities required to succeed in the semiconductor business. Mentors are seasoned members of the semiconductor business who offer guidance on matters like resume writing, networking, and interviews. Access to internships, scholarships, and job postings is also made available via this program.

5. Digital India GENESIS

GENESIS is a comprehensive strategy developed by the Government of India to facilitate digital transformation throughout the entire nation. The government aims to enhance the delivery of public services, spur economic growth, and open up new opportunities for residents, through effective utilization of the potential of digital technology.  

6. Multiplier Grants Scheme (MGS)

An initiative of the Department of Electronics and Information Technology (DeitY), the Multiplier Grants Scheme is an effort to close the gap between the commercialization of businesses and R&D in academia. This program promotes the R&D services provided by the academic sector while assisting entrepreneurs in starting up their businesses and moving forward quickly. When a company or start-up qualifies for this grant, the government pays for specific project costs including personnel, travel, supplies, equipment, etc.

7. NewGen Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Centre (NewGen IEDC)

The NewGen Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Centre (NewGen IEDC) is a project of the Indian government that aims to encourage young people to be innovative and entrepreneurial. Young innovators and entrepreneurs can network, cooperate, and develop their ideas into workable business enterprises on the centre’s specialized platform. Additionally, it offers technical assistance, incubation, financial access, and mentoring.

8. Drone Shakti

The Drone Shakti Initiative was launched by the GOI to encourage the use of drones for non-military purposes. The program aims to encourage and reward the use of drones for a variety of civilian purposes, including agricultural, logistics, surveillance, and other uses. Additionally, it aims to create a legal framework, knowledge exchange forums, and an ecosystem for drone production in India.

Conclusion

There are plenty of ways to earn money as a student in India. The key is finding a business idea that requires minimum investment, fits your schedule, and suits your dreams.

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